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

“They moved up Kapiti way a couple of years ago after Mum’s cancer went into remission. My dad’s a plumber, so he travels all over the place anyway, and Mum loves it on the coast.”


“About an hour north from where I live. Lots of beaches and that kind of thing. It’s more like being in the country. A lot of people retire up there, but Dad figured they’d move now rather than wait. Thinking you’re going to lose someone makes you more aware of making the most of here and now, you know?”


“I’ll Google the area and take a look.” Rusty stared out to sea for a few moments. “You shouldn’t be,” he finally said, so quietly Nate almost missed it.


Rusty hesitated, then spoke up clearly. “Nervous. About showing your art, I mean. I think plenty of people would be interested in buying even your sketches. They’re very good.”


Chapter 42