Escape down under Read online

  This morning comes rushing back to me and the look on her face when she entered Mal's office. I feel bad for not going to talk to her sooner.

  "Amelia, can I borrow you for a moment?" I ask as she is passing by me. She really hasn't perked up at all. Maybe she should be at home resting if she's unwell.

  "Umm, yeah sure." She replies. She seems a little hesitant at first, as if she has been caught doing something she shouldn't have been doing. As I enter my office I signal at the chairs for her to take a seat. "Do you want a drink or anything?"

  "No, I'm okay thanks." Her voice is scratchy, more signs that she has been crying again.

  "What's happening? Are you ok? I'm not one to pry, as you know but I have been kinda worried about you the past couple of days. You really don't seem like yourself lately." I watch her closely as her eyes begin to fill up. Not the approach I was going for but now that I have started the course of conversation, I may as well finish. "I need to be sure that you can handle the workload that is going to be put on you. There are some projects that will need your upmost attention while I'm away. If needs be I can always pass them onto Tim?" I feel really bad saying all of this too her, but all of our clients are important to Stanton's and I need to make sure the jobs are left in the right hands.

  "I'm good, honestly. I think I must have eaten something dodgy that's all, or it's probably one of those twenty four hour bugs that always seem to be going around. Plus, the workload will take my mind off that guy anyway." She plays with a loose strand of her hair while she is telling me this. So Mr Mystery is still being a twat then? "So are you all set for your travels?"

  "Kind of." I say. "I've still got loads to do but I'm sure I'll get it all done eventually." My phone vibrates next to me. I have a sneak peak just in case it's anything important. I don't know why I'm surprised when I see Max's name flash up across my screen. The man knows no bounds whatsoever. I focus my attention back to Amelia, deciding to call him back later.

  "You sure you're all clear on everything then? You know if you need me to go over anything I'll be more than happy to do so right?"

  "I'll be fine. I've got Tim around to help if I'm unsure, like you said. You just concentrate on getting everything ready for when you leave."

  Once Amelia has left I finally manage to work on the accounts that should have been finished this morning before I got side tracked. Just the memory of earlier today has me wanting more. I don't know whether I am looking forward to having dinner with him later. What I do know is that I need some distance from him, especially if we’re going to be working closely together. I don't want to get to close or emotionally involved any more than I have become. He's too much, too demanding, too intense, yet when I am with him he's all that I want and more. I need to get as much done before I leave. Distractions aren't something that I really need right now. I still have to pack and arrange for George to keep an eye on my house while I'm away and the fact that I am still walking around with no knickers on makes me feel awkward somewhat.

  Jen will save me, she always does, I am so thankful that I have an angel like her in my life. She doesn't answer straight away, which isn't like her. Eventually I hear the delicate tones of her voice down the line.

  "Hey sexy lady. What's up?" She sings down the line. Maybe I should have thought about what I was going to say before calling, but time is of the essence here. I'm due to finish work in an hour and I am in desperate need of an alibi.

  "Just thought I would check in on you and see what your plans are for tonight? I could do with a few bottles of wine and some girly gossip. What d'ya say?" I hear her shuffling around with something in the background before she answers.

  "I'd love to Jess, really I would..."

  "But?"

  "I've kinda already agreed to do something with Luke."

  Oh balls, Luke. Why did she have to mention him? My face floods as I remember what he saw last night. I seriously hope that he hasn’t said anything to her. I'll never be able to go to Jens again while he still lives there.

  "But I need you!" I want to shout. I don't though as I hate to make people feel bad and I also don't want her to change her plans just because I can't say no to a man who screams bad news.

  "Tomorrow night then?" I plead.

  "Tomorrow's perfect, I'll come straight yours once I've finished up at work. Love you."

  "Love you too."

  What now? I contemplate calling George but I doubt he would be happy about me moaning about the best sex ever. I suppose I could always hide out at home and actually do the stuff I need to do.

  I pick my phone up again to let Max know that I can't make tonight, and we can do lunch tomorrow. Just as I press send I notice Mal at the door.

  "Delivery for you flower." He holds a delicate looking square box in his hands.

  "Oh, really? I haven't placed any orders." At least I don't think I have.

  "Well, it's definitely addressed to you." Laughing he makes his way over to me and places it on my desk. "It must be important as I just had to sign for it too."

  I'm curious as to what is in this cute little package but something holds me back from opening it in front of Mal.

  "I suppose it could be a belated birthday present from Jen. You know how she is, she's that laid back she's normally in reverse." I chuckle. Inside I know that whatever this is, it's definitely not from Jen at all.

  "Well, whatever it is, I sure hope you like it flower. I meant to ask earlier, how did your catch up with Max go?" He asks.

  "Umm, yeah it was good." I didn't expect that. His comment has completely thrown me off guard. I guess Max was telling me the truth when he said he'd arranged the meeting with Mal. "We threw some ideas around, I got more of a feel as to what he wants." If only he knew how much of a feel. I'm getting embarrassed just thinking about it.

  "He's quite excited to have you on board. He might be stubborn at times and I have no doubt in my mind that you will find yourselves at loggerheads more than once; you're too similar to each other. Remember that's only because he knows what he wants and he's extremely passionate in what he believes in. He's a decent kid. Someone I have a lot of time and respect for. My advice, just take him as he is and you won't go wrong."

  All of the above I am now fully aware of, except the similarity part. I can more than handle his moodiness, but protecting my heart from him is going to be the biggest problem of all.

  "I think I'm going to call it a day, if not Daisy will be packing everything without me. I'll see you bright and early flower."

  "Yeah, you better shoot then." I smile. "See you tomorrow."

  I wait until I am sure the office is empty before I even contemplate opening my gift. It's such a small box; I have no idea what's going to be inside it. It doesn't exactly look cheap either. I hesitate a little as I delicately untie the pink silk ribbon that keeps it together and slowly remove the lid. I look inside and I am greeted with soft baby pink tissue paper with delicate crystals scattered on the paper. I begin to wonder who could be sending me gifts when I notice the message on the card.

  Wear these later. If you don't, I won't be held responsible for my actions! Yours, Max

  I don't even need to open it to know what's inside. However, I'm still more than curious to see if I'm right though. I let out a laugh as I pull out a pair of lacy black knickers from within. I hold them up to get a proper view and boy are they pretty. Crystals are interlaced here and there creating a dancing rainbow against the walls of my office. A pink ribbon forms a crisscross pattern up the back and finished off into a bow. I don't think I can bring myself to wear these. They're far too pretty and look far too expensive. Now there's a challenge. Maybe I just won't wear them so that I can see what his reaction will be. Then I remember that I won't be able to see his reaction as I have just cancelled on our dinner date. Oh well, I'm sure there will be other opportunities to parade around in them. I type out a quick message, apologising again for cancelling and hit send.

  No sooner have I placed my
pretty little gift back in its box, and started to pack up for the day when my office phone starts to ring. I don't even get a chance to speak when "Why the fuck do you refuse to answer my calls or texts." bellows down my ear. Whoa, someone's pissed. "If you think you cancel just like that Jess, then I obviously haven't made myself very fucking clear." I normally wouldn't tolerate anyone speaking to me in that tone, but something about the way he does it sends pleasant chills down my spine. He's sexy when he's worked up.

  "I don't need to answer to you Max. I can't make dinner. I've got far too much stuff to get through at home. And I haven't answered because I have been working and didn't realise that you had called." I twiddle with the ribbons on my gift box as I blatantly lie to him on the phone. Fantasising and having arguments with myself about him more like, but he doesn't need to know about that.

  "I said I am taking you out and that's exactly what I am going to do. No ifs, no buts, no nothing." I may as well face it, there's no way that I am going to get out of this, no matter how much I try.

  "Tell me something Max? Are you going to be this demanding when we're in Australia?" Why am I even asking this question? Of course he is. The man doesn't know how to be anything else, at least not that I have seen so far anyway.

  "Sweetheart, there's no need for me to be demanding as long as you do as I ask. So I'll be picking you up around seven. Don't keep me waiting."

  I manage to take a quick shower and look slightly presentable before Max is due to arrive. I don't even know where we're supposed to be going so how the hell am I supposed to know if I'm dressed appropriately. I settle on my usually fool proof black dress. I love it. It does everything I need; it holds me in all the right places and gives me a bit more volume on the breast department too which is always an added bonus. I pack some flat sandals in case we head for a more casual venue and finish my outfit off with a pair of chandelier diamond earrings, a gift from Jen and George for my eighteenth birthday. I'm a little worried about seeing him, given the events that took place earlier today. When I am with him, he pushes bounds within me I never knew existed but the moment he is gone my head is completely messed up. I promised myself after Josh I would enjoy the single life. No men, no confusions. Just me, doing what I want, when I want. I know this with Max is just a rebound. A little bit of unexpected excitement that I didn't envision, but like all good things; it won't last forever and the more involved I become with him, the harder it will be for me to back away unscathed.

  I glance at the clock as a knock sounds at the door. He's a little early but this is Max we are talking about here. Mr demanding and overly punctual strikes again. Running my hands down my thighs to smooth out my dress, I do a quick check in the mirror to see if I look presentable before I open the door.

  "Wow." He says. "You look amazing."

  My jaw drops, as does my stomach when I look at the man in front of me.

  "Josh? What are you doing here?" I suddenly feel naked under his stare. Why is he here? He could have called. Maybe if I had of replied to him I could have prevented this unwelcome visit.

  "You going to invite me in or should I just stand here all night?" He stands facing me with his eyes roaming all over my body, one arm casually leaning against the doorframe. I feel a sense of unease around him that I have never felt before.

  "Umm, I've kinda got plans tonight Josh. You didn't say you were coming over. Can we do this another time?" I know I keep brushing him off but I'm really not ready to do this, get all deep and shit with him. Before I can stop him, he walks past me right into the house. Anyone would think he still lived here.

  "No Jess." He says in a demanding tone. Seriously, if he wants to know how to do demanding, he should meet Max. "We need to talk. Enough is enough. It's been two months for god’s sake and you still won't take my calls. I'm fed up of you brushing me off every time I try to talk to you."

  I can feel myself getting angry as he steps closer to me. How dare he come barging in here, into my house and start giving me the big I am about how I refuse to talk to him. Yes, I refuse to talk to him because we are no longer together. He made that decision the moment he started sleeping around and broke my trust in the process.

  "What do you want me to say Josh? Come in, I'll stick the kettle on and we can act like nothing happened? The reason we are over is because of you." I'm shouting know, and I couldn't give a shit who can hear me. "Did you expect me to cool down and forgive you? You broke my trust and our future together, all because you couldn't act like a man and keep it in your fucking pants. If you didn't want to be with me, you could have done the decent thing and ended it. But oh no, not you. You wanted your fucking cake with added fucking icing!" It feels bloody good to yell.

  I look at him and everything about him makes my skin crawl. I now know I made the perfect decision when I ended it. I must have been blind for so long.

  "How many times do I have to say I'm sorry? I fucked up, I realise that. I'm here to try and make it right. All I am asking is that you give me another chance. Please." He begs. "All I want is a chance to explain everything."

  "I think I'll pass on the details of your sex life thanks Josh. It might be hard for you to believe but that isn't something that I'd particularly enjoy hearing about." The sarcastic comment just rolls off my tongue without a moment’s thought.

  "Jess, I've done some stupid shit and I know it, but the worst thing is losing you, I can't lose you. I won't lose you. I know I've got some issues to sort through and I promise you, if you give me another chance I won't ever let you down again." He's a lot closer to me now, much closer than I would like. He leans his head closer to mine as he says "I know you miss me too. Deep down I know you still care."

  "No Josh, I actually don't." I've have never been more sure of anything in my life. I just want him to leave. Oh shit, he's going to try and kiss me. I can't move. I realise a little too late that I'm backed against the wall with nowhere to go. I contemplate raising my knee to his balls to hold him off when he is suddenly dragged away from me.

  "You fucking heard the lady. Back the fuck away." Max's voice booms around my hallway. My knight in shining armour makes his appearance just at the right time.

  "And you are?" Josh's face is a picture. He is stood looking at Max in utter shock, while trying to make a claim on me at the same time.

  "Someone you don't want to wait around to meet. I'll give you five seconds to move or I can assure you, you won't be waking for a very fucking long time." The acid in his voice has me sacred of what he will do. I mentally pray that Josh listens to what he is saying as I'm pretty sure Max isn't dishing out any empty threats here.

  "This isn't over Jess. You can't ignore me forever." He says as he leaves. Max moves a little bit closer to him and Josh doesn't look back as he scarpers out of the front door and makes his way down the drive.

  "You okay?" He's on me in an instant, his hands cupping my face, lifting my chin up slightly so I can meet his eyes. The concern in his eyes is evident.

  I nod my head slightly to show him that I am okay. It's all I can manage, my throat tightens and tears begin to form in my eyes. I will not let him see me cry, especially crying over Josh. I have cried far too may tears over him already and I promised myself no more. Why the hell can't he just stay away? He knows it's over. A little chat isn't going to change anything.

  "You ready to go and get something to eat?" His eyes still searching mine. There is a tenderness to his tone which shocks me a little, as I have not come across this caring side to him before. It calms me, soothes me somewhat. Most importantly, it makes me feel safe. I shouldn't have these feelings for him when I have known him for such a short time, but there goes my head again, betraying me at all costs.

  "Uhh, huh." I'm not really sure if I can face going out, but after the way he came to my defence and demonstrated that he cares, even just a little bit about my wellbeing, I can't bring myself to throw that back in his face. Just to be standing here, calm as anything must be driving him crazy. I watch
as his jaw clenches tightly as he struggles to keep his control.

  "We could always stay here and order in? I really don't mind Jess, as long as I am with you nothing else matters." He's still staring into my eyes as he says this, never breaking eye contact with me. He seems a little shocked that those words have just fallen from those perfect lips. Fuck, I am already in too deep here, but I need to play it cool.

  "You sure? After all the time it took me to look like this, you would be happy to stay in?" I laugh, trying to make light of this sudden serious situation we have found ourselves in.

  "Sweetheart, I would much prefer you naked and spread out before me, either way that is how this night will end so it makes no difference to me."

  Before I can reply his lips are on mine, tasting me, teasing me, devouring me as if no kiss is ever enough for him. Our tongues collide as the hunger and need take over.

  "So. Fucking. Beautiful." He moans in between kisses, making me crave him that little bit more. His hands make a slow, antagonising trail down my stomach, teasing their way down past my groin and onto my thighs, all the while his lips never leaving mine. My hands find there perfect place as he lifts me up against him. I'm that focused on the two of us together, that I don't realise we have moved until he places me down onto the breakfast bar.

  "There's something about you being placed on a breakfast bar, only this time I hope no unexpected visitors will come walking into your house."