Page 4 of Duty and Desire

She dimpled, and I followed her indoors. She gave a nod of approval as she gazed at the interior. “I told those workmen if they left a mess, I’d take my broom to them.”

Aulani might have appeared to be a sweet lady with graying hair and a charming accent, but I got the feeling she could be a force to be reckoned with.

“Have you always lived here?”

Another nod. “All my life. My children are all grown up. They live in Tahiti.” Her face glowed. “I have four grandchildren.” She glanced at the kitchen. “You need to buy groceries? I can tell you where to go. There’s a public bus, but it stops all over the island, and it can take forever.”

I smiled. “Roger said he left me a buggy for getting around. I assume that’s across the bridge.”

She pointed to a hook next to the door, from which hung a key. “You can’t miss it. He painted it pink. And we’re talkingreallypink.” Aulani rolled her eyes. “I said to him, why not flowers?”

I snickered. I couldn’t imagine Roger riding around on a flower-covered buggy. Then again, a bright pink one?

“There are no stores on this side of the island,” she informed me. “You need to go down the coast. Chin Lee Supermarket is good, butSuper U To’a Amok is cheaper. And if you want good wine, go to La Cave.” She inclined her head toward the rear of the bungalow. “You can take the boat if you like. Head south, and you’ll find Vaitape. That’s where the stores are. You can moor at the ferry and boat point.” She gave me a warm smile. “I’ll leave you to settle in. I’ll be back tomorrow.” Then she peered at the room with a frown. “You have unpacked already?”

It was only then I remembered I’d been in such a hurry to check the place out that I’d left my cases sitting in the boat.

I laughed. “Not yet.”

“Then I’ll leave now.” She went to the door. “Oh. Mr. Roger said to give you the name of a good bar.” She pointed to the right. “You walk five minutes along the road, and you come toTe Moana Nui. Tell Kai I sent you.” She grinned. “But be careful. His cocktails can be dangerous.”

“I’ll bear that in mind.”

She glanced at the sky. “You might want to wait a while. There’s a storm coming.”

“Do you get a lot of rain here?”

She shrugged. “Nine days so far this month. Maybe a few more to come.”

I walked with her to the end of the bridge. “Thank you, Aulani.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Gio.”

I chuckled. “I’m going to be here for a while. Call me Gio, okay?”

Aulani nodded. “Maeva i Bora-Bora.”

I took a stab at it. “Welcome to Bora-Bora?”

She beamed. “Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow.” And with that, she walked slowly toward the nearest tree, where a bike leaned against it—next to a lurid pink buggy.

Aulani had nailed it. No one could miss that.

I spent the next hour unpacking and seeing what lurked in cabinets. Roger had thought of everything. I was so engrossed in my explorations that I jumped at the sound of thunder. I stood by thepatio doors, watching the heavy clouds roll across the sky, the rain hitting the jetty?—

Filling the boat.

“Shit!”

I dove outside, climbed into the boat, and retrieved the tarp I’d seen folded at the rear. As fast as I could, I pulled it over the boat and secured it, before retreating onto the veranda, my clothes clinging to me. The breeze picked up, and despite the temperature, my skin felt chilled. I hurried indoors and stripped off.

He did say it was the rainy season.

Shopping could wait.

Te Moana Nuiturned out to be a reasonably sized bar right on the water. Most of it was sheltered from the elements, comprising glass-topped rattan tables and matching chairs, the bar at one end. The roof beams supported a thick layer of straw, giving it a tropical appearance. There was also outdoor seating, with thatched parasols to provide shade from the sun that seemed to have taken a vacation for the moment. Only three of the tables were occupied, and the bartender was on his phone, scrolling.

A very handsome bartender, his arms covered in tattoos.

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