by C. Fonseca
She sipped slowly on the crisp chardonnay and tried not to stare at how beautifully Andi’s sleeveless swing top outlined her smooth, muscled biceps.
“Fantastic. I thought you wouldn’t be able to top that first course, but you have,” Luc complemented.
“Thanks, Luc. I’m told that the fish was caught near Lorne this morning, and all the ingredients are locally grown.”
Andi smiled appreciatively. “Thank you for preparing this meal for us.” Her eyes flashed a fiery copper in the candlelight. “It is scrummy.”
“I love cooking. I’m glad you are enjoying my efforts.” Caitlin held her gaze until Andi dipped her head and looked away.
Caitlin turned to Luc, who watched their exchange with a small smile on his face.
“So, Andi said you are the genius who built her home studio.”
“Genius?” He laughed. “Well, yes…using Andi’s initial drawing. She wanted a simple, functional space using low-impact materials. She was a hard taskmistress and pretty sure of what she wanted. Or should I say, what she didn’t want.”
“Very funny. I was really fortunate, actually. He took my plan and made it into something special,” Andi said, sounding proud of her brother. “Because Luc did most of the work himself, I got much more for my money. Solar power, cross-vertical ventilation, natural lighting…even a planted, green roof strip.”
“Very lucky,” agreed Caitlin. Andi gathered food onto her fork. She seemed to hesitate, her hand paused near her mouth. As her gaze met Caitlin’s, Andi licked her lips. Caitlin sighed and cleared her throat. She spent way too much time focusing on Andi’s lips.
Caitlin turned to Luc. “So do you visit Hakea often?”
“I’m here finishing the air-controlled storeroom for Andi’s paintings. We need to have the room ready before the heat arrives. It can reach temperatures up to forty-two degrees here in the summer.”
Caitlin shook her head. “That is extreme. I’d like to take a look at the storeroom when you’ve finished, if I could?”
Andi and Luc nodded in unison.
“I enjoyed the ambience of your place, Andi,” Caitlin continued. “It has such a light, natural feel. You have an amazing creative space.”
Andi smiled, pushing her empty plate aside. “It’s home.”
The conversation continued smoothly, as they cleared the dishes away. Andi scraped and rinsed, while Caitlin stacked the dishwasher. Luc leaned against the kitchen bench and answered Caitlin’s questions about his business based in their hometown, Navigators.
“Andi’s done the sea change, but a lot of city folk are doing the tree change. That just means more work for me, so I’m not complaining.” He laughed. “Sustainable housing is the new buzzword.”
Caitlin ground the beans and switched on the coffee machine. The aroma of rich, fresh-ground coffee filled the air. “Make your way into the lounge, and I’ll bring the coffee.” She spun around to face her guests. “Oh, I didn’t ask—would either of you prefer tea?”
“Coffee, please. It smells fantastic,” said Andi. She led her brother back into the living room.
Caitlin joined them, carrying a serving tray laden with three tulip-shaped coffee cups and a matching bowl of sugar cubes she placed on the side table. She handed an espresso to Luc, who reclined in the red Jacobsen egg chair. She pushed the table closer to Andi and sat down beside her, legs tucked beneath her.
“This is nice, eh?” Luc said. He relaxed into the curved upholstered chair. “This place is kind of understated but plush, luxurious, and comfortable at the same time.”
Andi looked around from her corner of the leather sofa. “I love this sandstone wall and oblong fireplace. It creates such a cosy atmosphere,” she said.
“It is lovely. I wish Isabella would come here more. Do you visit your family often Andi?”
“Not enough,” Luc complained. “Mum would love to see her more. Actually we would all like to see more of her, but—”
“Ah-ha,” said Caitlin.
Andi ignored their jibe. “I haven’t had as much time lately, but I try to get home at least once a month.”
“Once a month? That seems perfectly reasonable.”
“Uh-huh. This is really good coffee.”
“Sensory Lab dark roast… It’s my favourite in Melbourne.”
Andi moaned. “It’s smoky, and I can taste caramel or toffee.” She ran her tongue along the rim of her cup and licked the créma from her top lip. As their gazes connected, Caitlin blinked and then looked away.
“I’m glad you like it.” She stroked Andi’s forearm, enjoying the gentle ripple of muscles. “Are you always so easily pleased?”
Luc bit into a square of dark, fudgy chocolate and sighed.
“I can’t accept praise for the chocolate brownie either. They’re from a little café in Collingwood named Tomboy. Pistachio and macadamia.”
Andi placed her empty coffee cup on the table and leaned back, fingers steepled to her lips. Caitlin traced her own mouth with her finger. She could easily lose herself in the softness of Andi’s lips.
“Caitlin might enjoy a trip to Lorne with you…”
She heard her name, and Caitlin refocused on the conversation. “What? Sorry, Luc, did you say something about Lorne?” she asked.
“Andi has to make a trip to Lorne day after tomorrow, and I thought you might want to tag along?”
“I’m sure Caitlin has better things to do than trail along after me.” Andi rolled her eyes. There was an irritated edge to her voice.
“I would actually enjoy a trip to Lorne.” Caitlin sipped her hot drink carefully, surprised by Andi’s quick response. “If you don’t mind the company?”
Andi hesitated. “I don’t mind. I’m just collecting a parcel, but if you want to come along, you can. Have you seen much of the Great Ocean Road?”
“No, I haven’t, apart from Aireys Inlet. It would give me a chance to discover a bit more about the area from someone who knows.” Smiling, she added, “Someday I’d like to drive all the way along to Port Campbell. I’ve heard it’s one of the most spectacular drives in Australia.”
Luc rubbed his chin, clearly hatching a plan. “Why don’t you two visit Sheoak Falls? I’m sure Caitlin would love the rainforest walk. The fern-lined valley is spectacular this time of year.”
“I’m keen. If you have time, we could have lunch in Lorne,” suggested Caitlin.
“You two seem to have this whole thing sewn up.” Andi shrugged. “Okay, I’m game.”
She didn’t sound too enthusiastic, and Caitlin wondered if she was being too pushy, but it was Luc’s idea.
“Do you always let your big brother boss you around?”
“Oh, you don’t know the half of it,” Andi sighed. “When I was five, Luc and his band of cowboys tied me to the Hills Hoist and left me there till dinner time.”
Luc spluttered. “Till dinner time…more like five minutes, tops.”
“Hills Hoist? What on earth is that? Sounds painful.”
“It’s a whirligig clothesline invented by an Aussie,” Luc explained.
She turned to Andi. “You poor wee thing. I can only imagine the teasing behaviour between siblings. You must have had a lot of fun growing up, hopefully with no lasting scars.” Caitlin looked from Andi to Luc. “What’s the age difference?”
“I’m thirty-eight, Ana is four years older than me, and baby Andi is thirty.”
“Thirty? She is just a baby, indeed.”
* * *
Andi watched Caitlin surreptitiously. She guessed Caitlin would be a few years older than her. Somewhere in her midthirties. Caitlin had a graceful body—finely muscled, lean, and strong. Feminine and alluring. A flawless complexion, naturally arched eyebrows, high cheekbones, and a secret smile that curved her full lips.
“How about you? Do you have brothers and sisters?” asked Luc.
“No, it’s just me, no siblings. Although, there were always lots of extras milling around our home.”
Caitlin appe
ared relaxed, her arm resting on the back of the sofa behind Andi. So close that heat radiated along her shoulders from the proximity.
“My father is an English literature professor at Cork University. When I was growing up, students would join us for lunch, especially on Sundays. There was never a dull moment. Mum and Dad still live in the same house on campus.”
“They must miss you,” Andi murmured.
“I hope they miss me a little,” she said. “They lead busy lives of their own. I can’t see either of them retiring for many years, and Mum’s position as head librarian for the arts faculty keeps her on her toes. She’s also involved with community groups and fundraisers on campus.”
Andi was mesmerised by the way Caitlin twirled her fingers through her dark hair as she spoke.
“I’ve spent time travelling a bit…away from home, now and again. So, yes, I’m sure they miss me. And I miss them.”
Luc stood, stretched his tall frame, and stifled a yawn with his hand. “Even the night view from here is amazing,” he said.
They turned towards the window and looked out across the ocean. Lights twinkled like stars in the water, and the distant silhouette of a cargo ship moved slowly across the horizon.
“I think you fed us too well, Caitlin. I’m ready to turn in,” he said.
Andi jumped to her feet. “I’ve really enjoyed tonight. Thank you so much. The meal was delicious, and I hope I can return the invitation soon…err…without poisoning you.”
“Don’t you like cooking?” Caitlin asked.
Luc smirked, shaking his head.
“I love good food. When it comes to cooking, I get by, but I do like to keep it simple.”
“Simple can be good.”
Andi walked into the hallway and sensed Caitlin’s gaze on her as she followed.
At the front door, Luc gave Caitlin a quick, casual kiss on the cheek. Andi grabbed her bag and pulled on her jacket. She hesitated near the doorway.
Before she could escape, Caitlin put an arm around her shoulder and drew her close for a hug.
“I’ll see you day after tomorrow, then. What time would you like to get away?”
Andi tensed, and Caitlin let go. As much as Andi wanted to be released, she couldn’t deny how much she enjoyed the sensation as their bodies briefly pressed together.
“Should I pick you up?” Caitlin asked.
Andi shook her head and followed Luc towards the stairs. “I’ll swing by here. Around ten? I think the Jeep would be best on the back roads…if we decide to explore.”
“All settled, then. I’ll see you at ten, if not before.”
“Goodnight, Caitlin, thanks again.” She waved, descended the stairs, and set off after Luc. She muttered to herself, “I’m such an idiot.” What made her imagine that Luc would behave? He had set her up, and now her stomach was doing somersaults.
* * *
“So what aren’t you telling me, Caitlin?” It was hopeless trying to hide anything from Kiera. They had shared a lot over the years and could read each other well.
Caitlin lounged on the king-sized bed, propped up on several pillows, with her iPhone on speaker. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Well, you’ve talked about Isabella, waxed lyrical about the estate, the staff, and Melbourne. Let me see…the beach…the town…the house.”
“Yes, that’s true,” said Caitlin. She pulled the pink, mohair throw over her legs. The green, gingham pajama shirt she wore wasn’t quite long enough to cover them.
“I’ve known you too long, my friend,” Kiera giggled. “What? You’ve been in Australia for over three months. We talk every week, and for the last two weeks, you haven’t mentioned that art curator you were seeing—”
“You mean Erica. She’s an art director, actually,” Caitlin said. Kiera knew very well the difference between the two roles. As an art director of a large university gallery, Erica was the boss, overseeing the curators. “I’ve been busy working.”
Kiera guffawed. “So? That’s never stopped you before. Wasn’t Erica entertaining enough for you?”
Caitlin laughed. “Kiera, please. Erica is a very intelligent and attractive woman. She’s fun.”
“I’m sure she is. And you’re too busy for fun? Since your relationship with Rachel ended, you’re the one who’s enjoyed the perks of uncomplicated, disposable, no-strings-attached sex. Actually, let me quote you. ‘It’s as important as fresh air and exercise.’ And then you said, ‘It keeps the cogs turning.’”
“Oh, the arrangements have always been advantageous to both sides,” Caitlin said. “Consenting adults. You know the expression.” Had she really said that? Probably. “No one has ever complained. Have they?”
“Oh to be sure, to be sure.” Kiera hummed into the phone annoyingly.
“You’re such an arse, Kiera Brady.”
“So tell me, Caitlin. You sound different. Is there something on your mind? Talk to me.”
Caitlin knew she would never get Kiera off the phone if she didn’t give her a little something. “I have been meeting some new people. I’ve made a new friend.”
“Ah-ha, I knew it. Friend?”
“No, I mean yes. I do mean a friend. She’s a young artist living here at Hakea.”
“Spill it. I want to hear the rest, all of it,” persisted Kiera. “What’s her name?”
“Andi, her name is Andi. What else can I say? She’s a breath of fresh air. Unadulterated. Angelic, yet so, so sexy.” Caitlin moaned. Just thinking about Andi made her restless. “She’s an enigma, and damn it, oh so young.”
“You sound a wee bit smitten, Caitlin. Angelic and sexy? Every girl’s dream. What’s the problem?” Kiera asked. “What’s young? Twenty? Twenty-five?”
“What do you take me for? Andi is thirty.”
“Perfect age. So, where did you meet her? What have you done? When are you seeing her again?”
Caitlin rattled back her answers. “We met on the cliffs. Just talked. Day after tomorrow. Maybe we did kiss…once.”
“How could you forget a detail like that?”
“Definitely. Not. Forgotten. It is nearly midnight here, and I have to get off the phone.”
“Not so fast, Caitlin Quinn. Hair? Eyes? Nose? Mouth? Distinguishing features?”
“She has all of those.” She smiled just thinking about her. How to describe Andi? “Picture golden skin. Rich, deep-chocolate eyes. Gracefully muscled, agile body.”
“Sounds like you’ve found the quintessentially bronzed, Aussie, surfer-girl archetype. Which makes me wonder—why are you at home alone?”
“You and me both.” Caitlin shifted her body, adjusting the pillows around her. “But she has me confused. One minute she kisses me. Next minute she’s cool, cautious.”
“Sending a few mixed signals?”
“Exactly. I don’t think she has a girlfriend,” Caitlin said. “Even her brother suggested we spend the day together.”
“And?”
“I’ll let you know how it goes. My head hurts thinking about it.” Caitlin looked at the clock. “Why aren’t you working?”
“I am. I’m in the office marking level-one papers.” Kiera sighed. “I’ll go, but promise you’ll keep me in the know.”
“I promise. Goodnight, Kiera.”
“I miss you. Caitlin?”
“Yes, Kiera?”
“But surely love wouldn’t get so much talked about if there were not something in it.”
“It’s definitely time for sleep when you quote Elizabeth Bowen to me. Goodnight, Kiera. I miss you too.” Since their university days, Kiera had ended their phone conversations by testing Caitlin with quotes from literature. She had rarely got the better of Caitlin on this particular subject.
“Right again. Sweet dreams.”
Caitlin climbed between the sheets, punched her pillow, tossed and turned, and felt very alone in the overly large bed.
She remembered how Andi’s lips felt pressed against her own. She wa
nted to kiss her again. And more. She growled and punched her pillow again.
CHAPTER 9
Andi drove her Jeep down the paved driveway to the house, where Caitlin leaned casually against a pillar under the shade of the roof overhang. She looked ready for a day of adventure. As Andi stopped the car, Caitlin gave a small wave of her hand, picked up her daypack, and walked towards her. Andi smiled. Caitlin’s clothes showed off her toned legs and shoulders. She looked incredibly good in a blue and white striped sleeveless shirt and charcoal-grey cargo shorts. There was no denying Andi was intrigued by Caitlin. If she was completely honest, she had to admit her attraction to her. But she was not going to explore that any further.
Andi adjusted the passenger seat fully back to make room for those wonderfully long legs.
Yeah right, definitely not going there, Andi reminded herself.
“Hi.” Caitlin slipped gracefully into the passenger seat and pulled until the heavy door closed with a metallic clunk. She smiled radiantly and nodded to Andi. “You’re very punctual,” she said as she fastened her seat belt. “I checked the weather forecast. Cool, clear, and sunny.” She trailed her finger slowly down Andi’s bare arm. “You look fetching.”
Andi trembled, and she forced herself to take a slow, steady breath before speaking. “Looks like you’re all ready to go. It could get drizzly in the rainforest. Did you pack a jacket?”
Caitlin tapped her daypack. “Fully prepared. Rain jacket, camera, water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and trail bar.” She pointed to her feet. “And my sturdy, lace-up Scarpa boots.”
“What, no compass?”
“You mean you don’t know where we’re going?” Caitlin smirked and pinched Andi’s forearm.
Andi turned the key in the ignition. “No driver abuse, please, Ms. Quinn.” She put the Jeep in reverse with a noisy, grinding gear change and backed out of the driveway. “Sorry about that. Okay, we’re off.”
Andi took the road towards Bells Beach. She pointed at a group of kangaroos grazing in a distant grassy paddock. “I hoped we’d see the eastern greys today. They are quite shy and often keep behind the tree line. We’re in luck.”
“Wow, they’re huge. We have wildlife practically on our doorstep.”
