by C. Fonseca
Luc stared out to the horizon. “I know what you’re thinking.” He paused. “It’s been a long time since Susie died. Life is too short, and we both need to move on. Martha was not the right fit for you.” He placed an arm around her shoulders. “You’re just a young chick, but maybe there is hope for this cynical old chippie.” He grinned.
“What? What are you saying, Luc? You’ve met someone?”
When Luc had lost his fiancée, Susie, in a car accident, he’d been a mess. For a long time, Andi and her family worried that he may never want to risk his heart again.
“Don’t jump to any conclusions. It’s early days yet.” Smiling, he lifted his board and headed towards the surf.
“Hey, I want more information,” she called after him.
“All in due time. But now, let’s go catch us some waves.” His laughter mixed with the screech of seagulls echoing along the beach.
Andi grabbed her board and chased after him. Thirty years old, and she was still playing catch-up.
* * *
Caitlin stood on the platform directly above Gull Rock, just after five thirty. She checked the waves all the way to Bells Beach in the west and used the long-range lens on her camera to scan the surfers out beyond the rock. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, before she found the grace, style, and rhythm of Andi’s unmistakable feminine form.
Damn. She was glorious.
She captured a few quick shots of Andi before descending the stairs to the beach just east of the lookout.
As her feet touched the sand, an eager puppy jumped excitedly around her legs, barking and yapping playfully. “Whoa.” She patted the dog’s head carefully. “You’re a friendly girl. Who do you belong to?” The pup’s ears were up, eyes bright, and tail wagging rapidly. The mottled black and white bundle of energy jumped and ran in circles around her.
Andi emerged from the water. “Zzzip, come!” she yelled.
Immediately, the small dog looked up and charged towards Andi.
“You made it.” Andi smiled breathlessly and placed her board on the sand. She ran a hand through her hair, shaking the wet strands loose. “This naughty puppy, by the way, is Zip.” The pup jumped around Andi excitedly, picked up a half-chewed tennis ball, and dropped it at Caitlin’s feet. “Zip, this is Caitlin. Are you in the mood to play?”
Caitlin grabbed the ball and tossed it down the beach. “Are you talking to me?” she asked, shaking her drool-covered hand.
Andi laughed and held out her towel. “Here, I don’t think you should wipe that on your linen pants.”
Caitlin looked down at her white wide-leg trousers. She wiped her hands on the end of Andi’s towel. “Straight from the office.” She shrugged and gazed into Andi’s eyes.
Beads of seawater clung to her naturally thick eyelashes and sparkled at the ends of her hair. In the sunlight, Andi’s eyes were the colour of rich caramel, speckled with flecks of gold.
The neoprene wetsuit must have been designed specifically for her body, because it hugged her athletic form perfectly. Andi was liquid sunshine—healthy and glowing.
“You looked great out on the water.” Caitlin’s remark brought a faint flush to Andi’s cheeks.
As Andi towel dried her hair, Zip ran back and forth, barking loudly, then raced towards the sea.
“She is full of energy.”
“Manic actually, hence the name…Zip.” Andi turned her back towards Caitlin.
“Speaking of zips, I don’t suppose you could help me? I need to get out of this wetsuit while there’s still water inside, or it will be impossible to peel off.”
“Sure.” Caitlin caressed the nape of Andi’s neck with her fingertips, and a faint shiver rippled through Andi. She gently pulled open the Velcro fastening, lowering the zip to reveal a sweep of golden skin.
Caitlin moved back as Andi peeled the material down over her slender waist, then pulled it past her knees, and finally stepped out of the wetsuit.
Caitlin tilted her head to one side. “So, I definitely can’t persuade you to have dinner with me tonight?” Her heart beat fast against her chest, and she couldn’t take her eyes off Andi. She stood, still dripping from the surf, in an orange, one-piece swimsuit. Caitlin pressed her fingers into her thighs. What she really wanted was to pull Andi into her arms and erase the physical distance between them.
“I’m sorry. I can’t, not tonight.” Andi dragged on a chunky, white, oversized cardigan, and pulled it down over her thighs. “I was out of range for most of the morning, so I didn’t get your messages until this afternoon. And here’s the reason why.”
A tall man approached them with a curious grin. He ran a towel over his unshaven face, before offering Caitlin his hand in greeting.
“Hi, I’m Luc…Andi’s brother.”
He was good-looking, olive-skinned with straight, strong eyebrows. Luc flashed a megawatt smile at her. He crossed his muscled arms and tilted his head to one side as his gaze travelled from Caitlin to his sister, then back to Caitlin. “And you are?”
“Nice to meet you Luc, I’m Caitlin.”
Andi gathered the scattered items from the sand and turned to Caitlin. “This is my big brother. You’ve already met his blue heeler, Zip.”
“Not from around here?” Luc asked, as he tossed his towel onto the sand.
“I’m living in Melbourne.” Caitlin crouched down to play with Zip, who was rolling on her back. “Oh, you are an adorable pup.”
“Caitlin is from Cork, Ireland. Temporarily working in Melbourne,” said Andi.
Andi’s emphasis on the word was not lost on Caitlin. “Wonderful to meet you. I do see the family resemblance.” She smiled. The siblings were a very attractive pair.
“Yeah to some extent, but with my craggy, square face, I can’t be compared to this beautiful creature.” He nudged Andi.
“Sure, I definitely won’t argue the fact.” Caitlin threw the tennis ball down the beach. “Not at all.” She smiled at Luc. Not having siblings herself, Caitlin enjoyed the interaction between brother and sister.
Andi rolled her eyes. “Caitlin wanted to have dinner, but I explained that unfortunately we’ve already made plans for tonight.”
“Please, don’t apologise. Maybe we can make it another night. I’ll be in Hakea for a few days.”
Luc picked up both surfboards with little effort and tucked one under each arm. “I’m sure Maddie and Tom wouldn’t mind an extra guest. How about it, Caitlin? You could join us? Everyone around here is pretty easygoing,” he said as they walked together towards the steps.
“That’s very kind of you to offer. It’s been a long week, and I think a quiet night in is just the thing for me. I’ll put my feet up and watch a movie.”
Disappointment flashed across Andi’s face.
“Why don’t you both come to Kinsale for dinner tomorrow night? I’ve had little chance to use the gourmet kitchen to make more than scrambled eggs for one,” Caitlin said. “Indulge me, please.” She stared at Andi. Say yes.
Andi glanced questioningly at Luc, who answered without hesitation. “That would be brilliant. What can we bring?”
“Just yourselves, but is there anything at all either of you can’t eat?”
“No offal!” they said in unison, laughing.
“Not a chance,” she assured them.
“Apart from that, we’re not fussy at all. Surprise us,” Andi added.
At the top of the stairs, Luc turned to Caitlin with a broad grin. “I’m really looking forward to experiencing your cooking tomorrow night and exploring the hillside house. With a builder’s eye, of course.” He winked at his sister. “See you at home, Andi.”
Alone with Andi at last, Caitlin stepped towards her and gently lifted a wet strand of hair from her face. Andi’s skin glowed in the early evening light.
Andi captured her hand, held it against her cheek and lowered her gaze. She licked her lips as Caitlin leaned forward and lightly kissed the tip of her nose. She just couldn’t resist.
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“It is good to see you. I’d be lying if I said you haven’t crossed my mind many times over the last two weeks.” Caitlin sighed.
Andi tugged at her hair and stared at the ground before lifting those dark, soulful eyes to gaze at Caitlin. “I’ve thought about you too, and it is nice to see you again.” She hesitated, and Caitlin waited for her to continue. Finally, Andi said, “Enjoy your evening at home, Caitlin. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I will. And you will.”
Caitlin stood for several minutes and watched Andi walk along the path till she was out of sight. Tomorrow evening couldn’t come soon enough.
* * *
After a meal of steamed spinach and a single poached egg on toast, Caitlin sat at her desk, staring at spreadsheets.
For five years, Isabella and Caitlin had worked on a plan for the estate and the mansion’s metamorphosis to a private art gallery. Bella Gallery.
Caitlin admired Isabella’s generosity and dedication in sharing her art collection—and her home—with the public.
By coming to Australia, she had accepted the challenge, and it was now Caitlin’s responsibility to facilitate their plan.
Using their new data collection system, she spent the evening checking the records Kim had updated during the week. After two hours at her desk, Caitlin was still distracted, and her thoughts kept returning to Andi. She was drawn to her. Her earthiness. Her wholesome intensity. Caitlin could not forget her supercalifragilistic body and captivating smile.
“I’m acting like I’m fifteen years old.” She sighed at herself.
Right on cue, her phone beeped with an incoming text from Andi.
I hope UR relaxing. Recharging?
Caitlin replied.
Thank you. I am. Cx
That was a lie. How could she relax when all she could think about was Andi?
Caitlin closed her laptop and headed downstairs. She might as well spend more time thinking about Andi, wearing that formfitting orange swimsuit, in the comfort of her own bed. Alone.
CHAPTER 8
With the sound of the ocean waves as background music, Andi and Luc walked together along the cliff path. The spring evening was warm, and insects hummed, clicked, and chirped; it was an impressive chorus. The crisp, clean smell of coastal tea-tree filled the air.
“Let me just say before we get there—I think she’s a bit of all right,” Luc said.
“I could tell by the way you were checking her out.” Andi punched his arm. “You weren’t half-obvious.” She kicked a stone along the path in frustration.
He raised his eyebrows. “I wasn’t that obvious, was I? Wouldn’t do me much good. Let me tell you, I think this long-legged Irish lass… She’s smoking. Actually…she is gorgeous.” He tapped Andi on the shoulder. “And I think she has her eye on you, little sister.”
“Yes, that’s right—get it all out now, before we get to Caitlin’s house, so you don’t embarrass yourself or me.”
“You do like her, don’t you?” he asked.
“Yeah, how could I not? But nothing is ever that simple is it? Look, it’s complicated. Caitlin is not in Australia for long, and I just don’t want to go down that road again.”
“You’re talking about Martha, aren’t you? Just because you and Caitlin like each other, spend time together, it doesn’t have to be—move in and live together, does it? What about having a bit of fun?”
“The exhibition is what matters at the moment, and I don’t need to be distracted by anything.” Andi tried to convince herself, but Caitlin was so distracting.
“I’d say go for it. Enjoy life, Andi.”
The iron entrance gates loomed before them, and Andi turned to Luc. “Not another word from you on the subject. Please, behave.” She pushed the intercom button on the stone pillar.
A silky voice came through the small speakers. “Welcome to Kinsale. Just follow the line of grass trees that curve to the front staircase. The front door is unlocked, and I’m in the kitchen.”
Luc pointed to a tiny camera above the speaker. “Right you are.” He prodded Andi.
He could act up now, but he’d better behave when they got inside, or Andi would make him suffer. A rubber spider in his wetsuit should do it.
They followed a series of low, discreetly lit wooden platforms that cut through the landscaped garden of native trees and low shrubs.
“Hot damn.” Luc moved his hands along a low sandstone wall. He walked up the timber stairs to a door painted solid turquoise. “Some nice work here.”
Andi stood at the front entrance. The playfully curved expanse of glass reflected the pinks and oranges of the setting sun. As requested, they entered the doorway and walked through to a spacious hallway.
Caitlin wiped her hands on a tea towel and walked towards them, casually sexy in faded denim jeans, white T-shirt, and bare feet. She was framed perfectly in the large picture window with the ocean and the glowing evening sky behind her.
As Caitlin drew her into an enveloping hug, Andi’s body tensed, skittish and wary. She recalled the easy heat of their kiss and stepped out of Caitlin’s embrace.
“You have an absolutely stunning home. Thanks for your invitation.” Luc moved in and circled Caitlin’s shoulder briefly. “Whatever you’re cooking smells fantastic… I’m starving.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Caitlin’s arm tightened around Andi’s shoulder once again. She released her to lead them into the living room. “Please, have a seat. I am a little out of practice, but I hope my cooking satisfies your hunger.” She grinned and placed her hand casually to the gentle curve of her hip. “Now, what can I offer you two to drink?”
Andi reached into her canvas satchel. “I know you said not to, but it’s a local wine, and I think you’d like it,” she said, handing Caitlin the bottle.
“Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay.” Caitlin read out the label. “Perfect. The wine will go superbly with our first course.” She placed the bottle on the white stone bench and handed Luc a corkscrew. “Make yourself at home. The dining alcove has stunning views of the water and the lights from the bay are magnificent tonight. I won’t be long.”
“Can I help?” Andi followed Caitlin into the kitchen.
The room was spacious with stark white walls and streamlined stone benchtops. The lack of dividing walls in the kitchen opened it up to the living room. Glass sliding doors, now closed to keep out the chill of the evening, revealed an outdoor deck.
Caitlin glided around the kitchen with the ease of a professional. She seasoned the bright white scallops with sea salt and pepper before dropping them into the hot pan sizzling with butter.
“Did you enjoy your evening out?” She looked amused as Andi peered over her shoulder inquisitively. “Careful, I wouldn’t want hot butter to splash on your shirt.” She flipped the scallops deftly. “You could grab the lemon watercress. Middle shelf, on the left.” She pointed to the refrigerator with glass doors. “So, how was your night out?”
“It was fun. Maddie and Tom are old friends from Navigators. It was an early night. Just homemade Portuguese pizza and a catch-up.”
Andi placed the container of watercress on the bench. She hooked her thumbs into the belt loops of her jeans and resisted the urge to reach out and swipe a morsel of seafood from the pan.
Caitlin served the scallops onto three white-china plates, drizzled brown butter over the dark, crusty, caramelised tops, and garnished with the watercress.
Rey Farm watercress. Andi was pleased that Caitlin was using their produce. Caitlin obviously hadn’t made the connection, and for now, Andi was happy to leave it that way.
“Yummy that looks and smells amazing,” Andi said.
Caitlin bumped the oven door shut with her knee and pointed to the loaf of garlic-infused bread and bowl of lemon wedges on the bench. “Would you grab those for me, Andi? I think we’re ready to eat.”
Andi slid into a chair across from Luc at the rectangular, Victorian, ash table. He winked conspirato
rially and poured the wine. Delicious aromas filled the room, as Caitlin placed the food on the table.
Luc raised his glass in a toast. “This looks fantastic, and I’m sure it tastes incredible. Thank you, Caitlin.” He clinked his glass against hers. “Here’s to new friends.”
* * *
Andi and Luc were easy guests to please. Their conversation drifted from Luc’s work to the construction of Kinsale. He asked a lot of questions about the architect and the materials used. Luc was so interested in the build that Caitlin offered to show him the photographic record her grandaunts had kept.
Caitlin returned to the kitchen, leaving Andi and Luc to browse through the photographs while she prepared the main course—a crispy skin fillet of mulloway fish, green beans, and shaved fennel served with a light, citrus sauce. She’d selected local ingredients, taken pleasure in the preparation, and hoped she’d produced a satisfying meal to share with her new friends.
Andi and Luc were still leafing through the albums and Maggie’s sketchbooks when Caitlin rejoined them. She carried in three plates of food, two plates balanced on her forearm.
“This is an amazing record,” Luc said. “It would have been great to see them drill into these cliffs to lay the foundations.” Luc picked up the albums and placed them at the other end of the table.
“I believe Maggie and Isabella were very particular that the house made as little impact on this environment as possible.”
“I would love to look more carefully at some of Maggie’s sketchbooks. Her drawings of the coastal plants and birds are so detailed,” Andi said and looked up as Caitlin placed a steaming plate of food in front of her.
“Of course you can. I think there are some other sketchbooks of Maggie’s you may appreciate. We’ll have to arrange a time for you to come over and look through them, if you’d like?”
Andi nodded, and her face lit up with pleasure. “Yes, please, I’d like that very much.”
Caitlin sat down at the table and lifted her glass. “Welcome to Kinsale. You two are the first guests I’ve entertained here. I hope we will do this again soon.”
