Page 13 of Midnight Enemy

“I understand. My idea was a kind of viewing platform, actually, so anyone who wanted could stroll across and get the beautiful view over the waterfall and downstream toward the ocean. It would have to be carefully planned though to avoid blocking the river in the event of high rain. But you could have a gate on your side with a ‘No Entry’ sign if you wanted.”

She nods. Then she glances at the folder in my hand. “Does that have more plans in it?”

I look down at it. “Ah… nah… It’s just serving a purpose.”

She frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Just for God’s sake, put your sandals back on if you want me to be able to walk out of here.”

She looks at her feet. Blinks a few times. Lifts her gaze to the area I’m covering. And then her eyes widen.

She goes completely scarlet. “Oh my God.” She immediately bends to pull her sandals back on. “I don’t believe you.”

I try not to laugh. “Why? Because I’m a normal, healthy, twenty-seven-year-old guy whose body is reacting to a gorgeous young woman with pretty feet?”

“Stop saying such kinky things.”

That does make me laugh. “I don’t think admiring someone’s feet is necessarily kinky.”

“Jesus, stop it.”

I chuckle and put the folder down. She sits back and looks with alarm at my crotch.

“It’s gone away,” I tell her. “You’re safe. Look, I am sorry for making an inappropriate comment. Blame the fact that I’ve been single for a long time.” I gesture to the door with my head. “Come on. Let’s get our coffees and we can start walking over to the Waiora. I’m sure your dress will dry on the way.”

She gets up. “Do you want your jacket back?”

“You can keep it for now if you like.” I take out my cufflinks and leave them on my desk, then start rolling my shirt sleeves back.

She watches, her gaze sliding up me. “Do you only possess one tie?”

“No…”

“I’ve seen that one before.”

I finger the tie with its red and blue stripes. “I like it. It belonged to my great-grandfather. He was English, and he supported Crystal Palace Football Club. The Eagles.” He gestures to the eagle on the tie pin.

“Oh. Well, that’s kinda nice.”

“They won the FA Cup recently so I’m wearing it for him.”

She looks surprised, as if she hadn’t expected me to be into family. Giving me a small smile, she pulls the two sides of the jacket close, and we head for the door.

“I’m just walking over to the Waiora,” I call out to Anne as I pass her office, and she nods and waves. I lead the way back to the lobby and over to the bar, where the two takeaway lattes are sitting there waiting.

“Thanks,” I say to the bartender. “Sugar?” I ask her. She shakes her head, so I pass her one of the cups.

“Have you been to the club before?” I ask.

“No. It looks very…” She frowns.

“Go on,” I say, amused. “Spit it out.”

“Nice.”

“I don’t think that’s what you were going to say.”

“Maybe not, but I was brought up to be polite.”

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