The Family She Needs. Sue MacKay

didn’t tell her what to do with her days.

      Back in the kitchen, she got out the bread and margarine, some hardboiled eggs and lettuce, and began making sandwiches. The clock didn’t stop for Logan. She needed to get back to work.

      When he parked his butt on the corner of the table, looking as if he had no intention of moving until he got his point across, she knew a moment of fear. What if he won this crazy battle and the house was sold out from under her? Would it be so bad to live in another house in Motueka? Yes, it would. Jonty wouldn’t be next door, griping and grumbling at her while he watered her vegetables, or complaining that he hated boiled carrots more than tinned peas and yet eating every last mouthful on his plate whenever she cooked his dinner—which was most nights else he’d starve. He’d never learned to cook; his late wife had been old-school and believed that was her role.

      Another argument against Logan’s plan to sell was that the medical centre would have to shift. Or, worse, close down, forcing the patients she’d come to know to transfer to other centres.

      Surreptitiously studying this stranger as she spread margarine, it shocked her to realise that he looked as though he belonged here. He had every right to be here. No denying that, much as she wanted to. But looking as if he fitted right in—that was too much to absorb. So she wouldn’t. She’d carry on the fight in the hope that eventually she’d get it through his very handsome skull that she meant every word she uttered.

      Starting with: ‘You honestly think I should walk away from this?’ She waved her hand in the direction of the surgery through the wall. ‘Tell all the patients, “Sorry, but we’re not interested in looking out for you any more”? People don’t like change, Logan.’

      ‘Are you sure it’s not you that dislikes change?’

      This man went straight for the heart of the matter every time.

      She pretended she hadn’t heard him. ‘Especially the older folk. They know their doctor and nurse, and they trust them to know their backgrounds without having to delve into files for an answer about who their son is or where their grandchildren live. That sort of thing distresses them.’

      ‘Except the current locum’s only been here three months and plans on leaving within the next three. Where’s the continuity in that?’

      He didn’t miss a trick, which sucked big-time.

      ‘I won’t change my mind.’ Her voice was rising and she didn’t care. This man riled her.

      ‘I’m getting the picture.’ He folded his arms over his chest, the movement diverting her gaze from his inscrutable face to those muscles that underscored the polo-necked jersey he wore.

      ‘So am I,’ she muttered, not quite sure whether she was referring to his stubbornness or his mouth-watering chest.

      Either of them was a problem. Logan was nothing like his brother in physical shape or appearance. James had been of average height and had carried a bit more weight than was healthy. But he’d had an open face and oodles of kindness and generosity. She wasn’t sure where Logan was with those characteristics.

      ‘Where are you staying while you’re in Motueka?’

      ‘Here. That’s if you don’t kick me out on the street. I like the spare room at the back of the house.’

      Wanting to say no to that idea didn’t mean she could.

      ‘There’s no space to swing a cat in there.’ It was tiny and filled with cartons that needed to be gone through. ‘It’s also an ice box, being so far from the fire in the lounge and the heat pump in the hall.’

      But she knew nothing about this man.

      ‘It will suit me perfectly.’

      ‘What’s wrong with the room next to Mickey’s? It’s bigger and warmer.’

      Why make him comfortable? If he didn’t like the room he might leave earlier than planned.

      ‘I figure I’ll be out of your hair down there.’ His eyes zeroed in on the sandwich she was making. Avoiding eye contact? ‘I noticed all the cartons. I’ll shift them into the other bedroom after lunch.’

      ‘They’re full of James and Maria’s personal belongings. I haven’t had the gumption to go through them. Anyway, I thought you should be the one to deal with James’s stuff.’

       And I’ll keep putting off sorting through Maria’s until finally I can do it without instantly bursting into tears. If only I could throw everything away untouched.

      ‘I probably should.’ Logan sounded equally reluctant to tackle that issue. Which she couldn’t fault.

      ‘I’ll try to get around to it before I head away again.’

      Since Logan seemed intent on steamrollering her opposition to selling they’d be at loggerheads the whole time and he’d probably be glad to leave sooner rather than later. Behind her back she crossed her fingers.

      ‘The wardrobe’s locked. It’s the only way to keep the door from bursting open and spilling files and books across the room.’ She tried one last time. ‘You sure you don’t want the other room?’

      Those smoky grey eyes roamed the kitchen before returning to her. ‘The small one’s fine. Better than some places I’ve been lately.’ He sucked a quick breath on that.

      ‘I’ll find some linen.’

      ‘Karina, I don’t expect you to run around after me. I’ll make my own bed.’

      ‘What do you expect of me, then?’

      ‘To seriously consider my proposal to sell. In fact, you might as well come with me to see the real estate salesperson.’

      ‘I what?’ The knife slid out of her fingers and clattered onto the floor. ‘Haven’t you listened to anything I’ve said?’

      ‘Have you listened to me?’ he asked, in a cool, calm tone.

      What would rattle this man? Except for those moments when his eyes had looked everywhere except at her he’d remained in control, no matter what she’d said. Which was warning enough. She knew controlled and controlling men better than most.

      ‘I’ve heard every single crazy idea you’ve come up with so far!’ she yelled.

       Get a grip. This is not the way to deal with him. Think about Mickey. That’s it. Sweet little man that he is, he needs you to bat for him, but sensibly, not like a shrew.

      She tried to rein in her anger. ‘Maybe it would be better if you stayed in the motel down the road.’ It didn’t come out quite as calmly as she’d hoped, but it was an improvement.

      Logan remained perched on the edge of the table, totally unperturbed at her outburst. ‘I want to have as much time as possible with Mickey before I head away again.’

      She pounced. ‘And when might that be?’ Now she was repeating herself.

      ‘Probably not as soon as you’d like.’

      Did his lips twitch? She’d swear they had, which was kind of deflating. If she wanted to be treated fairly then she had to do likewise.

      ‘I’m making one rule. We don’t talk about selling while you’re staying in this house.’

      ‘Karina, apart from seeing Mickey and sorting out some legal stuff with the lawyers over James and Maria’s wills, the only purpose of my visit is to sell. See it from my point of view. I can’t do a thing to help you around the house when I’m overseas. If you’re living in a new home I won’t have to worry about that.’

      ‘I see.’

      He sounded too darned reasonable. Didn’t mean she was prepared to change her mind, though. Was she being selfish? Not at all. For her, this wasn’t about repairs and maintenance—it