Finding Love Down Under Read online

  Chapter 1

  May 2015

  After a day of pulling weeds and tying back vines, the last thing Claire felt like doing was cooking a meal. She locked up the modest cottage, overlooking acres of vines held up on wires over bare dirt, then bounded down the porch steps and jumped into her car.

  Even though she had months of hard work ahead of her, it didn’t lessen the sense of pride she felt over being the proud owner of a vineyard. More than a year after life with Amy, Claire finally had something to smile about. Sometimes dreams did come true. She looked to the heavens and mouthed a silent thank you.

  The sun was low in the sky as she made the short trip to Taradale. Sheep grazed in the paddocks, their fleeces thick with winter fast approaching.

  Her stomach let out a grumble when the golden arches came into view. After manoeuvring her small car into a parallel park in front of McDonalds, Claire climbed out and strolled inside.

  The familiar aroma of fries and burgers made her mouth water. Opting to dine in, rather than have to wait until she returned home again to eat, she ordered a Double Cheese Burger combo then glanced around for an empty table. Noticing a large group of rowdy boys eyeing her up and down, she questioned the wisdom of her choice to dine in, alone.

  A young woman sitting at a table tucked in the corner, with a huge backpack leaning against the wall, glanced in Claire’s direction. She had long brown wavy hair, a friendly face, and wore a pair of faded blue jeans and a hoody.

  The only items on the table were a mug of coffee and what appeared to be an iPad. As if sensing Claire’s dilemma, the woman gave her a shy smile and shifted her things to the side.

  Drawn like a stranded woman to a lifeline, Claire headed in her direction, ignoring the catcalls behind her. At six-thirty on a Friday night, the young men were probably lining their stomachs before hitting the bars and trying to score. No wonder she wasn’t a pubbing and clubbing kind of gal.

  The plastic tray in Claire’s hand suddenly felt like a lead weight attached to the end of her work-weary arms. “Mind if I have a seat?”

  The woman glanced in the direction of the boys leering at them. “Not at all. Please, do. I’d like that.”

  Claire slumped into the plastic seat, trying to place the accent. “Thanks. I take it you’re not from around here?”

  “Nope. I’m from Calgary.” She paused for a second then added, “Canada.”

  The red and white flag with a maple leaf stitched into the top of the woman’s pack should’ve clued Claire in.

  After folding the wrapper back, Claire took a huge bite of her burger. She closed her eyes in bliss when juicy beef, melted cheese, and tangy mustard assailed her taste buds. While fast-food might not be the healthiest choice, it tasted a hell of a lot better than the crap she barely managed to cook.

  “What brings you to New Zealand?” Claire asked after swallowing her mouthful of food.

  The pretty Canadian exhaled a tired sigh. “My partner wanted to visit. The more we looked into employment and accommodation options, while working our way around the Island, the more I warmed to the idea. And here I am.”

  And where was her partner now? Claire didn’t ask.

  Feeling rude, with a mouthful of food, while the young woman before her had nothing but a cup of coffee, Claire held the half empty red cardboard box between them. “Chip?”

  A cute crease formed between hazel eyes. “Huh?”

  “Would you like a chip? Some fries?”

  “Oh right. I’m still getting used to the lingo around here.” The woman managed a small smile. “Thank you, but I’m not hungry.”

  “Already eaten?” Claire pressed on, hating herself for doing so but loving the woman’s accent.

  She stopped browsing her iPad and folded her hands in her lap. “Between trying to find a job and a roof over my head, my appetite has taken a vacation.”

  “Holiday.”

  “Right, holiday.”

  The question Claire wanted to ask earlier burst forth. “What about your partner?”

  She received a half-hearted shrug. “Sam and I broke up.”

  The fact she appeared to have been left to her own devices, pissed Claire off. It didn’t say much for this Sam character. “Well you’re probably better off without him.”

  The sad smile she received in response made Claire feel like an inconsiderate idiot. She stuffed the rest of her burger in her mouth before she could stick her other foot in. How many times had she heard those same words when she’d broken up with Amy? Even though people had meant well it did little to lessen the pain. Pain only time could ease.

  The young woman went back to scrolling through her iPad and an uncomfortable silence settled between them. Claire chugged down the last of her Coke and stood to leave. “Good luck, I hope you enjoy your time in New Zealand.”

  “Thank you. And the name’s Zoe.” She extended a delicate hand.

  Claire felt inexplicably self-conscious when her work hardened palm connected with Zoe’s soft warm flesh. “I’m Claire.” She released Zoe’s grip, spun on her heel, and made a hasty exit.

  A sense of unease hit Claire at the same time as the crisp night air. Once in the car, she turned the heater on low but didn’t pull away from the curb. Instead, she watched Zoe through the window. The woman, who appeared to be in her early twenties, cupped her hand over her mouth as if holding back a sob.

  Compassion flooded Claire’s heart. She could only imagine how terrifying it would be to find herself alone in a foreign country. What the fuck did Zoe mean she was looking for a roof over her head? Surely her partner hadn’t kicked her to the curb like the burger wrapper blowing in the gutter.

  Acting on autopilot, she shut off the engine and strode back inside. Her sneakers slapped against the floor as she rounded tables, paying no attention to squabbling children, her sights set on one person.

  “Hey.” Claire spoke in a low voice hoping not to startle Zoe, but she failed miserably.

  Zoe’s hand flew to her chest and as Claire had feared, her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

  “Sorry, I was miles away.” Zoe lowered her gaze and peered under the table. “Did you lose something?”

  Although Claire felt like saying she might have lost her mind, she didn’t. “Can you cook?”

  “Yes.”

  “Clean?”

  “Of course.”

  “I need help on my vineyard. The pay’s crap but you can have free food and board in exchange for cooking and keeping house.” Two things Claire despised.

  Information she kept to herself for fear of sounding like a lazy slob. Claire hoped she didn’t live to regret the split second decision to extend an invitation to a person she knew next to nothing about. “It’s not very flash, but it’s homely. I have a spare room collecting dust.” So much for not sounding like a slob.

  A single tear slid down Zoe’s cheek. It took every bit of Claire’s self-restraint not to wipe it away. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Neither did she need an emotional houseguest, she’d only just mended her own heart. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  A look of despair flashed across Zoe’s face. “No.” She shot out of the booth and hefted her backpack up off the floor. “I mean yes, I accept.” A huge smile turned sad eyes into beautiful hazel eyes full of gratitude.

  A little disconcerted by how fast Zoe had jumped at the offer, Claire took the opportunity to tease her. “I could be an axe murderer.”

  Unfazed, Zoe quirked an eyebrow. “Are you?”

  Claire chuckled. “No. Come on, let’s get you home.”

  The word slammed into Claire. Home, wow. Thirty-minutes ago she’d hopped into her car in search of a burger, now here she was about to return home with a full belly and a housemate.

  Chapter 2

  Zoe couldn’t believe her luck. Just when she’d been spiralling on the tip of despair, a chance encounter had her in a car heading to the promise of food, and a roof over her head. She’d probably come across
as too trusting, but she didn’t sense any ill intent. The saying, better the devil you know than the one you don’t, hadn’t worked out too well for her. No doubt, Sam expected her to tuck tail and run home to her parents, as did everyone else who said she wouldn’t last three months without her family nearby. Well she’d show them.

  However, no way did she want to spend another night at the cheap backpackers in town. While the place had been comfortable, the guests, many of whom didn’t speak English, made her feel uneasy. She was a petite girl who by all intents and purposes appeared to be travelling on her own, and therefore an easy target for any would be thieves. If her travellers’ cheques or passport got stolen, she’d be more screwed than she already was.

  The fact Claire couldn’t pay her didn’t matter. The job she’d had picking apples barely paid enough to cover her share of rent, food and utilities in the small flat she and Sam had shared with four others for the last month.

  “So, where to?” Claire looked at her as if waiting for directions.

  The confusion Zoe felt must’ve shown all over her face, illuminated by a streetlight.

  “Where’s all your gear? Do you need to let Sam know you’re okay?” Claire turned the key in the ignition, the low hum of the engine filling the car.

  “The sum of everything I own is in my backpack, safely stowed in the trunk.”

  Claire chuckled. “No elephants around here, doll.”

  The endearment took Zoe by surprise. However, relieved she’d dodged the question about Sam, Zoe didn’t dwell on it. Familiar with the kiwi word for trunk, she threw the cheek right back. “I’d like to see you try to fit my pack in your boot.”

  A hearty laugh shook Claire’s body. She pointed a finger at Zoe. “I’ll let you have that one.” Still grinning, she shoved the car in gear.

  Suddenly the world and Zoe’s predicament didn’t seem so bad. She was happier than she’d been in days. Or more accurately, since she’d arrived in New Zealand and Sam started treating her like a possession, and not one of value or respect. Another good reason to get the hell out of Taradale. Zoe didn’t know if she believed in fate but Claire had been like a Godsend, offering exactly what she needed, at a time she needed it most.

  After checking for traffic, Claire pulled into the street.

  Even though the silence in the car was comfortable, Zoe wanted to know more about the woman taking her to…to where? A fleeting sense of worry rippled through Zoe. She had no clue where they were going. “Do you live far out of town?” Zoe squinted against the glare of the headlights reflected off a white road sign with 100 stamped across the middle in big black numbers.

  The car sped up as Claire hit the gas. “Just over twenty kilometres. I have no clue what that is in miles, but it’s about a fifteen-minute drive on a good day. Don’t worry, it’s not so far you can’t walk back to town if I work you to the bone and you want to run away.”

  Enjoying the friendly banter, Zoe put her shyness in the backseat and continued to chatter. “You have an unusual name.”

  “Really?” Claire sounded surprised. “You’ve never heard the name before?”

  “I’ve heard of Cleopatra. And you look like her. Well, you would if you dyed your hair black. Not that I think you should dye your hair black. The reddish brown compliments your eyes.” Not normally so outspoken, Zoe could hardly believe the words tumbling out of her mouth.

  She narrowed her eyes against the bright lights of a car heading in the opposite direction. “So, is Clea short for Cleopatra?”

  The corner of Claire’s mouth kicked up in a smile. She glanced at Zoe, then turned her gaze back on the road. “You’re adorable. I wish I could say yes, but no, we have a lazy way of speaking in New Zealand. We often drop letters or don’t enunciate them correctly. “Let me spell it out. C.L.A.I.R.E.”

  “Oh, right, Claire as in clear.”

  For the rest of the car ride, Zoe remained quiet. She didn’t want to push her luck and drive her saviour insane with stupid questions before their first night together was out. Even though she’d been in the country for a few months, she still had a lot to learn about the people and the countryside. Not that she thought she’d be seeing much more of the North Island anytime soon. Nor did it matter. Right now she was safe, had a new friend, and a place to call home, she hoped, until she felt the tug to move on.

  The car slowed and Claire flicked on the indicator. “Almost there.”

  Headlight beams cut through clouds of dust as they inched up a long winding driveway. The surrounding area was blanketed in darkness, eerily so. Before Zoe could freak out about the pitch black, two floodlights flared to life, lighting up the drive ahead of them and a quaint cottage. She couldn’t wait to get a look at the place in the light of day. “Don’t you get scared living out here on your own?”

  The car came to a stop parallel to a set of steps leading up to a wooden door with leadlight windows. Claire shut off the engine and undid her seatbelt. “I grew up on a farm, so no, I don’t get scared.” Claire offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t look so worried. You’ll get used to it. Crime rate in rural areas is next to non-existent. In fact, I hated living in town. It took me ages to get used to the constant drone of traffic, and we had to have heavy-duty curtains in the bedroom to keep the streetlight out, otherwise I couldn’t sleep.”

  One word stuck in Zoe’s mind. “We?” The word tumbled from her lips before she could sensor herself. “Sorry, it was rude of me to ask.” When the interior light came on, Zoe squirmed in her seat, feeling like she was under a spotlight.

  Cold air crept in through the gap in the driver’s door when Claire opened it. “My ex. Don’t sweat it, we all have them.” With that, Claire shoved the door the rest of the way open and climbed out of the vehicle.

  Not wanting to catch a chill, Zoe dragged her backside out of the warm seat. She rounded the rear of the car as Claire hauled her pack out.

  Zoe held out her hand. “Here, I’ll take that.” A jolt of static electricity sparked when their hands brushed together. They both jumped and shook out their fingers.

  Claire chuckled. “It’s the car, I swear. I’m surprised I didn’t get a jolt when I got out.” She paused, looking thoughtful. “It’s nothing compared to a zap off an electric fence. You’d do well to keep away from those.”

  The beep of the key fob made Zoe jump, again. God, she must look like a frightened little kitten.

  In awe of the quiet surroundings, Zoe followed Claire toward the cottage. The crunch of gravel underfoot changed to rubber soles slapping across concrete, and the eventual creaks and groans of old wood as they ascended the porch steps.

  After unlocking the door, Claire flicked the lights on bathing the quaint cottage in a golden glow. Zoe stepped inside and Claire closed the door behind her.

  The clunk of metal on metal echoed throughout the open living area when Claire’s car keys landed in a metal dish. Then she toed off her shoes, strode across the open living area, yanked open the door to a wood burner and threw a log on the fire. Wood sparked and flames burst to life behind the glass door. A square slab of dark tiles spanned out around the freestanding fireplace atop short stylish legs, similar to legs on a claw-foot bath.

  A fragrant aroma Zoe couldn’t place permeated the room. “What’s that smell?”

  “Um.” Claire pursed her lips. “Could be my socks.” She plopped down onto the sofa, pulled her foot up to her nose and sniffed. “Nope, they’re fine.”

  Amused by Claire’s flexibility, Zoe laughed. “Sorry, I wasn’t very clear.” As soon as the words left her mouth, her heart skipped a beat. The last thing she wanted was for Claire to think she was making fun of her name. “It’s a sweet woodsy aroma.” Zoe inhaled.

  “Ah, that my friend…” Claire’s big brown eyes lit up, “is Manuka, a native wood to New Zealand. It smells great and burns well.”

  A large rectangular coffee table dominated the middle of the living room. Claire stood and ran her hand over the polished surface,
studying it as though the table held sentimental value to her. “This baby is made out of Rimu, another native wood.”

  Still standing by the door, backpack at her feet, Zoe admired her surroundings. Wood panels lined the living room and kitchen walls. The ceiling was open-beamed with exposed rafters, the wood a slightly darker brown than the walls. Huge rugs covered the majority of a hardwood floor that looked like it had seen better days. To the left was a small kitchen with a breakfast bar. And beyond it, a door which no doubt led to the bathroom and bedrooms.

  Claire strode over to the door, long toned legs eating up the space. She grabbed the brass handle. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

  The first thing Zoe noticed when she stepped into the hallway was the drop in temperature. A tiny shiver rippled through her body. It wasn’t cold, but crisp compared to the living room.

  As if sensing her concerns, Claire put Zoe’s mind at ease. “I close the hall door during the day, and open it around eight to take the chill off the rest of the house. I’m still working on insulating the cottage.” She pushed open a door to the left. “Toilet.”

  Blue and white tiles covered the floor. The walls had the same wood panel appearance as the living room, only they were painted a soft blue. A porcelain toilet with a wooden seat faced the door. A wooden box with a gold chain attached was mounted on the wall high above. Zoe felt like she’d taken a step back in time. “How old is this place?”

  “I’m not entirely sure. Don’t worry, the loo’s new.” Claire grinned. “My brother’s a plumber. He helped me renovate the room without losing the splendour of the era. He’ll probably turn up at some stage over the weekend.” She flicked off the light and shut the door.

  When they reached the end of the hallway, Claire pushed a door open. The small room had a queen sized bed with a royal red bedspread that reached to the floor. To the left of the door stood a tall dresser with balled-feet, metal handles and a swivel mirror. Other than a layer of dust, there wasn’t much else. Too polite to ask, Zoe wrinkled her nose, trying to place the odd smell.