“What did you do?How did you get through the full moon?”
“I thought of you and used my hand.It was not the same as holding you in my arms.”
Nyree frowned.“Did Manu think this would pass?Did you try shifting as well?”
“Manu has never seen or heard of this problem before.He thinks the curse interfered with my taniwha.The flight was more painful than the one after we were together.Nyree, I can read your fear.If you have any doubts, we can wait before we love each other.I will cope by myself and refuse to force you to act against your will.I am not like Rawiri or Ari.”
His instant offer and his willingness to wait blasted away her lingering doubts.
“This looks delicious.Which is your favorite cheese?”
“I like this one.”He pointed to the brie.“Shall I cut you some?”
“I see you’ve developed a liking for French cheese and champagne.”
“It reminds me of my time on the ship when I was still ghostlike.I had a delicious meal aboard the French cruise ship.”
Nyree laughed.“Our picnic that day was tasty too.”She sipped her wine and savored the faint tickle of bubbles on her palate.Tawera handed her a plate with a selection of bread, a sliver of fruit paste, and a chunk of brie.
While they ate, Tawera told her some of what he’d done since arriving in New Zealand.
“Manu had to grasp my arm to stop me from fleeing when I first saw the roads with all the traffic.”
“But you have learned to drive.”
“I wanted to make you proud.”
Nyree took his hand and squeezed.“I was proud of you before you left South Georgia.Few people would cope with these changes as well as you have.”
“That is what Manu told me.”
“What do you do for Manu?”
“I am teaching some of his tribe to carve and create items we made as warriors.Weapons and other carvings.While I was not a master, I am competent.Manu says the old ways are attractive to some, and it is a way of keeping the culture alive.”
Nyree listened to Tawera speak of his teaching and his work for George Taniwha & Sons.His enthusiasm shone through.
“Jessalyn says I should teach the traditionalhakawe used to do before going to war.”
“Do you remember them?”
He nodded.“It seems like yesterday to me.We will have plenty of time to talk.”He stood and held out his hand.
Nyree set down her flute and stood.She didn’t take his hand but jumped at him.His arms drew her close, and it felt like coming home.His warmth and scent surrounded her as he walked down the passage to his bedroom.
“Wow,” she said as she took in the contents of his bedroom—the enormous bed with the sage-green covers.The pieces of furniture were bold and heavy with beautiful flowers and vines carved into the dark wood.Two paintings—one of forest and the other of the sea—hung on the walls.
A large wardrobe took up one wall, the three sliding doors allowing access.
“I have a small bathroom through that door.”Tawera set her on the bed.“Do you like it?”
“Yes, it’s beautiful.”
“I thought you would.Jessalyn helped me to choose furnishings.”He unbuttoned his shirt while he spoke.“I bought the pictures when I visited Russell.They were the first big things I purchased by myself.I like them because they remind me of home.”He removed his jeans next and the plain black boxer-briefs he wore beneath, standing before her without shame.
“I love looking at you,” she whispered.“You’re an attractive man.”
“Who has eyes for no one but you,” he said, his gaze full of honesty.
