The Mighty Quinns: Rogan

He grinned. “I have. And though they’d prefer to stay at the hotel, they’re ready for a challenge.”

“It’s a fine plan,” she said. “Carry on.”

The group had loaded their luggage into the back of the van. Rogan took her bag and tucked it into an empty spot, then he placed his hand on the small of her back as they waited for everyone to choose a seat. Claudia focused on the warmth of his hand, on the sensations caused by his touch, knowing it wasn’t just a polite gesture. He wanted to touch her, to kiss her, and he was just biding his time until they were alone again.

Her pulse quickened and all the effects of her hangover seemed to disappear. She felt energized and exhilarated. She was ready to spend the day repairing her reputation as a competent therapist and getting to watch Rogan in his element.

* * *

IT HAD BEEN years since Rogan had visited the quaint village of Puhoi. It wasn’t the kind of place that usually popped up on his guiding itinerary. Just a bit too civilized for him and his usual clients. But for Claudia’s patients, it was perfect. The town had been settled by Bohemian immigrants in the mid-1800s and retained much of its European charm.

The group enjoyed a lunch at the local pub, gathered around a long wooden table filled with food and drink. To Rogan’s surprise, they were quite at ease with each other, and he came to understand that they spent every Tuesday afternoon together in group therapy, working through their individual problems.

Though Claudia hadn’t given him any specific information beyond the fact that they were working on a variety of phobias, it wasn’t difficult to discern what each of them was afraid of.

Emma, a tall thirtysomething woman, always had antibacterial wipes on hand, offering him his own pocket package shortly after they met. Millie, a pretty but shy twenty-six-year-old, avoided small spaces and would not use the lift or sit in a booth at the restaurant. And Leticia was afraid of heights. Marshall was a nervous forty-year-old who seemed obsessed with bugs. But Rogan hadn’t quite figured out Eddie’s problem yet. The skinny young man just seemed uneasy all the time.

Now on the banks of the river, Rogan stood back and watched as the group got a lesson in paddling and kayak safety by an instructor from the kayaking company. The Puhoi was a tidal river, shallow and smooth, the perfect place for novice paddlers. The presentation went without a hitch until Eddie raised the subject of crocodiles. It seemed all of Claudia’s patients had heard the story of the Kiwi bloke who’d been stalked by a giant croc in Australia and were justifiably concerned.

“I can assure you,” Rogan said, “that there are no crocs or snakes here in New Zealand. Except for a few spiders, we are free of creepy, crawly things.”

“I hate spiders.” Marshall shuddered.

“I know,” Rogan replied. “But they are notoriously bad swimmers, so if you stick to the middle of the river, you’ll be perfectly safe from them.”

Marshall seemed mollified by Rogan’s suggestion, so he moved on and spent another few minutes explaining Kiwi wildlife and its lack of any native mammal species, beyond the bat. After a long discussion about rabies and a reassurance that bats were nocturnal creatures, all five were finally ready.

As the rep from the kayaking company began to get everyone fitted for buoyancy vests, Rogan noticed that Claudia had pulled away from the group. He walked over to where she stood.

“This is wonderful,” she said, her eyes bright with excitement. “They’re so...engaged. And you’ve handled all their concerns brilliantly.”

“They do seem to wind themselves up for no reason.”

“You have no idea. This group has a very hard time putting their fears aside, for any reason, and they just have. Look at them. After yesterday, I would have expected to see them locked in the van, refusing to come out. But there they are, ready to paddle down a river.” She turned to him. “You are a good influence on them, they respond to you. I’m not sure why, but—”

“I barely know them. Maybe that gives me an advantage. I have no expectations.”

“It might be your charm. I believe the men want to be like you and the women just want to please you. But whatever their reasons, today has been a big breakthrough for all of them.” Claudia paused, then sighed. “Though, I suppose it could all fall apart at any moment. God, I hope no one tips over. You’re sure there are no snakes in the river?”

“I’m sure. We’ll just keep moving forward.” His hand brushed against hers and for an instant their fingers tangled together. Had they been alone, in some private spot, Rogan would have taken the opportunity to pull her into his arms and kiss her. And not just a quick meeting of the lips, but a deep, raw, powerful kiss.

Why not follow his urges? His usual business as a guide required unwavering attention, especially since human lives were at stake. But this was a relaxed trip, one that he might actually be able to enjoy. And Claudia’s patients were in the capable hands of the kayaking instructor.