Page 3 of Duty and Desire

“Sure, and if I have an itch, I can get it scratched. But arelationship? That boat has sailed.”

And I’d missed out on the opportunity to build something real with someone.

Roger gave a superior eye roll. “For God’s sake, Gio. You’re only thirty-seven. There’s plenty of time left.” That grin was back. “Who knows? Maybe even as we speak, there’s a gorgeous guy waiting for you on the shores of Bora-Bora. Someone who’s perfect for you.”

“Well, unless he can fit into my luggage, he’ll be staying there.”

Besides, that was a complication I didn’t need. I was having enough problems wrestling with a book that didn’t want to be written.

The last thing I need is a man.

Chapter One

March 23

Bora-Bora

Gio

Istood on the jetty, gazing out across the lagoon. I’d done some research—writer, remember?—and the photos of the islands had been pretty impressive.

They didn’t even come close to the beauty of the place, even allowing for the heavy clouds filling the horizon.

From the water, the land appeared lush and green, two peaks rising at the center of it. I knew one of them was an extinct volcano. A barrier reef surrounded the island, and the water went from dark indigo to pastel shades of blue and green. I’d spotted corals close to the surface in places, and brightly colored fish swimming alongside the boat. Little islets—motus—provided a rim of land, a border for the lagoon, and the airport had been built on one of them.

Roger’s bungalow was on the northern side of the island, close toMotu Mutewhere my flight had landed. His instructions had proved perfect. The bungalow had a veranda on two sides, with a longwalkway to connect it to the shore, a kind of bridge. Two canoes were suspended from the side of the structure, above the small jetty that lent itself to sunbathing or swimming. There was even a shower head. Once I’d secured the boat, I climbed the wooden steps onto the veranda to explore my home for the next four months.

The living room was on the left, comprising a couch and two armchairs, a coffee table, and a unit on which sat the TV. At the end of the room, patio doors provided access to the rear veranda. The kitchen was on the right, complete with marble countertops and a huge American refrigerator. A marble-topped dining table and five chairs stood between the two areas, with a door leading to the bedroom.

I had to smile when I saw the bed. It was a king, a four-poster, draped in white gossamer fabric tied to the posts. Yet more patio doors to allow the occupant to walk outside onto the veranda. The bathroom contained a large walk-in shower and a bath.

Roger had said the refurbishment was almost finished. To my eye, it appeared ready for guests.

And yeah, I was happy with it the moment I laid eyes on it.

I opened the patio doors, and the first thing that struck me was the sound of the waves lapping against the stilts, a tranquil sound I could imagine lulling me to sleep. The deck comprised two couches for lounging on, a grill, and another table and chairs. A great spot for breakfast.

And writing. Perfect for writing.

Now all I needed were the words.

“Hello there? Mr. Gio?”

I went around to the side of the bungalow. A woman stood at the gate separating the property from the walkway. She wore a huge straw hat, a bright yellow flower adorning it. She smiled, her face wrinkled, her eyes shining. I estimated her to be in her fifties. Her longish white dress with its printed green flowers and leaves was simple but pretty.

“I’m Gio.” Iopened the gate.

“My name is Aulani.” The lilt in her voice was charming. “Mr. Roger asked me to make sure you have everything you need. I look after a few bungalows on the island, including his when he stays here. So you’ll be seeing a lot of me.”

“I love your name.”

She beamed. “It meansKing’s Messenger. Will it be all right if I come twice or three times a week to clean for you?”

I held my hands up. “I can clean.”

Aulani shook her head. “Mr. Roger said I was to do it. He said you had better things to do with your time.” Her eyes twinkled. “He also said you’d know what he meant.”

I laughed. “I do indeed.” I gestured to the bungalow. “Please, come in.”

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