“He said the specks of blue paint proved the driver rear-ended me. He took samples and lots of photos. I didn’t get the license number.” Cassie pulled a face. “It happened so quickly. I didn’t see much at all. I was too busy trying to keep the SUV driving straight.”
Hone’s expression didn’t relax. “What do you want to do?”
“Start painting some of the rooms. I’d like to move in as soon as possible.”
“I don’t like the idea of you staying on your own.”
“I have my phone. I’m sure this was a random accident. No one knew I would drive along that stretch of road at that time.”
“You didn’t notice anyone following?”
“I didn’t see any other vehicles once I passed Ardmore Airport.”
“All right. How about I drop you off at the house? I have to go and do a job in Karaka but I’ll be back to install an alarm for you.”
Cassie studied his hard features. He resembled the portraits of fierce Maori warriors she’d seen in the Auckland art gallery. All he needed was a feather cloak and facial tattoos to complete the picture. “I thought you’d argue.”
“You’re an adult.”
Pleasure suffused her at his words. Someone who treated her as an equal with her own mind. “Thank you.”
“Have you met your neighbors yet?” Hone changed the subject.
“No, it’s on my list of things to do.”
Hone surprised her with his laid-back attitude. Most other people of her acquaintance—her mother and Kevin for example—would have lectured her, although Hone’s behavior did verge on bossy. She drank the last of her coffee and stood. Pain scored her ribs, and she grimaced. When she caught Hone’s gaze and noticed his scrutiny, she attempted to smooth her expression.
“I’m trained in first aid,” he said as he scooped up her box of decorating supplies without effort. “I’ll check your injuries once we get to your house.”
“I don’t need—”
“It’s either that or I’ll set Auntie June on you.”
It didn’t take much imagination on her part to realize she’d come out second best in an encounter with June. Still, she’d had enough of Kevin bossing her around. She didn’t intend to set a bad precedent and let Hone ride roughshod over her either.
“If this is an attempt to get a better ogle of my boobs…” Cassie trailed off on seeing his amusement. This was the Hone she’d glimpsed during their first meeting, and his smile tugged at her, making her want to share in the exchange.
“That’s a side benefit,” he said as he urged her to the door. “As well as making sure you’re not injured and perving at your stunning breasts, I’ll learn if your skin is soft and breathe in your sexy scent.”
Cassie opened and closed her mouth. For once, words failed her. Instead, she concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. She wouldn’t get much painting done today. At least she had her notebook, and she could use the time to decide on song choice. Or at least she could once she learned the time allocation for her performance at the vineyard concerts.
Hone ushered her to a big black utility vehicle. He set her decorating supplies down, fished his keys from his pockets, and a peep indicated he’d unlocked it. Unexpectedly, he cut in front and opened the door for her.
“Not going to comment?” he asked, seconds before he closed the door.
Cassie blinked at his gentlemanly conduct. Her lips did that opening and closing action again while her mind took a detour and considered Hone checking her body for injuries. Her torso tingled. He seemed different this morning, more agreeable. At least he’d relaxed once he’d seen she was unharmed. She watched him stride around the front of his vehicle. No stride wasn’t quite the right description. The man was…strutting, and that was a broad grin.
Hone climbed behind the wheel and winked at her. Heat collected in her cheeks and seeped down her neck toward her breasts. Her nipples did a funny tightening thing that made her oh-so-aware of her body, aware of this man.
“What would I do with a smartass man?” she muttered, verbally fighting the temptation whispering in her ear.
Hone shot her a blast of glee, sensual lips pursing. “I’ve heard we can be helpful when it comes to sex.”
Cripes!The accident had affected her brain or at least the connection with her brain and mouth. “You misheard. I said, what will I do withtheman. You are outrageous.”
“Maybe, but I’m also trained in first aid,” Hone said. “Emma told me to take you to see a doctor.”
“I don’t need a doctor.”
