considering she hadn’t run for once. She’d embraced her newfound bravery and stayed, even after that scintillating kiss that normally would have sent her scurrying for cover.
But she was done with running.
If she couldn’t handle a healthy dose of honesty—something he’d just given her, even if the truth of how much he wanted her scared the hell out of her—how could she hope to become the poised, confident woman she needed to be at work?
She mightn’t be able to give him what he wanted—would probably disappoint him if she did—but that didn’t mean she couldn’t lighten up a bit and actually enjoy his attention.
If she was really brave, she might even have a little fun along the way.
LANA spied Zac at the end of the gangway and sighed in relief. After he’d run out on her last night she’d had her doubts about him showing up today. Crazy, considering she was the one who’d usually contemplate a no-show rather than worrying about him doing it.
Beyond impressive in uniform, today he was casually cool in black board shorts, a funky printed T-shirt and a peaked cap, with aviator sunglasses shading his eyes. She wished she could see those eyes, read them, get a feel for his mood after last night.
She hadn’t heard from him, hadn’t seen him this morning, and while she was relieved, a small part of her couldn’t help but wonder what he had planned for today.
If last night’s ‘date’ hadn’t exactly happened, maybe he had other ideas today?
Taking a deep breath, she headed down the gangway, half of her looking forward to the tour of Suva, the other half looking forward to seeing how far her confidence extended.
‘I thought you’d stood me up.’
Tipping her head forward, she looked at him over the top of her sunglasses. ‘Why would I do that? I’ve been looking forward to your tour.’
‘I’m very good, you know.’
‘Ever heard the phrase “self-praise is no praise”?’
He grinned and gestured to a small four-wheel drive parked nearby. ‘Come on, I have a car waiting for us.’ He bowed low. ‘Your chariot awaits, madam.’ He pulled off his cap with a flourish.
‘You’re going to drive?’
She glanced at the chaotic scene on the dock, where cars darted between pedestrians and street vendors, and horns honked constantly as people jumped out of the way of moving vehicles in haphazard fashion.
He laughed at her horrified, sceptical expression. ‘Don’t worry, I’ve done this before. The car belongs to Raj, a friend of mine. He often lends it to me if I want to tour around. Once we leave the docks and head out of town the roads quieten considerably.’
Her doubt must have shown, for his grin widened. ‘Don’t you trust me?’
She quirked an eyebrow. ‘Your driving skills? Maybe. As for the rest? Not on your life.’
He clutched his heart. ‘You’re a hard woman. Now, come on—get in the car before I change my mind.’
She laughed, surprisingly relaxed as they headed out of town and he pointed out interesting landmarks.
She’d expected some awkwardness, but he kept up a steady flow of casual chatter as they wound around the island. Content to sit back and watch the stunning scenery, she admired the sapphire ocean lapping at pearly sands, the beaches fringed by swaying palm trees. After half an hour, they stopped at a roadside café.
‘Do you like Indian food?’
‘Love it. The hotter the better.’
‘Good. Raj put me on to this place years ago, and I always drop in if I have time. They make the best chicken tikka this side of India.’
‘What are we waiting for? I’m ravenous.’
As they entered the open-air café the proprietor, a tall Sikh wearing a maroon turban, rushed over. ‘Hello, Mr Zac. Welcome back.’He pumped Zac’s hand so vigorously Lana feared the action might dislodge his turban. ‘Aah, you have brought a beautiful friend. Welcome to Sujit’s Place, miss.’
Zac smiled. ‘Sujit, meet Lana.’
He bowed over her hand. ‘Welcome. Now, what can I get you?’
She deferred to Zac. ‘You order. You’d know the specialities.’
‘How about the usual, Sujit?’
Sujit bowed again. ‘Most definitely, my friend. Coming right away.’
She looked around, surprised by how clean the place was, considering it was open to the elements. As for the sand floor—it would be a breeze for clean-ups.
‘Adds to the island ambience, huh?’
She nodded, surprised he could read her thoughts so easily, and secretly pleased. ‘What’s with the lack of table settings?’
‘Wait and see.’
‘Very mysterious.’
His mouth kicked up into a cheeky grin. ‘All will be revealed shortly.’
‘I bet.’
He chuckled at her laconic response and gestured to a nearby table, where she plonked her straw carryall next to a chair and sat, savouring the spicy aromas coming from the nearby kitchen.
‘Smells divine.’
Zac slid his aviators off, the impact of all that dazzling blue rivalling the sky for vibrancy. ‘The last ship I was on used to dock here every week. I put on six pounds as a result. See?’
He lifted his shirt and patted his washboard stomach. Her mouth went dry. Those were some abs.
Before she had time to comment Sujit arrived, bearing platters of food: naan bread, chicken tikka, dahl and lamb korma were placed in a tantalising array in front of them, and the dryness disappeared as the delicious aromas made her mouth water.
‘Thanks, Sujit. This looks superb, as always.’
Sujit nodded, his hands held together in a prayer-like pose. ‘Enjoy your meal.’
Zac glanced at her, a smile playing about his lips. ‘Well, what are you waiting for?’
Confused, she pointed at the table. ‘Plates would be handy?’
‘See those large green leaves Sujit put in front of us? They’re not placemats; that’s your plate. Indian food here is served on a banana leaf. Usually, only vegetarian fare is served on leaves, but here it saves on the washing up. You just roll them up once you’ve finished and throw them out. As for cutlery—you’re looking at it.’
He
