The Man From Ti Kouka Read online

  ‘Trudi Carr, I’m in love with you. Will you marry me?’

  ‘Stop joking about things like that, Dan Johnson!’ Trudi spoke indignantly.

  ‘I’m not joking, my nereid.’ He stroked her hair, then bent to kiss her again. Despite herself Trudi felt the same swift rise of passion, and the lean hardness of his body made her aware of her own feelings.

  She rolled away, determined that she had to fight the insane desire to love him. ‘You’re crazy, Dan Johnson! If it’s any consolation I’m crazy too. It must be this wretched rock or the moonlight on the sea. Tomorrow we’ll have forgotten all this nonsense.’

  Dan lifted a curl from her ear so he could nibble it gently. His touch was delicate and Trudi gasped as the physical sensations flooded her.

  ‘My nereid, I don’t think you’ve got a chance of forgetting me, perhaps as much chance as that tide has of not turning. I’ve been waiting for someone like you all my life. I knew the minute you got rid of your chaperone that you would come to me.’

  ‘Why, you conceited ape!’ Trudi found all her tender feelings had dissolved in fury. ‘I stayed on here because I liked it, not because of you.’

  ‘Methinks the lady doth protest too much. Incidentally, there’s a forfeit for that insult.’ Smoothly he took her in his arms, ignoring her struggles, pushing her arms back, awaking the same mountainous feelings so that she felt her response in almost despair. ‘I’ll give you the moon and stars, my nereid,’ he whispered as he cradled her lovingly, completely the master.

  ‘I don’t want the moon and stars. I’ll thank you to leave Acheron and the rest of them exactly where they are!’

  ‘Don’t fight me, Trudi.’ His voice was low and his eyes serious.

  Trudi looked at him, her feelings storm tossed by her emotions. She had to admit Dan was right, she had known he was dangerous the minute she saw him. They were aware of the attraction between them. But that was all it was, she reminded herself. Dan was just a healthy male stuck in isolation with a female, she told herself tartly. She didn’t dare to trust again.

  ‘Trudi Carr, I’m in love with you. Will you marry me?’

  Trudi gasped, realising that Dan had deliberately repeated the question.

  ‘You hardly know me! I told you, I’m a career girl. I’m not interested in love and marriage.’

  ‘But that was before you knew me,’ said Dan, apparently not a whit abashed at her reply. ‘You can’t resist me, Trudi, even if you wanted to.’

  He held her lightly and bent his mouth to hers. It was a feather of a kiss, so fleeting that Trudi hardly felt it. Even so it caused her to move swiftly, and Dan pulled her back into the hollow of his arms with a soft mocking laugh.

  ‘Leave me alone or I’ll scream!’ warned Trudi.

  ‘You can scream, darling. Of course no one will hear you, this rock is in the ocean, remember. Besides, what would be the point? You’re an intelligent young woman and you’ll soon realise that I’m the one man to make you change your mind. You’re a fraud as a Women’s Libber, my sweet one.’

  Very gently he lifted a dark strand of her hair from her ear and bent his body so that he could again nibble the tender pink shell. Trudi wriggled, unwilling to admit that Dan could be right. She was experiencing sensations of fire that lit her body.

  ‘Try screaming, sweetheart, or haven’t you any breath left?’ he whispered, his eyes agleam.

  Trudi opened her mouth, but no voice came. Dan reached over and touched her mouth with his lips, kissing her long and hard, and the stars suddenly zoomed in the sky. Trudi felt her arms creep around his back, loving the strength and firmness and the closeness of his body. She knew her mouth was saying ridiculous things, but it no longer seemed to matter. Instinctively she knew she could trust Dan Johnson. She sighed softly and Dan’s head bent and dropped another feather-light kiss on her mouth.

  ‘My woman of the stars,’ he whispered. ‘I love you, and you love me.’

  ‘You’re star-struck,’ she whispered brokenly, struggling to sit up, but the strong arms merely tucked her back again before punishing her for her words with a devastating kiss.

  ‘Oh, Dan!’ she whispered at last.

  ‘You’re beautiful in defeat, my sweet one.’ Dan wound a curl of her hair round his fingers. ‘See, that’s what you’ve done to me, wrapped yourself round my heart, so I can never be free.’ He held her face in his hands for a moment, then ran his finger around the outline of her face. ‘Your face is full of starshine, my love.’

  ‘Dan, I’m not a moon and stars creature. Are you sure?’

  ‘Of course! But you’re a practical woman too, and although I can’t give you a factory or two I can offer a good life at Ti Kouka.’

  ‘I’m not saying I’m marrying you,’ put in Trudi weakly.

  ‘Don’t worry, darling, I’ll wait.’

  ‘That’ll be the day!’ Trudi retorted with a touch of hauteur that collapsed under Dan’s swift kiss to her neck.

  ‘It’s almost dawn, my fascinating siren.’

  Together they watched the first pearl-grey light the edge of the eastern sky.

  ‘Trudi, I’ll see if we can get down,’ said Dan, ‘otherwise we might be here for another tide, and I could think of more comfortable places to be!’

  A moment later he returned and held out his hand. Trudi found herself giving it and knew that Dan found it symbolic too as he kissed each fingertip in turn.

  She trembled a little finding the fires in her body flaming. Dan seemed to understand as he held her quietly, his arm protective around her.

  ‘We’ll leave the gear here and I’ll pick it up in daylight.’ With his hand supporting her Trudi scrambled down the rock. The water was just splashing about the base of the rock, but she could step over it. However, Dan picked her up before she could get her feet wet and she slipped into his arms. He carried her back to the shore and put her down gently.

  ‘Darling, come home with me to Ti Kouka. You’ll love it.’

  ‘Arrive on a place like Ti Kouka at three o’clock in the morning? Dan, have some sense. You’d wake everyone up.’

  ‘They won’t mind.’

  Trudi shook her head firmly. Away from the magnetism of his touch her senses had returned. She tossed her hair back wearily. If she was going to meet his employers she wanted to do it wearing one of her best suits, her hair done and her make-up perfect.

  ‘I’m vain, Dan! I want them to like me. They’ll think I’m a bit of driftwood the tide brought in if they see me at the moment, and I don’t want to make a bad impression.’

  ‘My nereid, you couldn’t make a bad impression if you tried. You look so utterly beautiful with your eyes like stars sparkling with love. But if you want to go back to the tent, your wish is my command!’ He gestured with a mocking bow towards the truck parked on the roadside. ‘Hardly the Golden Coach, darling, but more suitable for the beach. Hop in.’ He gave her a helping shove and she flew up into the high seat. Dan clambered in and shut the door with a resounding bang. The keys swung gently in the ignition and she faced him with sudden perception.

  ‘You could have had me off that island hours ago!’ she accused.

  ‘Yes. But I couldn’t resist forcing you to stay in my company. I felt deep inside me that if we could only have a little time together you’d begin to trust me.’ He chuckled as he brushed her hair back from her face.

  ‘How did you find me?’ she asked. ‘How did you know I was missing?’

  ‘I wasn’t certain if you would deliberately stand me up or not in the afternoon, so I wasn’t too surprised when you didn’t show. I went for a swim, then I hiked off home. When I finished there I returned for the camp cleaning and I could see those pretty things of yours still floating on the line, so I knew you’d been away for some hours. I started worrying, but one of the campers mentioned you trotting off with your gear and gave me the direction, so I just followed your trail. Every so often it would disappear where the tide had covered your footsteps, but I kept c
asting forward trying to work out what you’d make for. I remembered the island. You were singing Strawberry Fair—I could just catch the odd bits between the waves! I couldn’t figure out why you hadn’t left earlier, so I prepared just in case.’ Trudi nodded, as Dan started the engine and the truck bumped across the uneven ground. She told him laughingly what she thought of the road.

  ‘Just for you, I’ll see what I can do! It really started as the farm swimming spot but just grew. We still get a few old hands who always return.’

  ‘Would you come back here if you had to leave Ti Kouka?’ she asked him. ‘It’s such a beautiful place.’

  ‘Trudi, I’ll never leave here. They’ll cart me out head first. This is my life.’

  Trudi nodded her head soberly. She felt a little rise of panic at the thought of always living in someone else’s place, of being constantly careful with someone else’s property, but then reminded herself that it wouldn’t affect her.

  The road passed over the ford and she was jostled about and it seemed to emphasise her predicament. She wanted to bend to this man and make room not only for him but this land he loved too, and it was a harsh, frightening place at times. The campsite seemed a relief, a sanctuary which would shelter her and keep her safe. Dan cut the motor and let the truck roll towards the entrance.

  ‘Don’t want to wake anyone,’ he explained. ‘We’ll leave the truck here and walk in the rest. You’re not too tired?’

  ‘No, I’m fine, but I must admit I’m feeling a bit stiff and sore. I guess the rocks would be more comfortable with a chaise-longue installed!’

  ‘I’ll remember that!’ he smiled. He lifted her down from the cab and as she slipped into his arms the touch of his body shook her awake. He held her tightly for a moment, then kissed her hard and passionately, so that her senses sped and she staggered against him.

  ‘Darling, you’re exhausted—I’m sorry. Go to bed and I’ll see you tomorrow.’ He watched as she crawled into her tent and then was gone. A few seconds later she heard the faint sound of the truck. She felt filthy and scratched and tired, but her whole being shivered with excitement. Her lips tingled still after the last heady kiss and she wondered again at the strange man she was afraid to love.

  With the body of an athlete, he was a hard-working hobo totally without ambition, content with what he had; a passionate, arrogant male, persuasive and well read; and a questioning, observant farmer. There was a paradox somewhere, but Trudi was too tired to sort it out. She lay back, glad of the thick foam sheet she rested on. It was heaven, and she snuggled in, thinking how such a short time earlier she had snuggled against Dan. The memory sent her to sleep with a smile.

  The sun was high when she woke at last, and she stretched happily. It took her a few moments to wonder why she felt so alive, then her lips met in a joyful curve as she remembered. For an instant she wondered if the whole incident had been a dream, but her missing rucksack and rug proved its reality. As she dressed she wondered about the time. She had forgotten to wind her watch the night before and there didn’t seem to be much point in asking anyone now. She wished she knew what time Dan would come, sure he would visit her.

  The sun shimmered on the white cliffs and she began preparing the fire. Someone had dumped a lot of dry firewood ready for her and she wondered if Dan had already been and seeing she slept, left her to rest. She sighed softly, wishing he had woken her.

  The water was soon boiling, so she made some tea. She decided to cook a meal. It was quite delicious and she made surprisingly short work of it.

  As she was clearing away, a couple of young children peeped up at her and realising she was the object of their scrutiny, Trudi began singing, making up the words to a tune they would know. It was all about a mermaid and a wicked chief, and the children crept closer to listen. By the time they had joined her on the plank, they were listening wide-eyed. At the end their smiles delighted her.

  ‘You made that up,’ said the tow-headed lad accusingly. „

  ‘No, she didn’t,’ put in his younger sister.

  The children told her that they came to Bell Bay regularly, as their father was a friend of Sheridan Jay of Ti Kouka.

  ‘Dad used to work for him, then he went to another farm, then he bought a business in town. He wanted to buy a farm, but he couldn’t afford it,’ the boy explained regretfully. ‘So we come here and Dad helps in the holidays.’

  ‘I think that sounds sensible,’ put in Trudi soberly. She continued talking to the children and when their mother came along shortly afterwards, she enjoyed their brief conversation.

  After they had departed she wandered down the sand, but not before she found that it was two o’clock.

  She decided to visit her island prison to pick up her gear as an excuse to meet Dan. He would be bound to appear around two-thirty when the tide was lowest. Surely they could share a couple of minutes before he went back to his work, she thought.

  Excitedly she ran a comb through her hair and put on lipstick, doing so in the car’s mirror. Realising she wouldn’t have time to walk there, she flicked the car keys into place. As she bounced along the track she saw that the children she had spoken to earlier had been joined by some others. Grinning, she waved back, reflecting on catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, that she looked totally different. Hastily she pushed the mirror back into position and concentrated on driving. She didn’t want Dan to have to rescue her from another awkward situation.

  The long tramp was made in minutes, the longest part being in reaching the rocks from the road. She didn’t want to take her beautiful car off the track, so she made three or four trips across the sands. She was just struggling back with the last load when the truck pulled up. Smiling, she stood waiting, then felt absurdly disappointed when Dan’s figure did not leap out. Instead an older man jumped down agilely and gave her a welcoming smile.

  ‘Reckon you’re Trudi!’ He held out a rough, work-hardened hand and shook hers. ‘Mighty pleased to meet you. The name’s Dave Forrest.’

  His evident sincere warmth left Trudi in no doubt that this man knew she held a very special place in Dan’s heart. Her smile was slightly nervous; she hadn’t expected to meet Dan’s friends and workmates wearing a skimpy top and matching shorts.

  Dave Forrest’s shrewd blue eyes met hers and he smiled, obviously reading her thoughts. ‘Dan had to go to a meeting this afternoon. He’ll be back later to see you. I said I’d pick the gear up for him and explain.’

  Trudi helped him to pile the wet-suit and thermos flasks into the truck.

  ‘Did you bring the other vehicle last night?’ she enquired.

  ‘Yes. ‘Tisn’t the first time Dan’s been stuck there. Happened when he was seven, and his father nearly ate him! Fair little beggar he was for climbing and exploring. Never knew where he’d be next. He had his dog with him for company that time, reckon he did better last night!’

  Trudi couldn’t help her chuckle. It was interesting to hear about Dan as a small boy. Somehow he was so big, and manly, it seemed hard to picture him as a child.

  ‘You must have been at Ti Kouka a long time?’ she asked.

  ‘Only place!’ the man returned simply. ‘I’ve lived here since I was fifteen. I don’t ever think about anywhere else. This is home.’

  ‘It’s very beautiful,’ admitted Trudi, looking along the rugged coastline.

  ‘Wait till you see Ti Kouka! Tell you what, come and have a look now. A cup of tea would be good.’

  Trudi felt embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry, Mr. Forrest, I don’t really think I should go without Dan.’ She smiled, indicating her outfit. ‘I may look all right for the beach, but I’m certainly not dressed for calling.’

  ‘You look just right, Trudi, but reckon Dan would want to take you himself. It’s his place fair enough.’

  ‘Are there a lot at Ti Kouka?’

  ‘No. We hire extra labour when we need it. First there’s Jay himself. Then his mother, Mrs. Jay, lives there, but she’s often at her t
own house in Christchurch; it hasn’t been the same for her since the old man died. The shepherd and his wife live in one wing.

  ‘My wife Anne and I have the bungalow. Anne’s in town with the two eldest boys, getting them organised for boarding school again. How about coming to visit us? Anne will be back tomorrow night, so get Dan to bring you the next day.’

  Trudi acquiesced with only a faint misgiving that events were running faster than she had allowed. Dave’s comments showed that Dan had grown up on Ti Kouka. Evidently Dan’s father had worked there most of his life too. It made her realise that she knew nothing of Dan’s family and whether he had brothers or sisters. Dave Forrest would know, of course.

  He looked at her with a smile.

  ‘Tell me about Dan when he was small.’

  Dave Forrest leaned against the truck, his eyes following a black and white dog running about on the sand.

  ‘Whenever I think of Dan then I always see him with a dog like Rob running at his heels—on the go the whole time. He’d follow the boss like a shadow all over the farm. When he was tiny the boss would have him up front on the horse and he’d be trying to whistle to the dogs. Funniest thing to see. He always knew exactly what he wanted, determined and as stubborn as the old man, straight as a totara tree. A just man.’ He paused and looked at Trudi shrewdly. ‘You won’t ever have to worry about Dan.’