“We’re catching the ferry to Rangitoto and will do some exploring,” Nolan said. “I’ve organized water bottles and a snack pack for us. When we come back we’re going to the top of Sky Tower for dinner.”
The woman standing next to Susan gave an audible groan. “I hate walking. I’m gonna freeze my butt off.”
Susan snuck a glance at the woman’s shoes and mentally added sore feet to the equation. She listened to the other comments and smiled inwardly. This outing was a clever way of weeding out the candidates who wouldn’t cope with living in the countryside. If they couldn’t handle a little walking, they sure as heck wouldn’t hack it in Clare where Nolan lived and farmed.
“The ferry is this way,” Nolan said.
Susan followed the group with a sense of anticipation. She hadn’t visited Rangitoto Island for years, not since a long ago school trip. The views of the city from the summit were wonderful, and she was glad she’d listened to Connor and packed her camera. A few snapshots would make a welcome addition to her blog.
Nolan made a point of speaking with all of them individually and did well with recalling their names.
“Susan,” he said. “It’s good to see you again.” His gaze took in her clothes and she thought she caught a flash of approval. “You’ve created a tempest in Clare. Most people think I should give you a wide berth.”
And just like that he dispelled her happy bubble. Susan lifted her chin and met his gaze with a glare. She was trying hard not to slip into her old judgmental ways, but this man poked holes in her confidence.
“You’ll have to decide if you agree,” she said. “This is a nice treat. I haven’t set foot on Rangitoto in years.”
His direct gaze sliced and diced again until one of the other women claimed his attention. Susan fell into step with Cherry and offered her a smile.
“You’re the dancer,” she said.
“That’s part of my job description.” Susan could feel her good mood taking a wet ’n’ wild slide toward insecure.
“I couldn’t do what you do. I’d feel so exposed.”
“Dancing is a rush, and I’ve never been in such good shape in all my life.” Enough about her job. “Have you always lived in the city?”
“Yes. At least Clare doesn’t seem too isolated. Some of the farmers live and work in really remote areas.”
“Nolan said the farm is still half an hour from the township.”
“That far?” The woman frowned. “He told me about the beautiful scenery. I assumed the town was closer.”
“Is that a problem?” Susan asked.
“I guess not. I mean Nolan is gorgeous. His boots are welcome under my bed any time.” The woman whispered the last and cast a sidelong glance in Nolan’s direction.
“Yes, he is attractive. I’m looking forward to learning more about him.” She wondered if she could slip in a few questions about his family. Connor had given Tyler a genuine stamp. The information on him was patchy, though, and not enough to quench her curiosity.
The ferry ride was a short one, and Susan stood at the stern, enjoying the fresh sea air and watching the flit of yachts as they zapped back and forth across the waves, their colorful sails billowing in the gusts of wind. The panoramic view of the city buildings, bathed in autumn sun, caught her eye and she fumbled inside her pack for her camera.
“I have to say,” Nolan said, coming to stand beside her, “that the city looks good from this angle.”
“As nice as the view from your house?” Susan asked.
“They’re each pretty in their own way.”
There was a moment of companionable silence between them.
“Do you have brothers and sisters?” Susan asked finally.
“A younger brother. Tyler.”
“Does he work on the farm with you?”
“No, he lives with his in-laws and works on his father-in-law’s farm.”
“He’s married?”
