Like when he’d sensed Jake Hopkins wanting to do more than kiss EJ. He’d heard later from some of the guys that Jake hadboasted that he’d tame her. Something he’d never told her when she’d thanked him for saving her from Jake’s attention at their year 12 formal.
“I know she can be a stubborn thing,” Dad continued, “and can be a tad contrary at times, so you’re going to have to keep the door open and be wise.”
Jordan’s recent prayer about wisdom and grace floated back into memory. “Yep.”
“We’ll keep praying that she sees the light soon. Amen?”
“Amen.”Lord, keep her safe. Help her reach out to us.
“Now come and help me move this big log.”
“Sure.”
Once the log was moved and Bella barked her approval, he ascended the hill back to the house. The phone reception was better there, and his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He tugged it out and read EJ’s message.
“Hey, a few of us are in Bondi next weekend if you’d like to come.”
Wow. Could she sound anymore offhand? Still, his dad’s advice to keep the door open rang in his heart. He might not want to go, but if this was the only way to see her, then he supposed there was nothing for it. Except to message back.
“Sure.”
Chapter 17
This might not have been Eric’s best idea. Bondi Beach certainly had its fans the world over, but right now EJ wasn’t feeling the vibe. Call it a legacy of having a winter birthday, but she wasn’t loving a picnic under a white tent by the sand when the sand kept lifting up in mini tornado-like whirls and adding extra sand to her sandwiches.
She coughed as a bit of grit caught in her throat.
“So, are you having fun?” Gwen asked.
“Somuch fun.” She barely restrained an eye roll.
Gwen laughed. “I don’t think Eric’s party planners accounted for the windy weather.”
“You think?” She burrowed into the folds of her new Italian leather jacket. A gift from Eric that he’d given her on Monday when he’d taken her to Bennelong for dinner before taking her toSwan Lakeright next door in the Opera House.
She’d felt like a movie star. All she’d needed was the red carpet, as she had the photographers already. And when Eric had said that if she couldn’t go to Italy, then he’d bring Italy to her, well, she hadn’t imagined it would be quite like this. He’d picked her up in a Ferrari convertible—a Roma Spider, hecalled it—before going on about its V8 twin-turbo properties and ability to travel at 320 kilometres an hour.
“Seems a shame you’ll never get to go that fast in Sydney,” she’d teased.
“Is that a challenge?”
“No!”
He’d laughed, then assured her she was safe with him, before giving her another glimpse into this world of glamour, when he pulled up outside Bennelong and had someone come to take the car while he escorted her inside.
People looked at him, people looked atthem.And she’d been immeasurably glad she’d bought a new dress and shoes from David Jones’ seventh floor. She might’ve spent close to a grand, but she looked like a million bucks. And then he’d given her this kitten-soft black jacket that made her feel like a princess. Who needed a Queen’s Birthday bonfire when she could be wined and dined and look like this?
Except, the picnic he’d arranged—“for a few of your friends”—felt like a step too far.
One didn’t really need a ride in a seaplane to show off the beach where the picnic was being held. Nor did one need to make an ostentatious splash with vats of oysters and prawns. She might’ve mentioned she liked seafood, but seeing this much food she’d known wouldn’t get eaten felt like a waste.
And because she felt a little uncomfortable with all the attention, she was tryingreallyhard not to show how she felt. Which was why, whenever Eric asked how she was doing, she responded with a big smile and “This is amazing, thank you.”
Part of her wondered how long it would be until Jordan came. He’d said he would come. And she really wanted him to. It felt strange having all these significant moments without him. Not that she’d wanted him there for her first kiss. Something she was still waiting for, because it seemed after the near miss on theyacht, Eric had decided to be a gentleman after all and hadn’t kissed her. Not properly, anyway. A few lingering hugs and pressed lips to her cheek, but nothing on her lips. Almost like he sensed she wasn’t quite ready for it yet.
There had been times when she’dalmostagreed, but something held her back. Even on her birthday, as wonderful as it was, she had felt this tiniest snag inside, like something was saying not to do it. Anyway, she figured it was good for Eric not to always get his own way. She kept a little bit aloof, which seemed to have increased his interest, as his looks grew hungrier each day, so she was glad not to have given in.
