Found By You (The Spring Rose Bay Series Book 1)

by K. L. Jessop

  “I’m good, why the early call, is everything alright?”

  “Yes, fine. I was just checking the web news and I wanted to hear from my best son and see how life was down under.”

  “I’m your only son and Spring Rose is hardly down under.” I say dryly.

  “It is in my world. It feels a million miles away let alone a few hours,” she sighs. “So how is the wonderful coast, does it miss me?”

  Mum loves this place as much as I do and it crushed us both when we left. Knowing dad was the reason behind it made me even more determined to come back. Never once did he have a good thing to say about the coast and never saw the potential. I thought this was part the reason he often lived in his office working every hour available. At the time I had respect for him providing a good income for his family, little did we know that his late night stays at the office was with a Councillor’s wife.

  “The coast is missing you dearly. Are you still planning on coming down in a few weeks?”

  She gasps with a hint of disgust, “Marcus Matthews, I’m surprised you even asked. I can hear the sand screaming at me to have my toes on it from here.”

  I chuckle at her frustration. “How’s things back there, everything in order?”

  “Yes, dear. You don’t have to worry when your mother is in charge.” This is true, Mum runs the business for me back home taking over secretarial roles and ordering people around while I come to the coast. She knows more than anyone the shit I’ve been through with Sadie and Sean and her words when I left to come here was ‘take as long as you need’ she’s been my rock these last eighteen months and I will be forever thankful for her support.

  “How’s the weather?”

  “Oh what can I say, it’s hot, the sand is still beautifully golden, the air is clean and the sunshine makes you want to bask in it all day.”

  “Stop it. Are you trying to send me into a depression, it’s raining here… again!”

  I can’t help but chuckle. She hates the rain and the cold weather and often talks of taking a six month holiday abroad. That’s until I remind her of her fear of flying.

  “I will never make you sad mother. I’m your best son.” I grinned.

  “You’re my only son.”

  I pull up to the latest of my ongoing creations and come head on with construction materials, machinery and men in yellow hard hats-all striding around a formation of rich red bricks and unfilled windows. When I saw that the area up on Fitzford Hill was up for grabs, I knew it would be the perfect location to build luxury apartments. High ceilings, large bay windows and balconies overlooking the clear blue ocean and golden sands. It was an opportunity not to be missed and one I knew would work well.

  Taking a safety hat from one of the guys I head into the mass of ongoing workers as they continued the work while wires and cables hang unattended in rolls.

  “Mr Matthews, always a pleasure.” Derek said, heading towards me and providing a firm handshake. He’s in charge of the construction work.

  “Derek, how are you?”

  “Good man.” We walk back out into the sunlight, taking in the wooden beams that support the ceilings and floors above me as it’s prepared for the next level of work.

  “So, what have we got?”

  Derek rolls out the building plans placing the paper across his car bonnet, giving me the low down of the latest development and further plans to go ahead. His company is one of the best around; his highly experienced team develops properties of luxurious standards that bring skill and quality to their work. Over the years his team have provided award winning styles that result in excellent customer satisfaction and this is why I always hire him, where ever the grounds may be.

  “The inner structure is looking great and to the requirements that you asked. Ventilation and air con are being put in place as we speak so the electrical side are soon good to go for the next stage.”

  “Fantastic, so the designers will soon be able to get in and work their magic?”

  “All being well yes. I’d give it a few more days but as you can see we are way ahead of the schedule.”

  As well as Derek’s manual workers his company also provides a team of highly qualified interior designers that have an eye for clean crisp décor that screams modern and class as soon as the plans are laid out. I’ve used them numerous times over the years for new builds and refurbishments and have no doubt that the plans for this latest project will look just as spectacular as any other.

  The need for coffee was calling and Rock Waves Diner was the only place I knew would provide a decent mug. The coastal style décor had white washed walls and pale blue booths all thrown together with canvases of the ocean. On my way back to my car I catch a glimpse of rich red down on the shore line, kicking the water with her feet as she strolls along, standing out from the noise of the crowd that gather on the beach.

  Today was the first time in over a year my feet touched the hot sand, the glare of the sun on my bare legs and arms radiating its warmth through me and finalizing the arrival of being home as my feet sunk into the golden treasure beneath me.

  Lost in her own thoughts I place my hand on the small of Amelia’s back causing her to jump feet and shoot round to face me. “Marcus!” she gasps, holding her hand to her chest with flushed cheeks. Her hair is wrapped up in a high messy bun as light wispy bits sway with the breeze, while her strapless sundress shows off a graceful guardian angel tattooed on her left shoulder.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to make you jump. How are you?”

  “I’m good, thanks.” She says softly. Her eyes are covered with her shades and I’m desperate to see them.

  “So this is how you spend your days when you’re not at work, walking the length of the beach?”

  “I come here when I need to think.”

  “Can I walk with you?”

  We continue to walk along the shore line in a silence that’s killing me. For the first time in my entire encounter with women I find myself at a loss of what to say. And I have no doubt Amelia is finding it difficult as her fingers twist her silver ring, a sign I’m beginning to recognise she does when nervous.

  I cut in front of her, noticing her stiffen slightly. “Take off your glasses, I need to see your eyes.” She rewards me with the bright blues that take my breath away. Jesus how did I find this woman? Looking over the water she breaks the connection that I instantly want back. Lifting her chin I make her look at me. “Amelia, I meant what I said the other night, I really would like to take you out.”

  Her cheeks and neck once again coat with pink but she doesn’t look away this time. “But why? Why not any other woman?” she murmurs.

  “Because they’re not you. You’re beautiful and I like being around you. And if I’m honest, I can’t stop thinking about you.” I tuck the wispy strands of hair behind her ear, not missing her sharp inhale of breath. “Please say you will?”

  “Ok,” she whispers on a shaky breath.

  I place a kiss on the corner on her mouth. I can’t seem to control myself when I’m around her. I want to touch her in every way possible but I don’t think it’s going to be that easy, her guards are up and don’t appear to be shifting anytime soon. “Did you like the flowers?” I had a large bunch of wild flowers delivered to Amelia’s door first thing this morning.

  “Yes, thank you, though you shouldn’t have done that?”

  “I wanted to. A beautiful lady deserves to be treated well.” Her smile vanished and her eyes become unreadable as she looks away; again lifting her chin they flick back to me. As much as I want to stay I’m getting the feeling she needs space. “I’ll see you soon.”

  I’m heading back up the beach when I turn on the sound of her sweet voice. “Marcus, you don’t have my number.”

  “Already got it.” I grin as her brows narrow, and the fact I know where she works is another matter altogether.

  Chapter Six

  Amelia

  Ok just Breathe.

  Apprehension f
lows through me like a swollen river. My mind is a mixture of excitement and bewilderment as I think back to the times I saw Marcus. Ever since, my nights have been restless, my days wasted as I think of him-those eyes, his charm. From his kiss that still tingles and his tender touches that gave me goosebumps. In the few hours with him he reminded me of how caring a man could be and how even in my anxious state he made me feel safe and completely at ease. Which clouds my judgment in a way I cannot even begin to comprehend.

  I’ve tried to push those thoughts of him into the memory box of my mind but it’s not been easy. No man has ever bought me flowers. My ex Daniel thought it was a waste of time so I never received any nor was I allowed to buy them. Flowers were my lifeline that still connected me with my mother, they brought fond memories of her and seeing the newly fresh flowers filling my room in blossom brings comfort inside of me.

  The sound of porcelain clatter’s from behind the counter as the scorching of the espresso machine fills the air, leaving the heavy scent of coffee. I beam as I see Megan striding through Rock Waves door, looking professionally hot in her black pencil skirt, white blouse and red heels. That girl could make wearing a paper bag look sexy. Underneath her ‘I am fabulous’ act she plays daily, she really didn’t have any idea just how flawlessly sexy and incredible she really was. That’s what was so innocent about her and one fragment of her personality I adored deeply.

  “Hey, there sexy lady, how are you?” her arms stretch out to hug me. Ever after all these years the closeness that I have with her never ceases to amaze me, just one hug can relax my overactive mind.

  “Good. I’ve missed you.”

  “You too, have you ordered?” She throws her bag on the seat next to her and bounces her ass down.

  “I wasn’t sure what time you’d be here, so I waited.”

  Her ice blue eyes study me as she searches my face. Her brother Lucas always referred to us as his blue eyed girls, as we each provided two different shades of colour.

  “What’s wrong? And don’t give me everything is fine shit.” She’s like my mother-sister-agony aunt and best friend all rolled into one and knows with just a look if there’s something wrong. “And quit bouncing your fucking leg, I can feel the vibration from here.”

  I can’t help but chuckle. Megan gets easily irritated by my quirky ways of how I control my nerves. “Ok, right. When you left Rubies the other night, I never went home like I said I was going to.”

  “Rrrright,” she says inquisitively with a little squint of the eyes.

  “I was about to leave when some guy made a move and I freaked out a little. Then like lightning this other guy springs from nowhere and steps in to help me, and holy fuck he is gorgeous, like heavenly. Everything happened so fast and the next thing I knew we were sat on the terrace of Rubies drinking whiskey and talked for ages before he walked me home and-”

  Her hand come up stopping me. “Wait a minute, back the fuck up. You let all that happen?”

  I nod, knowing as well as she does that that’s not happened in a long while. After one failed relationship I refused to enter into another, I don’t chase guys I run from them. “Wow. What have you done with my friend? You know the one that stays in after eight with coffee and cookies.”

  I threw her a look. “There’s more.”

  “Oh my god, you fucked him!” she shrieks. I literally could have died as my cheeks shot red and Megan holds her hand to her mouth with a giggle as heads turn towards us.

  “Shout a bit louder I don’t think they heard you down the back! No, I didn’t.” I lowered my voice. “But I kissed him, like really kissed him…and loved it.” Her mouth drops open and she leans forward, slapping her hand on my forehead. “Megan, what are you doing?”

  “Checking for a fever.”

  Batting her hand away I roll my eyes. “Be serious.” Her face is like a kid that’s just been given a bag of Bon Bons, all excited and high on sugar, while I’m still trying to focus on the seriousness of this and work out what the fuck to do, as that all too familiar feeling for apprehension creeps in. “He wants to see me again.”

  “And your face looks like someone’s died because?”

  “This is me remember, I don’t do relationships, I don’t do dating and as much as I’m dreading the whole thing, a part of me can’t help but want it. And that scares the fuck out of me, Megan.” I sigh, leaning my head back against the cushioned seat of the booth. I’ve had the same mixed feeling since that night, even more so since earlier on the beach.

  She reaches over taking my hands in hers, planting that ‘here it comes’ smile on her pure baby skinned face. “You want me to tell you what I really think or some bullshit we both know is a lie.”

  “The truth please, and be harsh.” I knew she would, Megan tells it straight no matter who’s in front of her.

  “It’s understandable that you’re scared. This is a massive step and I get that. But wherever this leads, maybe you just need to bite the bullet and go for it. It’s been a long time since London and you have come so far in your recovery. They aren’t all like that fucking piece of shit and you can’t continue on letting him ruin what you do in the future, you just have to try babe.”

  I swallow looking at the same words on the menu that I’ve been looking at for the last five minutes, knowing in my heart that she is right. Megan and Lucas are forever saying those two words to me, ‘Just try’ and I do. But for a long time I’ve fought hard to keep my shit together and by doing it on my own was the best way possible. However the thought of getting ‘back out there’ causes my stomach to churn. A lonely life isn’t looking at all pleasant and in all honesty isn’t what I wish for. But if it means protecting myself, state of mind and heart then I’ll do anything within my power to make sure I’m not broken again.

  “He sent me flowers this morning.”

  “Uh, shit me he’s a keeper!”

  ***

  Shit!

  I dart out of bed and rush around my house like a mad woman, frantically trying to get my things together and my eyes out of sleep mode, but failing miserably as another night of restless sleep and nightmares takes its toll. Today was a massive day for me as the owner of The Grand was arriving to spend his summer at the coast. Jumping out of the shower to do my hair and make-up. I dive into the wardrobe and pull out my grey fitting dress and finish it off with my black high heels. Grabbing my bag and keys I hit the road in record timing.

  “Miss Weston, the meeting in the conference room started fifteen minutes ago.” Felicity states, peering her eyes over the computer in reception.

  “I’m aware of that thank you. Is Mr Matthews here yet?” I asked in a hurry, grabbing my office keys from the cabinet.

  “Yes, he’s been here since seven this morning and Andrew’s tried calling you.”

  “My phones dead!” I shout, heading down the hall.

  I peer my head through the door causing everyone to turn as Andrew stops talking. Embarrassment flushed my face with everyone’s focus on me, instantly wanting to stick my head in the sand and disappear. Once a month, Management and supervisors of different roles of the Hotel get together for a general meeting and heads up on the latest information and upcoming events. Today was no different.

  “Nice of you to finally join us, Miss Weston, can I ask where you’ve been?” Andrew asks in his deep voice and a cocked brow.

  “Sorry, I had a phone call from Nadia Lenton, you know how it is when she’s on the phone.”

  He nods with an ‘I know you’re lying’ look in his eyes. I sit next to Megan at the back, oblivious of the others in the room as my head needed a reprieve from the morning hustle and bustle to get here.

  “So what did the celebrity bitch want this time?” Megan whisper’s as Andrew continued his speech.

  “Nothing I just said that to stop his third degree.”

  She grins. “So, why are you late?”

  “I had a nightmare and overslept.” Megan gives me a pitied smile and a look of co
ncern, knowing my suffering of nightmares and the ones her and Lucas have often witnessed. “So, what have I missed?”

  “Not much, staff rotas. Oh and the meet and greet of Mr-Sexy-CEO-Matthews, who noticed of your absence by the way.”

  “Damn it! He’s going to hate me already. Is he still here?”

  “Indeed I am.” I swirl my head around to the deep voice coming behind me and freeze. Leaning against the desk dressed in a charcoal tailored suit is the piece of perfection that’s brainwashed my mind since that very night. The colour drains my face as I wide eyed him.

  “Marcus,” I whisper barely moving my lips.

  His smile beams as he pushes off the desk and leans in over my shoulder. His musky fragrance and body wash hit my scenes like a freight train as he whispers, “Good morning, Amelia. Pleasure to finally meet the other person who helps keeps this place running in my absence. And no, I don’t hate you. Even if you had overslept and told your co-worker different.”

  Great so not only have I made a complete ass of myself in front of him, he also knows I’ve lied. “You’re him.” I whisper again, swallowing hard and looking directly over his shoulder avoiding his eyes. “You’re Mr Matthews.”

  “Surprise!” he whispered. He makes his way to the front, smiling at the staff as he turns to face us all. My head spins with questions and answers, heat sours my body and I’m unsure if it’s though panic or pleasure. He really was an incredibly sexy man but at the same time fury started to creep through me that he’s lied about who he was, given the fact he’s had plenty of opportunities to tell me. I sink down in my chair wanting to escape his gaze and lose myself from others.

  “I can’t believe this, this can’t be happening.” I say quietly to myself but Megan picking up every word.

  “Can’t believe what?”

  “It’s him.”

  “Who’s him?” she whispers back with a tilt of her head, her eyes solely locked up front.