“I have some work emails I need to get to.Want to get across anything Aria might have sent me that I’ve missed before I get labelled ‘forgetful old dad’ when she arrives and we have a work discussion.”He is rinsing and stacking the dishwasher.Wiping down the benches in the kitchen and freshening our drinks.“Any plans for yourself?”
“I think a lazy afternoon on the lounge is calling.”
“Sounds ideal.”He finishes off in tidying the kitchen.
“Well, you know where I am when you’re done.”
“I shouldn’t be too long.”He heads towards upstairs.The room normally goes to Jill and Teddy when they come, so it’s kitted out with a desk.Privacy and focus available for him to get his emails done.I keep looking at the empty stairs where he just flew up.My mind wandering.
Padding over to the lounge in the open lounge room, I draw the curtains to avoid light hitting the TV screen.Firing up the media centre, I scroll for a solid fifteen minutes before deciding upon one of the new romantic comedy Christmas movies.
Settling into my deep lounge, I’m enthralled by the story.The actors are well-cast, no cheesy over-acting, or forgotten actors clutching at straws and saying‘yes’to anything.I’m so engrossed by the movie, I don’t hear Koby until he sits beside me and places a glass of wine on the low coffee table in front of me.To which I gasp and pause the movie.
“Fucking hell.You need a bell on you.I didnothear you.”
“Clearly.Good flick then?”
“Yeah, actually is.Might as well start my Christmas tradition early.”Who am I kidding?I have been watching these since Halloween was over and the horror movies were shelved until next year.
“You still do this?”He looks bewildered.
“Absolutely!”I don’t add that while I’m home on my own there isn’t much else to do.Each year gets longer between people arriving before Christmas.
You’d think I would have more to do, but when you have the entire day to yourself, a lot gets done and then you're stuck with nothing to do.The few friends still in the area have their own families to look after, or are taking this opportunity to holiday, or be with grandchildren.
But being away the majority of the year does put a damper on maintaining friendships.Hell, maybe that’s why I like to look after everyone as much as I can in the paddock and across in the other motorsports teams.They are the closest family and friends I have.
I hit the remote to continue the movie and just because the universe wants to be a funny bitch and shit stir, a sex scene is the very next scene.Surprisingly, it’s long and a little graphic for a Christmas movie.Reaching over and picking up the wineglass, taking a large gulp to avoid some awkwardness.
When it moves to the next scene, Koby clears his throat and sets his wineglass down.
I scramble and comment.“These movies don’t normally have scenes quite like that.”The sudden need to clarify is strong.
He waves me off.“No need to say anything.”
But I can’t stop myself.“I think this is a spicy book adaptation, so it would be tame compared to the book.”
To this he raises his eyebrow and looks over at me.“You haven’t read the book yet?”
“I save my Christmas romance reads for December, and it hasn’t come up on my to be read list.”
“Bet this one is going straight to the top of the list.”He shoots over a wicked smile, and my stomach bottoms out.
“Maybe.”I simply say and turn my attention back to the screen and another big gulp of wine.Definitely going to the top of the list.
10
Koby
Afewdayshavepassed since the beach incident, and I have tried to keep myself at a distance, while still in the same house.I’ve ducked out for early morning swims and followed it up with a long run, but that’s the thing about being in the same house with someone you’re consumed with.There is no escaping.And when that person is Rayna Ellsworth, someone who exudes warmth, radiance and is drop-dead gorgeous, I am a goner.
I’ve arrived back after a decent number of hours out this morning to an empty house.Pulling out my phone, I have an unread message from Rayna letting me know that she is trying out a new Pilates studio locally.While I am glad for the extended time apart to keep my heart from sprinting and stop drooling over her, I miss her.
Knocking echoes through the house, and I double back to open the door to Rayna, gripping the wall and door frame, looking scuffed up and dishevelled.
I don’t think.Stepping towards her, I place my hands around her waist and arms to get her weight off her feet and support her hobble through the door.“Fuck, Rayna.What happened?”
“I was crossing the street, and I slipped off the gutter.”Her voice strained with pain.
