Silhouetted against the green grass and the brilliant blue sky, he looked like a Greek god.

For a brief moment, Sasha’s breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the incredible sight. Then the picture changed to focus on the bright blue racing car behind the man. With the change came a welcome return of composure for the watcher, but it didn’t last. Like a homing pigeon, the camera swooped back to the man and this time in a close up.

As if by doing so she could get closer to him, Sasha leaned forward in her seat, her eyes riveted to the screen, her breathing harsh and uneven.

And then he began to speak.

Like his image, his voice did strange things to Sasha’s emotions. Despite feeling like a fool for being turned on by an image on television, she let the feelings that were coursing through her body flow over her.

“…And Mr. Williams, what are your expectations for Indianapolis?”

“I’m going to win. Of course! Who else has the skill and the car?”

SNAP! Sasha’s trance-like state was broken. In disbelief, she stared at the screen hoping she had heard wrong. But no, she hadn’t been mistaken. The interviewer was repeating the man’s words almost verbatim.

“Oh no.” The words slipped out of her mouth, before she could stop them.

How could such a fantastic looking guy be so unbelievably egotistical? Dejectedly she turned away from the screen, disappointment clouding her eyes.

“Quite something isn’t he?”

Startled by the question, as she had thought she was alone, Sasha spun around to face her sister.

“Sure, Tammy, if you like the self-opinionated, egotistical type. Personally I prefer someone a little less sure of themselves.”

“Are you trying to tell me he didn’t make your heart beat a little faster?” Disbelief rippled through the other woman’s voice. “I find that very hard to believe especially when I remember how intensely you were staring at the screen when I walked into the room.”

“Believe what you like. Chad Williams is not my kind of guy and never will be,” Sasha snapped, uncomfortable at being caught staring so intently at a celluloid image. “I’m for bed. See you in the morning.” Bending, she retrieved the coffee mug from beside her chair.

“Goodnight, sis. Sleep well.”

“Night.”

Slowly, Sasha crossed to the small kitchen situated at one end of the large room. Rinsing out her mug, she laid it on the bench, before turning and leaving the room.

Entering the small compact bedroom, she crossed to the bed and threw back the covers before stripping off her clothes and sliding between the sheets. Minutes later she was sound asleep.

* * * *

“Come on, Sasha, it’s time you were up.”

Sleepily, Sasha opened her eyes to stare up at her sister standing beside the bed. With a groan she pulled the covers over her head and muttered, “Go away.”

“No way, it’s late. Get up now. How come you didn’t go for your usual morning run?” With a quick flick of the wrist, Tammy flung the covers off Sasha.

“I guess I overslept.”

“That would have to be a first. It’s usually you pulling me out of bed.”

“I know. I don’t know what’s the matter with me lately; I just don’t seem to have any energy.”

“You need a holiday?”

“Chance would be a fine thing.” Swinging her feet out of bed, Sasha hurried into the bathroom.

Half an hour later, the women were perched on stools by the breakfast bar, munching toast and sipping large mugs of freshly brewed coffee. For several minutes, the only sound was the crunch of crisp toast, before Tammy broke the silence.

“Are you going to be in for dinner, sis?”

“As far as I know I will unless something unexpected comes up at work. Hell, is that the time? I’d better move.” Laying down her mug, Sasha pushed to her feet. “Can I give you a ride?”

“No thanks, I’m not on duty until ten o’clock.”

“So why didn’t you stay in bed?”

“And waste this beautiful morning? No way.” Gathering up the plates, Tammy moved across the room to the sink bench. “Dinner at seven, okay?”

“Sure, but isn’t it my turn to prepare it?”

“It is, but as I’ve got time on my hands this morning I’ll do most of it before I go to work. I’ll leave you a note about what you need to do.”

“Thanks, sis.” Impulsively Sasha leaned forward and hugged her sister. “What would I do without you as a flat mate?”

“You’d starve. Now off you go to work. You’ll be late if you don’t hurry.”

“Save me from bossy older sisters,” Sasha muttered, but accompanied it with a grin. “See you tonight.”

* * * *

For several minutes after Sasha left, Tammy’s gaze focused on the door through which her sister had just passed. How happy and effervescent Sasha always seemed. Riding on the crest of the world and never letting anything or anyone knock her off. How great to be that happy with your life.

Oh, how I wish life was that easy for me, how much better it would be to get through each day.

* * * *

Meanwhile, the object of Tammy’s musings was having a frustrating time going round and round the parking building in downtown Wellington trying to find a place to park. Finally, when she had almost given up hope, she spied a gap between two very large four-wheel drives at the very top of the building.

Now she was going to be late, and if there was one thing she hated, it was to be late. It was also the one thing her boss hated, and she wasn’t looking forward to his comments when she finally did make it into the office.

“Morning, Sasha.” The girl behind the reception desk on the lower floor called a greeting as Sasha hurried across the foyer toward the lift.

“Morning, Debbie,” Sasha answered, then sprinted the last few yards toward the lift as the doors opened and several people filed out. Before she reached it, the doors began to close.

“Hold that lift, please,” she yelled.

Breathlessly, Sasha stumbled inside, flashing the man who had held the lift for her a charming smile before collapsing against the back and attempting to regain her breath.

“Thanks, Peter.”

“My pleasure.”

Her breathing under control once more, Sasha turned to speak to the only other occupant.

Mesmerized, the man stared unashamedly at the woman standing before him. She was so beautiful and so full of life it seemed to surround her like an aura. Unable to help himself, he let his gaze slide over Sasha, taking in everything about her. The medium length black curly hair that bounced around her head as she moved; the dark brown eyes that seemed to mirror every expression; her tall slim but curvy body, and her long, almost indecently long, slim legs.

“Have I got wrinkles in my tights?” Sasha asked with an impish grin.

Embarrassed, Peter felt a tide of red flee up his face and neck. With a muttered “sorry,” he turned away.

Ashamed at teasing him, especially when he had saved her from being late, Sasha tried to make amends but only succeeded in making matters worse.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Peter, I didn’t mind you staring. In fact I’m flattered.”

“It was rude.” Again, hot color washed over Peter’s face. “It won’t happen again,” he promised, his tone as embarrassed as his face.

Then as if the gods had suddenly decided to take pity on him, the lift shuddered to a halt and the doors slid open.

“See you,” he muttered and hurried out of the lift.

A smile hovering around her lips, Sasha leaned forward and pressed the button for the top floor.

Poor Peter, how he must hate being caught staring, and how could I have been so cruel to tease him. I know how shy he is. At times my mouth and brain are obviously not connected.

“You’re late. Again! Grab your book and come straight in here,” were the first words Sasha heard through the intercom as she pushed open the outer door of her office and hurried inside the room that housed the sports section of the large newspaper where she worked.

“Sorry, Mike,” Sasha called prior to flinging off her jacket, stuffing her purse into the bottom drawer of her desk, and grabbing up her notebook before hurrying into her boss’ office.

Mike was on the telephone, but he waved Sasha into a chair and mouthed, Won’t be a minute, as she sat down. With a sigh, Sasha sank down onto the cushioned seat, relaxing back against the soft upholstery and taking several deep breaths to gather herself for the day ahead. The stack of papers littering Mike’s desk suggested she was going to need all her energy to get through the day without succumbing to exhaustion.

Several minutes passed and still Mike talked. Restlessly, Sasha wriggled in her seat. She hated this waiting around; especially when she knew that there was work needing her attention in her own office. Pushing to her feet she crossed to the large bulletin board, which made up one complete wall of the large untidy office.

Most of its space was taken up with a list of sports fixtures, but also gracing it were several photographs of top sportsmen, some of whom Mike had interviewed.

Hands clasped behind her back, Sasha moved slowly along the board absorbing the details of some of the fixtures, but mostly just looking at the photographs and filling in time.

Suddenly, a larger than life colored photograph caught her attention. A gasp of mingled pleasure and surprise echoed from between her lips.

He was every bit as handsome in still life as he had seemed on television. In slow motion, she let her gaze skim up and down the figure of Chad Williams.

Clad in dark blue racing overalls, his multi colored crash helmet hooked around one finger, he had been captured stepping from his bright blue racing car. Sasha’s gaze slid to his face; tanned a deep copper, it enhanced his looks. Not handsome in the accepted sense of the word, but handsome in a rugged devil-may-care way that was enough to make any red-blooded woman turn and take a second look.

Her attention was caught by the depth and color of his eyes. How could anyone have such blue eyes, she wondered. It was as if they were reflecting the color of the sky surrounding his head.

Sasha’s gaze slid upward to his hair. She was struck by the unusual color; the almost tiger stripes of gold that seemed to wend their way through the otherwise dark brown strands. The tendency it had to curl when damp as it obviously was now and the way he wore it slightly longer than was the norm, which did not detract one iota from his sheer masculinity.

“Handsome devil, isn’t he?” Mike had finished his call and was now standing directly behind her.

“What!” Startled, Sasha dragged her eyes from the photograph and turned to face Mike.

“I said—‘Handsome devil, isn’t he?’” Mike accompanied his statement with a knowing smile.

“Oh, sure.” Desperately she tried to bring her wayward emotions under control.

“Just ‘oh sure’? Can’t you do better than that?” Finally it sank into Sasha’s dulled brain that she was being baited.

“He’s also very vain,” she snapped. “I bet he thinks he’s God’s gift to women and that no one can refuse him?”

“With looks like that, why shouldn’t he be vain? Anyway, aside from that, he’s a damn good racing driver. Knows his chosen career from A to Z.”

“Since when did you become his champion? I’ve never known you to sound off about a member of your sex before. It’s usually the females that are the object of your interest.”

“And will continue to be. As to why I’m championing Chad, it’s simple. There are rumors floating around that he’s going to be part of a top team that will be racing in a special long distance V8 race here in New Zealand to celebrate the arrival of this class of racing here.”

“Long distance V8 race? What are you talking about?”

“You mean you haven’t heard about it. I thought you had a brother who is deeply involved with the local car club?”

“I do, but I’ve never been interested in motor racing, so if he did mention it, I obviously wasn’t paying attention.”

“Then I’ll have to fill you in on the details. It’s still very much in the planning stages, but the race is going to be held later in the year. Other than the normal drivers, they are hoping to attract a lot of other famous names to race in it. The latest information we received yesterday was that Chad Williams was included in the list of possible competitors and also that he is thinking of switching from CART racing to V8 Super car racing.”

“What a fantastic thing for motor sport in this country! But won’t it cost the earth to put on if top drivers are going to be taking part?”

“Sure, but again the rumors say the organizers have found some pretty heavy backing from two as yet unnamed sponsors.”

“But why are you interested in this race?”

“The bosses are thinking of sending someone to cover the race.”

“But we don’t normally report on motor racing.”

“I know, but the powers that be have deemed this race is going to be really special, and that we need to be there.”

For a moment Mike seemed lost in thought, then with a shake of his head he turned and headed back to his desk. “But enough about what’s in the future, we’ve got enough on our plate with today’s news.”

Dragging a bundle of papers toward him, he extracted two sheets and thrust them toward Sasha. “Study these, then set up an interview. Your deadline’s Friday.”

Sasha took the papers and quickly skimmed the contents.

“Okay, Friday it is.” Swinging on her heel, she headed back to her desk.

But when she sat down and began to formulate the questions for her upcoming interview, her mind kept skipping back to the photograph pinned to Mike’s bulletin board.

How terrific Chad Williams looked. Even in shapeless racing overalls his sheer masculinity and sexuality shone through.

Despite not liking the way he had come across in the television interview, Sasha couldn’t help but be affected by what she saw.

Handsome is as handsome does were the words that slid into her mind. With Mr. Chad Williams, there was no doubt that saying was true.

Resolutely, she hardened her heart against him and returned to the job on hand. She was never likely to meet him, never likely to interview him, so the best thing for her to do was try and forget all about him.

* * * *

“It’s confirmed, Sasha.”

“What’s confirmed, Mike?”

“The V8 race is a go and Chad Williams is coming for it.”

“Wow, that’s great.”

“I’m glad you think so, ’cause I want you to go to Australia and do a pre-race interview with him. He has just announced that he is switching to V8’s and will be doing several races there before coming here.”

“No way! I don’t know a thing about motor racing, and it doesn’t really interest me. Send Merv; he loves motor racing.”

“No, I want this to be an interview from the female perspective. Beside that, you are a miles better reporter than Merv.”

“Thanks for the compliment, I think. But don’t let Merv hear you say that, he thinks he’s the best that this newspaper has got.”

“Well, he’s not. Stop changing the subject. You have several months before you need to go to Australia. So in the meantime I want you to take a little more interest in the sport and, in particular, the career of Chad Williams.”

“If I must.” Sasha was peeved by Mike’s lack of compassion for her disinterest in motor racing.

“If you want to advance in your career as a sports reporter then you definitely must do this.” Mike reached behind him and pulled a bundle of magazines toward him. “Take these and begin your studies. They have a lot about V8 racing and Chad Williams.”

Reluctantly, Sasha took the bundle and left the room. This was not an assignment she welcomed; motor racing had never been an interest of hers, despite a young brother who spent all his spare time at the track.

Oh well. She sighed as she set the magazines down on the corner of her desk. The things one has to do to further one’s career.

* * * *

“Morning, sleepyhead. So, you’ve finally woken up?”

“Morning, mum. Anything to eat?” Pouring herself a large mug of coffee, Sasha hooked a stool forward with her foot and slid onto it. Slowly she began to relax. It was so good to be at home with the family, even if it was only for a weekend, and to be on the receiving end of some pampering from her mother.

“What would you like to eat? Scrambled eggs, bacon?”

“Oh, nothing like that, thanks. Just toast, please.”

Sasha took another swallow of her coffee before laying the mug on the bench and stretching wearily, her hand pressed against her back.

“Tired still, honey?” Placing a plate of piping hot toast before her daughter, Mrs. Miller pulled out another stool and sank onto it.

“Sure am, but I don’t know why. I get more than my usual quota of sleep, but it doesn’t seem to make the slightest bit of difference. I’m still waking up tired.”

“You need a holiday.” Mrs. Miller’s face showed the concern she felt for her daughter.

“Don’t I know it.”

“Then ask for leave,” Mrs. Miller suggested. “Tammy’s going away in a couple of weeks time; why not see if she’d mind you tagging along?”

“Mike would never agree. We have so much on at the moment.”

“Then somehow we’ve got to convince him that it’s a matter of great urgency that you have a holiday.”

“Easier said than done. You know Mike—the newspaper comes first, last and always. Still,” she pondered, “it’s worth asking, I suppose.”

“Of course it is, but first I’d check with Tammy.”

“Will do.” Sliding off the stool, Sasha reached forward and hugged her mother warmly. “Thanks, mum, you’re the best.”

A warm glow settled over Mrs. Miller’s face as she returned the hug. “Always glad to be of help. Now go and find Tammy. She and Robert are down by the pool.”

Spinning on her heel, Sasha hurried out of the kitchen, through the sliding doors and down the two shallow steps toward the fenced pool. Lost in thought, she did not hear the angry voices until she pushed open the gate. Then the full force of them hit her, as did the person who hurtled through the gate.

Hurriedly, Sasha sidestepped to avoid being knocked flying by the angry man. Surprised by the intensity of emotion vibrating from him, she turned to watch him disappear down the pathway. What had made Robert—a normally placid individual—so angry and uptight?

Worried about her sister, she hurried through the gate. At first, she couldn’t see Tammy, then suddenly a head appeared above the edge of the pool followed almost immediately by a swimsuit-clad body. Picking up a towel, Tammy began to dry off the water that clung to her body.

“What happened between you and Robert? I nearly got killed in his rush to leave.”

“We had what is commonly known as one hell of a row.”

“No kidding!” Sasha made no attempt to hide the sarcasm in her voice. “Even a fool would be able to see that, especially if they were standing where I was when he left. Talk about erupting volcanoes. I didn’t realize he could get that angry.”

“I guess he was rather annoyed.” Tammy still sounded calm and just a little as if she couldn’t care less how Robert had reacted. This puzzled Sasha. Her sister was not shallow and uncaring, despite how she was acting at present.

“What’s with you, Tam? I thought you loved Robert.”

“So did I. But now that it’s finished I realize that what I felt for him was nothing but lukewarm attraction.”

“Finished! You mean you and Robert are no longer an item?

“That’s exactly what I mean. Our engagement is off. I’m free once more.”

“And you sound like you don’t care.”

“I don’t. Hell! I don’t mean to sound uncaring, but I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Robert and I have been drifting through life together, which he will realize once he calms down a little.”

“But you seemed so sure of your future together. What changed?”

“I don’t know. But suddenly last night, I realized that I couldn’t go on fooling myself about how I felt. I didn’t love Robert like I should if I was going to marry him and the sooner I told him and we could both get on with our lives, the better.”

“And Robert had no idea this was how you felt.”

“I think he guessed and that is why he initiated today’s discussion.”

“Poor Robert.”

Sasha had always liked Robert Hunt, as had the rest of the family, and had thought that he was exactly the right sort of person for Tammy to spend her life with.

“Yes, poor Robert. But he will thank me…eventually.” For a brief moment Sasha saw sadness flit across her sister’s face.

After a few seconds she shrugged and added, “But I’m not going to look back. I’m going to get on with my life and the first thing on the agenda is my holiday.”

“And that’s why I came to see you.” Throwing off her own reflective mood, Sasha began to outline her plan.

“Mum thinks I need a holiday and suggested that I ask if you’d mind me tagging along.”

“Mind? Hell no!” Enthusiastically, Tammy jumped up and pulled her sister into a quick hug.

“You really want to come?”

“Sure do, but I never thought about it until Mum mentioned it.”

Gingerly, Sasha eased away from her sister’s arms and began to brush the drops of water from her clothes. Finally she gave up trying to get dry and pulled off her wet jumper.

A wry grin spread across Tammy’s face. “Sorry about that, I guess I got a little carried away. Do you think Mike will give you the time off?”

“Probably not. But with a little bit of female guile, I reckon I’ll be able to swing it.”

“I’m sure you will.” As she spoke, Tammy’s gaze slid to her sister.

How could any man resist her pleas? All Sasha had to do was flash her expressive brown eyes, toss her beautiful dark hair and they were queuing up eager to do her bidding.

Her eyes shifted back to her sister’s face and she was dismayed to see the dark marks under the beautiful eyes and the deep lines of tiredness bracketing Sasha’s lips. She looked exhausted and was obviously badly in need of a break.

“It’s settled. If Mike gives the okay, you come with me to Surfers Paradise. But,” she added, her face lighting up with mischief, “there’s one thing I insist on.”

“And what’s that?” The excited smile that had lit up Sasha’s face only moments before, faded.

“That you don’t hog all the eligible males. That you let me have at least one to your two.”

“Tease.” Scooping up one of the beach balls lying on a spare chair, Sasha threw it at her sister. Adroitly, Tammy avoided the missile and it bounced harmlessly into the pool.

“Who’s teasing? I’ve been away with you before don’t forget.”

“But that was years ago, we were only young then,” Sasha protested, hot color flooding her face. She remembered the holiday very well and the embarrassment she had felt when several young males had all pleaded undying love.

“So what.”

“So nothing. Anyway, it’ll probably be you that collects all the men, you’re far more attractive than me. Especially with that beautiful head of red hair.”

“Auburn, Sasha. Auburn, not red, and at the moment it’s a mop.” In exasperation Tammy threaded her fingers through the tangle of reddish brown curls that clung to her well-shaped head. “I’m thinking of getting it cut short.”

“Oh, don’t do that; you’d spoil it.”

“No way. I need a new image.” Lifting the swatch of hair Tammy piled it up on top of her head and swung backwards and forwards in front of her sister. “How do you think it would look?”

“Well…” Sasha studied the image before her. “I guess it doesn’t look bad, but—”

“But nothing,” Tammy interrupted. “I’m going to do it. First thing tomorrow morning I’m going to make an appointment and have it cut and styled.” Dropping the bundled up hair, Tammy picked up her towel wrap and shrugged into it.

Sliding an arm through her sister’s, Tammy guided her toward the gate. “Let’s go inside and talk about our holiday.”

“Our holiday. I love the sound of that.” Matching her sister’s steps, Sasha allowed Tammy to lead her inside. “I do hope Mike agrees.”

“He will, you’ll see. Now shush a minute so I can fill you in on all the details and what you’ve got to do tomorrow.” Good naturedly, Tammy slapped a hand over her sister’s mouth to stop her talking.

“Carry on.” Sasha managed to mumble as the hand pressed more firmly against her lips. “But please, can I breathe while you talk?”

“With a laugh Tammy dropped her hand. “Fine. Now listen, don’t talk.”