Love Will Find You Page 10

  “I’d better feed you, otherwise you won’t come back.”

  “Otherwise I’ll stay at your grandma’s next time.”

  That made him chuckle. He hugged her closer, breathing in the scent of her skin. She turned in his arms, and he noticed her cheeks were still flushed.

  “You smell good,” he said into the side of her throat.

  There was a moan and she snuggled up even more. Not that he would complain.

  “Pizza?”

  He felt her nod against his chest.

  “So, what did you mean, you don’t like this place?” she asked after he’d ordered the food.

  “Hmm?” He turned to look at her.

  “You said you don’t like it here.”

  “Oh, that.” He touched her lips with his. “Have you had a look around?”

  “Ah, yeah. I mean, I can’t take my eyes off this beautiful place.”

  He moved back a little to look into her eyes. Her statement confused him, and it went against everything he’d learnt about her so far. He believed she liked the small coastal town in New South Wales, and she didn’t like big fancy cars like his. Or the rental car he’d booked. It hadn’t gone past him that she’d changed the vehicle into something smaller.

  “Really. This place?”

  “What’s wrong with it?”

  Was she mocking him? With a big sigh, he rolled onto his back and stared towards the ceiling. With a hundred thoughts going through his head, he didn’t know where to begin to explain his dislike for the house.

  “Money is not everything, Katie.”

  “Oh, I know,” she whispered, as she touched his arm with her lips.

  “It’s a great place and looks great, but it lacks character. I don’t say that Grandma’s place is ideal, but that’s a home. That’s a place where I can imagine myself sitting back on a Saturday morning, reading the paper, and listening to the pitter-patter of little children’s feet.”

  Closing his eyes, he waited for her reaction. Pitter-patter. The noise of little children. It was obvious enough. Except there was no reaction, and when he opened his eyes, he stared into her beautiful face. The smile on it reached to the outlines of her eyes.

  “Know what I mean?” he asked quietly.

  She nodded. “I think I’m getting to understand where you’re heading with this.”

  He cupped the back of her neck and gently pulled her towards him. He couldn’t get enough of her and hoped the food would arrive later rather than sooner. But Katie wasn’t finished with the conversation they were having.

  She leaned back and their gazes met. “Why did you buy it?”

  Well, why did he? It was one of those things he had just agreed to. Anita had been all over this place. She’d loved it and had organised most of the furniture. She hadn’t been long out of his life when he realised his dislike for the place. Overnight stays at his mother’s place had been frequent until he’d changed the bed he’d had slept in with Anita, and Markus and Oliver had helped him rearrange a few things. With a smile, he remembered the parties they’d had since, but deep down inside it was just a place he stayed overnight. It’d never felt like home.

  “I didn’t. My manager organised this as an investment and a residence to be close to HQ.”

  She laughed.

  “What?”

  “The way you say HQ. Sounds like you’re talking about some secret service.”

  He shook his head. “Your imagination is running wild, Katie.” He kissed her again. And again. “Thanks for coming to Melbourne.”

  Another kiss.

  “Thanks for accepting my apologies.”

  He loved touching her skin, listening to her laughter. It was so different to that day he’d met her at the beach.

  “Katie?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Will you tell me why you cried that day I met you at the beach?”

  His heart ached when she moved away from him. Holding her close around her waist, he tried to meet her gaze, but she averted her eyes and finally focused on something outside.

  “You don’t have to,” he said as he placed his finger under her chin to lift her face towards him.

  Shaking her head, she replied, “It’s not…it…My sister died recently.”

  It all made sense now. He watched her face, sensing her loss deep within his heart. Kissing her on her forehead, he said, “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” He pulled her into an embrace and moved his hand up and down her back.

  “Paige was her name. She was almost two years older than me.”

  She stopped, and he left her to her thoughts, not wanting to push. He’d noticed her body tensing, so he gave her all the time she needed.

  “It was the first of April. Mum rang me saying Paige had been in an accident.”

  Another pause. He heard the sound of her breathing. Deep and controlled.

  “She’d asked me to come to the hospital, but by the time I got there, Paige had already passed away.”

  A tear wet his skin, and he placed another kiss on her forehead.

  “I didn’t even have time to say goodbye. She left without letting me say goodbye.”

  “What happened?” he asked quietly after a long moment.

  “Drunk driver. I know it’s an awful thing to say, but I hope he rots in hell.”

  Silence hung in the air and the brief outburst of grief and anger seemed to have passed. His heart squeezed for her, imagining the hell she must have gone through and was still going through. Katie’s face reflected sorrow, and he couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose someone close. Remembering how he had felt when his father had been in hospital after the heart attack, Ty subconsciously pulled her in again. It was the closest he’d been to losing someone. His grandpa, Hazel’s husband, had died when he’d been very little. He imagined never having a special person in his life again. It hurt, and the pain spread through every part of his body.

  “I have no words appropriate enough to express how sorry I am. You must miss her dearly.”

  She nodded, and as she wiped the few tears away, she looked up at him with a hesitant smile on her lips. “It’s all right.”

  “I’m glad you were at the beach that day.”

  The smile now reached the corners of her eyes. “Me, too.”

  Ty was leaning forward for another kiss when the sound of the bell reminded them there was pizza on the way.

  ***

  Wearing only his pants, Tyson went downstairs and opened the door. Except it wasn’t the pizza delivery.

  “Mate. You’re back,” Markus said while Oliver walked right past him into his lounge.

  He quickly shut the door and followed his friends. “Wow, guys. Back off.” With a grin he added, “I’ve got Katie here.”

  They stared at him, and a smirk appeared on their faces in slow motion.

  “The chick from up the coast?”

  “I hope there’s not another chick,” Katie said as she came down the stairs.

  They all looked up at her, and a surge of pride ran through Ty. She must’ve grabbed a pair of his track pants and a T-shirt, and she looked sexy as hell.

  “Nice meeting you, Katie,” Markus said.

  As soon as she was near the last step, Tyson held out his hand and gently guided her next to him. “These are my mates Markus and Oliver.”

  “Nice meeting you both.”

  “So much for the cricket game,” Oliver said, patting Ty on the back. “Nice job on the girl.” He turned towards Markus. “Let’s leave them in peace to have their wicked way upstairs. The game is about to start.” Before leaving, Oliver placed a kiss on Katie’s cheek. “An absolute delight meeting you, sweet pea. How about dinner next time you’re in town?”

  Markus held out his hand, and Katie took it. “You need to excuse him. He’s from a different planet. But dinner sounds good indeed. After all, we’re curious about the girl who’s wrapped our friend here around her finger.”

  “I’d like that,” she replied shyly a
s Tyson put his arm around her shoulders.

  Behind them, Oliver had opened the door. “C’mon, Mark. We’re losing time.” There was a brief pause before he added, “And their dinner’s here.”

  Tyson went to the door to pay for the pizza.

  “Is that all you offer your girl?” Oliver asked as he opened the pizza box and pinched a slice. He turned to Katie. “He earns millions, sweet pea. You should ask for something more.”

  Markus gave her a wink and joined the guys at the door. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just jealous because baseball doesn’t pay as much.” He grabbed the back of Oliver’s T-shirt and pulled him towards the car. “C’mon, old guy. Murphy’s bar has a big screen with the cricket on.”

  Tyson shook his head as he closed the door. He was sure Katie would storm out and leave him behind. Thank goodness her car was still at his grandmother’s.

  “Pizza?”

  There was the smile again. The way she stood there in the middle of the hall, in his track pants and a T-shirt. He loved her smile, he adored the way her eyes sparkled. Something pulled at his heart. He’d never experienced anything this intense. She blushed.

  “Your friends?”

  ***

  Katie was still somewhat taken aback by the sudden appearance of Tyson’s friends. Not that they’d been rude, but within a short time she’d been completely overwhelmed with information and attitude.

  Especially from Oliver.

  She had no idea what had happened. One minute she was naked in Tyson’s bed, next she was half dressed and in front of two gorgeous looking men. Pure testosterone times three in one small place.

  Sweet pea?

  Really?

  She’d never dated or even known a guy who was so incredibly attractive, he could pose for adverts, and all of a sudden, she stood next to three of them. Poster boys for sexy. Oliver was a self-confident presence, and she was sure women all over Melbourne melted into those green eyes. And Markus wasn’t any less attractive, especially with the muscles rippling under his white shirt. The slight stubble on his jaw suggested a lazy morning. She was convinced he could make a woman fall for him with those brilliant blue eyes, and that smile on his face.

  Taking a deep breath, she wondered whether this was real or whether Tyson was playing with her. After all, she was decent looking, but nothing compared to the many local beauties he could’ve had his pick of.

  Or Anita.

  “Pizza?” he asked again.

  She nodded. Smelling the pizza reminded her how hungry she was. He came towards her, took her hand, and she followed him into the lounge room. Placing the box on the table, he switched on the TV.

  “Can I offer you a drink? Soft drink, beer or—”

  “A soft drink would be nice.”

  He went to get the drinks and some glasses before sitting next to her.

  “Markus, Oliver, and I have been buddies since way back. We played footy together on the same team when we were kids.”

  “Are they AFL players?”

  “Nope. Mark plays soccer, Oliver turned to baseball a few years back.”

  Right, baseball was mentioned in that brief, but slightly odd conversation.

  For a moment, she enjoyed her pizza and tried to focus on the movie that was playing on the telly. She was sure she was overreacting, after all, Teagan often came and went into her apartment. Was it that she’d been wearing his clothes, and nobody had even worried about it?

  “Hey,” he said as placed an arm around her shoulder and gently pulled her closer. “They’re good guys. Oliver is a bit eccentric, but it’s only show.”

  Katie nodded. Her thoughts must’ve been plastered over her face. Why else would he have said anything?

  “It’s okay. I was just a bit—”

  “Glowing?” he finished.

  She blushed. She knew it. Her face was hot as if it were on fire. Pulling in her lips, she tilted her head and looked at him, but didn’t know what to say, so she shrugged.

  Tugging her into his lap, he snuggled her in. He slid his hand to the nape of her neck before leaning his forehead against hers.

  “They’re great guys.”

  “I know,” she whispered. “It was just a bit awkward to be thrown into the situation after…you know…I’m fine. I promise, I’m fine.”

  He wrapped his arms around her, and his lips touched hers.

  “Ty?”

  “Uh-huh?”

  “I’m not an athletic sports person. I need food, otherwise I keel over.”

  He laughed. “Righteo.”

  Before he moved her off his lap, though, he gave her another kiss. Deep, hot, and—tempting.

  “You’re a shocker. And a teaser.”

  A smile spread over his face, and she stayed on his lap, but grabbed a piece of pizza.

  “Tell me about you?” she asked with a mouthful.

  His left eyebrow rose. “What would you like to know?”

  “We spent the last few hours in your bed, and I only know that you have a grandma named Hazel, who is adorable by the way, and a most wonderful mother.”

  That made him chuckle.

  “Oh, and according to one of your friends, you earn enough to feed me better than just a pizza.”

  “Got a niece, Cailyn.”

  “Yup.”

  “Play AFL, finished my first full season.”

  “Impressive.”

  “Twenty-eight years old, not married, never have been.”

  “I like that.”

  “Just had the best sex in my life.”

  She knew she was blushing, and closed her eyes as her shoulders sagged. His throaty laughter went right through her and did something in the pit of her stomach.

  “Siblings?”

  “Yes. Otherwise the niece would’ve come out of nowhere.”

  Right. Of course. She gave him a gentle slap against his chest.

  “Siblings?” she asked again as she took another piece of the pizza. “By the way, if you’re not touching this pizza, I feel a bit awkward here eating it all on my own.”

  He grabbed a piece as well and took a few bites before he answered. “Sister. Cailyn’s mum. Working at a local travel agency.”

  One of those dream jobs she thought. She would’ve loved to have a career where your job is to travel the world.

  “I’d love to have a job like that,” she whispered more to herself than to him. “Travel the world. See places. Meet people.” Her gaze went out the window. The sun had set, and the marina was a sea of sparkling lights. “What’s it like in the U.S.?” she asked without looking at him.

  “A great place. Los Angeles is just one big buzz. There’s nothing where we went to last week, though. A bit like the outback.”

  Meeting his eyes, she said in surprise, “Really?” He nodded and with a little jab of jealousy she added, “Never been there either.” None of her friends had been overseas or to the outback. Most of them had been up north to Sydney or even farther along the coast. Teagan had been to Melbourne and Adelaide for some seminars and had loved both cities.

  “It’s my first time here in Melbourne,” she said.

  Tyson placed his hand on her cheek and traced her bottom lip with his thumb. His chocolate brown eyes searched hers. “I’d better take you around tomorrow. You’ll love it.”

  Mere inches apart, she instinctively moved closer. Her lips touched his, and she closed her eyes, revelling in the gentleness of his kiss.

  ***

  After a quick shower the next morning, Katie and Ty headed towards Southbank for breakfast. Southbank was the area stretching along the Yarra River, and as Katie found out, a busy part of the City. Walking down the promenade, they watched local buskers entertain the passersby.

  Katie figured out the city was easy to navigate. They hopped on and off the free City Circle tram, before taking in the distinctive architectural styles at Federation Square. Probably the eeriest thing she’d ever experienced was the sky deck on the Eureka tower. The little
glass tube, The Edge as it was called, moved about three meters out from the building, suspended almost three hundred meters above the ground. Katie nearly crawled back on all fours to the building. They spent a ridiculously long amount of time watching the fountains in the Crown Casino. She loved the play of the water in all forms and creations, its gentle sound, so soothing and relaxing.

  Katie adored Melbourne and was sad when it was time to head out to Hazel’s.

  “Have you enjoyed the city?” the old lady asked as they stepped into her house.

  “I had no idea it was so beautiful.”

  Tyson’s grandmother nodded. “It’s come a long way.”

  Caroline and her husband, James, joined them for some afternoon tea, and Katie was introduced to another important family member.

  She liked James Gaspaldi. He was a quiet gentleman of sixty or so, Katie guessed. It was a wonderful short afternoon, and she learnt more about James’s recent heart attack and his retirement. Giving up his job as an executive at a big international company was hard, but reading between the lines, Katie assumed he didn’t miss his job.

  Again, she felt the jab of regret at never having travelled farther than Queensland. She’d had a chance once to go to Alice Springs, but in the end that had fallen through.

  James was soft-spoken, which surprised her considering his solid body. It was the same gentle voice she’d come to know from Ty.

  The time to travel back home came too quickly, and she said her farewells to everyone. She thanked Tyson’s family and stepped outside with him.

  Tears stung behind her eyelids, and she wasn’t able to meet his gaze.

  “I’ll check out flights to come up on Friday night,” he said as he lifted her head with his finger.

  Katie simply nodded, too afraid she wouldn’t be able to say a word.

  He leaned forward and kissed her. “I had the best time,” he whispered against her lips.

  “Me too.”

  His kiss deepened and made it harder for her to leave. When she finally did get into the car, she drove off, a quick glance in the back mirror showing her that he was struggling as well.

  Turn left onto Sutton Street the electronic voice suddenly said, and she tried to focus as best as possible to get out of the Sunday night Melbourne traffic, en route to New South Wales. Just the thought of the eight hour drive ahead of her was exhausting. Did he say flight? Of course, there had to be a connection between Melbourne and her town. She remembered there was a small airport down the coast.