Fallen Down Under (Down Under #2)

by S. M Phillips

  "About flipping time girly. What was the hold up?"

  "I've just had it confirmed that your brother is an absolute head-fuck."

  "Oh, so you guys talked it out then?" Her eyes shine bright flickering with hope as she waits for my reply.

  "More like he did the talking and I just sat there and listened. Oh, is that one for me?" I ask eying the delicious looking cocktail that she places before me. I subtlety try to change the subject but Liss is having none of it, fuck my life right now.

  "You betcha. Drink up and spill it. Did he finally explain what's going on in that crazy little head of his? What went down with Stella? Please tell me he explained that little predicament to you?"

  "Jeez, catch a breath." I toy with the straw and stir my mojito around slowly before I respond to her onslaught of questions. It still feels weird discussing this with Liss. "Yeah, I brought it up. I don't think he would have openly started to discuss it if I hadn't brought it up to begin with if I’m being honest. I’m still not one hundred percent convinced though. Do they have a history?"

  "What Max and Stella? Are you shitting me? Max never, ever mixes business with pleasure. He's too career driven to do something like that. Well until you anyway."

  Oh, here we go again. I think to myself.

  "Hey, if my brother has opened up to you, then I'm pretty shocked. Max doesn't explain himself to anyone; he's never needed to before. You, my girly, have obviously affected him in more ways than anyone has realised.

  "Maybe." Possible hope is flying around in my head that this could have been a misunderstanding after all. "Apparently she picked up on the wrong signals or something."

  "What a bitch. I just knew she would try something like this one day and I've warned Max from the start. I don't like her at all. She's like a fucking leech around him. "Does he know you’re staying?"

  "No. It didn't cross my mind to tell him. It’s pointless anyway seeing as though he feels it’s for the best so that he can’t hurt me."

  "Absolute bollocks. Ignore that foreign language that men speak. What you need to do is decide is what happens now?"

  "I have no idea, why don't you ask him? He's sat waiting in the car to take me back once we're done." I watch in silence as she takes her phone out of her bag and makes a call.

  "Max, do me a favour and fuck off. I'll bring her back once we're done. She doesn't need a fucking babysitter." I'm not sure if he says anything back to her or if he even has the chance as she hangs up pretty fast. "Sorted, now let's get some food."

  Lunch goes by pretty fast and before I know it butterflies begin to form in my stomach knowing that Max will be waiting for me back at the office.

  "I guess I won't be seeing you at home tonight then?" The devilish grin that dances on Melissa's face tells me what she thinks I will be getting up to. She couldn't be further away from the truth. No way am I just going to go and jump straight back into bed with him. My body aches at the thought but I need to be strong. This time, I'll be the one calling the shots. Or at least I'll try my goddamn best to.

  "Why, where else would I be? Are you kicking me out so soon?" I playfully tease her.

  "Not at all, I just thought that maybe you and Max had some making up to do?"

  "I don't think so Liss. Wait... Do you and Heath have plans for tonight?" Maybe I am overstaying my welcome. By the sounds of things, these two are walking on egg shells as it is and I'd hate to intrude. "I don't want to get in the way of your alone time."

  "Oh shit. I forgot to call him. No, no, not at all. I just wasn't sure if you we're going to abandon me for that stubborn arse brother of mine."

  "That isn't going to happen, I'm pretty happy staying with you. As long as it's still okay of course?"

  Melissa breaks out into a fit of giggles, why I'm not so sure.

  "What's so funny?"

  "You know that Max isn't going to be okay with that don't you? Be prepared for him to make a stand when it comes to where you stay Jess."

  “Are you being serious? There’s no bloody way he’s going to be telling me where I can and can’t stay.”

  “Hey, I’m just trying to give you a heads up here. He’s completely smitten with you. Come on Jess, does Max look like the type of guy who is going to share you, with anyone?”

  I'm surprised to see that Max isn't lurking on the pavement waiting for me like he'd promised. Clearly he does listen to someone. I make a mental note to keep that in mind the next time I need to make him listen, all I need to do is call Liss.

  When I get back to the office Max isn't anywhere to be seen. Our floor as usual is empty. I try to feel unaffected by his absence, but a part of me actually couldn't wait to see him and pick up where we left off earlier. I'm a glutton for bloody punishment. Dragging my defeated body towards my office I can't help but feel disappointed that he wasn't here waiting for me. Shitting hell Jess, you told yourself you weren't going to make this easy for him and less than a day of him being back in your life you're dropping all those walls. I switch on my monitor. Getting my head stuck into work has worked out okay for me in the past, but somehow I know this time is completely different. Max isn't Josh. He's stubborn as hell but that's what makes him so him. Max Wild isn't someone you can just forget about. I only wish he was. It would make my life so much easier. Looking down at my keyboard I see a post-it note on the keys.

  Meet me in the spa. I'll be waiting... Max.

  Meet him in the spa? Why would he be in the spa? Doesn't he know that we have work to do? I'm really beginning to question his work ethic. I'm not going to go rushing down there, no matter how curious I am. While I wait for some time to pass, god it's agonising making myself wait, but I will hold it out. I’m not going to let him think that all he needs to do is click his fingers and I’ll come running. I decide to check in on Mal. Daisy answers on the third ring and I can hear the football booming in the background.

  "Oh Jess dear, we were just about to call you actually.” She sings down the line.

  "You were? I thought I'd call to see how the patient is getting on and to see if you needed anything when I finish up work?"

  "Oh I wouldn't worry about him dear. He's perfectly fine. He's resting in front of the television as we speak. Anyway, while I have you, we're having a little get together on Friday night. It's more of an official welcome home party for Mal. We'd both love it if you could make it."

  "Of course I'll be there. You know I wouldn't miss it for the world. Just let me know the time, oh wait, you'll also need to give me the address too." I say as I remember I haven’t been to their new home yet.

  "Well Melissa's coming too dear, so she will be able to bring you and it's from 7pm onwards."

  "Brilliant. I can't wait to see you both properly and I must say Daisy, I'm a little bit excited to explore your new humble abode."

  "It's absolutely perfect. I'll warn you, you might not want to leave once you've been." That’s probably true. Daisy knows that I’m a sucker for a good property.

  Deciding that I have made Max wait long enough, I nip to the ladies to freshen up and to check that I look presentable. I feel like a kid again when I was asked out on my first date. Why do I feel so nervous around him? Why can’t I do the right thing and stay away from him? He’s obviously got a pretty good reason for wanting me to go back home, but yet he takes time out of his day to come and see me. Ugh major head fuck.

  I see him as soon as I enter the spa. His bright blue eyes glisten from then reflection of the water. His five o'clock shadow makes him look even more ruggedly beautiful than usual. Seriously there are no words that do Max justice when it comes to describing how beautiful he actually is. I still have no idea why I have been called down here but I slowly step towards him in the hope of finding out.

  "What took you so long?" His voice echoes of the walls and his face is serious, his brows coming together as he silently brews over whatever he's thinking in that mind of his.

  "In case you forgot, I actually have work to do while I'm her
e."

  "That can wait. As of now you can take a break and relax here with me instead."

  "I'd much rather finish what I have started." As inviting as it sounds I'm here to work and I need to remember that.

  "You and me both angel." He leans over and reaches for my arm and pulls me close to him. "I've missed you and that smart mouth too goddamn much."

  "I'm not sure about this Max." Hesitantly I pull back to look at him. I told myself I wouldn't be a push over again and I'm going to stand true to my word. One thing keeps filtering to the forefront of my mind. It's not that he shut me out, I completely understand his reasons for that even if I don't agree with them. No, the one thing that keeps pulling me back is Stella. I know he has explained what happened but to me that doesn't make me feel much better. She's a fucking problem and I think she always will be.

  "Aren't I supposed to have a P.A? I'm sure that's what you said? If I had one of those, then I would have someone to arrange my work."

  "I believe I did Miss Townsend, but your P.A seems to be a little work shy so I'll need to talk her into it again or find you a replacement."

  "Oh that sounds good, you could get a replacement too and we could share that one." The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. I can't believe I have just asked him to fire Stella. Oh well it's what the bitch deserves and it would be pretty fucking amazing to see the smug look being wiped from her face. "What do you say? It's an amazing idea."

  "She's harmless Jess."

  "Harmless? Come on. You can't actually believe that? She's been dying to get her claws into you for ages, if not longer if what I'm told is true."

  "Oh Jess, I already explained all of this to you earlier. I can't and won't fire her. Understood?" His tone takes on a stern edge and I know I'm beginning to push him too far.

  "Well maybe you're explaining this to the wrong person Max. As far as she was concerned this morning she has already claimed what is rightfully hers. It also didn't skip her attention that I was heading back home and that obviously couldn't happen soon enough according to her, and you expect me to work with that psycho?"

  "I'll have a word with her. She has a tendency to see how far she can push someone. Wait… did you just say was? Does that mean you're staying?"

  "Until my work here is finished, yes. I'm not a quitter Max. No matter what life throws at me, if I'm in the middle of a project I'll make sure I finish it." He puts his hand around my neck and pulls me into him and this time, I don't resist. He's far from forgiven but I think he's worth another chance.

  "How about you let me be your project?" He smiles and then his lips are on mine, searching with a hunger and need so powerful that I have no choice but to comply.

  “I thought if I stayed you would only end up hurting me?”

  “I said the people I let in always end up getting hurt because of me angel. I would never, ever hurt you intentionally.” I allow him to tilt my head back as his lips seek out mine. Max Wild is doing it to me again, and this time I think I’ll flow with it but keep my eyes peels for any signs of him slipping again.

  We spend the rest of the afternoon in spa, completely alone with the facilities closed off to all of the other guests. All I have wanted to do is touch him, feel him against me again like I used too but surprisingly, I remained strong, only allowing him to kiss me. Who knew this girl could have so much willpower? It's been nice to actually spend some time together with it being just the two of us with no one else around. After the events of the past two weeks I think it's what we both needed. Some downtime without any expectations is definitely a must.

  "What are you doing later?" His rustic tone brings me back to the present as we leave the hotel. My hair is still slightly damp and goose bumps prickle my skin from the cold evening air.

  "I'm not sure, probably gossiping about life’s little dramas over a bottle of wine."

  "Why don't you come back to mine, I'll cook us something nice and we could watch a movie or something."

  "Melissa would eat me alive if I ditched her for you, but I guess you knew that already." Judging by the innocent smile that graces his face, yes does.

  "Jeez, she's really enjoying having you around hey?"

  "Can you blame her? It can't have been easy growing up being surrounded by guys, she needs a girl to vent to every once in a while, we have these little things called hormones and they can be nasty little shits if we don't let them out. Plus she's a great girl and I enjoy spending time with her. In a way she feels like my Jen away from home. It's comforting, yet scary how similar they are."

  “And an utterly lethal combination for men.”

  "I can't believe you didn't go home with Max. Oh girly, he's definitely bitten off more than he can chew with you. It's going to be amazing to watch. So, how was this afternoon?"

  I know what she's doing the sneaky Cow. She's digging for dirt and as much as I like to think of her as a friend, there is no way that I'm discussing personal relations between me and Max with her. No way. I decide to keep it short and sweet instead. "It was pretty productive I guess."

  "Seriously." She slams the palm of her hand down on the table in feigned anger. "That's all you're going to give me. You're one tight arse bitch Jess Townsend. Do you know that?"

  "What do you want to know? I was at work, there’s nothing interesting to tell. You on the other hand are a different ball game. What were you doing? Actually what do you do during the day anyway?" I've never once seen her work since I've been here. I've never really felt the need to ask, but since she's making a habit of prying into my daily life, I think it's only fair.

  "Me? As if you don't know. I just walk around looking beautiful all day honey. Oh and I like to shop sometimes too."

  "Really? Do you not get bored? Maybe you should get out and socialise some more. Who knows you might even enjoy it."

  "That came out completely wrong. I thought you Brits were supposed to love sarcasm? I have a job, I just can't be arsed with it right now so I decided to take a hiatus.”

  "Fair enough." What else can I say to that? She obviously doesn't have the financial worry that most people have and if she's happy then fair play to her.

  "Heath's stopping by later. I hope you don't mind?"

  "Will you stop that? Seriously, it's your house not mine, who you have come around, is completely up to you."

  "Jess, while you're here, it's just as much your home too. Make sure you don’t forget that."

  Max

  I look around before I exit the car and try to collect myself. It's been years since I've been here and I would have bet my fucking life that I would never have to cross those fucking doors again. Yet here I am, scared shitless once more and completely out of my comfort zone. I never have control when I'm here. It's zapped from me the minute I enter to the minute I leave and I fucking hate it with a passion.

  I need to do this. I need to do it for me, for Jess. Fuck I need to do this for us. If we're ever going to have any slither of hope at giving this a go I really need to get some control over my life again. I need to close off those demons once and for all regardless of how much of a dent it makes in my pride. I swallow and take a few deep breaths to prepare myself. What I wouldn't give right now to turn back around and forget I ever fucking came here.

  As I enter the main doors I'm greeted by a familiar yet unwelcome sight. Nothing seems to have changed. Nothing, even the plant pots look like they have been touched over the years. The decor, the smell, shit. Even the clichéd posters remain firmly in place on the walls. Images of the past begin to swirl in my mind and I try to fight the nausea that follows.

  "Good to see you again Mr Wild." The receptionist looks up and greets me. I take in the girl before me, polite and a smile that spreads ear to ear.

  "Sasha." I nod. I haven't seen her in years and to be honest I thought she’d left town a few years back. Life's full of little surprises.

  "Doctor Hutchins will be with you soon. Is they anything I can get you while you’re waiti
ng?" Her fingers twirl within her hair as she asks me this, a shy yet knowing look dances across her face. No, not this time I want to say but instead I just shake my head and make my way over to the waiting area. Today is major head fuck. How many more hurdles are going to be thrown at me before it ends?

  It feels like I've been sat twiddling my thumbs for hours when I finally hear my name being called.

  "Max, please come on through."

  Don hasn't changed one bit. The old dog’s still looking as youthful and presentable as ever. It's a mighty shame that after all this time I have to see him again on these terms. It's not much of a surprise at this stage to see that his office is also still the same as it was the last time I was here. The walls are all neutral while the furniture remains black. His desk spans the right hand side while a thick plush leather sofa spans the left.

  "So what brings you back here Max?" His tone remains light yet his curious face tells me he knows this isn't for a regular drop in session. My hands begin to shake involuntarily as I try to figure out what I'm going to say. I fix my gaze on the window in front of me trying to delay my answer. How the hell am I supposed to start a conversation that I never thought I'd have to repeat again?

  "Seriously Don, you really need to ask?" I snap and then my shoulders slump as my body admits defeat. I'm here, being judged once again when all I want to do is get the hell out of here.

  Awesome fucking plan Wild.

  "Well it's been quite some time Max. Why don't you take a seat?"

  "I don't fucking want a seat. I shouldn't even be here for god sake. All I want is for this nightmare to fuck off and never come back." I point to my temple as the rage burns within me. Normally I'm good at keeping it in, but here in this office? Not a fucking chance.