White Ginger

White Ginger - By Susanne Bellamy

Chapter 1

The 737 banked to the right and Amelie Mackenzie caught a glimpse of steep-sided gray mountain peaks and lush tropical green jungle surrounded by blue seas and white breakers. Vegetation gave way to tarmac and long warehouses. The plane descended, touching down with a light thump. “Eight out of ten for that landing,” she muttered, loosening her grip on the armrest.

“Aloha and welcome to Kauai. The temperature is eighty-two degrees and local time is 1.30 PM. Please ensure you take all your belongings with you. Thank you for flying Hawaiian Air.”

The general rush began. Passengers milled in the narrow aisles, trying to pull overstuffed hand luggage from overhead compartments. Twenty hours traveling from her home in Brisbane drained her patience and Amelie conspired with them in the rush to escape into fresh air and unrestricted space.

Through the tiny windows of the plane, she could see sunshine pouring down like a blessing. Perhaps this island paradise would be the balm her battered ego needed, bruised when Victor, her journalist fiancé, had walked out of her life almost six months ago. Exotic locations and brilliant colors would stimulate her creativity, as she sought to establish her name and her designs in the world of fashion fabrics. Her boss, Madeline Bronson, had encouraged her to take this break, knowing the pain Amelie had suffered when Victor had left. Bless Madeline for being pushy when it was needed, as a good friend sometimes had to be.

She descended the rear stairs of the plane and then crossed the hot tarmac. The bright colors and brilliant tropical sunshine enticed her into a sense of optimism. Unable to stop herself, she allowed a half smile to push back the shadows that haunted her as she walked over to the rental car counter

“I’m sorry we couldn’t get you the Subaru you requested, but we’ve replaced it with a reliable sedan, and a free week’s hire as compensation for the inconvenience,” said the blue jacket-clad woman behind the counter.

“I’m sure it will be fine,” Amelie replied, brushing a wayward strand of long, blond hair from her eyes. “But if I have any problems, is there a particular service center I should contact?” Her fingers played with her credit card a moment before she passed it across the counter. “It is a three month hire after all, and I believe some of the roads on the island are quite rough.”

“All of our vehicles are first-class.” Annoyance tainted the woman’s response. “Assistance details are included in the hire pouch, and here are the keys. You’ll find your vehicle in blue parking lot at G3. Go out the main door and turn right. Please feel free to contact us if you have any difficulties,” the woman said before she moved on to the next customer with a dismissive “Have a nice day.”

Amelie wheeled her suitcase behind her, squinting in the tropical brightness.

“Blue parking lot G3. She didn’t say it was out in the boondocks.”

Muttering a tired curse when her suitcase bumped her calf, she finally located the gray sedan. She stowed her case in the trunk, and then slid into the driver’s seat. Where was the GPS system she’d asked for? She heaved a sigh and searched the pocket beside the driver’s seat.

A map? Great.

She was definitely up for driving and navigating at the same time after twenty hours without sleep. She’d have words with the company’s owner if she weren’t so sleep deprived right now.

Driving the right-hand drive vehicle was like driving looking into a mirror. Carefully, she pulled out, reminding herself to keep to the wrong side of the road. Turning out of the airport, she automatically moved to the left, quickly pulling into the right lane as she saw a truck bearing down on her car.

Oh, Melie–concentrate, girl, or they’ll be scraping you off the road.

She blinked and shook her head and turned on the air-conditioning. Maybe a blast of cold air would keep her awake. Some of her newfound enthusiasm evaporated as she struggled to keep the underpowered car up to speed on the long winding climb. If it couldn’t handle a hill like this, how would it go off-road?

The airport and the city fell away behind her. Well, she would make every effort to get back into the swing of things, despite the car. She had three months. It would be plenty of time to create a solid portfolio of fabric patterns to send back to Madeline ready for the fashion industry’s major overseas convention later in the year. Sun, sea and sand would make for inspiring designs.

Her mind wandered as she drove along miles of green-fringed roads, often in the shadow of the volcano that towered above the land. Yet again, she questioned what she had done, or not done, to cause Victor to walk out of her apartment that night.

They had been an item for several months. Most of her friends in Brisbane were sure a wedding would be on the horizon before the year was out. Amelie had thought the same, especially when Victor talked about buying an apartment together overlooking the river at Kangaroo Point. His comments had revolved around the idea of them having a “retreat” all to themselves when he returned from his overseas assignments.

She’d thought he was ready to settle down, with her. That he’d be happy to put aside his career as a frontline war correspondent in Afghanistan and Iraq for an editorial position on the state’s main newspaper.

It turned out he wasn’t. He’d implied she was tying him down, clipping his wings; any of a dozen clichés sprang to her mind, language Victor would abhor. She didn’t think she had been too demanding of his time. In fact, she thought she had managed his frequent and sometimes lengthy absences well. And been very welcoming upon each of his returns from foreign shores.

“It’s not you, it’s me, babe. No one’s fault but I’m not ready to settle down.” That final night flashed vividly through her mind.

She cringed, remembering his–You’re a lovely woman and we’ve had some great times together and I hope we’ll remain good friends–speech. Then he’d walked out of her apartment, and Amelie’s world shattered. Numb, she could not work properly on the job she loved so much. Madeline had been understanding and kept her sanity functioning with simple repetitive jobs.

After weeks of unresolved soul searching and sleepless nights, Amelie figured she was finally getting over Victor when, unexpectedly, he contacted her. How could he? Did he think she’d just pick up where they left off? Go on as if nothing had happened?

“He’s coming back to Brisbane in a week’s time. Madeline, what do I do?”

“Men are such bastards sometimes. Don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that you still miss him. Better still, don’t be here. Go away; get a complete change of scenery somewhere he won’t find you.”

Amelie had looked at her, bereft of speech for a moment before she nodded. “Yes, yes. That’s a good idea. I told him I didn’t know if I’d be in town when he arrived. Madeline, can you spare me for two, maybe three months?”

“What have you got in mind?”

“Hawaii.”

* * * *

With Madeline’s blessing, Amelie went straight to the travel agent. Her good friend, Sandra, pulled out all the stops to book Amelie on the next available flight to the Hawaiian islands and found her a cabin to rent in a remote corner of Kauai, less than a half hour’s drive from the town of Kaleialani.

Now, here she was driving through the green landscape beneath a welcoming tropical sun, ready to get on with her life. She wouldn’t give her heart easily again. If there was any heart left to give.

The rhythm of the car rolling along the tarred road changed when she turned onto a narrow road leading to the small community she’d chosen for her fresh start. Could she have chosen a more remote location from Australia? And yet, driving between green shadows of palms and lush forest was strangely familiar.

According to the email, the Realtor’s office was located on the harbor front. A salt-tanged breeze blew strands of hair across her eyes. She pushed open the half-glass door and the buzzer brought a young man with sun-streaked hair to the counter. He looked admiringly at her, his manner friendly and appreciative.

“Welcome to Kauai,” he said, his eyes lingering on her breasts. “I’m Tom Whitburn.”

Once they’d signed the lease and Amelie had the keys in her hand, he leaned over the counter lessening the gap between them.

“We’re a small but friendly lot here in Kaleialani. There’s a luau at the end of this month, the last Friday, down around the point. Everyone will be there. Perhaps you would join us? I’d be happy to introduce you.”

His hopeful smile put Amelie in mind of a playful puppy. “And if you need a guide or want to find out more about the island, please, feel free to call on me. I’d be happy to show you around. Anytime. You’ve got my phone number on the lease,” he added.

“Thank you,” Amelie smiled at him. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, can you just point out the route to the cabin for me please?”

“It’s about twenty-five, maybe thirty minutes drive at most.” He highlighted the road she should follow before she made her way to the door.

“Don’t forget–last Friday of the month, at the point!” he called after her.

“Perhaps.” She offered him a friendly smile then walked out into the late afternoon sunshine.

On the way to the cabin she stopped at the minimart for basic supplies. Rounding the end of an aisle stacked high with canned beans she pushed the basket into a man stopped at the end of the aisle.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she gasped, apples spilling from her basket.

“My fault.” His hands on her bare upper arms steadied her. She looked up from the broad white-shirted chest into a pair of the most beautiful brown eyes she had ever seen. Warm and tempting as dark chocolate, they filled her view and the rest of the world faded away. She caught her breath as the warmth of his touch sent her pulse soaring. Her heart thumped so hard, surely he must hear it?

Then he blinked and gave the smallest shake of his head as though coming out of a trance.

Where did that impression come from?

“Allow me.” He released her and deftly grabbed her runaway produce. “You might need to replace these. They’ll be bruised.”

“Yes, of course.” She tried to speak normally. “Thank you.”

On jelly legs, she walked back to the produce section, aware of his gaze following her until she turned down the far aisle.

Amelie’s heart pounded erratically. Realizing she was still staring at a neatly stacked pyramid of apples, she took herself to task. How foolish was she to respond like that to a pair of brown eyes and strong arms. But, God, he was beautiful. Maybe he worked locally. His tan suggested he was a man who worked out of doors, as did the tiny, crinkly laugh lines around his eyes. And his arms had been strong and capable when he held her. If her luck changed, she might run into him again.

“Don’t be an idiot. Remember why you’re here in the first place,” she muttered.

Great. Now I’m talking to myself.

She checked over her shoulder that no one was in hearing range, closed her eyes and sighed.

Get with the program, Melie! One–avoid Victor by escaping to Hawaii. Okay, that one’s done. Two–avoid entanglements while in Hawaii. Easier said than done when I’m breathless after falling into that guy’s arms.

Her cheeks warmed as she remembered his firm and steady hands. And his gentle eyes–mirrors of the soul her mother had always said. His gaze had looked into hers and–

Focus! The agenda. Okay, three–what’s number three? Oh, yeah–create the best damned portfolio of fabric designs you can and help Madeline win the contract. No daydreaming about Mr. Hunky Muscles.

She packed her groceries into the trunk and rechecked the map. She would find the cabin, settle in and begin work. Concentrate on work. Forget the tall, tanned man, the current coursing between them and the feel of his hands on her body.

But how delicious they would feel holding her close. And his eyes had looked into her very being. Something had shifted in the cosmos and the world had realigned for her.

Lookout Road wound through miles of palm trees and dense bushy foliage with few turn offs. Somewhere to her left, the Pacific Ocean rolled in, a spiritual and physical link to her homeland many hours flight south. The landscape reminded her of the far North Queensland coast where she often holidayed. It would have been a closer and much cheaper alternative to Hawaii, but it was too close to Victor.

Involuntarily her memory called up their first holiday in the north. Victor had just returned from Afghanistan and had conned Madeline into giving Amelie a week off at short notice.

The resort had been five-star, and the service, excellent, but Victor was restless. Even his lovemaking was distracted, and she told herself that he had probably seen much that he would rather forget so close to the front lines. Lazy days around the pool and gourmet dinners didn’t interest him, and she’d wondered why he had chosen such a holiday destination.

On the third day of their stay, she was appalled to hear of a shark attack up the coast. Worse, though, was Victor’s reaction. He showed the most excitement she had seen since his return. Anxious to keep him happy, Amelie had gone with him to the site of the attack. Never happy swimming in deep waters, she’d stayed on the boat. Thanks to Victor’s police contacts from his court reporting days, he’d been allowed to join the police divers. She would never forget the look on his face when he resurfaced with the news that they had recovered a body part.

He filed the story from his mobile, and later, back at the hotel, ate a hearty dinner. Afterward, his lovemaking was almost joyful, fierce and demanding. Grabbing her as soon as they returned to their hotel room, his mouth took hers hard, drawing blood. He ripped her dress as he pulled her clothes off. It was as though he needed to dominate her, thrusting hard and fast as he drove into her. In truth, she gained no pleasure from it, but Victor seemed to settle afterward.

With the luxury of hindsight, it occurred to Amelie that Victor needed danger and adrenaline rushes. Perhaps that had been the problem all along; Victor needed a life filled with uncertainty and danger. Life with her was boring, predictable and safe. He was an adrenaline junkie. Well, she could do without that sort of adventure.

A thumping under the bonnet and a sudden spine-jarring dance of the wheels dragged her back to the present. She steered the car carefully onto the verge.

The woman at the rental counter had fobbed her off with whatever they’d had left in the fleet. Now, here was proof she’d been given a substandard vehicle. With little hope, she popped the bonnet and pushed and pulled a few bits.

Whatever do men see to fascinate them in an engine?

Hands on hips, she stepped back and then stamped her foot. “Ugh. Piece of junk.”

She’d only passed two vehicles since she’d left town. Part of the attraction of renting this isolated cabin was the promise of peace and undisturbed time to work. But she hadn’t thought it through; it also meant no one would be around to help if she got into a jam. Not that it would usually concern her, but it was nearing sunset. She’d been awake for almost two days and now this broken down pile of junk was holding her back. Amelie halfheartedly kicked a tire.

It was no use wishing for a fairy godmother to come along and wave her magic wand to fix everything. She would walk to the cabin. Since she’d driven for almost half an hour, it couldn’t be much further.

She trudged to the top of the next crest. There was a turn off a hundred yards further down the road. From the directions, the cabin should be a quarter mile along that dirt track. She walked back and checked the map, before dragging her suitcase and the brown bag containing the fridge groceries out of the trunk. She couldn’t carry more than that.

“Shoulders back, one foot in front of the other,” she told herself. “You can do it, girl.”

She’d walked barely fifty meters when a horn beeped and a vehicle pulled up behind her.

Thank goodness.

She turned, readying a smile for the good Samaritan. The man from the grocery store emerged from the jeep.

“Well, what a pleasant surprise.” He smiled at her. “Need some help?”

Amelie dropped her bags and tried not to grin like an idiot. That she should be rescued in this out of the way place was good, but that her rescuer should be the gorgeous man she had been daydreaming about was unbelievably good luck.

“Yes, please. This piece of rental junk has given up the ghost and I just want to get to my cabin and go to bed. It’s been a very long day.”

He checked over the engine before pronouncing it past hope, and then lifted her suitcase and groceries easily into the back of his jeep. Night fell as he helped her into the passenger seat.

“Anything else you need from the gray beast?” His even white smile set her heart racing again.

“No, thanks, unless you’ve a gun to put it out of its misery?”

He grinned at her levity in a time of frustration. “Did you get it from Hertz at the airport?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Oh, I’d better get the hire brochure out of the glove compartment. It’s got all the details I’ll need to make a claim.”

She hurried back to the little car and fumbled in the glove box before carefully locking the doors. “Now why would I bother to lock it? Anyone is welcome to it.” She grinned ruefully.

He grinned back at her. “I know the Hertz owner, Jimi. If you like, I’ll contact him tomorrow. He’ll sort it out double time for you. By the way, I’m Arne, Arne Keloki.” He held out his hand. She shook it, unprepared for the little shock that ran through her body at the contact, yet enjoying the feel of him.

“Amelie McKenzie.”

“Scottish name, Australian accent?” He raised an eyebrow.

“And a French grandmother thrown into the mix,” she added. “I’m a bitsa.”

“A what?” His right eyebrow rose again.

“You know, bits of this and bits of that. A bitsa.” She chuckled. “I guess it’s an Australian saying. It’s a colorful language at times.”

“So, where to?”

He turned off the bitumen at the spot she had decided was her road.

Amazing. My sense of direction is still intact.

The jeep bounced along a dirt track lined with close-growing palms whose fronds all but blocked out the stars. Arne eased the jeep to a standstill in a clearing and the view opened up. Amelie’s heart hammered with joy. A nearly full moon hung low in the sky, lighting a path across the water to the cliff where they now sat, silently appreciative of the beauty of the scene spread out before them. Could this really be hers for the next three months?

She drew in a long, slow breath. “What a beautiful sight.”

“Indeed it is.”

She turned from the beautiful vista to meet his gaze. Arms crossed atop the steering wheel, his attention was squarely on her. Heat crept up her cheeks. She looked around for something, anything, to divert his attention from her obvious embarrassment. Moonlight cast a glow over a cabin to their left.

“Is this my cabin? How wonderful.” Fascinated, she looked over the small wooden structure as she climbed out of Arne’s jeep.

A miniature plantation style building with verandas around two sides faced the south overlooking the sea. Three shallow wooden steps gave access to the middle of the veranda. And to the left of the steps, almost aglow in the full moonlight, was a Hawaiian white ginger bush.

“Oh, my favorite.” She leaned into the gleaming white bloom, savoring the heady perfume. “I think I’m going to love being here.”

Behind her, Arne unloaded her gear from the jeep. Using a flashlight from the glove compartment, he located the electricity box and switched the power on. Light blazed out across the strip of lawn, revealing a small grassed parking area amidst lush tropical vegetation. A few meters further on, the land dropped away.

“We must overlook the beach.” Lured by the thrill of the unknown, she wandered toward the cliff edge. Dune grasses waved in the sea breeze and the clean scent of the sea carried on the night air.

Arne joined her, directing her attention with his torch to a break in the dune grass. “There’s a path to the beach down here. Do you want to have a look now?”

Amelie stifled a yawn. “Much as I’d love to, I think I’ll wait till morning. Would you like a cuppa?”

“Cuppa? As in…”

“Hot drink?” Amelie rubbed her gritty eyes.

Great time to meet such a nice guy. Looking like something the cat dragged in and all but asleep on my feet.

Arne held the screen door open for her. “Thanks. Come on in. I’ll help you get set up.”

“You know this place well?”

“Yep. Friends of mine lived here until they moved to Honolulu.” Arne led the way to the kitchen and put the grocery bags on the counter.

She pulled out several items, searching for the jar of coffee and held it up. “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes, please. There should be a coffee pot here somewhere.” He rummaged in a cupboard below the counter and then stood, flourishing a silver hot pot.

“Thank you, Arne. You’ve certainly been my white knight today.”

“At your service, ma’am.” He doffed a pretend cap in her direction. “If you’d care to drive in with me, I’m going to the airport to pick up some equipment on Saturday after next. We could pick up your replacement car then. I’d suggest a four-wheel drive vehicle next time though.”

“That’s what I booked and they told me they had none left.”

“I’ll sort it out with Jimi.” Arne’s voice deepened. “I can’t imagine who would have thought that gray pile would be suitable for this end of the island. It’s rough driving here.”

“And yes, I did tell them where I would be driving, and for how long.”

She leaned a hip against the cupboard, an odd mixture of exasperation and elation filling her chest. She’d be without transport for several days, a nuisance, surely, but not an insurmountable problem. However, if not for the abysmal failure of her hire car, she would not now be enjoying Arne’s company. Strange how one got what one wished for.

She looked across the room, meeting his chocolate brown gaze.

A girl could lose herself in those eyes.

“So…how long will you be on Kauai?”

“Three months.”

Arne folded his arms and leaned back against the door frame. His slow smile touched something in her, lightening the depression of Victor’s walking out on her. “I’d be happy to chauffeur you until your car is ready. By the way, there’s a luau on the point just out of town the last Friday of the month. Would you like to come and see how it’s done?”

His gaze locked with hers. He could suggest any destination and she’d accept if she were the object of his attention.

What a welcome to Kauai.

“Thank you, yes.”

The hot pot whistled.

“Coffee?” she asked.

* * * *

Arne parked in front of her cabin late the next afternoon. Would Amelie like the Australian chardonnay he’d selected? He hoped a taste of home would be welcome. He called out as he mounted the steps.

“Amelie?”

She came through the screen door wearing an oversize, paint-spattered khaki man’s shirt, and carrying a loaded paintbrush in one hand and an artist’s palette in the other. A smudge of blue paint highlighted her cheekbone and her hands were covered in a mix of greens and blues. Strands of hair escaped from her high ponytail. Her sea-blue eyes lit up with pleasure as she greeted him.

“Hello. Sorry I didn’t hear you arrive. When I’m working I become so focused, nothing short of a hurricane would register with me.” She laughed and held the door open with her hip.

He liked her laugh; she had an earthy chuckle that suggested a deep enjoyment of life, even though her eyes were still shadowed.

“Have you recovered from your flight?”

“More or less, thanks.”

“I thought you might like this,” he announced holding the bottle aloft. “It’s Australian. We can celebrate your new car–a four-wheel drive by the way–and with a refund of a month’s rental. Jimi was most apologetic. Said he’d fire the idiot who didn’t treat his customers well.”

“Thank you, again. I’m impressed you managed to organize it so quickly. And here was me thinking I’d have no one to help me out of an awkward situation when that stupid car carked it.”

“I take it that means when it died on you?”

She laughed again. “I see I’m going to have to teach you Aussie speak. Give me a chance to have a quick shower and change and I’ll cook you a thank you meal.”

“Sounds good. I’ll open the wine.” Suiting action to words, Arne poured a glass for himself and one for Amelie and then carried them out onto the veranda.

He leaned against the upright, contemplating the twists of fate that had crossed his path with that of the woman inside. Three months she’d said. Who knew what could develop in three months? If he hadn’t set out to check on his furthermost weather station yesterday instead of today, he wouldn’t have run into her when she needed assistance. And now he’d found a golden opportunity to see her regularly over the next few days.

Amelie joined him a short time later. Dressed in a white shift dress, her hair loose and smoothly brushed to curl around her cheek, she seemed more relaxed. He noticed a faint smudge of color on the back of her hand as she took the glass of wine he offered her.

“An occupational hazard?” he asked.

She glanced at her hand. “Absolutely. I didn’t even stop for lunch.”

“So, you had a productive day? Cheers, by the way, and welcome to Kauai.” He clinked his glass against hers.

She nodded. “ Thanks. Yes, I think I’ll create some of my best work here.”

“What sort of painting do you do?

She sipped her drink. “Designs for decorator fabrics. We have a Hawaiian collection coming out next spring based on what I produce here.”

“I’d like to see it. Will you show me?”

Wide-eyed, she glanced up at him, pausing with her glass halfway to her mouth and then her gaze slid away. She sipped her wine, half turning to the garden below.

“Sorry, maybe that’s presumptuous of me?”

On twenty-four hours acquaintance, Arne boy, maybe it is.

“Nothing’s finished yet. Perhaps later though.” Leaning over the railing, she breathed deeply. “Isn’t this the most beautiful spot? I can’t believe my luck. I feel like I’m in paradise.”

He smiled at her enthusiasm. “That’s its Hawaiian name.”

The scent of white ginger sweetened the night air. He leaned on the railing beside her. Bare-footed, she would just be able to lay her head on his shoulder. He had a sudden desire to pull her close and kiss along the tender skin of her neck, all the way to her luscious full pink lips.

Great way to start a dinner date, making her think you’re going to nibble her neck. He schooled his features to reflect a more appropriate thought.

She turned to look up at him, elbows resting on the railing. “What do you do, Arne?”

“Dive, swim, look at fish.”

“Umm, that sounds idyllic.” Her brow creased into a tiny puzzled frown.

“It is. And that’s just my work…I’m a marine biologist.” He grinned as the joke registered and her beautiful smile reappeared. That was a smile to keep a man coming home every day.

“You should dive with me and experience the world of the reef,” he suggested thoughtfully. “The colors are brilliant, unbelievable. The waters are clear, and the silence is something else.”

Without thinking consciously, he took her free hand in his, excited at the thought of sharing his world. “The fish swim in so close you can pat them. Would you like to see it, Amelie?”

She shuddered slightly and pulled away. Wrapping both hands around her glass, she finished her wine. “I’m not a really strong swimmer. And I’ve never dived before.”

“I’ll teach you. It’s easy. “

“We’ll see. Anyway, no fish here tonight. Pasta bake is what you’re getting. Hope you’re not a meat and three-veggie kind of guy.” She pushed away from the railing and headed for the door.

“What can I do to help?”

She spun around. “You can cook?”

“Should I be insulted by that remark? I’m not helpless in the kitchen.” He grinned.

“Sorry. Not many men I know can, that’s all. Actually, I can’t imagine you helpless at anything.”

She’s wrong. I’m helpless right now with wanting to kiss her but it’s too soon.

He cleared his throat. “Would you like another glass of wine? You know the saying–one for the food and one for the chef.”

She handed her glass to him and her fingers brushed his. Sparks like electricity raced up his arm. Her wide-eyed gaze met his. A strident buzzing from the stove timer announced dinner was cooked. Amelie blinked several times.

“I better get that before it burns.” She turned slowly away.

She felt it too.