“Hello,” she says shyly, and she slides her tiny mitt in his huge paw. He shakes it gently before releasing it.
“Enjoying the peace and quiet?” he asks.
“We were,” I say sarcastically.
He just grins.
“How did you know I was here?” I ask.
“I didn’t. I often take a walk to the Waiora. It’s a peaceful place.”
“We’re going swimming,” Thea says.
His eyebrows rise. “Really?”
“I don’t know.” I glance doubtfully at the water. “It’s going to be freezing.”
“Wuss,” he scoffs. “You never used to worry.” He winks at Thea. “I’ll go in with you.”
Her face lights up, and she looks at me for permission. “Can I?”
I frown at him. “You’re not planning on skinny dipping?”
“When the water’s this cold? I wouldn’t be very impressive if I did. I’m wearing boxers—they’ll do.” He starts unbuttoning his shirt. “Come on,” he says to Thea.
She jumps off the bench and snatches up the bag. “Please,” she begs me. “Come in with us.”
I huff a big sigh to cover the fact that the notion of seeing Kingi Davis in his boxers makes my heart race. “Oh, all right. But don’t blame me if we all come down with hypothermia.”
Chapter Five
Kingi
By the time Chessie and Thea emerge from the changing rooms, I’ve stripped and already swum across the pool and back.
Waiheke Island isn’t huge, and her family home isn’t far from Midnight, so it’s not a great surprise to meet Chessie here, but even so, I thank whoever’s watching over us for my spur-of-the-moment decision to come here.
I observe them walking toward me, glad I’m in the cold water as my gaze falls on Chessie’s curves. She’s not wearing a bikini today, but the navy costume is cut high at the legs, and the daisy-covered bodice clings to her generous bust. Her arms and legs are covered with freckles.
She stands at the edge of the water and scoops up her hair with both hands before securing it into a bun with an elastic on the top of her head. Wow, that’s sexy. I drag my gaze away and smile at Thea as she approaches the edge of the pool, lets the water lap at her toes, then squeals.
“It’s always best to get in quickly,” I advise. “Can you swim?” It’s usually a redundant question—most kids in New Zealand can swim, and many schools have their own pools, especially north of Auckland—but it’s always best to check.
“Yes,” she says, somewhat indignantly. “But I can’t dive yet,” she admits.
“Diving’s easy. I can show you how, if you like.”
“Kingi teaches other boys and girls lots of sports,” Chessie says, also shivering as she puts her toes in the water. “Ooh, that’s cold.”
“Come on, the pair of you. Just jump in.” I splash them, and they both squeal.
Eventually, I convince them that the best way is to take the plunge, and within a few minutes they’re both in and enjoying themselves. Thea is an okay swimmer—I’m guessing her family doesn’t have the money to pay for private lessons, so her technique could do with improvement.
“Your legs have to move like a frog’s,” I tell her as she attempts the breaststroke. “Like this.” I show her. She watches, then pushes off the side, following my lead. “Excellent! You’re a natural.”
“Can you show me how to dive?”
“Sure, if you want.” First, I make sure she knows how to float and tread water. Then we swim over to a collection of large rocks on the bank. These are good for diving from, as there aren’t any other rocks beneath the surface. “Start with the lowest one,” I tell her, and she clambers out and makes her way carefully to the rock that’s just above the water. “Okay, sit on the edge. That’s right. Now tuck your chin down and extend your arms. Look, you’re just going to tip forward, all right? You don’t need to jump. Just tip forward. I’m going to be right here, okay?”