Always There Read online

  Liana couldn’t resist the view. “May I step outside?”

  “Of course. It’s probably the reason Mitch bought this place.”

  Auckland’s distinctive skyline lay before her, vibrant and energetic. Its majestic Sky Tower stood over the other buildings while the harbor she was becoming enamored with shone under the bright sunshine. When they returned inside, Elaine showed Liana the rest of the condo.

  “Your room is the second door on the left,” Elaine said. “Mitch usually has a cleaner come in before he stays over, so I think it should be ready for you to move in right away. There are extra sets of bed linens in the wardrobe.”

  The phone in Elaine’s hand rang. “Mitch? Yeah, she’s here. Of course. No thanks. I have to leave soon. Hang on, I’ll ask her.” Elaine looked at Liana. “Mitch’s bringing back some lunch. Will sandwiches be all right?”

  “That will be lovely. Thanks.”

  Elaine nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine with that. No worries. Bye.”

  Liana didn’t miss the smile on Elaine’s face when she ended the call. Whether or not they were a couple, Elaine still had strong feelings for Mitch.

  “I’m sorry I have to go, but I have a plane to catch,” Elaine said. “The spare key is on the kitchen counter.”

  “You’ve been most kind to help me out. Which part of France are you going to?”

  “You remembered. I hear you have an amazing memory. The word among reporters is to never go to a Liana Murphy interview unprepared. Is that true?”

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “It must be true,” Elaine said, with a satisfied smile. “But, to answer your question, I’m headed to the wine region. I’m writing a piece about a new partnership between French and Kiwi winemakers. Not a bad assignment, eh? A few weeks checking out vineyards in France?”

  “I’ve heard of worse assignments. Good luck, and safe travels.”

  “Good luck to you, too. Especially with the new job. It’s a big deal, Liana. You being here will make a difference. Really.”

  They shook hands. “Thanks,” Liana said, recognizing the sincerity in Elaine’s voice. “That means a lot.”

  It felt odd to be alone in someone else’s home. Liana entered what was to be her bedroom and found a queen-size bed with a desk and wardrobe. Despite facing south, the large window allowed plenty of light in. She looked out at the pool that belonged to the complex. Even though it was winter, there were a couple of hearty souls using it. She tested the mattress, pleased with the firmness, then walked back out.

  Her room was between what she thought would be the master bedroom—Mitch’s room—and the bathroom. She noticed the third bedroom down the hall and saw it was similar in size and furnishings to hers.

  It was a good layout, and even if there were a third person there, everyone would have plenty of privacy.

  “Hello? Liana?”

  “Yes!”

  Liana returned to the living area just as Mitch closed the door behind him. He was still in the blue polo and jeans she had seen him wear on TV this morning, but she could now appreciate how well he filled the casual attire: broad shoulders, a trim waistline, and defined muscles from his neck to his hands. The slight imperfections of his face—an accumulation of years of hard hits and bruises—only added potency to the raw masculinity he exuded. In daylight, Liana noticed a light smattering of gray at his temples.

  It suited him.

  “Hi.” Liana walked toward Mitch, intending to help with the two shopping bags he held.

  He hesitated briefly before leaning in to brush his lips against her cheek. A quick kiss, a customary kiss, something she had often done with strangers. And yet, her body reacted as if he had done more—much more. She had goosebumps up and down her arms, mercifully covered by her cardigan.

  “I hope you’re okay with chicken sandwiches,” he said. He walked into the kitchen and invited her to sit on the barstool with his hand. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you, but Elaine is familiar enough with the condo that I knew you’d be in good hands.”

  “She was very kind to stay until I arrived.”

  “Yeah, she’s good that way. Are you all right with your room? It’s nothing fancy, I’m afraid.”

  “It’s perfect,” Liana said, accepting the plate Mitch offered.

  He turned to reach for some glasses from the top cabinet. Liana blinked. Those are a set of buttocks she wouldn’t mind seeing naked. She ignored the sudden quickening of her heartbeat and tried to look interested in her sandwich instead.

  “Any word about your rental?” Mitch asked as he pulled a stool to sit on.

  “Not much. I’m waiting to hear if I still have a place to live.”

  “What are you planning to do?”

  Liana shrugged. “Wait and see. I’d hate to lose it because it’s in such a good location, just five minutes away from New Harbor Stadium. I understand that’s where you train with the National Team?”

  “Yeah, but the rugby team trains on the other side of New Harbor from where your office is.” Mitch paused. “I don’t think I’ve ever been to the football end.”

  “I’ll be pleased to give you a tour once I familiarize myself with it.”

  Mitch smiled, and Liana had to remind herself not to stare. She almost didn’t recognize the rugby player. Mitch’s marketing material always showed him scowling or looking severe. A smiling Mitch was—unexpectedly charming.

  “Well, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like,” Mitch said. “No one else is here at the moment. Another rugby player used to live here full time. He just moved to Dunedin to play down there.”

  “Are you sure I won’t be imposing?”

  “You’d be doing me a favor. I prefer to have someone here throughout the year while I’m in Christchurch. I was planning on looking for another tenant but haven’t had the time.”

  “Everyone tells me it’s such a tight housing market. Surely, you’d have no problems finding someone to take the room on a permanent basis?”

  “It’s more about finding the right kind of person. One of my teammates from the National Team also stays here when we train. Our flatmate needs to understand the lifestyle of a professional athlete. Not many people do.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “It also helps if they’re in the industry. When my sister was living here, she caught our tenant stealing my socks.”

  Liana choked. “Socks?”

  Mitch nodded. “Yes, the used ones. Felicity later found out he was selling them on eBay.”

  “Your used socks?”

  Mitch grinned. “Whoever paid for them, paid too much.”

  Throughout lunch, Liana peppered Mitch with questions about what to see and do on the South Island. He raised his eyebrows when she mentioned her intention of attending a couple of high school matches. “Why?”

  “It’s not just the team I have now; it’s the team I might be managing in five years. I also need to build a network of scouts I can trust, and high school coaches are usually good resources. We should have double the number of scouts we have.”

  “Double?”

  Liana grinned. “It’ll be on par with what your sport employs. This country has the talent; we just need to find them first.”

  Mitch showed Liana the facilities available at the Meriton: the underground parking, the pool, and the exercise room. He suggested routes for her morning run and told her where the local shops were.

  “I guess that’s it,” Mitch said when they were back in the condo. He put his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “You can’t be very impressed with us Kiwis. We welcome you into our homes, then leave.”

  “On the contrary, Kiwis seem to be extraordinarily generous with their time and their houses.”

  Mitch picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulder. “I’ll see you on the South Island in a couple of weeks?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have my number now. Let me know if I can help with anything.” />
  On impulse, Liana reached up to unfurl the corner of an errant lapel on Mitch’s polo shirt. She barely touched him. She definitely didn’t touch his skin, but shots of electricity went up her arm and through her whole body. Tension built inside her immediately. Those bloody goose bumps returned. She looked at Mitch.

  His brown eyes were darker, unreadable but reading... looking deep into her.

  Their breathing sounded in the silent room. The unexpected memory of Elaine’s smile danced in front of her. Liana turned and did the first thing that came to mind. She held out her hand for a handshake.

  Mitch moved his head back slightly, as if surprised by her action. He frowned and was about to say something, then changed his mind. Clasping the offered hand, he smiled.

  It was comfortable again.

  “Thanks again, Mitch.” Liana hoped her voice sounded more confident than she felt. “I hope to be an ideal tenant.”

  Mitch kept his eyes on Liana. “Just don’t steal anything.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  At the final club practice, before they flew to South Africa for their next game, Connor had to help Mitch get up off his back. It had been a tough hit, mainly because Mitch hadn’t seen it coming.

  “You all right?” Connor asked. “Jamie was moving forward. Blocked your view a bit. You got that full on.”

  “That’s who it was? He was out of position,” Mitch said, hands on his hips, breathing hard. He walked and stretched his back gingerly.

  “I know. He moved a little too early. I think Mano made him nervous.”

  Mitch stared at Connor. They turned simultaneously to look at the large prop-forward who was making his displeasure known to Jamie, the newest member of their team.

  “What the hell was that? You can’t leave Mitch Molloy vulnerable. Use your head, man!” Mano placed his face inches from the younger man’s, his voice low but still audible on the now silent field. “We move as a unit. Don’t be the player who allowed Mitch Molloy to get hurt in a World Championship year!” Jamie cringed at each poke in his chest.

  Connor grinned at Mitch. “Well, there is some truth in that. No one wants to be that fella.”

  At thirty-three, Mitch was grateful his body had managed to hold up all these years. He watched what he ate, worked with top professionals, and always rested after each game. Too many players, more talented than he, have been forced out of the sport because of things beyond their control. He was one of the lucky ones. Now that he was approaching the end of his career, he wanted to go out playing his best. He wanted to be the difference in each game.

  After practice was over, Mitch walked with Connor to the car park.

  “Do you have plans for tonight? Cat is trying out a new recipe, and you know what she’s like with new recipes. There’ll be lots of food,” Connor said.

  “Thanks, but I can’t. I’m due at Mum and Dad’s. Cat practicing for our dinner next week?”

  Connor nodded. “Yes. She’s really nervous. She wants it to be perfect.”

  “She always does.”

  “More than usual. I made the mistake of telling her it’s not as if Liana Murphy was royalty. Then she remembered Liana used to date an earl, and now we have to have a cleaning crew come to the house the day before the dinner.”

  Mitch frowned. “Liana used to date an earl?”

  “Yes, the Earl of Kent.”

  Connor and Mitch both turned at the sudden appearance of Blake Stanton. He was dressed in a purple shirt with a repetitive pelican motif. The muted color combination was a change from his usually brighter choices.

  “Why do you know this?” Connor asked.

  “I’ve had the biggest crush on her since I was a teenager,” Blake said, excitedly. “I follow her on Twitter and Facebook. I still can’t believe we danced at the Ball. She told me she remembered one of my tweets. Imagine that. A million followers and she remembered mine.”

  Did Blake just sigh?

  The sides of Connor’s mouth twitched, but he maintained his composure. “Well, since you are such a big fan, why don’t you join us for dinner next week? Liana is our guest of honor.”

  “Really? That would be amazing. Thank you!” Blake flashed his perfect teeth as he moved toward Connor with outstretched arms.

  Connor took a step behind Mitch. “No, it’s all right, mate. I know you love me. We save the hugs for tries, right?”

  “What can I bring? I make great choc chip cookies,” Blake said.

  “I’ll let you know. My wife is still deciding on the menu. We’ve already invited Mano. Then it’ll be Mitch... and Elaine,” Connor said.

  “I thought you and Elaine broke up?” Blake asked, looking at Mitch.

  “We did.” Mitch stared at Connor. “Didn’t she say she’d be overseas for a couple more weeks?”

  Connor shrugged. “She must have finished early. She phoned Cat yesterday to ask if she could still come. I guess she’s also a Liana Murphy fan.”

  “Who isn’t?” Blake asked.

  A loud voice came from across the car park. “Stanton! Hurry up, mate.” Mano waved frantically at his roommate.

  Blake returned the wave. “Right, I better go. Thanks, Connor. I didn’t think I’d get a chance to see Liana Murphy again. You made my day.”

  The two friends watched Blake run to the dark-blue sports Ute.

  “He’s an odd one, isn’t he?” Mitch said.

  Connor nodded. “But bloody talented.”

  “And he seems quite taken with Liana.”

  “Maybe he’s not the only one...”

  Mitch caught Connor’s smile out of the corner of his eye. “Pardon?”

  “Mate, I can read your body language better than anyone else, and I thought your brain had melted when you shook hands with Liana.”

  “Pardon?”

  Connor threw his head back, laughing, then slapped Mitch on his back. “Oh, don’t worry. Everyone else was looking at her. And you covered it well. But there was a moment when you looked—let me think of the right word—gobsmacked. Yeah, gobsmacked! Like you’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.”

  “Go home, Connor. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Connor’s laughter followed Mitch into his car.

  * * *

  Once a month, Mitch turned his car in the opposite direction of his usual route and headed toward his childhood home. As the skyline of Christchurch disappeared behind him, the hills of the countryside opened up. Its meandering lanes were nearly empty in the evening. Most of those who lived here would be home by now.

  He knew every inch of these roads, having ridden his bike all over when he was younger. While nostalgic at times for his youth, this wasn’t his home anymore. Only the youngest Molloy—Timothy—seemed likely to stay, his love for the land so much like their father’s, who was the third generation to live on the farm.

  When he reached Molloy Farm, Mitch found his mother, Helen, in the kitchen preparing dinner. He kissed her cheek before pinching a potato off the plate she was dressing.

  “All right, Mum?”

  “Yes. And you? Practice go well, today? Ready for Durban?”

  “Yeah, we leave tomorrow. I’ll send a message when I arrive.”

  “Ta, darl.”

  “Hiya Mitch! Could you bring the plates over?” His twin sister had popped her head through the small doorway that led to their dining room.

  “Where’s Timothy? Dad?”

  “They’re having a chat with a contractor,” said Helen as she wiped the cutting board. “You know your dad. He wants a second opinion to make sure there was no damage to this part of the house from the last aftershock. Your father has walked around the house enough times this week to drive me crazy, so having this professionally passed will give everyone some peace.”

  Mitch reached for plates from a nearby shelf and walked to the adjacent room. He’d suggested opening up the kitchen a few years ago to combine the two rooms. He even offered to pay for a complete refurbishment of the house, but his mother
only shook her head, asking, “Why bother when everything works?”

  Felicity smiled when he joined her. He instinctively scanned across the faux wood paneling which served as a backdrop to a collection of photos of the Molloy Farm, the oldest of which was taken over a century ago. Everything was in place as it should be.

  “How you’ve been?” Felicity asked. Like him, she was tall with brown hair and eyes but with a gentler, more elegant profile.

  “Uneventful, thankfully. Where’s Rick?”

  “In Auckland, attending a symposium on bacteria.”

  “Thrilling stuff.”

  “To him, it is.”

  They returned to the kitchen just as the back door shut, signaling the arrival of the final members of the family.

  “Son,” his dad said, nodding. Stoutly built, Paul Molloy still commanded a room when he entered. Even in his sixties, he continued to wake up at the crack of dawn, ready to do a day’s work, come rain or shine. Church, family, and work. That pretty much summed up his father.

  Stopping only to kiss his wife, Paul headed to the kitchen sink. Without looking up, he asked Mitch, “You well? Practice go all right?”

  “Yeah. The young boys were ready to hit it hard today.”

  “When do you leave for the National Team camp? Is young Stanton going to be called up? He was posting some good numbers in the last few games.”

  Mitch shrugged, taking the can of beer his father offered. “You never know with Barnsey or the rest of management. But Stanton is making a case for himself. Let’s say I wouldn’t be surprised if there were four of us from the club being called up to Auckland. We’re due at New Harbor in mid-July.”

  Once everyone was seated at the table, they began their monthly family dinner with updates. Mitch always enjoyed seeing his father, a quiet man, try to pull out information from the youngest in the family. Timothy, however, preferred to keep his responses as brief as possible.

  “What are you reading these days, Timothy?” Paul asked.

  “Nothing interesting.”