by Kay Thorpe
Michael senior and his wife preceded their son and Janine, while Lianne followed with Tyler.
‘Want to share?’
Lianne met his gaze squarely. ‘Not particularly.’
‘Independent,’ he drawled. ‘Stubborn, too.’
‘It’s part of my charm.’
‘Uh-huh.’
‘You’re a babe magnet.’
His dark eyes gleamed with latent humour. ‘Trading insults can be such fun.’
‘Can’t it, though?’ she responded sweetly.
Their reserved table was already partly occupied with Shane Everton and Dante Shell and their wives.
Michael senior and his wife took their seats, and Janine very cleverly ensured she sat next to Tyler.
Great, Lianne thought cynically. A brunette bombshell bent on offering Tyler her all. Not to mention the need to project polite interest whilst conducting intelligent conversation with fellow guests.
Just what she needed to make the evening a fun occasion.
There were speeches, a few of which were staid and rather weighty, while another speaker utilised razor-sharp humour and had the guests responding with genuine laughter.
The food was superb, the wine representing some of Australia’s best, and a slight ‘roast’ of one eminent legal eagle brought down the house.
Social events had been a constant during Lianne’s brief marriage, for Tyler was known to support a few worthy charities. Women of all ages had been drawn to him, some overtly so, to the point where it had become almost embarrassing.
Yet he had rarely been far from her side, his light touch a given throughout the evening as he had sought to make it visibly known that while he might converse with women she was the only one who had any meaning in his life.
It had been evident in the light touch at the back of her waist, a hand tracing a pattern up and down her spine, the way his fingers threaded through her own.
She’d felt very much loved and secure.
Remembering made her heart ache.
‘Let’s escape, hmm?’ Tyler intimated quietly, close to her ear.
Lianne offered him a faint smile. ‘Janine will be disappointed.’
‘I’m sure she’ll cope.’
‘Not without some reluctance,’ she declared musingly.
‘Whereas you are my concern.’
‘Really?’ Her smile widened and she batted her eyelashes for good measure. ‘How…gallant.’
One eyebrow slanted. ‘You want to continue playing the game?’
‘Which game are we talking about?’ she managed sweetly, and saw his eyes gleam with humour.
‘Pick any one.’
‘Oh, please. Spare me.’
Tyler leaned forward and caught Michael senior’s attention. ‘You’ll excuse us? Lianne and I have an early morning flight.’
‘Of course, Tyler. I’m grateful you could join us this evening.’
Lianne noticed the sudden hardening of Michael junior’s expression, then it was gone.
‘You’re leaving?’ Janine protested. ‘I had hoped we might get a group together and go on to a nightclub.’
Her pout was pretty and obviously well-practised, Lianne accorded silently, sickened by the open invitation evident in those beautiful dark eyes.
Tyler merely smiled as he rose to his feet and inclined his head to their fellow guests. ‘Goodnight.’
Lianne followed his lead and preceded him out to the lobby.
‘Was that necessary?’
He cast her a direct look as he crossed to the bank of lifts and pressed the call button. ‘What, precisely?’
‘You know exactly what.’
The doors opened and they stepped into the lift, sending it to ground level.
‘Setting a precedent?’
‘Is that what you call it?’
The lift slid to a halt and Tyler instructed the concierge to summon a valet to deliver the Porsche.
‘Aren’t you forgetting something? You no longer have the right to dictate my life.’
His expression assumed a compelling mask. ‘Give it up, Lianne.’
She compressed her lips and opted for silence, maintaining it during the drive home, in the lift to her apartment, and inside she made straight for her bedroom…only to be brought to a halt as Tyler’s hands settled on her shoulders and turned her to face him.
Restrained anger emanated from his powerful frame, and she matched his dark look with one of her own.
Seconds, it had to be only seconds they stood in silence as anger faded and became replaced with something infinitely more dangerous.
Explosive, she registered dimly as it ignited between them and assumed a fiery passion.
There was nothing she could do…nothing she wanted to do to stop his mouth fastening on hers.
Hungry. She was so hungry for his touch, his taste, and she leant in, curved her arms round his neck, and hung on as he went deep, savouring the heat, the glorious sensual exploration of her mouth.
She wanted more, so much more. Skin on skin, and no restrictions. A bed. Dear God, she didn’t care where…just as long as there was mutual possession and the slaking of an aching need.
There were small guttural sounds locked in her throat as she urged him on, almost begging as she pulled him close, and she was on the verge of tears as he gently withdrew, brushing her lips with his own.
For a few seconds he rested his forehead against hers, and she felt the supreme effort he made to regain control.
‘Set your alarm. I want to be in the air by seven.’ He carefully put some space between them and slid his hands to cup her face. ‘Sweet dreams.’
His smile almost undid her, and she stood watching as he turned and walked to his room.
A single tear slid down her cheek as he closed the door behind him, and she moved blindly to her own room, too caught up with emotion to do more than lean against the closed door as she attempted to control the wild havoc raging through her body.
He’d been just as affected…she’d sensed it, felt it. Worse, he could have taken her and she wouldn’t have stopped him.
So why hadn’t he?
She closed her eyes in an involuntary effort to still the silent tears that welled and slowly rolled down each cheek.
No matter how she qualified leaving him or justified her actions, the desire they’d once shared was just as raw and primitive as it had ever been.
It seemed an age before she began to shed her clothes, and afterwards she lay staring at the darkened ceiling willing sleep and its blissful oblivion.
The sun was an opalescent glow in the early morning sky as Tyler’s private jet lifted off the tarmac and rose to a cruising speed high above the northern Melbourne suburbs.
The colours were clear, washed clean by nightfall and a soft dawn dew, and there was no visible cloud to mar the landscape.
Within two hours they’d touch down at Coolangatta airport, where a hire car and driver would be at their service for the day.
Lianne had the property itinerary in her briefcase, compiled in location order, and inspections had been pre-arranged.
Efficiency was the key, she determined, and total dedication to the job at hand. Professionalism, and an absence of anything verging on the personal.
Sure. Who did she think she was kidding after a sleepless night filled with erotic images of nights past with the man seated opposite?
She’d woken to tossed sheets, discarded bedcovers and feeling an emotional wreck. Looked it too, and she’d felt only marginally better after a shower and her first shot of caffeine.
Smart casual wear was her choice for the day, and she’d selected tailored trousers, a crisp open-necked shirt and jacket and comfortable sling-back shoes.
The jet’s interior was the ultimate in luxury and designed for comfort, with the pilot and hostess in Tyler’s employ. It made for ease of travel, with provisions to conduct business, and there was a small bedroom complete with en suite bathroom.
Alysha, acting as hostess, showed no surprise at having Lianne on board, and her customary greeting displayed her usual warmth.
Coffee was served ten minutes after take-off, and was followed half an hour later by cereal, fruit and a cooked breakfast.
Tyler ate well, while Lianne picked at the cereal and settled for more coffee.
He bore the look of a man who’d slept well, and she banked down her irritation. It would have salved her indigence if he’d appeared as emotionally weary as she felt…not this vital male who emanated strength of will and an abundance of leashed energy.
Tyler had opted for black trousers, a white chambray shirt left open at the neck and a black soft-suede leather jacket which he’d discarded within minutes of boarding.
‘More coffee?’
Lianne shook her head. Her nerves were already on edge. More caffeine would only accelerate her nervous tension.
Was she aware how fragile she looked? Tyler mused as he observed her from beneath lowered lashes.
He wanted to scoop her up and hold her close. Except she’d probably fight against him, and he’d come too far to want to deal with any backward steps.
Patience was a fine thing. He was here for the long haul, not a quick fix. And he could wait.
Lianne withdrew papers from her briefcase and forced herself to concentrate as she ran a check of the data. Difficult when she was acutely aware of the man seated a short distance away. A whole day in his company seemed to stretch unbearably, and for the umpteenth time she cursed fate for being so unkind.
The fasten seatbelts sign clicked on sooner than she had expected, and their descent to Coolangatta airport was swift, the landing smooth, and in no time at all they cleared airport security and met with their driver.
Terranora Heights was first on the list, and the property was situated high on a rise on a large block of land with commanding views to the north, south and east. Not true country living, but the home was spacious and beautifully appointed.
From there they drove north to Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach, known to the locals as millionaires’ row because of its beach frontage. Comprising three storeys and a basement garage, the home was perfection with nothing to fault.
Next was a penthouse apartment at Main Beach, with its private roof-top swimming pool and spa. Marble floors, exquisite features…as luxury apartments went, this was a dream.
‘Lunch,’ Tyler declared.
They selected a café at Tedder Avenue, chose a pavement table and ordered from the menu while the waitress delivered cool drinks.
Lianne extracted the list from her briefcase and prepared to provide an analysis, only to have Tyler close a hand over hers.
‘We’re on a break.’
Her eyes flared at his touch, and she was powerless to prevent the heat flooding her veins. Sensation unfurled deep inside and began spiralling through her body. It made her supremely conscious of every breath she took, and she was willing to swear her pulse was out of control.
Was he aware of the effect he had on her? Dear Lord, she hoped not.
She ordered a Caesar salad, and when it came she merely picked at it before pushing the bowl aside, her appetite gone.
The same couldn’t be said for Tyler, who gave every appearance of enjoying his meal.
‘Coffee?’
‘No, thanks. I’ll stick with iced water.’
He sank back in his chair and regarded her steadily. ‘Michael Sloane junior. Tell me about him.’
She didn’t pretend to misunderstand. ‘He has a reputation for hitting on every new female employee under thirty.’
‘Including you.’
She lifted her shoulders in a negligible shrug. ‘Yes.’ It had become almost a game…Michael junior asked and she refused. ‘Just lighthearted stuff.’
‘Which you handle.’
Lianne lifted her glass and took a long sip of cool water. ‘Diplomatically. He’s a golden boy, the head partner’s son.’
Tyler inclined his head. ‘I want your word you’ll inform me if he becomes a nuisance.’
‘Since when did you become my keeper?’
‘From the day I first met you.’
His drawled statement curled round her nerve-ends and tugged a little. She looked away from him and pretended an interest in the street scene, their fellow diners and the beautiful people who lunched in order to be seen.
Minutes later she saw their driver return to the car.
‘Shouldn’t we be moving on?’
‘Calling the shots, Lianne?’
‘According to my schedule, we have a few more properties to view, including Tallai. I imagine you intend flying to Cairns tonight?’
Tyler pulled out his wallet and extracted a note to cover the bill, then he rose to his feet.
Sovereign Islands was next on the list, and the property he considered faced south, providing long sweeping views all the way down the coastal strip to Coolangatta. The interior design was something else, and delivered everything it purported to promise.
From there they took in Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, and detoured inland into the hills to Tallai, where a veritable mansion sat high on a hill with acreage surrounding it and views in every direction.
It was almost six when the driver delivered them to the Sheraton Mirage where Tyler had made reservations for dinner.
The hotel was a splendid low-rise complex with a large tiled foyer and views over a cascading waterfall to the lagoon and ocean beyond.
The restaurant represented sophisticated chic, the food divine, and Lianne accepted a glass of white wine in the hope it would soothe her nerves.
All day she’d grown increasingly wary of what the night would bring, and whether her demand for separate rooms would eventuate. Worse, what she’d do about it if Tyler ignored her request.
‘What time do you want to leave?’
Tyler didn’t bother checking his watch. ‘The pilot is on standby. I’ll call him from the car.’
It was almost seven, and Cairns was about a three hour flight away. Port Douglas was an hour’s drive further north, which meant…oh, hell, midnight before she could climb into a bed. Considering she couldn’t recall sleeping at all last night…
‘You want me to do the Gold Coast property evaluation?’
Tyler ordered coffee, then leant back in his chair. ‘We can do that during the flight north.’
If she could manage to stay awake. She’d been on edge all day, and it was beginning to get to her.
‘Why not update me on your family? Your parents? Chris and Sharon?’
‘They’re fine.’
He offered her a quizzical look. ‘Privileged information, Lianne?’
‘Of course not. They have a two-month-old baby girl.’
‘Whom I imagine you’re looking forward to spending time with tomorrow.’
Her expression softened. ‘Yes. Shantel is adorable.’
‘We’ll stay in Cairns overnight, and head out to Port Douglas early morning. We can be in the air again by nine.’
Tyler signalled the waiter for the bill, paid it, and rang for their driver.
Departure from Coolangatta airport was effected with ease, and Lianne extracted her notes once the jet reached cruising speed.
‘It would help if you outline your preference.’ She knew better than to factor in price. ‘If you want capital growth and a high rental return—’
‘I already have those figures. Which of the properties held more appeal to you?’
Lianne didn’t hesitate. ‘To live there on a permanent basis…Sovereign Islands. As a weekend and holiday residence…Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach.’
‘Thank you.’
‘That’s it? You intend to close a purchase on my personal preference?’
‘Yes.’
Oh, my. ‘Why?’
‘Because you have impeccable taste?’
He was teasing her, and she rolled her eyes, then replaced the report in her briefcase and gave him a steady look.
>
‘Are you done?’
Not by a long shot, but he was getting there. ‘Why don’t you adjust the chair and relax.’
‘Is that a polite way of telling me I look tired?’
‘It’s been a long day.’
The thought of chilling out and pretending to sleep for the remainder of the flight held definite appeal. ‘Wake me when we land.’
He did, but not before he indulged himself with a last lingering look at her features in repose.
Beautiful fine textured skin, long natural lashes, a small pert nose and a deliciously curved mouth. Silky ash-blonde hair that smelled like fresh flowers…hair he loved to feel, slide his fingers through, or bury his lips in.
He longed to taste her, to trail his lips over every inch of her body, to tease, pleasure her until she sobbed, then screamed out his name as he buried himself in her moist heat, hold himself there, then begin a practised rhythm that would drive them both over the edge.
His loins tightened, ached with need. For her, only her.
He clenched his hands and thrust each one into a trouser pocket. Then he took a deep, calming breath and reached forward to lightly grasp her shoulders.
‘Lianne. We’re down.’
She heard his voice calling her name and opened her eyes, instantly alert. It was one of her useful traits. Even as a child she’d never burrowed her head into the pillow and wished the world would go away for another five, ten or thirty minutes.
Tyler held out a bottle of chilled water and she took it from him, drank long before re-capping it and rising to her feet.
Tyler had both overnight bags, and she caught up her briefcase and preceded him to the exit.
Within minutes of entering the terminal they’d secured their hire car and were heading towards a hotel in central Cairns.
Check-in at Reception presented a problem. The hotel was fully booked, and although they could confirm a two-bedroom suite had been booked, there had been a mix-up with Reservations and they’d been allocated a suite which had two double beds.
Profuse apologies didn’t alter the situation. Yes, there were other hotels, but word had it all the major hotels were full due to a seasonal rodeo and circus in town combined with a major influx of overseas tourists.