by Wendy Smith
I drive up to the gates and they open. It’s not hard to see why this place intimidates people. The fence around it is massive. Once the gates close behind you, it’s suffocating no matter how much space is here.
As I drive us toward the main building, Hayley points. “There’s my car. I’ll just grab it and we’ll get out of here.”
“Not wanting to stay and hang with your new friend?”
She screws up her face as I laugh. “I can’t wait to get back out of here.”
“Heads up. Is that him?”
A tall, dark-haired guy walks down the steps and toward Hayley’s car.
“That’s him.”
I pull the car up, and she shoots me a quick smile. “I’ll just get in the car and we’ll go.”
“Okay.”
She steps out and takes a few steps toward her car. Ash’s eyes are fixed on my car—not that he’ll see much with my tinted windows. He walks toward Hayley and speaks to her as she presses the button and unlocks her car.
Screw this.
I get out of the car and walk around. “Everything good, princess?”
She smiles and nods. “Fine.”
“I was just thanking Hayley,” Ash says.
I nod.
“Drew performed the caesarean. He’s the one who deserves the credit.” Her eyes are so full of happiness as our gazes lock, and I give her a wink that makes her blush.
“Is that right? So you’re here to drop Hayley back home?”
“I’m her boyfriend.”
To his credit, he only lets his facial expression blank for a moment. Something’s not right about this guy, and that just confirmed it. If he was any other guy showing interest in my girl, I could handle it. But with all the rumours about this place, I don’t trust him one bit.
“Thank you for helping Julia,” he says.
I nod. “You’re welcome. Someone should give you a call about arranging transport home in a few days.”
I shoot a smile at Hayley. “Let’s get going.”
Her expression brightens. All I want is to get out of here with her. This place gives me the creeps.
I wait for her to get in her car and start the engine before I give Ash a nod and do the same. Signalling for her to go first, I follow, leaving him standing watching us leave.
She’s not coming back here again if I can help it.
She knows there’s something wrong.
We’re cuddled up on the couch after dinner watching some home renovation show, and her body against mine just feels so right. Having her in my arms is everything.
“You okay?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“You’re not saying much. That’s not like you.” Her lips twitch, as if she’s unsure if she means it as a joke.
“Just thinking about today. That place gives me the creeps. I don’t want you going back there.”
She nods. “It’s a tough situation. I want to work with them to make sure there’s maternity care available or the next Julia might not be so lucky.”
“I know.”
I grumble, pulling her closer. “I’m not going to stop worrying.”
“I’m not asking you to. I’d be more concerned if you weren’t worrying. But it’s what’s right, Drew. Something needs to be in place to help them.”
I nod because she’s right. Of course her first care will be any mothers and babies, but it doesn’t make things any easier. “Just be careful of him. There’s always been all kinds of stories circulating in town about what goes on up there.”
Hayley nuzzles my cheek. “Of course I will. And you don’t need to be jealous. It’s only you I want.”
“Good, because the thought of you near anyone else drives me crazy.”
“I really liked how you introduced yourself as my boyfriend.”
I smile, gazing into her eyes. “That’s what I am, isn’t it? I mean, I know we haven’t been together physically a lot, but frankly, I’m surprised my phone hasn’t caught fire with some of the text messages we’ve shared.”
She laughs. “It’s easy to get carried away with you.”
“Wanna go get carried away now?”
Hayley plants a kiss on my cheek and stands, pulling me to my feet. “Come on, then.”
“Whatever you say, princess.”
In the morning it’s a lonely drive home to an empty house. I hate it when she’s not here. We’ve known each other five minutes, but Hayley McCarthy has me wrapped around her little finger.
After two nights of Hayley being here, the house I’d found refuge in is empty. Even though she brought nothing with her, everything around me reminds me of her—the dent her body left in my mattress, the scent that leaves me remembering our bath together, the ache to hold her and touch her. Not even voicemails from Lucy demanding I call her can distract me.
She could take everything I own and I wouldn’t care if I had Hayley.
I’m hers.
11
Hayley
One week later, the cove is quiet.
It’s rare to find it like this. There are usually people about, and in the height of summer, it’s teeming with life.
I pause and look out over the water. It’s still, but for the odd splash in the distance. The fish must enjoy the peace too. Curling my bare toes in the sand, I take a deep breath.
This is what I love about my life here. Despite being on the go all of the time and the sometimes long hours, the tranquillity is hard to beat when I get a moment to enjoy it.
But today there’s something missing. I think when I went to Hamilton a week ago, I left my heart there. This thing with Drew has come on so quick and strong, but at the same time, it worries me I’m reading too much into it.
But then a part of me is still laughing over Drew’s comment about our kids. He’s feeling the same about me, I’m sure.
“Hayley.”
I freeze at the voice, and turn to see Ash Harris coming toward me. Great. “Uhh, hi.”
He makes my stomach flip with that intense blue-eyed stare of his, but not in a good way. More in an I-want-to-recoil-and-run-away way. I can definitely see the appeal though. Those girls in his compound must be drawn to him. I would be.
“I had hoped that it would be quiet down here. I find the water calming,” he says.
He draws level, and I nod. “Me too.”
“I’m happy to see you. You caused quite the stir in our little community.”
I hope so. You’re all lunatics. “Just doing my job.”
“You did it very well. I’m impressed.”
I blush. I can’t help it. After everything that happened early in my career, any compliment means a lot. Back then, I spent so many hours debating whether to go on or not, but my love for the job won out. “Thank you. How’s Julia doing?”
He pauses for a second, as if he’s surprised I’ve asked after her. “She’s doing well. The baby’s thriving.”
“Glad to hear it. I hope she’s being well looked after. That was a traumatic experience for her to go through.”
“It was. She’s getting plenty of rest.”
“She needs it. Please give her my regards.” I turn and walk the short distance to a nearby picnic table. I’m not concerned whether he follows me or not; I came out here for the fresh air and peace.
He sits opposite. “I want to tell you about our community.”
I swallow. “Okay.”
“Dad left me with a great responsibility, looking after his followers.”
“So they’re not your followers?”
He shakes his head. “No. I will lead when they need it, but they’re all masters of their own destinies.”
Stuck behind a wall and cut off from the world. “Julia needed antenatal care. The hospital had to take a few chances, given that I had no medical history for her. You can’t take shortcuts like that.”
Ash draws himself up. “It’s better if we don’t have outsiders come within our walls. They don’t tend to understand us.”
No shit. “That’s all well and good, but situations like that need medical professionals. If you hadn’t called me, Julia and her baby could have both died.”
He nods. “I know. So, I have a proposition for you.”
I swallow. I’m not sure if I’m interested in any proposition this man has. “I learned a big lesson with what happened to Julia. Maybe the ways of the past aren’t the best ways. So, I’d like to invite you to join us.”
My stomach drops. “Uhh that’s very kind of you, but that won’t be happening.”
He smiles, showing off the perfect teeth that tell me he’s probably seeing a dentist at least.
“If you want our help, then you need to speak to Margaret Joyce. She’s my boss and runs the clinic which I work out of.”
Ash licks his lips slowly. I know that move; it’s meant to entice me, but it just leaves me aching to roll my eyes at him. “I mean come and live with us. You’d have a good life. I’m sure Julia will tell you how great things are.”
I had thought he was about to suggest they use our midwifery service, but it’s way more extreme than that.
Those piercing blue eyes fix on me, burning a hole in my brain. If this is how he gets followers, I understand.
Four years ago, when I arrived here, maybe I would have been a better target for him. I was broken and lost. Now, I have a job I love, friends, and Drew. I’m loved and wanted and cared for. “I’m not coming to live with you.”
He smiles. “Maybe I can work on convincing you. I think you’d be a good fit.”
“I’m happy with the life I have.”
“And yet you’re down here, de-stressing.”
“Because I have a happy but busy life.”
Silence settles over us, but he never drops his gaze. “Have dinner with me.”
I shake my head. “I can’t.”
His eyebrows twitch. “Just to say thank you for saving Julia’s life?”
“You don’t have to thank me. Julia and the baby’s survival are what’s important.”
He nods. “Of course. I’m so grateful, and I just want to show some appreciation.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “Nope.”
“I’ll talk to my boss, but I might do it on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“That it’s to discuss future care for any pregnant women in your community. The easiest way to avoid situations like Julia’s is for us to get in and see them. Or for them to come and see us.”
He gives me a short, sharp nod. “Deal.”
“I can’t stress how important this is.”
He leans forward. “You don’t give up easily, do you?”
“Never.”
A smile spreads across his face. “I like a challenge.”
I walk away, unsure how I feel about it all. A few weeks ago, and I probably would have just gone and got it over with. Now I think about Drew.
How is he going to feel about this?
The afternoon weather is cooling, and I get the urge on the way home to make cheese toasties for dinner. It’s comfort food, one that helped get me through studying.
Determined to stand on my own two feet, I did my best to support myself and live within my means. My parents were loaded, but I didn’t want to rely on them—or at least I didn’t want the fuss that seemed to go with doing so. All I ever wanted was a simple life, and this town has given me that.
I pull up outside the bakery. It’s usually open until five, and I’ll only just make it, but the bread’s so good here. The supermarket stuff has nothing on it.
Owen smiles as I walk into the bakery. “Hey, Hayley.”
“Hi.”
“After some bread?”
I nod, and he grabs hold of my usual multigrain loaf. “It’s on the house.”
“Why?”
He grins. “I hear you’re making Drew happy. That’s a big plus in my book.”
I chuckle. “He’s making me pretty happy too. I still want to pay.”
He slides the bread into a plastic bag. “Don’t worry about it.”
“What if things don’t work out between me and Drew?”
Owen shrugs. “I’ll make you pay for your bread again.”
I can’t help but laugh. He’s been a bit flirty with me on a few occasions in the past, but I’ve just brushed it off.
“So, what else has your brother told you about me?”
He hands the bread over. “Not a lot. Well, about how amazing you are. All I know is that he’s never been this happy. I think his last girlfriend sucked the life out of him, but you’re good for his soul.”
“I heard she’d moved onto sucking the life out of the landlord.”
Owen throws his head back and laughs loudly. “I guess you could say that. Drew’s got a big heart, and he deserves to be happy.”
I don’t know what to say to that. It’s like we’re being married off already. “Thanks for the bread, Owen.”
He nods. “Any time.”
The little bell above the shop door rings out as it opens.
Owen grins. “There’s a surprise. Are you tracking her phone or something?”
I turn. Drew stands behind me, a big smile on his face.
Everything that’s happened today is forgotten when I lay eyes on Drew. “What are you doing here?”
He grins. “I just thought I’d pop down for the night. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.”
Owen laughs. “What’s it been? A week?”
“A week’s a long time when you’ve met the perfect girl.”
I blush as Owen rolls his eyes.
“It’s okay, Owen. I know you’ve met plenty of perfect girls. At least, that’s what you tell them …” Drew winks at me. “Whereas I mean it.”
I laugh. Owen shakes his head. “And to think I gave you a free loaf of bread.”
“Well, I wasn’t going to visit, but I saw Hayley’s car outside.”
“Oh, so you’re just here to see her?” Owen’s tone is harsh, but his amused expression tells a different story.
Drew nods, slipping an arm around my waist. “Sorry.”
“I think I might be able to forgive you. Pop in before you leave in the morning and you can grab some food.”
“Sounds good.”
Owen smiles. “Get out of here, you two. I’m closing up because I have places to be.”
“Places to be or people to do?” Drew laughs.
“You know me so well.”
The bread lies forgotten for the moment on the kitchen bench. Drew and I have better things to do.
I close my eyes as he laces kisses down my torso, his lips burning a trail. This is what I want all of the time. Not just on the odd weekend, not just during these stolen moments.
Drew reaches my stomach, and tears well as he goes down on me. I can’t help it. A mix of emotions leaves me sobbing silently, even as I shudder against Drew’s tongue. He’s worth so much to me, but I don’t know how to start telling him.
“You taste amazing.” He torments me until I reach the peak before tumbling down. He kisses my thighs, taking big mouthfuls of flesh as if he can’t get enough of me, and I can’t get enough of him.
It’s not until he emerges from between my thighs and starts a journey back up my body that he sees something’s wrong. Concern fills his expression. “Hayley? Are you okay?”
I nod, but the tears continue to flow. Okay doesn’t begin to describe how I’m feeling.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
My heart stops as he asks and doesn’t just move past it. I’ve had a lifetime of people ignoring my feelings. Not Drew. “I’m just so happy.”
His expression lightens as he scans my face. “Tell me what the tears are for.”
“I just … I’m a little overwhelmed that we’re together again.”
Drew strokes my cheeks and wipes my tears. “I couldn’t wait until ne
xt week, or next month, or whenever we got a chance to see each other again.”
I smile a little. I don’t want to feel so needy, but since we started seeing each other, he’s all I can think about. It’s not fair being in the honeymoon phase of a new relationship with no groom.
“Thank you,” I croak.
“There is literally nowhere else I’d rather be.” He leans over and nips at my neck, leaving me gasping.
I bring my hands up and cradle the back of his head as he slips into me, filling me emotionally and physically as only he can. “I want to be with you, Hayley. I knew for sure the night we sat in that bath and I held you as you nearly fell asleep in my arms. All I’ve wanted to do since then is hold you.”
He moves slowly, torturing me with his slow pace, but I enjoy it as he does. The longer he’s inside me, the better.
He’s all mine.
In the evening, we watch a movie after eating the cheese toasties. Sprawled on the couch in my trackpants and a loose T-shirt, I’m comfortable and relaxed. My head’s on Drew’s lap, and I’m only half-watching Captain America.
Drew’s stroking my hair, and I close my eyes. “Going to sleep, princess?”
“Maybe.” I yawn.
“Did I wear you out?”
“Maybe.” I push myself off his lap and sit. “I love that you’re here.”
“Thought you might. I’ll have to leave early, but you’re worth it.”
I sigh. “You’re working tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but a later shift. I’ll be fine. Work’s crazy at the moment, but you’re worth it.”
He reaches over and hooks my hair behind my ear. “I was missing my girl and needed to see her.”
“I needed to see you too, but I can’t take off when I feel like it.”
“Neither can I. I had to do some serious grovelling to get someone to swap hours with me.”
I grin. “If you’re working tomorrow, you’ll need to get a lot of sleep tonight.”
He waggles his eyebrows. “I had other plans. Are you even watching this movie?”
“No.”
“I’ve got something for you. Not that you really need it, but I did. Lucy’s still calling me wanting financial help, and I keep telling her to talk to her lawyer, but I don’t think she’s doing it because she doesn’t have the money.”