Chapter 2
“You like?” asked Tas.
Dane realised he’d been totally absorbed by his exotic surroundings and nodded. “It’s amazing. Where’d you get all this stuff?”
“Here and there. Come through to the kitchen. I’ll get us something to drink. Do you like fruit juice? Freshly squeezed?”
“Definitely.”
“You have a favourite?”
“Mango,” Dane replied. “Or anything. I don’t mind.”
The kitchen and small dining area were just as impressive as the living room. Mini Buddhas, potted plants, candles, and rich fabrics from mysterious lands adorned every available space. A huge oriental fan hung on the wall near the dining table. It appeared to be an antique, aged in a way that only enhanced its appeal.
“Are you a Buddhist?”
Tas, in the process of slicing up fresh mangoes, shook his head. “Not really. Though I do try to live my life by the Buddhist philosophy. Respect. Gratitude. Kindness.” He plugged in the juicer. “Now things are going to get loud. Sorry.”
The fruit produced two glasses of frothy golden-orange sweetness, a refreshing antidote to a hot summer’s day. It was almost impossible to sip politely.
Tas led them into the living room. “What do you do for a living, Dane?”
“I write textbooks.”
“Interesting.”
Tas sat on the sofa and Dane took the armchair opposite.
“Can be. Mainly it’s a long, slow process. Lots of hard work, but the results are worthwhile. The royalty cheques that roll in every quarter…well, let’s just say they come in very handy.”
“What sort of textbooks?”
“English language. For international students. It’s a pretty big industry and once you get your book into schools and colleges, you’re set. Although, with changing technology, the books become obsolete after a few years, so it’s a constant process. Writing new material. Updating old stuff.” Dane took a sip of juice. “And you?”
“Naturopathy and massage.”
When Tas smiled, his teeth almost glowed against the deep olive complexion of his skin. It also made his eyes twinkle. It was as if the whole action, that particular combination of muscle use, transformed his face in a way that was nothing less than magical.
“Interesting. I’m not sure I know what naturopathy is. Something to do with herbs?”
Tas laughed. “Something like that. But you’ll have to come over for a massage some time. All that sitting and writing isn’t good for your back and neck muscles. Do you play any sport?”
“I go for a jog most mornings. Some swimming in the summer. Just got back from the beach, actually.”
“Pretty fit then. I do yoga. An hour every day without fail. Good for the mind, body, and soul.”
“I’ve always wanted to try yoga. Some of those poses, though…”
Tas finished the last of his juice. “You should. They have classes for different levels. Here…” Tas got up from the sofa and disappeared into the kitchen. When he returned, he was holding a card. “This is the number for the place I go to. Give Devi a call.”
Dane took the card, his body tingling as his fingers came into contact with Tas’s.
“Thanks. I think I will.” He stood. “Sorry to drink and leave, but I should get going. It was really great to meet you.”
He held out his hand for Tas to shake, though Tas ignored it, choosing instead to gently pull Dane into a hug.
“I probably smell,” he said apologetically. “Sea water and sweat.”
“It’s all natural,” said Tas. “Nothing wrong with natural.”
Nevertheless, Dane couldn’t help feeling a little uncomfortable, and was relieved when the embrace ended.
They made their way to the door, to the outdoors where the air smelt fresher and lighter than the incense-heavy atmosphere inside Tas’s.
“I’m really glad we met,” said Dane. “Thanks for the juice.”
Tas placed a hand on Dane’s shoulder, sending a little ripple of electricity coursing through him, tingling as it spread. “It’s always a pleasure to make a new friend. And don’t forget about that massage.”
It wasn’t likely Dane would do anything of the sort. As he walked up the driveway to his villa, the tingling went south and settled in his groin. 2
Tas had become a constant distraction.
The handsome new neighbour was the last thing Dane thought about before falling asleep at night, and the first thing he thought about waking up. Now that he had returned to work, it was difficult to concentrate on the textbook he was working on when all he wanted to do was get to know Tas better. To be in his company. Close to him. And…so much more
Yet there were deadlines. His partner, Erica, was expecting the final “yesterday” so she could work on the graphics. Only then could they come together to go through the final manuscript to compile the index, a reference section, and do a final edit. The finished product was due in less than two months.