THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  “That isn't true.” He disappeared before Ben could say more.

  As Ben sprinted up the stairs after him, his phone buzzed and he stopped. Maybe it was a good thing. Jayden was in no mood to talk. He looked at the text message. It was from Tessa, asking if everything was all right with Jayden. It wasn't, but he didn't feel like telling her all that had just happened, so he just wrote back ‘yes’.

  Chapter 10

  When Ben's associate, Walton, telephoned early Saturday morning, Ben was having breakfast and reading his Bible, searching for guidance and direction. The previous evening’s upset with Jayden still hung heavily on his heart.

  “Something’s come up, and I won't be able to make the Pro-Am Golf Tournament with you and Jayden today.” He sounded apologetic.

  Ben leaned back in his chair. “That’s a pity. I know how much you were looking forward to it.”

  “I know, but it’s unavoidable. Why don’t you invite Tessa to go along with you so the ticket won’t go to waste?”

  Ben blinked. Invite Tessa? She mightn’t like golf. And she mightn’t want to see me again so soon, especially after the fiasco with Jayden. But why not? His heart thumped at the prospect of seeing her again so soon. “I might just do that. You don’t have anyone else who could use it?”

  “No no. You take it. My pleasure.”

  “Thanks, mate. Enjoy your day, whatever you’re doing.”

  “I will.”

  Ben dialled Tessa’s number as soon as he got off the phone from Walton. He almost hit stop when it began ringing. His pulse quickened. What was he doing? He wasn’t thinking straight. But it was too late. She’d see his number and know he’d rung. After two rings, she answered in a sleepy voice.

  He groaned. “Did I wake you? I’m so sorry.”

  “I was half-awake. It’s not a problem,” She stifled a yawn.

  “I know it’s short notice, but I was hoping you might come with me to the Pro-Am today. The friend I was going with has just cancelled, and so I’ve got a spare ticket and I thought you might like to come.”

  A long silence followed. His heart sank. Why had he been so rash? Of course she wouldn’t want to go. What had he been thinking?

  More moments passed. After what seemed a life-time but was probably only a second, she asked, “Is that the golf tournament?”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, it is. I guess you don’t follow golf?”

  “No, but I’d love to come anyway. I’d only planned on doing a spot of shopping, but that’s not important.”

  Had he heard right? She’d love to come? His spirits soared and he punched the air. “Great! I’ll pick you up at eight.”

  Next, he needed to wake Jayden. How he’d kept it a secret from him for so long, Ben wasn’t sure, but how good to have this up his sleeve right now. Even though Jayden didn’t play golf, he’d developed an interest in watching it on television, and Ben was sure he’d love to see a professional match.

  He ran up the stairs, paused outside Jayden’s door, and knocked softly.

  “Leave me alone.”

  Ben clenched his fists. It was the tone he’d come to detest. He needed every inch of self-control not to react. “You'd better get up if you want to go to the Pro-Am today.” He held his breath, waiting for Jayden’s response.

  Within moments, the bedroom door was yanked open. Jayden, bare-chested and wearing only pyjama bottoms, stood in the doorway, mouth agape. “Today? You’ve got tickets?”

  “I do,” Ben answered smugly. “Tee off’s in just over an hour, so we’ll need to leave soon.”

  “Okay, I’ll get ready and be straight down.”

  Ben returned downstairs with a skip to his step. Maybe things between him and Jayden were fine again. At least for a while. It was foolish to think a day’s outing would fix everything, but at least it was something. And Tessa was coming… the thought of her sitting beside him all day put a wide grin on his face. Thank you, God. Having her beside him might also stop him thinking of Kathryn.

  If she’d been here, Kathryn would have been front row. Luke Emerson was playing today. Not only had Luke been Kathryn's favourite golfer, he’d been her favourite athlete, period, almost to the point of obsession. Whenever she couldn’t see him play live, she’d watch all his tournaments on television. Magazines that featured him littered the house. Kathryn had been star-struck, and Ben hadn’t liked it. The guy was a wealthy play boy. Everyone knew it. Kathryn didn’t care.

  Luke Emerson was definitely not Ben’s favourite golf player. Although the man had a keen style and Ben enjoyed watching him play, whenever Ben heard his name mentioned, thoughts of Kathryn returned as well and painful memories came flooding back. But he couldn’t let the free tickets go to waste, and so just for today, he’d put aside his dislike for the man and enjoy his time with Jayden and Tessa.

  He poured himself another coffee and drank it slowly while waiting for Jayden to come down. Thinking of Kathryn always left him melancholy. The initial shock of her leaving had been replaced with a heavy dull ache. If only he knew where he’d gone wrong. She hadn’t even given him the opportunity to talk about it, to give him a chance to fix whatever the problem was. It was too late to fix it, but if he knew what he’d done, he might be able to deal with it and move on. Not knowing why had torn him inside. So many emotions he hadn’t sorted out. So many questions waiting to be answered. He swallowed the lump in his throat and sighed heavily. God, where did I go wrong? Maybe he did need to open up with Stephanie and allow her to help him.

  “Dad, are you ready?” Jayden's voice brought him back to the present. He was at the counter stuffing buttered toast into his mouth. “I’ve fed Bindy and I’ll walk her tonight. Let's go.”

  Jayden began talking excitedly even before he jumped into the front seat beside Ben. “Maybe I can get Luke Emerson’s autograph today. What do you think?”

  Ben pushed back his initial response and tried to answer positively. “Yes, why not? It’s worth a try.” He flashed Jayden an encouraging smile. He could almost endure anything to have Jayden excited about something.

  Jayden’s brows puckered. “Where are we going? The golf course isn’t this way.”

  Ben had been waiting for that. His smile faded. “You remember Tessa, the lady from puppy school?” He held his breath as he waited for Jayden’s response.

  Jayden turned his head, his eyes puzzled.

  A sinking feeling flowed through Ben’s body and settled in his stomach. Why hadn’t he mentioned up-front that Tessa was coming? He gulped. “I invited her to come with us.” He tried to sound upbeat about it.

  Jayden remained silent. There was no need for words, the daggers in his eyes said it all.

  “I’m sorry. I should have told you.”

  Jayden crossed his arms and slunk down in his seat. “No, you shouldn’t have asked her.”

  Ben’s shoulders fell. “I thought you liked her?”

  “Not that much.”

  * * *

  When Tessa climbed into the back seat a short while later, she leaned forward and smiled brightly as she wished Jayden good morning. Ben had warned her he wasn’t in a good mood, but hadn’t explained why.

  “Morning.” Jayden’s voice was short and crisp. He turned his head and stared out the window. He said nothing more for the entire trip.

  She hoped it was because he was still unhappy about being forgotten, but she had an inkling it might be because she was intruding on his time with his father. Maybe she shouldn’t have come…

  When they arrived, the golfing complex was already filled with a throng of people. Not just spectators and fans, but sports’ reporters, news media and photographers. The Pro-Am Golf Tournament was a big event, so it seemed.

  Tessa tagged along behind Ben and Jayden to watch Luke Emerson, whoever he was, tee off on the first hole. Jayden didn’t seem interested in seeing anyone else play; he just wanted to see Luke. The threesome followed him and his amateur partner from hole to hole throughout the
morning.

  “Luke’s the best player around these days,” Jayden informed her enthusiastically on their move to the fourth hole.

  She was so glad he was finally talking to her, and she asked questions to keep him engaged. “I've never been to either, so what’s the difference between a Pro-Am tournament and a regular tournament?”

  “Pro tour golfers and ordinary golfers play together at Pro-Ams. It's still a competition, and the winning team still gets the prize, but they usually raise money for charity at the same time.”

  “Oh, look,” Ben said, holding up the event brochure he’d been reading. “This year the Pro-Am is supporting several Australian animal charities.”

  “Cool.” Jayden’s face lit up. “Bet you’re happy about that, Tessa.”

  “Absolutely.” She smiled affectionately at him, thankful he’d forgiven her for gatecrashing his day with his dad.

  Chapter 11

  When the players paused for lunch, Luke Emerson was at the top of the leaderboard. “I'll try to get his autograph now, and maybe a photo. Wanna come?” Jayden asked Ben as the crowd around Luke began to disperse.

  “No, you go, son.” Ben gave him an affectionate squeeze.

  “Save my lunch,” Jayden called as he ran off.

  As Tessa strolled with Ben to the grill, the need to come clean with him sat heavily on her mind. Now was as good a time as ever. But would he understand it hadn't been a conspiracy? Maybe Stephanie had intended to use her to glean the information she needed, but Tessa’s intentions were honest. Would he believe that? She took a deep breath, but her heart thumped heavily in her chest. What if he takes it the wrong way? I wouldn’t blame him if he did.

  “Ben, I have something to tell you.”

  He turned his head, meeting her gaze with a puzzled expression. “What is it?”

  She gulped. “One thing I try to have in all my relationships is honesty, and so I want to be honest with you.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Are you going to tell me you’ve got two heads or something?”

  She laughed. “No, nothing like that.” She paused as she tried to gather the right words. Was there any way to break the news to him about Stephanie without jeopardising their friendship? She somehow doubted it. She looked deep into his eyes. “I’m not quite sure how to say this, so I’ll just say it. Your counsellor, Stephanie, is my best friend.”

  His head jerked up, his eyes widening as the colour drained from his face.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.” She reached out and grabbed his wrist. He pulled it away. Her chest heaved. It was over. He’d never trust her now.

  His eyes held hers, as if he was searching her soul, condemning her. Say something, please…

  Placing his hand firmly on her elbow, he steered her to the side of the walkway, away from the crowd, and faced her. Hurt and disappointment filled his eyes, and she just wished she could fix it and make it right. “That’s not what I expected to hear, Tessa. I’m disappointed. So much for client confidentiality.” His voice was crisp, and she felt like a naughty school girl.

  “Oh, Ben.” She swallowed a sob. “I’ve known Stephanie since we were kids, and now we’re house mates. I try not to listen when she talks about her cases. In fact, I try to stop her, but sometimes she just needs to get them off her chest.” She implored him with her eyes to understand. “When I met you at puppy school and realised who you were, I was caught. But I didn’t think it would matter. Until you asked me out.” She lowered her head and stifled a sniff. “Maybe I shouldn’t have accepted.”

  “I should have known there was a connection by the way she kept suggesting I ask you. I should report her.”

  Tessa looked up, her breath catching. No! Please don’t do that… A heavy weight settled on her chest. Moments passed.

  His expression eased. “But I won’t.”

  Relief flowed through her. His eyes remained steady, but the darkness had lifted a little and his face had softened. “I haven't been the most cooperative of patients. But you probably know that already.”

  She gave a small nod, afraid to say anything.

  “I’m glad you agreed to go out with me, Tess. Even if I was set up.”

  Without thinking, she reached out and touched his wrist again. “Oh Ben. Don’t think of it like that. Please. I didn’t say yes because of Stephanie. I said yes because I wanted to.” She bit her lip as she waited for his response.

  After several long moments, he placed his other hand on top of hers and rubbed his thumb gently against her skin. “To be honest, I've been hesitant to get involved with another woman again, so I’m glad she pushed me. I may never have asked you out if it hadn’t been for her.”

  All the tension in Tessa’s body fell away and a smile, flowing from deep within, grew on her face and reached her eyes. They’d survived their first spat and come out the other side. It could have ended so badly. Their eyes were locked. Her breathing quickened. Was he about to kiss her?

  She laughed to herself when he said they needed to order lunch. The kiss would have to wait.

  Tessa ordered a chicken sandwich and bottled water. Ben ordered the same for himself and Jayden, but added a candy bar as well. They were on their way to a group of shaded picnic tables when Jayden raced towards them, face flushed.

  When he didn’t stop, Ben leapt from the table and raced after him, pulling on his T-shirt to make him stop. Tessa leaned forward to get a clearer view. What could have upset Jayden so much? Surely he wouldn’t have gotten so upset over an autograph?

  As Ben attempted to wrap his arms around him, Jayden pulled away. He couldn’t stand still and his hands jerked as he jumped from leg to leg. He looked distressed, like he could burst into tears at any moment.

  Tessa prayed. It was all she could do.

  After several minutes, he calmed down and allowed Ben to place his arm around his shoulder. They walked slowly back to the table.

  “Tessa, we need to leave.” Ben’s voice was serious, and his eyes were dark with pain as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

  She nodded, not knowing what to say. What could possibly have happened?

  As they walked towards the car, Ben broke the silence. “Jayden saw his mum.”

  Tessa’s eyes widened. “Kathryn?”

  “Yes. She's with Luke Emerson. I should have guessed. Jayden’s positive it was her even though she looked different. He reckons she saw him but acted like she hadn’t.”

  “Oh, you poor thing.” Tessa stood and tried to hug Jayden, but he pushed her away.

  When they reached the car, he slumped into the back seat and used his thumb to scrub Luke’s autograph off the golf ball in his hand. “I hate mum. I hate Luke. I don't wanna see either of them ever again.”

  Ben turned around, the muscles in his neck taut. “Jayden, don't say that.” His voice was measured, but Tessa guessed he was almost as upset as Jayden.

  “It's true.” Jayden slunk further and continued scrubbing.

  Her heart ached for them both. She couldn’t blame Jayden for the way he felt, but if he held onto that hate, he’d end up hurting more. And she couldn’t even start to imagine how Ben must be feeling.

  * * *

  Jayden was sprawled across his bed, asleep, when Ben went to check on him later that evening. Tear stains dotted his pillow. The room was junky as always, but where posters of Luke Emerson had been hanging that morning, only bare spaces remained. Ben found the posters crumpled in Jayden's trashcan along with torn photos of Kathryn.

  His gaze fell back onto Jayden moaning in his sleep, his face troubled as if he were having a bad dream. Ben moved to the bed and sat on the edge. His chest tightened as he stroked Jayden’s dark brown hair, now damp with sweat and tears. How could Kathryn have done this to their son? Did she despise them both so much she’d go out of her way to ignore him? What mother would do that? Did she have no feelings at all?

  The muscles in Ben’s neck tensed the more he thought about it. How dar
e she do this! He inhaled deeply to control his anger. God, forgive me, but right now I feel like grabbing her by the throat and dragging her here so she can see what she’s done. His chest heaved and tears pricked his eyes. “I love you, Jayden. I’m so sorry for everything, but I’m here for you. I really am.” He choked on his words; tears poured down his cheeks as everything inside him ached for Jayden. If only he could do something to fix it.

  Much later, Ben wiped his face and placed a gentle kiss on Jayden’s cheek before leaving the room quietly.

  Chapter 12

  Kathryn leaned forward in one of the luxurious armchairs in the lobby of the hotel where she and Luke were staying, crossing one long leg over the other. Her hands shook as she opened the gold inlaid cigarette case Luke had presented her with on the anniversary of their first year together, just one of the many extravagant gifts he’d bestowed on her in the past year. She was about to light up when she remembered the non-smoking rules of the hotel.

  Sighing with frustration, she returned the cigarette to the case and snapped the lid shut. Maybe she should just go to their suite where smoking was allowed on the balcony. But Luke wouldn’t be happy if she went up without him.

  She caught his eye as he signed yet another autograph for the adoring fans gathered in the lobby. In the past, she would have been amongst that group, but now, she could get Luke Emerson’s autograph any time she wanted. Her gaze lingered on him as he turned his attention to his fans. What an amazing ride they’d had. And how lucky she’d been to capture this legendary man’s heart. Her gaze travelled beyond him to the ballroom where it had all happened. What a night it had been! One of fifty lucky fans chosen to have a private dinner with Luke Emerson on his last visit to Brisbane, and out of those fifty people who’d dined with him that night, he had been captivated by her. Her! All night her heart had beaten so fast she was surprised it hadn’t exploded. Luke sat at her table and talked with her. He asked a lot of questions, and somehow she answered them all. He’d treated her like she was the only person in the room. How special she’d felt. Ben had never made her feel like that. And her body had never felt so alive as it had that night with Luke.