Down Under Complete Trilogy Box Set Page 4

  "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, then 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 all over again.

  "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.

  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 really 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. Instead, 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 seductive princess that graced me with her presence only a few minutes ago.

  Once I've 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 safely 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 pulls at my conscience.

  "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’m 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 take 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? Is 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, s
he 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?"

  As I enter, 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, positioned right in front of me, I cannot thank him enough for saving me. Words I will never be able to say, to thank him for what he has done for me and Melissa. Without him, I wouldn't have turned into the successful man that I am today. Shit, I probably wouldn't have even been a man. 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 half past ten 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 or not..

  She snaps her head towards me with a shocked look upon her face. I'm taken aback when she suddenly 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 a little late. I'll just tell him I got held up with one of the accounts or something."

  "No. Honestly I'll be okay; 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 and before I can change my mind, I 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 here, 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 that 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 my 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 any 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'm 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’s 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 on 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 out next 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 b
e.

  "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’ve been over here and maybe you could show me the best place to go?"