Kiwi Nathaniel Dunn is in a fighting mood, but how does a man fight Wellington’s famous fog? In the last year, Nate’s lost his longtime lover to boredom and his ten-year job to the economy. Now he’s found a golden opportunity for employment where he can even use his artistic talent, but to get the job, he has to get to Christchurch today. Heavy fog means no flight, and the ticket agent is ignoring him to fawn over a beautiful but annoying, overly polite American man.<br><br>Rusty Beaumont can deal with a canceled flight, but the pushy Kiwi at the ticket counter is making it difficult for him to stay cool. The guy rubs him all the wrong ways despite his sexy working-man look, which Rusty notices even though he’s not looking for a man to replace the fiancé who died two years ago. Yet when they’re forced to share a table at the crowded airport café, Nate reveals the kind heart behind his grumpy fa?ade. An earthquake, sex in the bush, and visits from Nate’s belligerent ex turn a day of sightseeing into a slippery slope that just might land them in love.

Sunset at Pencarrow

Dunn said, “I’m sorry, really,” and he seemed sincere. After Heather assured him that of course he was on the list, he finally stepped away.


Ah, Mom, maybe you’re right. Maybe the guy is simply having a bad day.


Rusty thanked Heather and wished her a good day, then looked for some indication of where the food court might be found.


“And,” he muttered to himself, “as long as he has it as far from me as possible, we’ll both be fine.”


As small as the airport was, Rusty was surprised at the throng of people in the terminal. Looking for a place to eat, he passed by Mojo Coffee, a place serving Asian food, and a couple of other spots. Long lines and packed seating at every single one. Finally, he found a cafeteria-style eatery, which also had long lines, but he reasoned that—with about a dozen people ahead of him before he’d even get to pick up a tray—by the time he got to the cashier, some of the diners would clear out.


Chapter 3