Chapter 14 Let’s Take a Shower #2
“That’s weird. Do you think the sexual high helped, or is this just a coincidence?
I wonder if you can shift without discomfort now?
Perhaps the curse has disrupted your taniwha, and your needs have changed.
You said your brother didn’t know of your dragon heritage.
He wouldn’t have factored this into his curse.
This might be the reason you’ve come to life now.
” She pulled a face. “I guess you’ll never understand what he did or the effects of the curse.
You must go with the flow, as we say here. ”
“In the past, flying or sex helped to control my taniwha. My shifts were the same as yours. I’ll experiment tomorrow while you’re working. I worried that I’d fade again, but my body is remaining solid and visible.”
“All the better for me. It’s more satisfying making love to you now that I can see you properly.”
Tāwera kissed her shoulder. “Sleep. You have work tomorrow, and it’s past midnight.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” Nyree whispered, her eyes refusing to stay open. She sank into sleep, happy and content. Secure in Tāwera’s arms.
Tāwera woke her in the morning, not long before her alarm was due to go off.
He kissed her breasts and trailed his fingers through her dampness.
They rocked together, gradually scaling the heights before dropping into freefall and pleasure.
As their heartbeats slowed, Nyree lifted her head and offered her lips.
Their kiss sent another surge of pleasure swooping through her. She pulled back and stared into his eyes, studying his face for signs of pain.
“How are you this morning?”
“Better than I have been since you broke the curse,” he said. “Cavorting with you is good for my health.”
She laughed, then groaned when the alarm on her cell phone signaled it was time for her to hustle.
She turned it off, dallied to kiss Tāwera again before she forced herself to slide out of bed.
Nyree padded into the bathroom and stepped under the shower.
It didn’t surprise her when Tāwera joined her.
“Are you still going flying this morning?” she asked as she picked up the soap.
He took the soap from her and turned her to wash her back.
“Yes, it’s important for me to understand this new reaction to moonlust. If I wish to fit into this world, I must understand my physical needs.
I am lucky I found you, or you found me rather than a man.
I am beyond lucky that you like me enough to share your body with me. ”
“You’re helping me too,” she said, but she comprehended his meaning, and she wondered if she’d have been as generous with him if he wasn’t an attractive man. Thankfully, she hadn’t needed to face that dilemma.
After showering, they ate breakfast together before Nyree departed to start her morning of work. Tāwera left at the same time, and after grabbing a quick kiss, he slipped into the shadows, slowly making his way through the settlement and walking toward the church.
Carolyn was already at the museum and busy dusting when Nyree arrived to do a walk-through.
“Did I see you kissing a man a few minutes ago?” Carolyn asked, her tone both curious and full of humor.
Nyree froze. Yikes. What should she say?
Carolyn laughed. “I didn’t get a good look at him. Which scientist is he? A few of them were showing interest in you.”
“Um,” Nyree said, stalling for time while she frantically tried to work out a reply.
“Ah, you’re keeping things on the down-low.”
“Yes,” Nyree agreed. Luckily, Carolyn seemed content to tease Nyree.
“Probably a good idea. You don’t want them fighting amongst each other or any stupid male posturing.”
“No.” No, she did not want that. She’d had enough trouble with Ari and his jealousy. She hated the thought of anyone fighting over her as if she was a piece of meat.
“You can bring him to dinner,” Carolyn said.
“Keith and I want to meet this mystery man. We’ve noticed you seem much happier than you were when we first arrived on the island.
You’ve always been polite and a hard worker, but now you smile more readily, and it’s lovely to see.
I’m also impressed that you’re continuing your excellent timekeeping and haven’t let a romance impede your professionalism. ”
“Ah…”
“Look at the time.” Carolyn tutted. “The ship is due in half an hour. How is the stock in the store?”
“I stocked up last night before I finished for the day,” Nyree said. “Everything is ready.”
“Excellent. We can whiz through the dusting together, and we’ll have time to have a quick cup of tea with Keith. You can tell us about your man-friend. What sort of scientist did you say he was, dear?”
She had said nothing yet. “He’s from New Zealand,” Nyree said, redirecting the subject.
“Is he?” Carolyn beamed. “How nice.”
In reply, Nyree grabbed a fluffy duster and retreated to the far end of the display. Somehow, she needed to think of a suitable story in the next ten minutes before facing Keith’s and Carolyn’s interrogation. No pressure or anything.