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“Flooded?”
Liana laughed as she pulled the band from her ponytail and shook her hair loose. She had just entered her hotel room after a morning run when her laptop sounded. Thinking it was her grandparents, she had rushed to it. Instead, it was one of her girlfriends who had patiently waited for the end of Liana’s no-contact-for-one-week moratorium.
Liana smiled when she saw who it was. Almost one week to the hour. She wasn’t surprised it was Moira Tisdale who’d be first to call.
“What do you mean flooded?” repeated the redhead on the laptop screen, looking confused.
“That’s the exact question I asked the property manager,” Liana said. “A pipe burst yesterday afternoon. Several of their units were damaged.” Liana leaned back in her chair and kicked off her running shoes.
“But they will find something for you, won’t they? I mean you’ve paid the deposit.”
“They’re trying to find something for me. Quite a few tenants were displaced. And there’s very little available right now as it is. You know it took me several weeks to secure this one.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“Well, there’s not a lot near the stadium, and that is where I want to be long-term.”
“How’s the hotel?”
Liana angled her laptop to show the presidential suite she had been staying in since her arrival in Auckland. It was far more luxurious than what she’d typically book for herself, but she’d thought she might as well start her new life in the Southern Hemisphere with a little extravagance.
“Very posh. Are you staying there long?”
Liana turned the laptop back to face her. “I wish. But the suite’s only available for one more night. I was going to move into the rental today. At this moment, I’m going to be homeless as of ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”
Moira laughed. “Well, you wanted an adventure. What are you going to do?”
Liana shook her head. “I’m not sure. Worse comes to worst, I could stay in another hotel for a while. I was planning to spend some time on the South Island next week, so maybe while I’m there, I’ll be able to sort out a few things.”
A figure appeared next to Moira. “You’re half a world away, and you two continue to disturb my telly-time with all your talking.”
Moira elbowed the large man. “Oh, quit. We’re not gossiping. This is quite serious, Guy. A pipe burst in the place Liana was supposed to move into. She’s homeless as of tomorrow.”
Guy Tisdale’s blue eyes were now alert. He dragged his hand through his short, brown hair. “You’re kidding. How long will it take to fix the place?”
“I don’t know yet,” Liana said. “But it’s unlikely to be very quick. There was a lot of water damage. It was quite a mess, from what I understand. Right now, I’m just looking for something temporary.”
“Let me give Mitch Molloy a call. Maybe he can help,” Guy said.
Liana frowned. “Mitch Molloy? Captain of New Zealand rugby?”
“Yeah. I think he still has a place in Auckland. He stays there when he trains with the National Team. He offered it to us when we let him use our cottage in the Lake District last year. He wanted a weekend away with his girlfriend. What was her name? The journalist?”
“Elaine Rawley,” Moira said quickly. “I thought they broke up.”
“Did they? I wouldn’t know. You know those things don’t interest me,” Guy said.
Liana smiled at Guy’s comments. For someone who made the gossip magazines as often as he did, he was surprisingly clueless about other celebrities. “What a coincidence. I met both of them last night.”
“What was last night?” Moira asked.
“The End of Winter Ball. I flew in early especially for it, and it was helpful to meet a lot of people from the sports community. I met Connor Dane’s wife. She’s quite lovely. You’d like her, Moira.”
“Well, Connor’s quite nice. And Mitch seemed nice as well. I had a chance to chat with him for five minutes last year when he came by to pick up the keys to the cottage.”
“Does Mitch actually live in Auckland?” Liana asked as she took the laptop from the desk and moved to the sofa.
“No,” Guy said, scrolling through his phone. “His club team is on the South Island, in Christchurch. He grew up there as well. Spends most of his free time there, too, I reckon. Didn’t I introduce you to him last year? When we were at the after-Test party?”
“Other than Connor, who was kind enough to help me stop someone from hitting you, I didn’t meet anyone. I was too busy trying to protect your honor.”
“I didn’t start that argument,” Guy said, defensively.
Moira stared at her husband. “Someone was trying to hit you? Again? Why is this the first I’d heard of it? I’m glad I asked Liana to keep an eye on you.”
Liana smiled as she remembered Moira’s frantic call last year. Their babysitter had canceled, and, as an experienced wife of a rugby player, Moira knew that these post-Test celebrations were an important part of the rugby culture. But they also attracted a lot of people more interested in the celebrity than the sport. She’d begged Liana to accompany Guy, the newly appointed captain of the English rugby team. Moira didn’t trust some of the—what was the phrase she’d used?—“vampish starlets” that were always at these parties.
Liana had reluctantly agreed. She remembered thinking how odd it was that almost twenty years after she last babysat Guy, she was doing it again. Except their ten-year age gap made little difference now that he was an adult and a rugby star.
It had been quite the singles scene that night in London. Throw two rugby teams, football stars, actors, and actresses into one room, add free-flowing drinks and raging hormones, and the paparazzi were kept very busy. Despite all the celebrities in attendance, Mitch was the main attraction. He had played a phenomenal match and was in the mood to celebrate.
Yes, she remembered him from that party. She didn’t remember Elaine Rawley, but if the reporter were there, her presence didn’t seem to stop many women from trying to make an impression on Mitch. He was never alone.
“Mitch? Did I wake you?” Guy yelled into his phone.
Moira rolled her eyes at Liana before nudging Guy off-screen. “He can be quite uncouth sometimes. Why didn’t you stop me from marrying him?”
“You’ve been in love with him since you were both ten. I told you to wait for someone else. If you didn’t listen to me when you were a child, how was I going to stop you fifteen years later?”
Moira sighed. “I miss you already.”
“Oh, Moira. It’s only been a few days since I left London. And look, we’re already talking.”
“You wouldn’t be homeless if you had stayed here,” Moira argued. “You had all those offers from the TV networks. Raj and Anusha would have loved it if you had taken one of those commentator jobs instead.”
“I know. Granddad is particularly worried. Has he said anything?”
“No, we haven’t spoken. Would you like me to phone them ever so often? To make sure they’re all right?”
Liana shook her head. “I’ve been speaking to them every day. I think that has helped ease their worry that I’m half a world away! They know I need to do this. Remember there weren’t any offers to manage a team in England. Or Scotland. Or anywhere else in Europe. I took Exeter up a division and to a Cup Final, but that still wasn’t enough to prove that I can do the job.”
“Calm down! You had coffee this morning, didn’t you? Exeter would have offered you the position eventually.”
“Perhaps, but this job came up now.”
“I know,” Moira said, softly. “I know, and we are proud of you. We’ve always been. Just remember not to put yourself under a lot of pressure, Liana.”
Moira touched the screen from her side of the world. Liana responded in kind, understanding the concern in Moira’s words. It wasn’t the first time she had heard such sentiments. Everyone in Liana’s small but tight circle of friends and family questioned her decision to take the position.
“I’m qualified, and I’m ready.”
Her friend’s sigh was more visible than audible. Liana knew what Moira was more concerned about. And it wasn’t about the job. “Hey,” Liana said. “I’m fine.”
“Just promise me that you’ll do more than work. Go out; meet people; have fun again!”
But before she could answer, Guy pushed himself back into the screen. “Right—you’re not homeless anymore.”
Liana blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Mitch says he has a spare room you can use. I’m sending you his phone number. He’s waiting for your call.”
“Just like that?”
“Yeah. He says he can let you into the condo today.”
“Today? Is he staying there right now?”
Moira giggled. “When have you been worried about sharing a roof with a man, Liana?”
“You make me sound like some sort of tart, Moira.”
“Well, you have seen more naked men than anyone else I know.”
This time it was Guy who rolled his eyes, but Liana noticed he didn’t refute his wife’s statement. Then again, neither could she. It was part of her life, being surrounded by men all the time. And she had seen a lot of naked men, more than she would ever admit. Truth was, after all these years, she didn’t think about it anymore. After a while, one set of buttocks looked just like another set of buttocks.
“Liana, I’m quite sure it’s all right,” Guy said. “Mitch’s a good bloke. I asked him if he had room for a friend who was stuck in Auckland. He said ‘yeah’ and to pass on his number. That’s it. We’re mates. We look out for each other. You’d do the same.”
“Why didn’t I know you and Mitch Molloy were such good friends?” Liana asked.
Guy shrugged. “I don’t know. He lives in New Zealand, and I live in England. We see each other a couple of times a year at best, and when we do, it’s mainly to see who tackles better. If he lived closer, I’m sure you’d have known. Unlike my dear wife, I don’t need to share everything with you.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Liana was still staring at the number on her phone. She wasn’t quite sure why she was nervous about making the call. There weren’t many options at this point. She sighed.
It was that last look he gave her.
Something had made her turn, and she had seen him immediately, standing by the door, about to leave. A shiver went through her when their eyes met. It was an unexpected physical reaction to a stranger whose face was so well-known. She had tried to return her attention to her dance partner, the amiable young halfback who was surprisingly light on his feet. But it was Mitch’s eyes she remembered: deep, brown, intense. She couldn’t read him, and that unnerved her. And now she was supposed to call him? To ask if she could stay at his condo? The most famous man in New Zealand, as if he were just some regular person?
Get over it, Murphy.
There was no room for timidity in her line of work. Why so nervous? Pretend this is a professional call. You met him last night. He’s not a stranger. He seems nice. He knows you’re going to phone. But...
Liana dialed the number before she could think any further.
“Hello? Mitch? It’s Liana Murphy.”
A slight pause. “Liana? Hello. How did you get my number?”
Uh oh. Liana frowned. “Guy Tisdale gave it to me. He said you were expecting my call?”
“Guy Tisdale? Wait—you’re the friend who needs a place to stay?”
“Yes. I was going to move into my rental today, but there has been some water damage.”
“So, Guy said.”
“Listen, if it’s a problem...”
“No problem. Sorry, I’m just a little surprised it’s you. He didn’t mention a name, and I had assumed it was another rugby player,” Mitch said. “I’m about to do an interview this morning, but it won’t be long. Do you remember Elaine? She’s at the condo for a couple more hours. Will you be able to meet her? Otherwise, I should be back around lunchtime. I do have a three o’clock flight to Christchurch though.”
“That’s not a problem. I don’t have anything planned for this morning, so I can head there fairly soon. Are you sure this is all right?”
“Yeah, of course. No one is staying at the condo right now. I’ll let Elaine know and will send you the address. I have to say it’s a very simple place.”
“It’s a roof over my head while I sort things out. Thank you. I owe you.”
“No worries. I’m happy to help. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Yes, thanks again.”
He has such a sexy voice.
A knock on the door announced that room service had arrived with breakfast. Liana turned the TV on in anticipation of the local news, but it was the view from the ceiling-to-floor windows that drew her. She’d run past the waterfront for the first time that morning, but now that the sun was completely out, she could truly appreciate the beauty of the harbor. Boats were moving out to sea for what promised to be a gorgeous day.
It’d been a week, but she still couldn’t believe she was really here, in New Zealand.
It had all started off innocently enough. She had been playing in a charity match with Jerome Pillane, captain of the Kiwi football team. They had good on-field chemistry. The last thing she’d expected was a call from Jerome a few weeks later saying that New Zealand’s long-time football manager was retiring, and he thought she’d be great for the position.
She ignored him.
But Jerome was persistent. He emailed with information about his country and sent her links about the Football Association of New Zealand (FANZ). He even subscribed her to FANZ’s newsletter. Then there was the home-cooked dinner, where the only other guest was Peter Hastings, the retiring manager of the New Zealand team.
When FANZ announced her hire, it had made headlines globally.
But Liana wasn’t naïve. She knew behind the scenes there remained questions about her eligibility, her suitability, and her ability. Some even suggested that the primary reason FANZ had hired her was that Liana Murphy was already a household name in the football world, thanks mainly to her successful—and popular—commentator’s role during the last Cup Final in South Africa.
She didn’t really care why FANZ had decided to offer her the job. That was all in the past; she had the position. What happened next would be based mostly on how well she played the cards handed to her.
Liana smiled as she remembered how red her agent’s face had become when she agreed to the salary. Then she’d told him she was planning to arrive in New Zealand a month early—at her own expense. She’d thought he was going to have a heart attack.
But she needed to do this her way. She wanted to gauge what her players thought of her and engaging on a personal level seemed the best way to do it. Every decision she made was going to be watched. She had no room for mistakes.
Liana walked to the window, pressed her forehead against the cool glass and closed her eyes.
She had enjoyed her first week in Auckland. Correction: she had enjoyed being alone during her first week in Auckland. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been able to shut off her phone without feeling guilty. She’d run a new route each morning, explored the city without a map, and made casual conversation with the lady at the tea shop. She’d also signed up for a walking tour with a group of Japanese students. That had been different and fun. If any of them had recognized her, no one said anything.
The time alone also had allowed her to let go of the hurt and disappointment at not receiving a single offer after two successful years as interim manager. Moira was right. Exeter would probably have offered her the manager’s job after Charlie Rogers retired. But Liana didn’t think her mentor would be retiring anytime soon, and nothing would’ve made her force the issue. She owed him that, at the very least.
No, it was time to move on. The week alone had been good, but she needed to start the next chapter of her life.
Last night, she’d been back in the world she was more familiar with: lots of paparazzi, beautiful people, famous people, and titled people. Everyone seemed warm and welcoming, yet Liana was also conscious that she was the new person, that she wasn’t part of the landscape.
Mitch’s voice suddenly entered the room. She glanced to the TV screen where his image was now on. With a mug of tea in hand, she returned to the sitting area, picked up the remote, and turned up the volume.
Dressed in a light-blue polo T-shirt and jeans, he was a guest on a morning breakfast show. He looked relaxed and must have known the two presenters, as there was a comfortable camaraderie among the three of them.
Liana smiled when Mitch laughed at the picture of himself with members of the New Zealand women’s field hockey team. It was a shot that was also featured in the lifestyle section of today’s newspaper.
“They’re all such great athletes. I was honored to be part of the picture,” he said, diplomatically.
“But are you still single?” one of the presenters asked. “You arrived with Elaine Rawley.”
Liana studied Mitch’s demeanor. Other than a slight tilt to his head, he didn’t look bothered by the question.
“We’re still friends,” Mitch explained. “Why wouldn’t you want to share a great evening for a worthy cause with someone whose company you know you’d enjoy?”
Liana brought the tea to her lips. Nicely done, Mitch. Nicely done.
“It’s a big year for you. Are you preparing differently because of the World Championship?”
Mitch nodded. “Of course. The rugby season is longer in a World Championship year, so we have to pace ourselves differently. Everyone who has the honor of wearing the black jersey—of representing our country—wants that title. It’s going to be tough because teams from around the world want it too. But we’re hosting the Championship, and winning it in front of our friends, our families, and our fans is our goal.”
Liana took another sip of her tea.
His answers would appeal to most fans, but her sharp eyes and ears recognized his cautious language, the controlled facial expressions, and the practiced responses. Mitch knew precisely what he needed to say in public—and no more.
* * *
An hour later, Liana arrived at the Meriton Towers. Elaine greeted her in the lobby, her voice apologetic. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Sorry to hear about the water damage. That’s a bit rough.”
When Liana entered the condo, she was surprised by how nondescript it was. She instinctively knew this wasn’t the place Mitch called home. There were only a couple of things on the wall: a mirror over the credenza in the entryway and a generic modern painting near the dining area. There was an L-shaped leather sofa that faced a big-screen TV, a DVD player, and two video game consoles. There was also a dining table for four and barstools at the granite counter that enclosed a galley kitchen. Everything looked clean, simple, and utilitarian. Large sliding doors allowed in plenty of sunlight and which led to a balcony.
Liana couldn’t resist the view. “May I step outside?”
“Of course. It’s probably the reason Mitch bought this place.”
Auckland’s distinctive skyline lay before her, vibrant and energetic. Its majestic Sky Tower stood over the other buildings while the harbor she was becoming enamored with shone under the bright sunshine. When they returned inside, Elaine showed Liana the rest of the condo.
“Your room is the second door on the left,” Elaine said. “Mitch usually has a cleaner come in before he stays over, so I think it should be ready for you to move in right away. There are extra sets of bed linens in the wardrobe.”
The phone in Elaine’s hand rang. “Mitch? Yeah, she’s here. Of course. No thanks. I have to leave soon. Hang on, I’ll ask her.” Elaine looked at Liana. “Mitch’s bringing back some lunch. Will sandwiches be all right?”
“That will be lovely. Thanks.”
Elaine nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine with that. No worries. Bye.”
Liana didn’t miss the smile on Elaine’s face when she ended the call. Whether or not they were a couple, Elaine still had strong feelings for Mitch.
“I’m sorry I have to go, but I have a plane to catch,” Elaine said. “The spare key is on the kitchen counter.”
“You’ve been most kind to help me out. Which part of France are you going to?”
“You remembered. I hear you have an amazing memory. The word among reporters is to never go to a Liana Murphy interview unprepared. Is that true?”
“I don’t know about that.”
“It must be true,” Elaine said, with a satisfied smile. “But, to answer your question, I’m headed to the wine region. I’m writing a piece about a new partnership between French and Kiwi winemakers. Not a bad assignment, eh? A few weeks checking out vineyards in France?”
“I’ve heard of worse assignments. Good luck, and safe travels.”
“Good luck to you, too. Especially with the new job. It’s a big deal, Liana. You being here will make a difference. Really.”
They shook hands. “Thanks,” Liana said, recognizing the sincerity in Elaine’s voice. “That means a lot.”
It felt odd to be alone in someone else’s home. Liana entered what was to be her bedroom and found a queen-size bed with a desk and wardrobe. Despite facing south, the large window allowed plenty of light in. She looked out at the pool that belonged to the complex. Even though it was winter, there were a couple of hearty souls using it. She tested the mattress, pleased with the firmness, then walked back out.
Her room was between what she thought would be the master bedroom—Mitch’s room—and the bathroom. She noticed the third bedroom down the hall and saw it was similar in size and furnishings to hers.
It was a good layout, and even if there were a third person there, everyone would have plenty of privacy.
“Hello? Liana?”
“Yes!”
Liana returned to the living area just as Mitch closed the door behind him. He was still in the blue polo and jeans she had seen him wear on TV this morning, but she could now appreciate how well he filled the casual attire: broad shoulders, a trim waistline, and defined muscles from his neck to his hands. The slight imperfections of his face—an accumulation of years of hard hits and bruises—only added potency to the raw masculinity he exuded. In daylight, Liana noticed a light smattering of gray at his temples.
It suited him.
“Hi.” Liana walked toward Mitch, intending to help with the two shopping bags he held.
He hesitated briefly before leaning in to brush his lips against her cheek. A quick kiss, a customary kiss, something she had often done with strangers. And yet, her body reacted as if he had done more—much more. She had goosebumps up and down her arms, mercifully covered by her cardigan.
“I hope you’re okay with chicken sandwiches,” he said. He walked into the kitchen and invited her to sit on the barstool with his hand. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you, but Elaine is familiar enough with the condo that I knew you’d be in good hands.”
“She was very kind to stay until I arrived.”
“Yeah, she’s good that way. Are you all right with your room? It’s nothing fancy, I’m afraid.”
“It’s perfect,” Liana said, accepting the plate Mitch offered.
He turned to reach for some glasses from the top cabinet. Liana blinked. Those are a set of buttocks she wouldn’t mind seeing naked. She ignored the sudden quickening of her heartbeat and tried to look interested in her sandwich instead.
“Any word about your rental?” Mitch asked as he pulled a stool to sit on.
“Not much. I’m waiting to hear if I still have a place to live.”
“What are you planning to do?”
Liana shrugged. “Wait and see. I’d hate to lose it because it’s in such a good location, just five minutes away from New Harbor Stadium. I understand that’s where you train with the National Team?”
“Yeah, but the rugby team trains on the other side of New Harbor from where your office is.” Mitch paused. “I don’t think I’ve ever been to the football end.”
“I’ll be pleased to give you a tour once I familiarize myself with it.”
Mitch smiled, and Liana had to remind herself not to stare. She almost didn’t recognize the rugby player. Mitch’s marketing material always showed him scowling or looking severe. A smiling Mitch was—unexpectedly charming.
“Well, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like,” Mitch said. “No one else is here at the moment. Another rugby player used to live here full time. He just moved to Dunedin to play down there.”
“Are you sure I won’t be imposing?”
“You’d be doing me a favor. I prefer to have someone here throughout the year while I’m in Christchurch. I was planning on looking for another tenant but haven’t had the time.”
“Everyone tells me it’s such a tight housing market. Surely, you’d have no problems finding someone to take the room on a permanent basis?”
“It’s more about finding the right kind of person. One of my teammates from the National Team also stays here when we train. Our flatmate needs to understand the lifestyle of a professional athlete. Not many people do.”
“That makes sense.”
“It also helps if they’re in the industry. When my sister was living here, she caught our tenant stealing my socks.”
Liana choked. “Socks?”
Mitch nodded. “Yes, the used ones. Felicity later found out he was selling them on eBay.”
“Your used socks?”
Mitch grinned. “Whoever paid for them, paid too much.”
Throughout lunch, Liana peppered Mitch with questions about what to see and do on the South Island. He raised his eyebrows when she mentioned her intention of attending a couple of high school matches. “Why?”
“It’s not just the team I have now; it’s the team I might be managing in five years. I also need to build a network of scouts I can trust, and high school coaches are usually good resources. We should have double the number of scouts we have.”
“Double?”
Liana grinned. “It’ll be on par with what your sport employs. This country has the talent; we just need to find them first.”
Mitch showed Liana the facilities available at the Meriton: the underground parking, the pool, and the exercise room. He suggested routes for her morning run and told her where the local shops were.
“I guess that’s it,” Mitch said when they were back in the condo. He put his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “You can’t be very impressed with us Kiwis. We welcome you into our homes, then leave.”
“On the contrary, Kiwis seem to be extraordinarily generous with their time and their houses.”
Mitch picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulder. “I’ll see you on the South Island in a couple of weeks?”
“Yes.”
“You have my number now. Let me know if I can help with anything.”
On impulse, Liana reached up to unfurl the corner of an errant lapel on Mitch’s polo shirt. She barely touched him. She definitely didn’t touch his skin, but shots of electricity went up her arm and through her whole body. Tension built inside her immediately. Those bloody goose bumps returned. She looked at Mitch.
His brown eyes were darker, unreadable but reading... looking deep into her.
Their breathing sounded in the silent room. The unexpected memory of Elaine’s smile danced in front of her. Liana turned and did the first thing that came to mind. She held out her hand for a handshake.
Mitch moved his head back slightly, as if surprised by her action. He frowned and was about to say something, then changed his mind. Clasping the offered hand, he smiled.
It was comfortable again.
“Thanks again, Mitch.” Liana hoped her voice sounded more confident than she felt. “I hope to be an ideal tenant.”
Mitch kept his eyes on Liana. “Just don’t steal anything.”
