Escape down under Read online

  I spend the next fifteen minutes or so searching high and low for my phone. Where the bloody hell is it? I can't remember for the life of me where I last had it. How the hell can I lose my phone in this house? Everything has its place and I never go anywhere without it. It has my whole life on it. I say a silent prayer to everything that's holy for iCloud. I have searched everywhere and it’s not as if I can phone myself as I always have it on silent. Too many sales companies hassle me; if it's not them then I'm being told that I am owed thousands for an accident I have never had. The easiest option would be to change my number. Maybe I should look into doing that, right after I have located the one item that keeps my life on the straight and narrow.

  I'm still rummaging through the wash basket when the landline chimes to life. Making a dash for the receiver I stumble a little, going over on my ankle slightly. Shit that fucking burns.

  "Hello?" I squeeze my eyes shut to block out the pain that's beginning to radiate up and around my ankle. I hobble over to the sofa to take some pressure of it for a moment. I can hear Jen patiently waiting on the other end of the line for me.

  "Hey, you okay?" The concern in her voice is sweet. If anyone knows how clumsy I am, it’s Jen. We've been besties since we were eight, so she has seen a fair few incidents on my part, most of them being embarrassing. Throughout it all she has stuck by me and never once judged me, so I guess I found myself a real keeper.

  "Yep, just kinda gone arse over tit trying to get to the god damn phone before it rings off. If you've been ringing my mobile I apologise. I can't find it for the life of me and it's driving me insane."

  "Maybe that's because you left it in my car last night." Jen says and chuckles down the line. "I'm on my way over now anyway and I've grabbed the wine; figured you could use it after your urgent meeting this morning."

  What a legend she is. The first sign of drama and she's on her way over with wine. I seriously don't know how I'm going to cope with her being on the other side of the world from me.

  "In that case, why are you still on the phone, get your arse over here sharpish lady.'"

  I hobble back to my room, the pain in my ankle easing slightly. Its times like these that I am thankful that I have the house to myself. It's not that I didn't parade around the house in just my underwear when Josh was here because I did and quite frequently; but there is just something more comforting knowing that nobody is going to walk in on me half naked. I settle on my lounge pants and a vest top and shove my still damp hair into a messy bun. I'm a big lover of comfort. Plus it’s all I can be bothered to do with my hair. My split ends are atrocious; the sight of them would give my hairdresser a coronary. When I get my phone back I must remember to give her a call before my little adventure begins.

  Jen makes it over within the hour. As I am busying myself sorting the pizza, my wild child of a best friend comes barrelling into the kitchen.

  "Hey sexy lady!" I look up from removing the pizza to see her looking like the cat that got the cream. Someone is definitely feeling happy for themselves.

  "Hey yourself. Pizza's done so grab what you want." I say as I make my way to the lounge, wine glass in hand and await the assault that is about to be impounded onto my brain. Quiet, Jen is not.

  I'm still waiting whilst Jen finishes the last of the pizza that remains on her plate. She's a little too quiet for my liking.

  "Spill it Davies! What, or should I say who has put that dopey arse smile on your face?"

  "I don't know what you're talking about." she says as she pops her plate onto the coffee table. "Can't a girl be happy to spend some quality time with her favourite girl?" I watch her curiously as she refills our glasses. She can't lie for shit and by hook or crook she isn't leaving my house until she fills me in on the gossip that I have obviously been missing out on. I continue to stare her down. "I'll happily sit here all night until you confess whatever it is that you've been hiding from me, and you bloody well know it."

  She lets out a defeated sigh "Well, you know like Molly and Dave have moved out? Well it seems that they have decided to rent their house out rather than sell up. It doesn't always work out when you emigrate apparently and Molly wanted to keep her options open." She takes a big gulp of her wine followed by a wicked grin. "I noticed the lights were on when I got home on Thursday and thought it would be polite to introduce myself to the new neighbours." The blush on her face appears again so I just sit here and wait for her to continue. "You know, just a quick hi or how do you do; feel free to pop around for sugar if you need to, that kind of thing."

  "Go on." I'm quite interested in where this is going. Shit she's flustered just thinking about it. This is not a look that you see on Jennifer Davies' face often!

  "What can I say; I didn't expect a fucking god to open the door in nothing but a towel Jess. I mean, come on. I stood there with my mouth hanging wide open, full on gawping for him to see. Talk about attractive!"

  Her head falls into her hands in shame and I can't help but laugh. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall in that moment.

  "It's so not funny Jess. I've never moved so fast in my life. Less than ten minutes later he's knocking on my door, still in just a towel, asking if he could use the shower as his boiler was playing up."

  "Yeah I'm sure it was Jen. Still, there are worse lines he could have used."

  "Obviously, I let him in to use it. I couldn't exactly say no after my perfect neighbour routine could I?"

  I shake my head in disbelief. Jen never gets embarrassed about anything and I mean anything. She was always the girl that would flash her tits from the back of the bus or do anything to create a bit of drama and attention. This guy must be pretty hot if he's managed to work her up this much.

  "So you fucked him." It's more of a statement than a question. "Tell me you at least got his name?"

  "Hey!" She feigns a hurt expression and holds her hand to her chest "what kind of girl do you take me for? Of course I got his name; it's only fair since I made sure he was saying mine all night!"

  The laughter is uncontrollable. It takes a while for it to quiet down. Every time we catch a glimpse at one another it starts up again.

  "His name's Luke." She smiles as she says his name and her eyes are as bright as fireworks. "It's only a little bit of fun. Pure heat fuelled lust with no strings. It's perfect for me Jess. I'm done with getting walked all over. It's time I let my hair down and had some fun for a change."

  I couldn't argue with her on that front. Yes, she's dated some pretty shitty guys and she deserves to have some fun. My only problem is that she falls too deep too soon. That is always a recipe for disaster.

  "But shitting hell Jess, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't take him for a test drive again. The man has some serious skills."

  I return from the kitchen with another bottle of wine. Seeing as it looks like we're going to be making a night of it, we may as well do it in style. Plus, I'm not sure how long I have until I leave and when I do I'm even more clueless as to how long I will be away. One thing I do know is that I'm really going to miss this crazy bitch while I'm gone. I'm comforted knowing that she has a new plaything to keep her company.

  "Anyway, enough about me and my rocking sex life. What's happening with you? How did your meeting go?" She says as I fall back onto the sofa. Oh where to start. I knew this was bound to come up in conversation, I just thought I would have a little bit of time to adjust and think about how I was going to position it. One thing I do know when it comes to Jen is to never beat around the bush and to get straight to the point.

  "Mal's moving. He's been offered an amazing opportunity to expand the business; I think it's fantastic. I've seen him work so, so hard to build the business to what it is today. Nobody deserves it better than him." I reach over and grab my glass before I continue. "I'm not sure when it's all going to happen. It was more of a briefing than anything else. I don't think the other guys have been told yet as it were only me and Mal in the meeting this morning."

 
; "How come it was only you and Mal in the meeting? What's going to happen with the office here? I sure as hell hope he leaves you in charge. No one else has put as much time and effort into that place like you have. You've always bent over backwards for that company."

  I take a deep breath, not knowing what her reaction will be. "He wants me to go with him Jen. I'm not sure of the ins and outs just yet, but what I do know is that a new development project has come up and both Mal and this other company want me on board." I await a response from her. It's seems she is at a loss for words, which takes me by complete surprise. Her mouth opens and closes a few times and then the questions start to flow.

  "Go where? How long will you be gone? Shit Jess this is big stuff." She whistles.

  "You're telling me. I haven't even managed to think it through; it's taken me all day to try and get my head around it. Most likely it will be for a couple of weeks and then I can oversee everything from my office here."

  "Shitting hell. My princess is about to make it big. Wait, what am I supposed to do without you? George doesn't put up with my drama strops like you do. What if I asked you to stay? Would you do that for little old me?"

  I give her a slight punch to the arm. "I get the promotion of a lifetime and all you care about is who you can whinge to? Unreal Davies. I'm sure your new little plaything will keep you more than entertained while I'm away."

  "Less of the small; that he most definitely isn't. I won't even tell you what that man can do." Jen pouts her lips in a plea for me to change my mind.

  "Come here you soft cow." I pull her into a tight hug. "What am I going to do with you hey? I'm going to miss you too."

  JESS

  The rest of the weekend goes by pretty quickly. Jen ended up leaving shortly after lunch. I'm guessing lover boy was after a bit more action as her phone was going nonstop. Never, in all the years that I have known her, have I ever witnessed the speed in which Jen left my house. Damn that girl has it bad already. I just hope she isn't playing with fire. Only time will tell.

  Taking advantage of the peace and quiet, I decided to spend the rest of the day researching the Gold Coast. I would be lying if I said I wasn't getting more and more excited at the prospect of this challenge and adventure. The images that I stumbled across were out of this world. To relax on the beach after a hard day at work is right up my street. Plus, the time away would probably do me the world of good.

  Finally I start to feel like my life is heading back on the right track, and truthfully it's about time. Something's never change though, after switching on my phone, there were at least twelve messages from Josh. I left them unread as it's too much energy that I don't want to waste on him. I know ignoring him isn’t the answer, but what else can I say? I've told him time and time again that I don't want to know but yet he continues with the calls and messages. Josh is a little situation that I really do need to sort out and soon, otherwise I can see it getting out of hand. It kind of bothers me why he is so insistent to talk; communication was never really his forte in our relationship. No matter what he has put me through and the hurt I still feel inside, I can't bring myself to look at him and watch that same hurt reflecting back at me. I guess he has finally realised that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. A little too late I would say.

  "Good morning princess." Now that's a phrase I will never get tired of hearing. I'm scooped up into a big bear hug and spun around before being settled back on my feet. "Looking gorgeous as always." Ever the heart stopper. I look up at George, the most important man in my life. No matter how shit I am feeling this guy always knows how to make it right.

  "Right back at'cha sweetheart; cappuccino when you're ready." I get a slap to my behind for my cheek and make my way over to a free table. I watch as he works his magic and notice without surprise, the lingering eyes of the morning crowd that follow his every move. I don't blame them; the guy is sexy as hell. It's a mighty shame none of them stand a chance. I'm sure he would show each and every one of them a great time.

  "I speak for the whole female population when I say this, and I say it with love in my heart, but you're a fucking waste to us women Matthews!"

  He winks at me as he takes the seat opposite me. Running his spare hand through his mass of jet black hair, which I might add is in need of a trim, but then I suppose it adds to his ruggedness. His emerald green eyes flash up at me followed by his wicked grin.

  "You couldn't handle me if you tried princess." He flexes his biceps for added effect as he slides my cappuccino across the table. Fortunately I am immune to his charm, but only just. Many women have tried to make him see sense. Apparently, it's a woman's touch that he needs and all of them have failed, Jen included. I've never seen anyone so sure that they could turn someone.

  "If he's going to turn for anyone it's obviously going to be me!" Her confidence is outstanding, but I sure as hell wouldn't have her any other way. One in a million that girl.

  "What brings you in here this early other than catching a glimpse of this?" He runs his hand up and down his front and I can't help but laugh.

  "What better way to start my week than catching a glimpse of my favourite god?" Oh that coffee hits me in the perfect spot. "Mmm, that's so good! Move in with me so I can have this when I wake up every morning?" I love winding him up but he's not for taking the bait today. He just stares me down waiting for me to answer him.

  "Oh alright killjoy, there's a couple of changes going on at work; I don't know all the ins and outs just yet." George opens his mouth wanting to say something but I cut him off. "As soon as I have all of the details I'll be able to tell you more I promise. To add to that, I've got Josh messaging and calling me constantly; practically begging me to meet up with him for a chat." I look at George over my cup so I can try and gage some kind of reaction. Both Jen and George were over the moon when I finally manned up and grew some balls as they kindly put it when I ended things with Josh.

  "A huge part of me wants to tell him to piss off, and then another part of me is curious as to what he has to say, you know? Maybe once he's done that he can move on? Why is it me that always has the drama?" My head falls into my hands as I will the world to right itself.

  "I guess Jen's having a field day right now? Jess, I'd be surprised if she's not currently hunting him down so she can torture him by holding a heated pair of pliers to his balls. I think we both know what a psycho bitch Jen can be when she feels the need to protect her own."

  "I think he's kind of safe for now. I didn't end up telling her last light." I pause briefly, but quickly carry on. "What? Don't look at me like that Matthews!" I point my finger sternly at him in warning, but it does no good as we both start laughing. "She looked far too happy and I didn't want to be the rain cloud of doom twice in one day, okay?" Me moving away for a while is more than enough for her to handle in such a short period of time, let alone my issues with Josh.

  "So what are you not telling me?" Oh now I'm being treated to the joys of his serious tone!

  "I love it when you look angry and get all serious on me. It kind of makes me want to jump you and do bad bad things!" I can see that he's cracking. A small trace of a smile spreads on his lips.

  "Spill it!" He growls.

  "Like I said, I don't know the whole ins and outs just yet but Mal's moving to Australia to work on a new project for a while and he's asked me to go with him. I'm pretty sure I'll only be needed for a few weeks. It's no biggie!" I grab my phone to check the time and realise if I don't get a move on I'm going to be late getting to the office.

  "Hey listen, I'm gonna have to shoot otherwise my arse will be on the firing line. I'll pop in at lunch and fill you in on what I know. If I don't go now, I'm not going to be travelling anywhere." I grab the remainder of my coffee, and head for the door. "Love ya." I blow a kiss in George's direction and the whole shop is instantly filled with very angry women. Ahh if only they knew he walked around my house half naked most weekends.

  "Right back at you sweet cheeks.
"

  I dash off at full speed trying to get through the rush hour of pedestrians. Shit, I'm never late - ever! Punctuality is my thing. Oh balls, it's Mal's fault anyway. If I had a clear head there would be no problem in me remembering my responsibilities instead of worrying about the new direction the business is taking. I round the corner; I'm almost there when I go face first into something hard.

  "Fuck." I moan. Yep, that's going to leave a perfect shiner on my eye. Just what I need in my life right now. My head starts to clear and as I regain my balance, my eyes start to refocus and the first thing I see is a crisp white shirt. I pull my hand down from where it is currently pressed against the side of my head; worried that if I move it, my head might fall apart. I rake my eyes slowly up the torso before me; taking full notice that the remainder of my coffee is now making designs on said crisp white shirt. Shit, shoot me now or at least let me go back to bed so I can start this day over.

  "Maybe you should watch where you're going hey?"

  My eyes snap up at the raspiness of that voice. So deep and seductive, I can feel it vibrate through my whole body. When my eyes reach his they lock firmly in place and I feel an intense heat course through my veins. No matter how much I try to look away, my body betrays me. I notice that his eyes stay locked on mine too, as if neither one of us has the power to look away. We remain rooted on the spot, our breathing coming in fast rapid bursts. I take in his features, from the dirty blonde of his messy hair to those deep blue eyes that are perfectly framed by his dark lashes. My eyes slowly work their way south, taking in his mouth. Oh that mouth; so soft and full. I want nothing more than to lean in and kiss him right in this moment. My breath has well and truly been knocked right out of me. I'm not sure if it's from the collision that has just taken place or the effect my body is having on me as I take in the sight of this blissful male stood in front of me. I start to gather my thoughts and as I do, I notice he is just as affected as I am. His chest is heaving at a rapid pace and his breathing is becoming deeper with each passing moment. The pulse in his neck is going wild and his jaw is clenched tightly as if he is worried he can't control himself.