It was dangerous, his fascination with her. He hadn’t taken a lover for a while, but getting involved with a local seemed like a bad idea. While it might endear him to the other locals in the short term, the opposition to his development would grow if the relationship ended badly. And any relationship between them would end. Eli didn’t do permanent. He didn’t want children, and, eventually, every woman he dated started dreaming of babies and family picnics. Either that, or they publicly humiliated him.

He grimaced. Aria wouldn’t do that, but she wasn’t equipped to deal with his world, and she was definitely the type to want more than a physical relationship.

The phone rang, interrupting his musings. “Lockwood.”

“Elijah,” his mother greeted him.

“How are you, Mother?”

“Business is going well.” Frances never could tell the difference between a personal question and a business one. “How is Therese?”

“She’s settling in. She doesn’t want to be here, but then, you know that.” After an awkward silence, the devil made him add, “She has a kitten.”

“A kitten?” Frances spat, like it was a dirty word. “Why ever would you allow that?”

“Because she needs something to occupy her time.” He winced at his defensive tone. “And it’s only temporary.”

She clucked her tongue. “She should invest her time more wisely. Learn a language, perhaps.”

“Mother, she’s a teenage girl,” he exclaimed, exasperated. “Do you really expect that to happen?”

“I expect her to fulfill her obligations.”

Taking a deep breath, he counted to ten in his head. Frances riled him, and he had to be careful not to get too worked up. “Why did you call?”

A beat of silence. Then: “Can’t a mother call her own children?”

“Not you,” he replied. “Not without a good reason.”

Her impatience was perceptible through the phone line. “Your father and I are in Christchurch for business,” she said. “We’re coming over for dinner tonight.”

A visit was unexpected. Especially so soon after he’d last seen her. “Will you stay?” he asked.

“No. We’ll only be there for a couple of hours.”

“When should I expect you?” He needed to prepare.

He could almost hear her check her watch. “We’re about to leave.”

It was three o’clock. After a quick goodbye, he hung up and glanced around. The dining room was a shambles, and his parents would expect it to be tidy and clean. They’d also expect a decent meal, which wasn’t likely to happen. He needed to buy takeaways or hire a chef. Of the two, takeaways would be by far the cheaper and easier option, but his parents would no doubt turn their noses up at it. He’d have to find a caterer. This visit of theirs was going to be far more hassle than it was worth.

CHAPTER 10