Fallen Down Under (Down Under #2)

by S. M Phillips

  "What the fuck was that about? Was that your mum?" Melissa is on me in an instant, her hand rubbing frantically on my shoulder in circular motions trying to calm the shaking that is taking over my entire body.

  "It's nothing new. I'm used to it honestly. I guess it's just the shock of her calling after so long."

  "Still that's not right Jess. No mother should ever speak to their child like that. Ever." No they shouldn't. I know that but it's something that I have had to get used to over the years. "Honestly, I'd rather just forget about it. Now." I say straightening in my top and painting on my big girl face. "Are we ready to go?"

  "You bet'cha."

  I'm still livid at my mum’s out of the blue outburst when we pull up outside Mal and Daisy's. I'm still rocking my big girl panties but deep down every single hurtful word slices me open inside. I often wonder what she would have been like if things has have worked out differently and if my dad had stayed around. Maybe she has always been that way deep down and I hate to think that maybe that's one of the reasons that he walked out on us. I've never tried to contact him to find out the reasons behind his actions. He's never tried to contact me and I've never really felt the urge to contact him either. He didn't just turn his back and walk out on my mum; he did it to me too. I feel a soft hand rest on my shoulder which makes me jump and pulls me away from my thoughts.

  "What do you say, you ready to face the world or do you need some more time?"

  My hands clasp together in my lap as mixed emotions run wild within me. Why oh why does she get to me like this. It's ridiculous. Nothing she says to me should bother me anymore. I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts before plastering on the biggest smile I can muster. "Let's do this."

  We're greeted by Daisy at the door. She looks a pure picture if health and contentment in her new home and I don't blame her. It's modern yet classic all at the same time. Absolutely beautiful. Both myself and Melissa are taken through to the kitchen area where people seem to be gathering. It's large, very open spaced and has more knobs and gadgets than I ever thought possible. I sense him before I see him. His presence is electric. His back is currently facing me but I'd recognise that strong set of shoulders anywhere. His posture is quite casual as he stands with his legs shoulder width apart next to Heath. Even dressed in jeans and a plain black shirt with his sleeves pushed up to his elbows causes excitement to ripple through my body. I look down at my outfit and feel slightly overkill. As if automatically sensing that I have arrived he turns in his heels to take me in. With one hand in his pocket and the other holding a beer to his mouth, he really is the picture of utter perfection. Those piercing blue eyes penetrate into my soul as he undresses me bit by bit. No matter how much time passes, no matter how much I etch his beautiful face into my memory, it always feels like I am seeing him again for the very first time. I notice his eyes grow darker, from the alcohol I'm not too sure but they teasingly roam seductively up and down my body, resting at each of my curves until he slowly raises them back up to meet mine once again.

  "Come on through dear. There's no need for you to just stand there." Daisy says as she waves me over. I force myself to tear my gaze away from Max so I don't appear rude to our host. Standing there in her outfit she looks the perfect picture of summer and health which is quite apt for the party after all.

  "Where's the man of this party then? Don't tell me that he's sat watching the bloody football again?"

  "Of course he's watching the football. Jess, I'd be worried if he wasn't. Oh Melissa darling you look beautiful as always." Melissa flashes a knowing smile to Daisy before throwing her glossy black hair over her shoulder as she spots Heath heading towards us.

  "Thank you Daisy." She says, while leaning in to give her a swift peck on the cheek.

  "Come on now girls. Why don't we head outside and I'll get us all a drink."

  The house is beautiful and from what I can tell I'd say both Daisy and Mal seem to have settled in rather well. Everything is on one floor which is convenient for Mal, but god it's spacious. Where Max's house is modern and bright, Mal and Daisy's house is much more homely. Family photographs now hand in frames along the walls and you can tell Daisy has been busy adding a woman's touch.

  "Wow, Daisy this really is something else." I say unable to hold back.

  "Isn't it just. Max knew just how we like things and has it all arranged. He's a good man Jess. Don't be fooled by his Mr arrogant persona." She pats me on the arm as she says this. To comfort me, maybe? "I know he can be immensely difficult at times, but his heart is always in the right place. All he needs is someone to remind him how to use it."

  I literally have no words to reply to her, none whatsoever. My guess is that he has been pretty destroyed over something in the past. The question is what? I'd like to think he'll tell me when he's ready and if not then that's fine by me.

  "Come on girl, let's move." I look to my secret keeper stood before me bouncing from one foot to the other. Can I actually bring myself to ask her such personal questions about her brother? I've never, ever been the snooping type before, so why should I start now?

  "What a lovely home Mal."

  "Flower, its bloody good to see you. How's things going with the development?" Seriously is he asking about work at his party? Of course he is.

  "Everything's under control and not for you to be worrying yourself with." The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and goose bumps break out over my arms at the powerful deep voice that sounds behind me.

  "Jess." The way he says it has my knees going weak. Every fucking time. In seconds he stands next to me and I quickly grab my drink from Melissa and toss it back. I look at her with a pleading stare for her to help me, maybe pass me another drink but all the sneaky cow does is smile and walks off in the opposite direction towards Heath. The bitch.

  "Max." I nod towards him and a sexy curve forms on his lips as he takes in my discomfort in front of Mal and Daisy. Why does he do this? It's pure fucking torture. Torture that's somewhat increased when he places the palm of his hand against the base of my spine causing a mass of delicious tingles to travel south.

  "I've missed you angel." His words kiss my ear as he leans is close to whisper them to me. He's not even bothered that Mal and Daisy are in the same room as us. "You look fucking beautiful."

  "You don't scrub up so bad yourself." I laugh. Suddenly feeling much more relaxed around everyone, I look up into his eyes and give him a shy smile. One that says yes I do want you, more than you will ever know.

  Max

  I feel like I've gone back in time. It feels so fucking surreal. Here I stand, Mal, Liss and Daisy all around me doing normal family stuff. It feels just like it used to, except now instead of reliving my memories in black and white, they now have a glow to them and they start to shine so fucking bright like never before.

  Jess.

  What a fucking woman. No matter what, she always finds ways to surprise me no end. Even if she doesn't know that she is doing it. Unable to stop myself, I make my way back over to where she stands, the pull too strong to resist. As soon as I am close to her a feeling of contentment surrounds me. It still feels crazy as hell. Wild thoughts begin to take over my mind. All the things we could do together, the possibilities could be endless if only I could get my fucking act together. I've felt what it's like to be without here and there is no fucking way that I'm prepared to go through that hell again.

  I nod my head in acknowledgement towards Mal and Daisy and the step closer to Jess.

  "Allow me to take you on a guided tour Miss Townsend?" I ask as I rest my hand at the base of my spine so my fingers lightly touch her. Tonight she will be coming home with me, that I am fucking sure off. It's been far too long and her reaction towards my touch tells me that she feels exactly the same.

  "Thank you but I'm okay. Hasn't anyone ever told you that it's rude to go snooping around other people’s homes?"

  "To Mal and Daisy, you're family Jess so they won't mind at all. Come on, I’d
love to show you around."

  "Still, I'd rather not." She licks her bottom lip and I want nothing more than to capture that delicate tongue with my own. She smiles at me, fully aware of what she is doing to me as she smooth’s down her blouse. She's lucky I have respect for the people that are around me otherwise that top, fuck everything she has on would be gracing the floor right now.

  "Okay everyone. The barbecue’s ready." Mal shouts at the top of his lungs. A gruntled and frustrated sigh escapes me and I don't miss the chuckle that leaves Jess's mouth. Someone is clearly enjoying themselves. Shit, what do I care? It's fucking amazing to see that smile again.

  No sooner are we all gathered together outside on the patio, Mal stands and chimes his fork against the glass.

  "Well, I'm not the best with words as you all know but I'd like to try and raise a toast." Laughter filled with happiness erupts around us and my chest fills with pride for this man stood before me. "Firstly I'd like to personally thank you all. For being here tonight but also more importantly for taking time out of your busy day to day lives to rally around me and my distraught darling wife here. As much as she would love the life insurance pay out, she's going to have to wait a while longer for those endless shopping trips." Only Mal could stand there and make a joke about his health. He's always been the one to make light of a heavy situation.

  "Here, here." Daisy shouts through an emotional filled voice.

  "Well, with that said, I just want you to know how thankful I am to each and every one of you for being here tonight and for your prayers and support. I don't think there will ever be enough words to tell you how much that means to me. Now woman, where's that food." He demands as he takes a seat in his rightful place at the head of the table. If I turn out to be half the man that Mal is I’ll be one happy fucking guy.

  Jess

  I've had an anxious niggling feeling in the pit of my stomach all night. I'm not sure if it's down to seeing Max or the unexpected call from my mum earlier. Looking around me, everyone seems to be having a great time but I can't help that something, somewhere is wrong. Mal and Daisy seem relaxed as they sit side by side on the sofa. Outside, Heath and Max look deep in conversation; just their facial expressions alone have me curious as to the topic of their discussion, and Melissa. Well, she's just being Melissa. Sitting looking pretty while catching sneaky glances towards Heath when she thinks no one is looking. Honestly she couldn't possibly drool any more than she already is. I really hope that I don't look like that when I'm checking Max out.

  In such a short time I'd like to think that I have become pretty close with Melissa and I'm really going to miss her when I have to go back home. Automatically my eyes lock onto Max as that thought passes through my mind. Yes something's I am definitely going to miss. Thinking of home, I pull out my phone and send a quick message to Jen and George when I notice another six missed calls from my mum. Jeez, is hurling abuse at me once already not enough for that woman? I swipe the screen and erase the missed calls. No way will I be calling her back anytime soon.

  "More drama?" Melissa asks as she takes in my phone.

  "No, nothing important anyway. I just wanted to check in with Jen and George."

  "I've been thinking." Now that doesn't sound too promising. "What?" She asks when she sees my expression.

  "I'm not sure in like the sound of that to be honest Liss. It could be pretty dangerous."

  "Very funny, bitch. I was just going to say that I really hope I get to meet those two one day soon. Maybe when you and my brother make shit official and get married hey?" She smiles.

  I almost choke on my drink at her words. No fucking way did those words just leave her lips. "That's pretty optimistic Liss, even for you."

  "Oh believe me girly. If Max is going to marry someone then rest assured that someone will most definitely be you."

  "That definitely isn't going to happen. Who knows it might be you and Heath that tie the knot. Now I'd happily invite them to see that." I watch as she splutters a little and her eyes pop open. "What? Surely it's not that bad?"

  "That stupid fucking bitch. What the hell is she doing here?" Before I have time to ask what she means, Melissa is out of her seat and making her way out to the patio. My eyes automatically follow her and linger in that direction until they fall instantly on the hand that is places on Max's arm. My eyes flitter from that hand and to Max to try and sense some kind of reaction from him. He’s stood quite causally and doesn't seem as pissed off as I would have expected him to look. I know that I have nothing to worry about, jeez everyone has told me as much but I don't like seeing her touch Max at all. If I had my way then she would be out of his life forever and I know I'm being selfish but the woman cannot be trusted. It takes everything I have to stay seated at the table when all I want to do is head outside and make a stand. There is no way that I'm prepared to let her poison come between me and Max again. I have no idea why she would be turning up at Mal's house anyway.

  From where I sit, I watch closely as Melissa confronts her. Unfortunately I can't hear what she's saying, to be honest, I'm not sure if I want to. Whatever she has said must have hit a nerve because she quickly turns on her heels and walks away. It's a shame she doesn't fall and cause herself and injury the cow bag. I feel Max's stare on me instantly, his eyes shining so bright that they burn into the depths of my soul. He looks at me with such passion that it hurts and his mouth curves into a delicious smile and I can't help but smile back at him.

  My perfectly imperfect rogue, knocking me for six once again.

  The rest of the evening passes by without any further drama thank god. Both Mal and Daisy seem to have enjoyed everyone's company immensely and they now sit out on the patio hand in hand looking happier than I have ever seen them.

  "Hey." Melissa whispers as she sneaks up behind me a little bit merry from the alcohol that she's consumed over the last few hours.

  "Hey yourself." I whisper back to her. "Why are we whispering?"

  "I have no idea. Me and Heath are gonna head off soon." A megawatt smile brightens her whole face at the mention of his name.

  "Jeez, you've got it so bad. Go, go, get out of here then you animal."

  "Awesome. One last thing. Could you let Heath know that I'll wait for him down the road, the last thing we want is Mr Moody catching us and ruining our fun."

  "No way will Max overreact as much as you think he will. He's gonna be more pissed that you both kept it from him."

  "Jess I fucking love you. Really, really love you." Her hands grab my face as she kisses me on the lips. Slowly she pulls back to look at me, worry written all over her face. "I'm not ready for him to find out yet okay? Please don't tell him and ruin this for me."

  "Go on then, quickly before he comes over." I get that she's having the time of her life right now but I don't like lies. If everyone was completely honest with each other then people wouldn't get hurt as often as they do.

  "You're amazing Jess."

  I'm still laughing at her as she staggers to the door slurring her goodbyes to everyone when I feel a strong, dominant presence behind me. I force myself to stay focused, but fucking hell it's hard. Whenever he is near me I melt. His voice alone is hypnotic. His hand rests just over the curve of my backside as he leans in close to me.

  "It makes me so happy that you two get on so well."

  "Yeah, she's a gem. I guess I've found my Jen away from home." I tilt my head slightly and look up to see him examining me with his eyes. His eyebrows hitch up a little when he finally registers what I have just said.

  Without warning his head goes back on a laugh. "Yeah, I can see it now. It's uncanny how familiar they are." His face turns softer as he bends his head down towards me. "Jess. It makes me happy to see you happy."

  "What did Stella want earlier?" The words fly out of my mouth before I have a chance to stop them. Me and my big fat gob, me and my big fat gob mixed with alcohol. Way to go Jess. Max's eyes darken and a frown creases his forehead very briefly and then a s
mile finds itself on his face again as he looks at me.

  "It was nothing important angel."

  "Oh." I reply, deeply disappointed with his answer. How tone sounded final and I decide not to press the issue any further. I just don't get why he won't tell. I know that it's absolutely none of my business but the other part of me is screaming to find out what that manipulating bitch is up to.

  "Stella is definitely going to be an issue for me while I'm here you know?" There I've said it a few times. Now it's up to him how he plays this. I don't expected him to actually fire her but I'd fucking love it if he did. My head is swiftly pulled up so that I am forced to look at him, his finger and thumb securely holding my chin in place so that I can't pull away.

  "It's want important angel, okay? Stella isn't important. Shit, no one is important to me, not the way you are. Do you understand?" Shitting hell. When he looks at me like that my head goes fuzzy and I lose all sense of everything completely aside from the two of us in this little bubble. "I said okay?" Max repeats his question while eagerly waiting for me to reply.

  "Okay." Is all I manage to get out before his lips come crashing down against mine. Automatically the outside world separates itself from me and Max as we search each other desperately, both of us wanting and needing more. His hand presses harder against the base of my spine, pulling me into his as close as he can get. My body is on fire once again as I feel him harden against me. It takes every ounce of strength that I have to pull away as I remember our surroundings. I can't believe I have just allowed that to happen at Mal's house of all places. As I slowly peel myself out of his arms a loud round of applause erupts around us.