She pretended she hadn’t heard him. ‘Especially the older folk. They know their doctor and nurse, and they trust them to know their backgrounds without having to delve into files for an answer about who their son is or where their grandchildren live. That sort of thing distresses them.’
‘Except the current locum’s only been here three months and plans on leaving within the next three. Where’s the continuity in that?’
He didn’t miss a trick, which sucked big-time.
‘I won’t change my mind.’ Her voice was rising and she didn’t care. This man riled her.
‘I’m getting the picture.’ He folded his arms over his chest, the movement diverting her gaze from his inscrutable face to those muscles that underscored the polo-necked jersey he wore.
‘So am I,’ she muttered, not quite sure whether she was referring to his stubbornness or his mouth-watering chest.
Either of them was a problem. Logan was nothing like his brother in physical shape or appearance. James had been of average height and had carried a bit more weight than was healthy. But he’d had an open face and oodles of kindness and generosity. She wasn’t sure where Logan was with those characteristics.
‘Where are you staying while you’re in Motueka?’
‘Here. That’s if you don’t kick me out on the street. I like the spare room at the back of the house.’
Wanting to say no to that idea didn’t mean she could.
‘There’s no space to swing a cat in there.’ It was tiny and filled with cartons that needed to be gone through. ‘It’s also an ice box, being so far from the fire in the lounge and the heat pump in the hall.’
But she knew nothing about this man.
‘It will suit me perfectly.’
‘What’s wrong with the room next to Mickey’s? It’s bigger and warmer.’
Why make him comfortable? If he didn’t like the room he might leave earlier than planned.
‘I figure I’ll be out of your hair down there.’ His eyes zeroed in on the sandwich she was making. Avoiding eye contact? ‘I noticed all the cartons. I’ll shift them into the other bedroom after lunch.’
‘They’re full of James and Maria’s personal belongings. I haven’t had the gumption to go through them. Anyway, I thought you should be the one to deal with James’s stuff.’
And I’ll keep putting off sorting through Maria’s until finally I can do it without instantly bursting into tears. If only I could throw everything away untouched.
‘I probably should.’ Logan sounded equally reluctant to tackle that issue. Which she couldn’t fault.
‘I’ll try to get around to it before I head away again.’
Since Logan seemed intent on steamrollering her opposition to selling they’d be at loggerheads the whole time and he’d probably be glad to leave sooner rather than later. Behind her back she crossed her fingers.
‘The wardrobe’s locked. It’s the only way to keep the door from bursting open and spilling files and books across the room.’ She tried one last time. ‘You sure you don’t want the other room?’
Those smoky grey eyes roamed the kitchen before returning to her. ‘The small one’s fine. Better than some places I’ve been lately.’ He sucked a quick breath on that.
‘I’ll find some linen.’
‘Karina, I don’t expect you to run around after me. I’ll make my own bed.’
‘What do you expect of me, then?’
‘To seriously consider my proposal to sell. In fact, you might as well come with me to see the real estate salesperson.’
‘I what?’ The knife slid out of her fingers and clattered onto the floor. ‘Haven’t you listened to anything I’ve said?’
‘Have you listened to me?’ he asked, in a cool, calm tone.
What would rattle this man? Except for those moments when his eyes had looked everywhere except at her he’d remained in control, no matter what she’d said. Which was warning enough. She knew controlled and controlling men better than most.
‘I’ve heard every single crazy idea you’ve come up with so far!’ she yelled.
Get a grip. This is not the way to deal with him. Think about Mickey. That’s it. Sweet little man that he is, he needs you to bat for him, but sensibly, not like a shrew.
She tried to rein in her anger. ‘Maybe it would be better if you stayed in the motel down the road.’ It didn’t come out quite as calmly as she’d hoped, but it was an improvement.
Logan remained perched on the edge of the table, totally unperturbed at her outburst. ‘I want to have as much time as possible with Mickey before I head away again.’
She pounced. ‘And when might that be?’ Now she was repeating herself.
‘Probably not as soon as you’d like.’
Did his lips twitch? She’d swear they had, which was kind of deflating . If she wanted to be treated fairly then she had to do likewise.
‘I’m making one rule. We don’t talk about selling while you’re staying in this house.’
‘Karina, apart from seeing Mickey and sorting out some legal stuff with the lawyers over James and Maria’s wills, the only purpose of my visit is to sell. See it from my point of view. I can’t do a thing to help you around the house when I’m overseas. If you’re living in a new home I won’t have to worry about that.’
‘I see.’
He sounded too darned reasonable. Didn’t mean she was prepared to change her mind, though. Was she being selfish? Not at all. For her, this wasn’t about repairs and maintenance—it was about having a home. Not a house; a home. She’d had houses, mansions, and she knew how cold and impersonal they could be. She’d come to Motueka to turn around her life and find out what she really wanted for herself, and she had created a little world right here that would suit her for years to come. The thought that Logan wanted to take that away frightened her.
‘I don’t want you worrying about me. I’m not your concern. Only Mickey is.’
‘The way I see it, if you’re happy then so is my nephew.’
‘Then you’ve nothing to worry about. I’m happy living right here.’
Her tummy tightened. Huh? It’s true. I am. Aren’t I? I was until this morning. And I will be again, the moment Logan understands he’s wrong about this.
‘And if you’re really worried about the medical centre and the house, why don’t you move here permanently? You could share in making Mickey happy. He’d love to have you around the place.’
Logan didn’t bat an eyelid, didn’t have a fit as he had earlier when she’d suggested the same thing. ‘Give me some time to catch up on what happened with James, and get to know Mickey properly, and I’ll postpone that appointment with the agent.’
; ‘You’re bribing me now?’ She found a small smile for him. ‘Stay one month and I’ll listen to you at the end of that. I’m not saying I’ll go along with your plans, but we’ll discuss them then.’
And I’ll spend that whole month showing you why you’re wrong. I’ll also be busy finding the funds to buy you out.
‘Fine.’
Another twitch of those lips. Had he read her mind as easily as that?
Leaning back against the bench, Karina fought the need to study him while he stared at his feet. The expression on his lean face was sad and worried, as if he didn’t know where to go with any of this after all. Well, blow me over, rover. This guy has some serious issues.
Folding her arms under her breasts, she tried to deny the compassion building up for him. She couldn’t let it rule her head. Instead she needed to focus on what was best for Mickey. And then for her.
One thing was for sure: Logan Pascale would not be good for her. At all. Yes, but he would be great for one little boy who struggled to understand why his mum and dad didn’t walk in through the door at the end of the day as they’d used to.
* * *
Logan wanted to laugh, which was a surprise in itself. Karina was as transparent as clear water. He knew he was going to be hounded over the coming weeks. He should go and book into a motel immediately. But he’d play the game. He’d only been in this house a couple of hours and already he didn’t want to leave. The building was old and draughty, the windows rattled when the wind gusted, there was a bucket in the laundry, catching drips, and the carpets were threadbare. But, as Karina had said, it was a home—not just a house with two people rattling around in the vast spaces.
‘Lunch is ready.’ Karina pushed a plate laden with sandwiches across the bench towards him.
‘Want me to get Mickey?’
She nodded. ‘And Jonty.’
‘Why am I not surprised?’