“My ex-boyfriend.We didn’t part on cordial terms, but I called a friend.My ex was in Auckland last night.”
“He might’ve organized someone to do this,” Henry said.
There was something in his expression that gave her pause.Henry looked as if he wanted to take on the world on her behalf, and no one had ever done that for her.It had been her on her own, struggling for everything she wanted.A warm sizzle started in her chest, and she didn’t take the time to identify the emotion.She merely held it close and treasured the unfamiliar reaction.
“Will you help me arrange alarms?”she asked.
“Already done.Gerard will be here soon with the supplies we need.We’ll set up cameras, and if this person returns, get them on video.We’ll organize your furniture for you too.”
Maia wanted to protest, but she’d already decided to organize greater security measures.Henry had merely preempted her request.“Thank you.”
He gave a clipped nod in response.“No problem.Are you ready to leave?”
“As soon as I change my jacket,” she said, staring ruefully at the coffee stain.Her new washing machine hadn’t arrived yet, and she had limited clothes.“Laura, do you have everything you need?”
“Yes.I’ll check with the owners of local businesses and ask if anyone spotted strangers lurking where they shouldn’t.You didn’t spot anyone following you yesterday?”
“No.”Maia managed not to shake her head.“Why would I?It’s not as if I expected anything like this.”
“We’ll watch now,” Henry said.“We’re off to Dunedin so Maia can attend a team meeting.If anyone follows us this time, we’ll notice.”
Chapter 9
SurpriseflittedacrossHenry’ssomber face when she directed him to an unassuming gray building on the outskirts of Dunedin.She could’ve told him women’s rugby didn’t grab the same attention and advertising dollars as the men’s game, but that might’ve come across as complaining.She wasn’t that person.Maia was ecstatic to have a career playing the game she loved.And she had her writing as a backup.Living the dream, as Bryce would say.
“This is us,” she said, glancing at her watch.At least her headache had settled since breakfast.
“What position do you play?”
“Given my build, I have a forward position, but I’m lucky enough to have a turn of speed.”She grinned.“That surprises most people.”
He shocked her with a return grin, and her breath stalled.When he smiled, his eyes glittered, and the harsh lines of his face relaxed, turning him into a handsome man.That, coupled with his quiet confidence, would turn any woman’s head.
“I’ve never paid attention to women’s rugby.We have a successful local rugby team.They’d be happy for you to train with them when you’re around.”
Maia doubted this because many disapproved of women playing a contact sport.“I’d better get moving.”She took a steadying breath and gave a self-conscious laugh.“Nerves.I shouldn’t be apprehensive, but I don’t know the team members.”
“You’ll be fine.Can you manage without limping?”
“I’ll try.Honesty is best, but my intuition tells me I should keep the attack to myself.”
“I’m a believer in gut instinct.”Henry’s gaze caught hers and held for a long, pulse-pumping moment.She broke the connection first and reached for the door.
“I should come with you.”
“No, your presence will invite questions.”
Maia climbed out of the vehicle and followed two laughing women into the squat concrete building.Butterflies danced around the pit of her stomach, but she forged onward.She wanted this, and a large part of her desire stemmed from her aunt, who’d always told her she couldn’t.“Don’t do that.Young women can’t do that.”
The elderly woman’s querulous orders and demands had always brought out Maia’s determination.Talk about character building.
Now that she was out of Henry’s sphere, she assessed her aches.Her thigh throbbed, but she’d suffered worse.Her headache was more problematic, but the first round of training didn’t start until next week.Hopefully, she’d improve by then.
Through the open door, she noted women crowded around tables, the buzz of chatter filling the air.A pretty brunette looked up from assessing a pile of blue rugby shirts.
“Oh, hey!You’re Maia Jacobs, right?The new girl.”
“That’s me,” Maia said, immediately drawing attention.
