Escape down under Read online

  Get a fucking grip Jess! I mentally shout at myself. My head is seriously messed up if I'm getting worked up by a stranger on the streets of London. I go to apologise but my voice fails me. It takes everything I have to put one foot in front of the other and make my way into the office.

  I make it with just enough time to start my computer and try to make myself look presentable.

  MAX

  "As soon as this meeting is over, I swear I'm heading straight back home to crash. Yeah, sure I'll catch you later." Man my head hurts. The next time I come up with the bright idea to fly long haul, I need to be sure as hell that I have scheduled in a day to sleep before attending any meetings. Jet lag's a mother fucking sucker.

  I disconnect the call and slide it into my jacket just as a force barrels into my chest. I'm not in the mood for any of this shit today. I'm about to let rip towards this prick for not watching where they're going when I look down and see a mass of honey coloured hair before me.

  "Maybe you want to watch where you're going, hey?" I say, a little shitty. It's all I can say as the moment she looks up and her eyes meet mine, I'm rendered speechless. Fuck, she looks like a deer caught in the headlights, those eyes. She's looking at me like she can see right through me. I don't know if it's the jet lag or the collision that just took place but the wind has well and truly been sucker punched right out of me. I want to look away, walk on and get on with my day; but my legs won't move as I take in her beauty.

  Those eyes.

  That mouth.

  Legs that go on for days.

  What I wouldn't do to have those bad boys wrapped tightly around my shoulders as I work her tiny arse hard. Lifting my hand to rub my temple, I mentally give myself a dressing down. I'm getting a fucking boner in the middle of a packed out street in London. Fantasies are running around like crazy in my mind and I don't even know her. Shit Wild! Get. Your. Fucking. Act. Together. Man.

  I allow my eyes wonder up and down her body and properly take her in. She looks thoroughly fuckable as she stands before me, lost for words. I can see her lips move as if she is about to say something. Whatever it is, it doesn't leave those edible lips. She throws me one final glance as she hurries away from me. Who the fuck is she?

  I notice a coffee shop just down the road. I'm early and coffee is as strong as it's going to get right now so I head in that direction. It's been a good few years since my last trip to London, but some things never change. Seriously, it feels like I have never been away. Everyone is always in a rush to get somewhere; they act as though they should have been there yesterday. A little bit like that little princess that graced me with her presence only a few minutes ago.

  Once I have placed my order, I sit in the lounge chairs by the window. I've got to admit, it's quite a nice little coffee shop they've got going on here. Maybe I'll draft one into the plans at some point. I've still got a bit of time to kill so I fire up my Mac and catch up on any urgent emails. I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket and don't bother looking at the caller I.D before I answer.

  "Wild."

  "So you arrived safe then? Would it have hurt to send me a quick text to say you were okay?"

  I hear Melissa's tone and instantly know I'm in the bad books. Can this day get any fucking more infuriating? As I run my hand down my shirt I notice splashes of coffee. Obviously it can.

  "Liss, c'mon. I'm jet lagged to shit. All I want to do is sleep and I can't. You know how I struggle to function without sleep. How about I give you a call in a couple of hours?" I hate letting her down and hearing that defeated sigh on the other end of the line.

  "Yeah, yeah, okay. Hey, I arrived back yesterday so maybe when you come home I can pinch the number one man in my life for some quality time? I've missed spending time with you Max."

  "Yeah, I know. Me too, Liss. Just get Stella to book it out in my diary or some shit. We'll go wherever you want, my shout. Hey. I'm going to have to go Liss, but I'll call you later when I am hopefully feeling more human."

  If there was one person I hated to let down it was Liss. She had it tough growing up, shit we both did, but I guess male instinct took over and I felt a fierce need to protect her at all costs. The childhood we had wasn't exactly perfect, but damn if I didn't try and make it as near perfect for her as I could. Hardly big brother of the year, but I always gave it my best shot. I feel the walls shoot up in my mind as soon as the dark clouds of the past begin to sweep into my mind. I have a quick glance at my emails before I head out and notice some further details that need to be added to the renovation, five new villas need to be added to the proposals. Shit, Stella! Considering she's my PA she sure as hell keeps me busy.

  "Mal, my man. How the hell have you been?" I allow him to pull me into a hug and I can't help but feel a sense of home and love overcome me. I'm thrown back in time to a place where my life was right. Where, for the first time I felt as if I truly belonged. I take a good look at him, noticing that he's still the same old handsome bastard. Maybe with a few extra laughter lines here and there but all in all he looks pretty fucking good.

  "I can't tell you how good it is to see you Max. How's Melissa? She staying out of trouble?"

  "I try to make sure of it, but no doubt you'll remember how wild and unpredictable she can be." Melissa used to drive Mal crazy. From the moment she turned eleven she decided she could do what the fuck she liked and poor Mal had to bring out the search parties most nights.

  "That I do son, that I do. Let's take it to the office shall we?" He says.

  As Mal walks in the direction we're heading, I can't help admire the layout of the office. The colour scheme is neutral but bold, giving it and open but warm feel. The reception desk is centred in the middle of the room to allow access from all angles. On the walls are displays of past projects that have been carried out by the talented staff at Stanton's, mounted with pride. They range from home renovations to upscale buildings and businesses. This is why I chose Mal for my new business designs. He has impeccable taste and endless style. The man is a pure genius. We reach a set of large double oak doors at the end of the main foyer. Mal opens them and signals for me to go in as he shouts, "Amelia, could you arrange some coffees and let Jess know that I would like to see her in my office please?"

  I am greeting by a mass space, ceiling to floor windows surround the back wall giving spectacular views overlooking the Thames. I can see why Mal chose this office for Stanton's. It screams culture mixed with modern and rich design. Damn, the man always does good. Pride and love for this man standing before me fills me instantly.

  "You really ready to give this all up big guy?" I say as my eyes search his face for any sign of doubt.

  "I'll never give it all up son. You of all people should know that. No matter where I end up, I'll always keep my hand in Stanton's some way or another. It's my baby, my pride and joy."

  I should have known. He's a fucking machine. If it wasn't for him, I have no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't have made it to where I am today. I take a seat facing him. Looking at him, sitting right in front of me, I cannot thank him enough for saving me. Words I will never be able to describe what he has done for me and Melissa. Without him, I wouldn't have turned into the successful man I am today. Nothing I do could ever repay him the debt that I will always owe him. Fucking jet lag, turning me into a soft arse pussy.

  JESS

  It's about 10.30am when Amelia stops by my office to inform me that Mal has asked me to join him for a meeting. Here it is. The big moment. The one that has been going through my mind on repeat since Saturday. I lock my computer and make my way to his office when I notice Amelia waiting hesitantly outside my door.

  "Amelia, are you okay?" I ask, a little unsure as to whether she wants to be left alone.

  She snaps her head towards me with a shocked look upon her face. I'm taken aback when she starts to cry.

  "Oh. Jess. I. Don't. Know. What. To. Do." She whispers the words between each breath. Pulling her into my arms I begin to stroke her hair
as she sobs uncontrollably into my chest. Amelia never cries. Ever!

  "Hey." I sooth. "Shhh. Hey, do you want to talk about it?" I ask.

  She shakes her head and mutters something. I just about make out the word meeting and put two and two together.

  "Mal won't mind me turning up late. I'll just tell him I got held up with one of the accounts or something."

  "No. Honestly I'll be ok; it's just me being hormonal. Ignore me. Go on, honestly I'll be fine. Don't let me keep you."

  "As long as you're sure?" I give her one last squeeze. Before I leave, I reassure her that I am there if she needs me. I make a mental note to keep an eye on her. Something is off, I know it. Amelia never gets that upset over a guy. She's either in deeper than I originally thought or it's something entirely different altogether.

  As I approach Mal's office I hear voices coming from inside. Do I knock or just go straight in? I don't even know who's in there with him and I would hate to come across as rude. Well he did ask for me to come to his office didn't he? So surely he's expecting me?

  My hand hovers slightly over the door handle for a few seconds, I take in a deep breath before I can change my mind and walk straight in.

  I open the door and instantly freeze on the spot. I can see Mal out of the corner of my eye deep in conversation, but that isn't what has caught my attention and wiped the breath from my lungs. No. Sitting opposite me, wearing the most sexiest expression known to man; is the guy who happened to end up wearing my coffee this morning. Fucking hell, he’s an absolute god.

  Breathe Jess. Remember to breathe. As I stand there, I slowly take him in. He looks up as if he has sensed my presence and just stares. He looks just as shocked as me. Whereas I probably look like a right tool, stood here gawking at him once again, he manages to regain his composure and begins to watch me with an amused expression. Holy fucking cow. The intensity of his gaze has me burning up in more ways than one and it takes everything I have not to sway side to side on the spot to ease the dull ache that has started to build between my legs.

  Who the hell is this guy? And why is he here in Mal's office when we are about to have a meeting? The sound of Mal's voice awakens me from whatever hold he seems to have over me, but only just.

  "There you are flower. I was wondering when you were going to make an entrance. There is someone that I want to introduce you to." With a warm smile on his face, he says "This here," he points towards the most beautiful man I have ever laid eyes on, "is Max Wild. And this" he says as he looks towards Max, "is Jess. My number one girl and miracle worker." He looks at me with a warm smile, the one you would often find present on a proud parents face when they boast about them and it fills my heart with joy to know that I am wanted and cared for. I can feel the heat flush to my face once again as I try to take in the compliment in front of a male who so clearly dominates any space that he is in. He's bloody dominated my thoughts since our sudden meeting this morning. I never expected to see him again, let alone in the office where I work.

  "I believe I have already had the pleasure. This morning in fact." A cocky grin spreads across his face which causes butterflies to grow in my stomach. "Quite the wake up call I must say." He pulls his jacket to the side, revealing the remains of my coffee. No way did he just do that in front of Mal. Oh god. The guy might be hot, but he's an arrogant twat at the same time. Mal looks at me for a moment, a look of confusion passes over his face slightly, and then he shrugs it off and continues.

  "Well, now that we all know each other, we can get down to business. Max here, is going to be overseeing the construction of the Desired Dreams resort. He has also, very kindly may I add," he nods towards Max' "offered us accommodation close to the resort which will prevent unnecessary travel."

  You've got to be joking? I've got to work with this guy? How am I going to be able to do that when all I'll be doing is drooling over him? My brain doesn't function when I am near him, so how am I supposed to do my job?

  "How do you fit into the equation Mr Wild?" I ask, unable to hold back. I want them to both tell me this is a prank and he's just here visiting.

  "Call me Max, please." He smiles showing a perfect set of bright white teeth. "I look after the resort. It has been in need of some renovations for quite some time and I have asked Mal a fair few times over the years if he would like the job. It's taken me until now to persuade him. I'm sure you know how stubborn he can be? Fortunately for me he has finally agreed." He looks fondly over at Mal who reflects the same look back at him. I'm guessing these two clearly know each other quite well.

  "So when will we be leaving? I have some loose ends that need to be tied up for some of the other accounts, I'll need to hand these over to Amelia to complete."

  I can barely concentrate with Max's stare burning into me. I keep wanting to look back at him, it takes everything I have to keep my eyes trained on Mal.

  "We are due to fly on Tuesday. Don't you bother yourself with it Jess. I'll make sure everything is tied up this end. All you need to do is concentrate on packing a suitcase and remembering your passport. Don't want you getting refused entry now, do we flower." He says on a laugh. Great, cheers for that Mal, let everyone know how much of a liability I can be.

  "Shit, what about visa's? Do we have enough time?"

  Mal leans over and pats my hand gently. "All sorted flower. Don't worry about a thing." Oh Mal, he always has a plan for everything.

  "So, Jess?" The way my name slides off his tongue, seductive and laced with raspy tones, has me shifting in my seat. "Have you managed to have a read over the details that I had sent over? I'd love to hear your thoughts?"

  Why oh why did he have to speak directly to me? He could have asked Mal this, but I have a feeling he wants to see how affected I am by him. I open my diary and pretend to read something important, when in truth I am staring at the same spot to remove my focus from him.

  "I've had a brief glance, but I plan to look into them in a bit more detail when I have a free slot this afternoon. If not I'll mail them over to my personal account and look at them from home."

  "I see." Is all he says as he runs his forefinger over his perfectly shaped lips, deep in thought.

  Mal clears his throat and stands. "Well if that's all folks. I'm a busy man. Places to go, people to see and all that." Mal walks over to Max and gives him a firm shake of the hand. "Thank you for dropping in at such short notice. I really appreciate it."

  "The pleasure is all mine. I'm looking forward to doing business with you." Max replies but looks right at me as he says it. The arrogant little prick.

  As Mal turns and leaves the office, I try to follow him out but I come up short when Max blocks my way. An electric shock vibrates through my body as he places his hand on my shoulder. He must have felt it too as he pulls his arm back and raises his eyebrows as if to say "what the fuck was that."

  "How about I take you for lunch and we can go over those plans? It’s been a while since I have been over here and maybe you could show me the best place to go?"

  "I, umm, can't." I try to discretely clear my throat, unsuccessfully. "I've got a conference call in the next ten minutes. I suppose I should really get to my office so I can set up." I smile politely when all I want to do is make a run for it. God, he has some crazy shit going on. I feel like I don't have control over my actions when I'm near him. Screw that, I definitely don’t have control over my actions when I am near him.

  "That's a shame, we'll be working together for a while and it would be beneficial for us to get to know one another, do you not think so?" He has a valid point but there's no way that I am about to take the bait that he has just thrown out.

  "No doubt I'll be seeing you around, like you said Mr Wild, we'll be working together for some time, so who knows, maybe one day I might just take you up on that offer?"

  What the hell is coming out of my mouth? I can't think straight when I'm around him. Everything turns to mush and words come out of my mouth before I have time to think them through.
His eyes begin to cloud over, filled with desire as he leans in closer to me. "Oh, you can bet your life on it sweetheart, and soon." He says in his authoritative tone. It sends pleasant chills throughout my body. I need to get away from him and fast. He's bad news; everything about him screams bad news. I dash out of the office without looking back, hot on my heels with my face flaming and my heart pounding. I hear Mal shout something from the other end of the foyer but I pretend I can't hear him, my main focus to get enough distance between me and Max so that I can try and think straight. What the hell am I supposed to do to when I am going to be around him all day and for god knows how long?

  My conference call doesn't end up lasting as long as I expected it to, so I have a few more hours to kill before I finish for the day. I decide to open the plans for the Desired Dreams resort. Mal wasn't shitting when he said it was one of our major projects. The resort includes the complete renovation of the current hotel with added guest villas and an entertainment section. From what I can see the attraction is mainly for couples, most likely honeymooners or engagement parties, with some business rooms scattered around the hotel too. I instantly fall in love with it. Now that I can see what project I am working on, my mind starts filling with ideas and plans. So I do what I do best, I start to plan.