by Loretta Hill
She could totally curl up on the couch in front of the TV to watch a movie with this guy.
Careful, Claudia.
He’s still your boss.
Still off limits.
One thing was becoming clearer and clearer every day. It wouldn’t take Seb long to break her heart. She was looking for a real relationship. The kind her parents had. By his own admission, he didn’t do that sort of thing.
Sebastian Rowlands didn’t date.
He didn’t have girlfriends.
He didn’t have relationships.
He had affairs – very short, intense ones. Much like the image he’d conveyed to her in his office the other day.
‘I would use you, hurt you and discard you.’
Is that really what you want?
If being in town was supposed to sort out her love life, then Sebastian Rowlands was the last thing she needed.
She turned her attention back to her meal. She had to stop thinking about him like this. A happily ever after between them was completely impossible. The trip to the grocery store really hadn’t helped her frame of mind.
While he’d showered, she’d kicked off her shoes and put two fillets of fish in a frying pan with a light crumb. When he came out she was sipping her father’s semillon sauvignon blanc in front of a plate of fish and a fresh garden salad. She’d plated a portion for him as well and put it on the other side of the table next to napkins and cutlery.
‘I have to admit,’ he said as he sat down, ‘this does look fantastic.’
‘Totally worth being kicked in the eye for?’ she teased.
Reluctantly, he smiled, making her heart skip a beat. ‘So what was in the hamper? I’m sure you opened it the second we walked in.’
She winced. ‘Do you really want to know?’
‘Why not?’
She got up and brought the basket over, taking the bits out one by one. ‘His and hers towels, a selection of nuts, biscuits and fruit, two coffee mugs, a box of chocolates, champagne and dinner for two at … wait for it … Seashells!’
He snatched the envelope off her. ‘Give me that. You can’t be serious.’
His expression of horror as he pulled the voucher from its pink sleeve only caused her to laugh harder.
‘Come on. We’ve got to go out as much as we can now before we have kids! Remember?’
He slapped the envelope down on the table and picked up his fork. ‘You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?’
She shrugged. ‘Call it revenge for thinking I had Bronwyn stuffed in a closet.’
‘That’s an exaggeration.’ He looked at her reprovingly. ‘I didn’t honestly think that. I just find it very difficult to read you sometimes.’
‘You find me difficult to read!’ She gasped. ‘You’re not exactly an open book.’
He raised an eyebrow. ‘What do you want to know?’
Everything.
The word whispered across her heart, both startling and alarming her. When had her fascination with Sebastian Rowlands turned into something more? Before she could stop herself, she asked, ‘Well, what do you really think about kids? Do you want to have some one day?’
He didn’t answer immediately and she knew that she’d overstepped the line again.
Good one, Claudia.
And then he surprised her.
‘I’ve never considered myself a family man. The hours I work are too long and I don’t think you should ever commit to something like that unless you’re willing to put in a hundred and ten per cent.’
‘Is that because you were a foster kid?’ she asked quietly.
‘Maybe. Moving from family to family was never easy but I did get used to it.’
Used to it? How could anyone get used to being told that their home was no longer their home? That they had to move on, again? It would have been awful. Never really belonging anywhere, never having a constant in your life – making it difficult to trust anyone but yourself. No wonder he was the way he was.
Guilt seized her.
From the moment they’d met, she had never been completely honest with him. She was masquerading as Cyril Eddings’s niece, for goodness sake. He probably thought she was trying to play him for a fool like she had been doing with everybody else.
She didn’t want to participate in these games anymore. Not when he’d opened his house to her on top of everything else.
‘I’m not Cyril’s niece.’
The piece of fish on the way to his mouth stalled before he slowly lowered his fork. ‘What?’
‘We’re not even related. He made a mistake.’ She rushed the words out. ‘I just went along with it to show you up because I was mad at you for being too arrogant.’
‘Am I supposed to apologise now?’ He raised an eyebrow.
‘For being too arrogant? No, you can’t help that.’
‘I don’t know whether to be relieved or insulted.’
‘It wasn’t my point,’ she shrugged. ‘Cyril’s mistake and my encouragement of it is my bad behaviour, not yours. When Bronwyn got into trouble, it just got out of hand. It seemed too risky to tell the truth after that.’
‘Why are you telling me now?’
‘Because,’ she put her hand over his, ‘I want you to trust me and I want to trust you.’
A pin-drop could have been heard in the silence that followed. He pulled his hand away.
‘Okay, what did I say wrong now?’ she asked in resignation.
His eyes returned to his food. ‘You didn’t say anything wrong, Claudia.’
‘You’re angry with me.’
‘No.’
‘You’re disappointed.’
‘Not really.’
‘Then say something, at the very least that you forgive me?’
‘What’s to forgive?’ he snapped. ‘I never thought for one second you were Cyril’s niece.’ Abruptly, he pushed his plate away. ‘So how are things going with Tom?’
‘Tom?’ She blinked at his sudden change of subject.
‘He must have been disappointed when you didn’t show up at the Costello’s fundraiser.’
‘Honestly, I wouldn’t know,’ she returned crossly. ‘I haven’t seen him recently.’
‘Why not?’ The way he said it was almost accusatory.
‘I don’t see how that’s any of your business.’
‘Good,’ he finally approved. ‘Because you and I aren’t friends. You staying here, that was Cyril’s idea. And as much as I wouldn’t like to see you in any trouble, by general rule I don’t do rescue or go out of my way for anyone other than my clients.’
‘Of course.’ She tossed her head flippantly though her heart ached from the rejection. ‘I know that.’
Abruptly, he stood up, taking his half-empty plate to the sink. ‘If I were you, I’d focus your energy on Leon McCall and putting that dog ring away. That’s certainly what I intend to do. The sooner we can get you back to your own place, the better.’
With that, he left the room to go upstairs and didn’t come down again till morning.
So much for that movie.
It was hard to sink all your energy into an investigation that was going nowhere but she tried anyway. Over the next few days she took her lunch break at The Quiet Gentleman. She detested their food and the place was too rowdy when all she really wanted after a hectic morning was to gather her thoughts. Nonetheless, she knew that now it was all about watching and waiting. They were at a complete dead end in terms of the investigation. If they wanted to catch these crooks, they had to observe them slip up or leave a clue that was more telling than all the rest.
She did notice that Jet, Frank’s young protégé, had his hand bandaged the last time she went in. A dog bite perhaps? When she questioned him about it as much as she dared, he didn’t go into any details though.
‘This?’ He raised his hand. ‘Nothing that won’t heal.’
‘How’d you do it?’
‘By being stupid.’ He grinned and would say nothing more
.
Apart from that, the hour-long vigils gained her no further insight, unless she was hoping to make Frank believe she had the hots for him. Several times he caught her watching him and gave her a slow wink. She nearly gagged on her burger.
Seb was not impressed when she was back from lunch late on Friday either. Even less happy when he found out where she’d been.
‘All you’re doing is giving them someone to be wary of. If they know you’re watching, they’ll just be more careful.’
‘Maybe, maybe not.’ She lifted her chin stubbornly. ‘Today I noticed one of the guys had an injury on his hand, could be from training a dog.’
‘Or he could have cut himself in the kitchen,’ Seb retorted.
Claudia tossed her head. ‘Don’t stress. I’m pretty sure Frank has no idea who I am, except one of his regulars, of course.’
‘You don’t know that,’ he said sternly. ‘You need to be cautious. The police said most of the time they take these guys out investigating some other crime, like illegal drugs or domestic violence.’
‘Great,’ Claudia fumed. ‘So you’re saying they catch them by fluke.’
‘They are very hard to spring. Most of the dog fighters will not be notified of the time and venue of a fight till half an hour before. A text message will go out to all interested parties and then it’s on. It’s not like there will be a memo you can stumble upon a week in advance. They are very careful. They have to be.’
‘Well, isn’t that why we should be on their tails every second?’
He tilted his head. ‘I think the point is, you can’t be, Claudia. You’re wasting your time.’
You could say defeat almost conquered her until Bronwyn’s photo text messages had starting popping up on her phone the following day. Elsa had had her babies and they were gorgeous. Bronwyn sent a picture of each of them cradled in the palms of two hands. They were a range of browns from light to tawny with cute black snouts and such large eyes. Their fur was wrinkled and looked velvety to touch. She wished she could have been there to welcome them into the world.
She called Bronwyn immediately after receiving the pictures. ‘They are so cute!’
‘Aren’t they just?’ Bronwyn gushed. ‘And so affectionate already. I’m holding one on my chest right now and she’s snuggled right in.’
Claudia’s heart melted. ‘What are we going to do with them all?’
‘Honestly, I don’t know.’ Bronwyn whispered. ‘I guess it’s a bit much to be asking your parents to take on the responsibility of housing nine dogs. But I love them all so much already. They need to have a good home.’
‘Absolutely,’ Claudia agreed. ‘And we’ll make sure they do. I’m certain there will be some locals who are interested in having a new pet.’
‘For sure,’ Bronwyn agreed. ‘We just have to keep them safe.’ There was a pregnant pause. ‘Claudia, the very thought of … of –’
‘Don’t say it.’ Claudia shut her eyes. ‘But I do think it’s time you warned my parents and brothers. Knowing the babies have probably been born will make Leon more desperate than ever.’
‘Sure. How are things coming with McCall?’
‘Not well,’ Claudia sighed. ‘But I don’t want to ruin your moment with bad news.’
It was exactly why she hadn’t told Bronwyn yet about the break-in at her apartment or the fact that she’d moved in with Sebastian Rowlands.
At least, that was the reason she told herself she hadn’t said anything to Bronwyn.
The truth was slightly more complicated. The problem with Sebastian was that he was becoming a rather all-consuming fixture in her life. And she was afraid, very afraid, that she was beginning to like it just a little too much.
Chapter 27
Life after kissing Jack was a notebook of questions.
She really wasn’t too sure what to make of it and didn’t want to get her hopes up. When Lydia came in and interrupted them, they had no chance to talk afterwards. Lydia had wanted to know all about the delivery of each of the puppies. By the time she had held and cooed over every single one, Horace and Chris came in, also keen to view the new arrivals. The romantic moment she and Jack shared melted into a family gathering.
Not that she begrudged them this. It was about time, in her opinion. Claudia called as well, gushing over the photos she’d sent her. However, after they rang off, Bronwyn knew if they really wanted to keep the puppies safe, they needed to bring everyone into their confidence.
‘Er … guys,’ she said, as she nervously rubbed Shiraz’s back, ‘there’s something I need to tell you.’
The news that Elsa was a breeder rescued from a dog-fighting ring did not go down well.
‘Did you say Leon McCall’s involved?’ Lydia demanded.
‘Shouldn’t we call the police or something?’ Jack’s eyebrows twitched in concern.
Bronwyn waved it away. ‘Don’t worry. The police are already involved. They’re doing a full-blown investigation in Perth. Claudia’s keeping tabs on it.’
‘My daughter’s involved in this too?’ Horace was not happy.
‘She actually knows more than me,’ Bronwyn admitted. ‘The important thing is to just keep these little guys a secret until the crims are caught.’
‘We can definitely do that.’ Chris nodded.
Jack folded his arms. ‘It’s also a matter of keeping an eye on who’s coming and going from the property.’
Horace agreed. ‘We have to be careful.’
As unpleasant as the subject was, it was great to see the family all in one room interacting at last. Almost like before, but not quite. There was still a lot of anguish in their eyes. Especially when Horace and Jack spoke to one another – like there was a thread of something else, something unspoken.
It gave her hope, however, that telling the truth about what her mother had done had really helped Jack. She could tell he wanted to talk to his dad about it, and the sooner he got it off his chest, the better. So when the opportunity came, she suggested they go on a walk together.
‘Horace, weren’t you saying that the sauvignon blanc is almost ready to come off the vine?’ she asked.
‘I haven’t been out there today yet.’
‘Then you should go now with Jack.’ Bronwyn threw him a pointed look. ‘He’ll want to be part of the decision.’
Jack had met her eyes for a long moment. She saw both gratitude and hesitation there. ‘That would be good.’
He and Horace left the room, leaving Bronwyn, Lydia and Chris with the newborns.
‘Horace has asked me what I think about selling you a slice of Oak Hills,’ Lydia said. ‘What do you think, Chris?’
Bronwyn held her breath.
‘If you’re asking me whether I mind,’ Chris shrugged, ‘the answer is no. We’ve both seen what a great addition to the team Bronwyn makes.’
‘Yes, I’m sorry I was a little reluctant at the start, love,’ Lydia apologised. ‘I was trying to get Jack back to town and I didn’t want you to upset those plans. You and Chris were both so against the idea.’
‘Can you blame us?’ Chris demanded. ‘It hasn’t been smooth sailing.’
‘But it’s been worth it.’ Lydia turned to Bronwyn with a wink. ‘Right?’
Bronwyn bit her lip. ‘Lydia, I’m not sure what you think you witnessed just now but I wouldn’t set much store by it. It is Jack, after all.’
‘Have I missed something?’ Chris asked.
‘Jack kissed Bronwyn,’ Lydia announced. ‘They’re getting together.’
Chris clutched his heart. ‘The betrayal!’
Bronwyn waved her hands in denial. ‘I don’t know that we’re getting together.’
‘You don’t want to be with my son?’ Lydia asked crossly.
‘Playing fast and loose,’ Chris announced archly. ‘I never expected this of you, Numbat.’
‘No,’ Lydia folded her arms, ‘neither did I, because the world can see you’re more than half in love with him.’
&
nbsp; Bronwyn felt her face heat up and knew she’d turned bright pink.
‘Yes,’ she agreed. ‘I am. But is he in love with me?’
When she thought back over the conversation leading up to the kiss there hadn’t been much talk of that. She didn’t think her heart could take it if all Jack wanted was a fling. She would like to think she was smart enough now not to get her hopes up too high. Jack was a playboy fresh from France and a bevy of gorgeous women he’d surely left behind there. She had stupidly admitted yesterday that she had once been in love with him. That would have given his ego a nice little boost. Now suddenly he was turning on all the charm. Her heart sank.
Is he just trying to have a bit of fun with me like he always used to?
She swallowed hard, not wanting to believe this but struggling to find evidence against it. She thought of the sweet things he had said to her during Elsa’s labour, the story of their first kiss.
I wanted to stay with you forever.
In hindsight, away from his distracting presence, the words seemed almost too good to be true. Jack was an accomplished flirt who had perfected the art of the chase.
Was she just another conquest, conveniently placed in his path? He seemed to think that the two of them working together would inevitably lead to an affair. Was that based on his feelings for her, or his skills at seduction?
She had no idea.
If she had hopes that he would come to see her later that evening, they were soon dashed. He stayed out late with his father. The two of them didn’t come home till after she had gone to bed. And while she understood that the conversation they were having was more than five years overdue, she couldn’t help but worry that it was also a very convenient excuse for Jack not to have to explain himself.
Oh for goodness sake, Bronwyn!
It was just one kiss.
One little moment of nothing. Couldn’t she just treat it as such, rather than making it such a big deal in her head? Didn’t she have more important things to worry about?