by Iris Blobel
He chuckled and then waited what felt like forever to answer, while holding up the chocolate cake. “I’m coming with a peace offering. I’m so sorry about this morning. The only excuse I have is that Harriet caught me off guard.”
She was quiet for a moment, then reached for the cake with one hand, his hand with the other and pulled him in.
Without hesitation, she kissed him. Connor wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her against him. Her entire body pulsed with passion as she was crushed against his hard, hot body. And as impossible as it seemed, the kiss became even more passionate.
Having Connor back with her was all she’d wanted. The argument earlier in the day forgotten about. She’d met Harriet, she knew firsthand how manipulative she could be.
Emily broke the kiss after what seemed a long moment. “Did you bring cream as well?”
With a grin spreading across his face, he shook his head.
She rolled her eyes and said, “How can I accept your peace offering when you bring cake without cream?”
Connor snorted. “Sorry. Again.”
With an exaggerated exhale, she gently pushed him away and said, “Let’s devour the cake and you tell me about Harriet.”
His brows slanted into a frown. “Do I have to?”
“Well, I need to at least know where she is and why she was here.”
He let go of her and rubbed his hands over his face. “I need a lot of cake for that conversation.”
She let out a soft giggle, turned, and walked into the kitchen. His soft steps told her he was right behind her. Not sure whether to tell him about her encounter with Harriet, she decided it best not to keep any secrets from him if she was serious about their relationship. She started the kettle, prepared the cups, cut the cake, and as she handed him his plate, she said, “She was here.”
His eyes met hers, indicating that he didn’t know what she was talking about.
“Harriet. She was here.”
The blood drained from his face as he mouthed something close to fuck.
She laughed. “Sorry. I know it’s not funny, especially not after what happened this morning.”
“What did she want?”
She shrugged. “Making sure I know that you’re not available.”
Another bout of swearing.
“Connor, you need to watch your language. I’m worried my milk will go off with your foul mouth.”
He cocked a brow, and she burst into laughter.
“I sent her packing in a very nice way. Honestly.”
“Let’s hope she got the message and finally went back to Melbourne. Even better if she were on her way to London.” He hooked a finger into her pants and gently pulled her closer. “She’s right in one aspect though. I’m not available anymore.”
Emily stared at him, eyes wide open.
“I’m all yours,” he said against her lips. “Twelve months or more. Whatever the future holds for us.”
“Or more?”
“Or more,” he confirmed.
Emily couldn’t believe what he’d just said. Twelve months or more. It seemed like a wonderful dream. Her childhood crush had not only returned, but he had conquered her heart as well. Or had she conquered his heart? After all, he’d always had hers.
“I had a good talk with my mother,” he said, hauling her from her thoughts, “and she told me that everyone expected us to get married even as children. I would hate to disappoint them.”
A big grin spread across his face, but Emily blinked a couple of times. “Married?”
He winced. “Not straight away. How about we take one step after the other.”
She was quiet for a moment, studying his face and the expression on it. “Connor,” she said just above a whisper. “I heard you this morning when you said you loved me.”
“Good, because I really do. But it seems I need to work on my romantic side and timing a little bit.”
She touched his lips with hers. “I like you just as you are. Flaws and all.”
“Flaws?”
She lifted a shoulder and let it fall again. “Well…you snore.”
A bark of laughter filled the kitchen. “I do not.”
Connor placed his plate on the table, then took her hand and led her to her bedroom.
“What about the cake?”
“Let’s have a proper dessert first.”
A quiver ran down her spine, mixed with a tingle of excitement. And her heart skipped a beat as he turned on her bedside lamp, before he turned to her. She let her mind drift, relishing the knowledge of being in his arms again.
Chapter Twelve
The next few weeks flew by, with each day another new experience for Connor.
He’d been able to squeeze his mother’s apology into one of his conversations with Jack, and it seemed that the old man appreciated the thought, but never replied to it. Although initially worried, Jack was also content about the improved relationship between Connor and his mother, even had a chuckle that she was already thinking of ideas for a wedding.
“If there’s money she can spend, she’s all for it,” Jack had said with a laugh.
Connor nodded. “I just wish she’d hold back a little. I mean, she’s going from one extreme to the next.”
The New Year’s Eve celebrations were not only unlike London’s because of the lesser amount of fireworks, but also the heat. Connor had become used to the Australian summer heat over the last couple of weeks, although he still struggled with the muggy days. New Year’s Eve in Fermosa Bay was another big beach event with a barbeque and most of the residents and lots of tourists attending. It was laid back with everyone bringing something along like food or drinks. The council provided the barbeques.
Connor was taking everything in with Emily by his side.
Yet, Jack’s health worried him. Especially his fatigue and shortness of breath. Connor knew his dad was holding back on telling him what else bothered him, but Connor assumed he must be in pain as well. Dr. Miller had advised Connor to try to keep up his father’s fluids, but there was nothing else that could be done.
It hurt him and some days nearly tore him apart.
With Ethan in New Zealand with his son in early January, Connor tried to help out in the office a bit and with the support of Ethan’s assistant, Debbie, he was able to get the hang of the business. Niall stopped by often, explaining details and routine.
Connor started to like it and could easily see himself working next to Ethan and Niall to establish a marketing department.
One morning, he was in the middle of going through the mail with Debbie when Niall came in.
Debbie excused herself, and Niall sat in her spot. “How are things going?”
Connor let out a little chuckle. “I have no idea how Ethan does it. My respect for him grows with every minute.”
Niall laughed. “He studied the whole business side of things. Of course, he’s on top of it.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Did you study business?”
“Na, after school, I did my Diploma in Business and started to study IT. When Jack offered me the job to manage the bars, it was on the job training, so to speak. And a lot of help and support from Ethan.”
Connor nodded. “He’s one hell of a guy.” He paused for a moment as he sorted the mail and placed it into the small folder for his friend. “I had a look into your idea about a marketing department. I started to play with an income and expenditure business plan, and it just might work out to be profitable.”
A grin spread across Niall’s face.
Connor stared at him. “What?”
“I like the idea, because it’ll give you roots in this place.”
Connor shook his head as he let out a little chuckle.
Niall leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s good having you back.” He gave a quick shrug. “We missed you. Jack missed you. We often sat at the beach having a beer wondering where you w
ere or what you were doing.”
“I’m still surprised about the impression I seemed to have made in only a few years.”
Niall nodded. “Jack kept you alive in all of us. In a subtle way. In a good way.”
“It’s still eerie.”
They sat in silence for a moment when Niall’s phone rang. He rolled his eyes. “Grandma Sabrina.” And pushed the ignore button.
“I had the impression you like her?”
“I love her,” Niall said firmly. After a hesitating moment, he added, “It’s that girl working for her at the moment. Melody is her name. Long story. She’s helping out in the shop for free lodging in Grandma’s room in the attic.” He stood. “Something’s iffy about her, though.”
“Melody?”
Niall nodded.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. Can’t put my finger onto it.”
Connor cocked a brow.
“Have you seen how she dresses? Her abrupt manners?”
“You’re judging her by how she dresses?”
“I’m not judging her. I’m merely observing.”
Connor watched him. Niall’s stare went out the window, and he seemed to be thinking about Melody. At least that would explain the slight blush on his friend’s cheeks. There was obviously more to the story than judging and observing. A smile tugged at Connor’s lips.
“You like her,” Connor said into the silence.
Niall shot him a glare. “Are you insane?” Shaking his head, he said, “No way, she’s trouble with a capital T.” As soon as he’d spoken the last word, he turned and left.
Connor shook his head as he tidied up. A few minutes later, he stood and walked out of the office.
“I’ll call it a day, Debbie. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re very welcome,” she replied.
“Have a great weekend.”
He left and walked over to his car. Opening the door, he cursed that he’d left it in the sun again. With a heavy sigh, he leaned in, started the engine and stood again while grabbing his phone out of his pocket. Emily answered the phone after only one ring, which put a major smile on his face.
“Hello, sunshine. What are you up to?”
“Still have two house visits to do.”
“Dinner at my place?”
“Deal, but I can’t have a stay over. Got a very early appointment tomorrow, so don’t you dare tempt me.”
His heart stuttered at the thought of having her in his arms, exploring her beautiful skin. She’d stopped over most nights for dinner, but also to check in on Jack. Having her around was like the last piece to his puzzle, and inside he wondered how he’d been able to exist without her. He truly loved her.
“I will try my best,” he replied as he slid behind the wheel, starting the air conditioner. “I’ll grab some meat and salad.”
“Sounds lovely. I’ll bring dessert.”
He groaned at the mention of dessert.
“Really? Dessert makes you think of sex? You have such a dirty mind,” she said with a laugh in her voice.
Leaning his head against the hot steering wheel, he whispered, “You’re killing me here, Emily.”
A few minutes later, Connor joined Jack in the lounge room with a cold drink in his hand.
“How are you, Dad?”
Jack looked up and a smile spread across his face. “I’m good, Son. Just a little bit bothered with the muggy air today. It makes it hard to breathe.”
With his heart aching, he asked, “Anything I can do for you?”
“Keep me company. Tell me about your first girlfriend.”
Not able to hold back the laugh, Connor sat next to his father. “Well, I was only six when I fell in love for the first time. Apparently.”
His father’s laugh was like music to his ears. “Little Emmy.”
“Mother told me half the town had us in church already, rings on our fingers and such.”
Jack nodded.
Leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees, he asked, “Why can’t I remember all these things, Dad? Why is there a big black hole in my memory?”
“Emmy said something about childhood amnesia.”
“From the fall?”
His father shrugged. “I don’t know, Son. Emmy tried to explain that we’re having trouble to remember certain events of our childhood at the best of times, but with your mother denying you these memories, you can’t recall them at all.”
It made sense, but everything inside him still told him it was only locked away, and he needed to find the key to reveal all. There was so much he was able to remember from his childhood in London, why not here? Why not about a place he seemed to have loved so much. Close to tears, yet again, he grieved for a life he could’ve had.
Startled when his father stood, he looked up.
“Come on, Son. There’s one more thing I want you to do for me.”
Connor raised a brow.
“Get a move on. I haven’t got much longer,” the old man said with a grin on his face.
Exhaling a long breath, he stood as well.
“Go and get your togs. It’s time for you to connect with the water again.”
“Dad.”
Jack held up his hand. “For me.”
Connor rubbed his hands over his face before he met his father’s gaze again. “Look—”
“Togs,” Jack demanded. “You’ve got some, right?”
“I suppose my shorts will do?”
With a nod, Jack turned and stepped towards the back door. Suddenly Connor’s chest felt tight, with his heart racing and sweat running down the side of his face. His pulse thundered in his head, his mind going into overdrive about putting a foot into water. The point was, though, he wasn’t able to remember why he hated water so much.
Another detail his mind hid from him. Yet, no one had mentioned any accidents in the water. The cold sweat down his back gave him a shiver.
“Son?”
His father’s voice brought him back from his thoughts.
“I’m coming,” he said hesitantly.
They walked down the beach, and Connor took off his shirt.
“And you’re sure I used to love the water?”
With a big grin on his face, Jack said, “A hundred percent sure.” He chuckled. “Would you like me to hold your hand?”
“If you weren’t my dad, I’d give you a nice right hook.”
Then, one step after the other, he went into the ocean, feeling his breath catch as the water slapped against his legs. It wasn’t warm, but not as cold as he’d expected. He paused to get used to the sensation and then took a few more steps, aware that the water had nearly reached his stomach. Looking around, he caught his dad’s face, smiling. It wasn’t a cheeky smile, but a content one.
Focussing back on his task, he murmured a song by REM, surprised he remembered the words. He took a deep breath and dove in. He swam and felt the sea ripple and part around him. Loving the sensation of the water surrounding him, he took another dive before surfacing again. Connor shook the water out of his hair when he looked at his dad. He’d sat down, watching him from the distance.
After what seemed an eternity, he swam back to shore, stood, and walked out of the water with his clothes dripping wet. Connor sat next to Jack and said, “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
***
The next morning, Connor woke to the sound of Emily’s alarm. After a quick cuddle and a few kisses, he turned and went back to sleep. The sun and the heat in his room indicated that he must’ve fallen asleep for another couple of hours. No wonder, the swim and the night with Emily had worn him out. Slowly, he kicked off his blanket and stretched. With sleep in his eyes, he turned to check the time. It was after ten. Why hadn’t he heard Jack, yet? In one quick move, he got out of bed and went into the bathroom, started the shower and stepped in. Remembering that the tank water was low, he tested the water temperature with his hand first before
standing under the stream.
The house was hot and muggy, when he walked down the hall twenty minutes later. Jack had obviously not switched on the air conditioner, yet. Connor stopped. That was the second unusual thing this morning. He listened again, but all he heard was the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and some seagulls, most likely fighting over some dead fish on the rocks.
About to check for his dad on the deck, his stomach reminded him that he hadn’t eaten anything, yet, and went into the kitchen. The coffee percolator was untouched.
“Dad?”
There was no answer. Connor rushed to the deck, but found it empty.
“Jack?”
With his stomach twisting, he rushed down the hall.
“Jack?” he shouted again.
The door to his father’s room was closed, and despite feeling stupid, Connor gave a quick knock before he entered.
Jack was still in bed, the rise and fall of his chest telling Connor he was alive. A whoosh of relief rushed through him, so intense Connor held on to the chair next to him for a minute or two. His breathing calmed as he watched Jack. Slowly, he sagged into the chair, when he heard his father’s voice. It was raspy and just above a whisper.
“It’s time, Connor.”
His eyebrow’s shot up as he stood again to step closer.
“You need to get Emily and Niall.”
Not understanding, he asked, “Do you need me to get Dr. Miller as well?”
The old man shook his head. “You need to get Emily and Niall. It’s time.”
“Dad?”
“Go.”
Trying hard to keep it together and focus, Connor stood, grabbed the phone and gave his friends a call, telling them as little as possible, although he assumed his voice said it all. Emily’s reaction broke his heart, and he organised for Niall to pick her up.
Back in the room, he sat next to Jack. “They’re on their way.”
Connor saw his dad’s mind was struggling, and he closed his eyes again. Instinctively, Connor checked his pulse.
“I’m still awake.” Yet, his voice was tired and weak. “Son, promise me to look after my little girl. I can feel it in my heart that you two belong together.” His voice began to grow heavy indicating that talking was a strain. “Give Fermosa a try. You loved it here when you were a child and over the last few weeks I got the impression you still do.”