I'Ve Got You

by Louise Forster

  As a distraction, she wriggled her red-lacquered toenails in the rubble of sand, shells and fallen leaves.

  ‘How are the feet?’ Kabe asked, peering down.

  She followed his gaze and flexed her toes. ‘Fine.’

  ‘Uh-huh,’ he replied dreamily.

  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know there was something going on. She turned to see he was still staring at her feet. ‘Hello!’

  His head snapped up, revealing a grin and eyes betraying red-hot signs of desire looking back at her. Kabe rubbed his face before continuing. ‘I think it’s time we moved on.’

  She walked ahead, taking a path that led up to a lookout. She pushed past shrubs and ferns, relieved when a cool breeze greeted them as they came out of the rainforest. A few steps up and they were on a large, warm, flat boulder. The panoramic view from there was magnificent. Like emeralds, tropical islands floated on the deep, sapphire-blue sea; it amazed her every time she came up here.

  Kabe moved in close beside her, his shoulder touching hers.

  Ni-i-ice … very nice, Belle thought, savouring the moment.

  He leant in, and mouth near her ear, he pointed out, ‘That’s North Molle and South Molle Islands.’

  Belle nodded, ‘I know … you are speaking to a local.’ She forced her mind on something other than how close he was, how good he smelled, fresh with the scent of sea air. ‘I’m glad I brought my camera, not that photos would do it justice,’ she said. Sitting down cross-legged on the sun-warmed boulder, she put the camera to her face.

  The silence stretched, and Belle relaxed, taking in the stunning vista surrounding them. She listened to countless chirping birds and appreciated the cool breeze against her skin; all of it lulled her into a peaceful, meditative state.

  Kabe broke the silence. ‘Back in high school … I always admired you,’ he said, gazing out at the view while shredding a blade of grass.

  There was something almost sad, compelling in his tone.

  Her heart pounded, constricting her chest.

  Chapter 5

  ‘Wha—what?’ Belle stammered as she swung around. ‘You never … the way you behaved, I would’ve thought the opposite was true.’

  ‘The way I behaved doesn’t count. With all the shit happening during those fucked-up months, I cut myself off, but you were the only one who could make me smile—laugh.’

  She would never forget the image of Kabe as a teenager, keeping to himself, brooding, moody.

  ‘Had you said something, I could’ve helped you,’ Belle told him.

  ‘Why would I burden anyone with that shit? It’s history—done—no going back.’ With a shake of his shoulders, Kabe’s pensive mood eased. He stood, laid his big hand on her head and ruffled her hair. ‘Time we made a move.’

  ‘You take my breath away sometimes,’ she muttered. And then he ruffles my hair as if I’m still the kid he knew, and that makes what he said about admiring me … in a tone that made my heart ache … all right?

  She uncurled herself ready to stand. Kabe held out his hand and helped her up, while giving her a soul-stirring look. ‘Thanks,’ she mumbled. Not knowing what else to do at this point, she dropped his hand and headed off the rock. She felt Kabe’s presence like a feather tickling her back as he followed her down the path that would take them over the other side of the spit to Mario’s.

  Half an hour later, they came out to a white sandy beach. Belle saw a tiny figure up ahead: her grandfather. She waved and called out to him. He pulled off his cap and waved back. She took a couple of quick shots with her camera, then holding it steady jogged along the hard sand with Kabe by her side. He placed a hand on the small of her back, which, unrealistic or not, gave her the feeling she belonged with him, was part of him. Euphoria flashed through her like a rush of adrenaline. She stumbled. Kabe’s hand shot around her waist. They slowed to a walk, but he didn’t let her go and held her close to his side. Wow!

  On reaching her grandfather, Kabe let her go. ‘Hi, Pop,’ Belle said and threw her arms around his sun-wrinkled neck. She cupped his grizzled, smiling face and studied his bright brown eyes. Satisfied that he appeared to be happy and healthy, she kissed his leathery cheeks.

  ‘Belle,’ Mario chuckled. ‘And you brought a friend. G’day, Kabe, good to see ye. How’s Marilyn enjoying retirement? Can’t imagine she’d sit still for long.’

  Grinning, the men shook hands and slapped each other on the back. ‘Mum finally had her name taken off her office door, but she still as busy as always, just not practising law.’

  ‘She would’ve worried about you out there.’ Mario waved his hand in the direction of the ocean.

  ‘Nah, Mum’s out of town.’ Fighting a wry grin, Kabe pursed his mouth. ‘Besides, she knows I can sail.’

  ‘Well,’ Mario nodded, turning back to Belle, ‘Rescue Services got in touch. Good thing Kabe was out there, hey—seeing’s he can sail and all.’ He chuckled and hugged her tight, then grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back to look her over, and hugged her to him again. ‘Crikey, darlin’.’

  ‘Pop,’ she squeaked, ‘I can’t breathe.’

  He let her go. ‘Sorry, but that storm was freaky, and to think you were in the thick of it. Come on I’ll get us a cold drink and you can tell me all about it.’ Mario offered his arm and Belle hooked it with hers.

  ‘You look great, Pop, island life must agree with you.’

  ‘Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, darlin’.’

  She gave his arm a squeeze. ‘I know, Pop.’ With a hand across her brow, she shaded her eyes and looked ahead. ‘I can just see the veranda through the trees, have you repainted it?’

  ‘Yep, so white that after a stroll on a moonlit night it shines like a beacon. Easy to find my way home.’ Mario gave her an I’m-so-innocent look.

  Frowning, Belle peered at him across her shoulder. ‘Tell me that’s not true!’

  ‘No, I put the porch light on,’ Mario laughed.

  ‘You …’ She faked a slap to his shoulder.

  Kabe quietly chuckled.

  They strolled along the water’s edge where the sand was cool underfoot and continued up to the old, lovingly restored Queenslander cottage. A wide veranda, wrapped around the house on three sides, gave it welcoming shade from the hot summer sun.

  ‘Mario, you’ve done some more work on the place,’ Kabe said, looking around at the polished timber floors, the neat kitchen and French doors that led out onto the decks. All the walls, ceilings and most of the furniture were white with added splashes of colour from paintings, cushions and beautifully-framed family photos.

  ‘Anna wouldn’t want me to live like a slob. I couldn’t do that to her. And I have everythin’ I need here. Solar power for a little light, freshwater from a spring-fed creek out the back and my garden. I don’t want for anythin’.’

  With Kabe’s help, Belle explained her horror sailing trip. She failed to mention how, when she realised who her rescuer was, the horror had turned to scary heavy flirting, and then later, on the rock, something a whole lot deeper.

  ‘So, were you just planning a social visit or did someone send you?’ Mario’s sharp eyes fell on hers.

  Belle heaved a sigh, and took a sip of delicious ice-cold lemonade.

  Mario waited and turned to Kabe. ‘You know, but you’re not sayin’.’

  ‘Yep … nope,’ Kabe nodded. ‘Look, I’ll just take a walk, so you two can have a word in private.’ Before anyone could stop him, Kabe stood and headed for the stairs.

  Belle thought it a bit strange, but sweet, and carried on explaining. ‘Pop, I was all set to visit next month. And I’ll still do that, although I might have to charter a boat,’ Belle added quietly, while slipping her fingers over the condensation on her glass.

  ‘None of it’s your fault, darlin’.’ Mario leant closer and laid an arm on her shoulder. She reached up and covered his weathered, bony hand with hers. ‘I told your Dad several times he should replace the sails … guess he forgot.
’

  ‘Hmm, he won’t like hearing what happened. Anyway, I promised Mum and Dad I’d come, but I never said I’d try and make you leave—and I never will.’ Belle leant across her chair and kissed his cheek. ‘They worry about you, that’s all. There’s no ulterior motive, but to see you safe.’

  ‘I know, I’m still not movin’.’ Mario shook his head, his brown eyes set with determination.

  ‘I’ll persuade Mum and Dad to leave that subject alone.’

  ‘Yep, good luck with that,’ was Mario’s dry reply.

  ‘Pop!’ Belle complained, ‘You don’t think I can?’

  He sighed and gave her a knowing look. ‘You’re a softie when it comes to your parents. You love me and they’re taking advantage of that, using scare tactics to get what they want.’

  ‘Mum and Dad wouldn’t want to scare me!’

  ‘Darlin’, they’ve told you your Pop could die out here, he could break a leg unable to move and no one would know. He could have a stroke and drown.’ Mario shrugged. ‘I don’t want to die like that either.’ He pulled a sat-phone from a leather pouch attached to his belt. ‘All I need to do is press this button,’ he said pointing, ‘and a signal alerts Luna Bay emergency services. I reckon I have better help than an elderly person on the mainland.’

  ‘Pop, I’m impressed, but it would take an hour or more for someone to get to you.’

  ‘Yeah, it’d take just as long for someone to do the same on the mainland. Unless they’re in a nursing home.’ He dipped his chin and gave her a that’s-not-happening stare.

  ‘Don’t worry, I can’t imagine you being in one of those.’ Belle took his hand and stroked the tanned leathery skin with her thumb. ‘You’d soon look like a pale washed-out corpse.’ She giggled.

  ‘Ooh!’ he shuddered, ‘We can’t have that.’ He patted her knee then took her hand in a firm grip. ‘Do something for me. I know you, okay?’ His sharp dark eyes studied hers. ‘What happened to you would’ve felt like the end of the world for you, broke your heart. But you were good at keeping your family out of the suffering you carried. There was nothin’ to be ashamed of darlin’, but still you shut them out. They did try to break through.’ He shrugged. ‘Now I’m asking you to share your grief with Kabe. I see the way he looks at you, the way he held you close even though you’d found your feet back there on the beach. These old eyes don’t miss much. He’s burning for you in the best way, my girl, the best. Let him in, Belle.’

  Her mouth trembled, and her eyes welled. She blinked away her tears, but her grandfather was still a blur. ‘Oh Pop, it’s all true, I did that.’

  He said nothing, just nodded, his pain for her evident on his gnarly old face. He pulled her in and gave her a tight hug. ‘Promise me you’ll think about it?’ he mumbled in her ear.

  A sob wracked her body. She composed herself and nodded against his shoulder.

  ‘Stay put,’ Mario warned, and hurried down the hall. Seconds later, he came back and handed her a handkerchief.

  Belle slid her thumb over the embroidered A. ‘Nan’s,’ she murmured, and used it to wipe her face. ‘Thanks, Pop. We’d better get going otherwise we’ll miss high tide.’

  Mario kissed her cheek then headed to his kitchen to pack a few staples in a backpack. Coming back he took Belle’s hand, and led her down the stairs to the beach where Kabe sat on the dry sand, watching their approach.

  ‘My radio frequency’s on a piece of paper, let me know what’s goin’ on.’ Mario handed the backpack to Kabe. ‘Just in case you get hungry.’ He grinned. ‘And look after me girl.’

  ‘I will. As soon as we’ve located The Pocket, we’ll head back to the mainland.’

  Belle wrapped her arms around her grandfather, and whispered, ‘Love you. I’ll be back soon.’

  They headed down the beach. Belle turned once to wave at Mario, his solitary figure waving back.

  ‘Have a nice chat with Mario?’ Kabe asked

  ‘Yes, it was good.’ Eye opening.

  ‘Uh-huh.’ He pulled her up and she found herself pressed to his side, her hand on his chest. ‘I heard you cry … I hope you’ll share with me … when you’re ready.’ He kissed her on the mouth; it was brief but tender.

  ‘Thanks for giving us privacy,’ she whispered. Heart hammering, she leaned against him pretending she was grateful, but in reality using his strength to keep from collapsing at his feet.

  His eyes warmed, and his hand came up to curl around the back of her neck, holding firm. Hands resting on his chest she could feel his heart race, much like her own. Then his deep voice rumbled under her fingers, ‘You’re welcome.’ Kabe’s mouth met hers for another kiss and as it deepened, Belle couldn’t help but melt into him. A thrill settled deep inside her, then Kabe hesitated and pulled back, his breath rapid, much like her own.

  Knees weak, Belle mumbled, ‘Um … let’s go before we miss the tide.’

  ‘Yeah … wouldn’t want that, would we?’ Kabe, eyes intense, moved his hand down to take hers.

  *

  They crashed through thick undergrowth for what seemed like forever. Finally they emerged sweaty from the steamy rainforest.

  Belle stood on the beach next to Kabe, strands of damp hair clinging to her face, T-shirt stuck to her back; she squinted into the glare of the late afternoon sunlight.

  Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.

  Belle hoped it was a trick of the eye, but blinking several times made no difference. ‘That can’t be right,’ she said nervously. ‘She looks almost the same, maybe a little less tilted.’ Her knees buckled, her legs folded, and her bum hit the sand.

  Oh-my-God! She had more time to be with Kabe! Sweet sensations rushed through to her core, and she quivered with anticipation.

  Kabe dropped his cap and sunglasses onto the sand and placed the backpack beside them. He pulled off his shirt and said, ‘I’m going to swim out to her, join me if you want.’

  He ran into the shallows until it was deep enough to dive in. Belle quickly tucked her camera in the backpack, and wasted no time to strip down to her bra and undies. Well, it was almost like wearing a bikini and at least she’d keep her shorts and top dry. She jumped in and followed.

  Reaching the ladder, Kabe said, ‘Not being a macho-prick, but I can help you better on the sloping deck if I’m up there first,’ and clambered up. He lunged over the side and held his hand out for her. Staring at his hand, Belle hesitated, then slapped hers into his. With one heave, she was on the deck.

  Trembling, she said, ‘I just had a flashback … the storm.’

  Kabe nodded and moved to stand in front of her. Barely inches away, hand on the slope of her shoulder and neck, and head dipped close to hers, he asked, ‘You okay?’

  Her eyes drifted to water dripping off Kabe’s blond curls, and she followed them as they ran in rivulets down his face and beautiful, deep chest. Her gaze travelled back to his sea-blue eyes, which had changed from being on the edge of laughter to shimmering with raw heat. He wanted her; she could see it, feel it vibrating through him.

  ‘Yeah.’ Unable to take his intense gaze any longer, Belle glanced down, and that’s when she saw her underwear.

  Oh—my—God!

  She felt her eyes widen and a flush rise up her neck to her face and intensify in her cheeks. ‘I may as well be naked,’ she heard herself whisper, and quickly covered her breasts and the dark triangle between her thighs. ‘Oh fuck, I just said that out loud, didn’t I? And I just used the F word.’

  Kabe didn’t answer; he didn’t have to, his grin said it all.

  Mesmerised, she watched as he slowly blinked, then his hand came up around her neck and jaw, his thumb sliding back and forth across her cheek.

  A breeze picked up, hitting her wet skin, and Belle shivered. Kabe’s gaze followed his hand as it slid down to her shoulder and then her arm. He rubbed at her goose bumps, lingering at the bruises on her wrist. A strange thrill rushed through her. A muscle above his jaw flexed, and then he swall
owed—hard.

  Kabe’s eyes came back to her face. ‘You’re getting cold; I’ll get you a towel,’ he said, his voice thick. He leant in, and his hand cupped her face. Eyes closed, heart beating a mile a minute, she held her breath; when she opened them, he was gone. She barely had time to calm herself when he was back with a couple of dry towels. He threw one on the bench seat, opened the other and draped it around her shoulders, then rubbed warmth back into her arms. ‘Better?’ he asked gently.

  ‘Thank you.’

  Tension hung in the air between them. She had to say or do something that wasn’t foolish, but before she could, Kabe pulled a couple of health bars from the pocket of his wet shorts and handed one to Belle. He sat on the cockpit’s bench and made himself comfortable. Slowly, Kabe lifted his head and fixed her with a soft look.

  Belle did everything she could to ignore his look and peeled the plastic wrapper off her bar. Hungry, she bit a chunk off and munched, moaning with satisfaction: food at last.

  He chuckled. ‘You’re easy to please.’

  ‘Sea air always makes me hungry …’ she trailed off, peering down at the bar.

  ‘Really?’ his tone back to teasing.

  She groaned and slowly raised her head to give him a look. ‘I heard that—that tone. Are you poking fun at me?’ she said and wiggled her index finger at him.

  ‘Never.’ The corners of his mouth lifted and his eyes crinkled. To her relief, the intense Kabe was gone and the wickedly playful Kabe was back. She could handle playful.

  ‘Anyway,’ Belle started. ‘What happens now? We can’t leave the boat and go back to Pop’s for the night, it’s too late. And sleeping on board is insane.’

  ‘We’re not sleeping here.’ He didn’t even try to hide his grin. ‘We’ll camp on the beach.’

  ‘Okay, good plan.’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?’

  ‘Yeah,’ he said, his grin turning into a happy smile. ‘There’s nothing else we can do, may as well make the most of it. As soon as I’ve finished this,’ he said, chewing, ‘I’ll pack what we need and gather some firewood.’