Finding You (Finding You Series Book 1)

by Amanda Mackey

  I was busting. We were going to have lunch together. It would be like a date. Excited was an understatement as I replied:

  Sounds great. I’ll see you later. Looking forward to it too. xx

  Okay. Now the same dilemma as always. What do I wear? Were we going to a restaurant for lunch or a café? There was a vast difference when it came to dressing for the venue. Even with my shopping spree on new clothes I felt like I had nothing.

  Breakfast came so I put off thinking of clothes until after I got back to the cabin. I was so hungry and caffeine starved, I swear I had the shakes so I gulped the hot drink, feeling the burn on its way down but not caring, and then I dug into breakfast.

  It hit the spot nicely as I sat in observation mode, comfortably full, people watching as I enjoyed my coffee.

  Ramah whizzed by finally, giving me a quick wave as she disappeared into the kitchen with a bag full of goodies.

  Everyone was in a great mood and why shouldn’t they be? The setting and weather were perfect.

  In my cabin, I laid every piece of clothing out on my bed to help me decide what to pick.

  I really liked the black denim shorts and the white tee so decided that regardless of where we ended up for lunch, black and white always looked smart. Tossing everything in a heap on top of my suitcase, I changed, applied a little lip gloss, and brushed my hair, leaving it down. I was done. It was only 9:30 a.m. but I decided I’d take my time walking along the beach. I would be there early but I was anxious to see Kyle so it didn’t bother me if I had to sit on the sidelines and watch for a while.

  Swinging my arms, a sandal in each hand, I padded at the water’s edge as I walked northbound, turning my face to the sun every now and then to drink in the warm rays.

  There were more people on the beach today. Some were swimming, others were walking like me, and a few lay sprawled out on towels working on their tans. Everyone seemed so friendly as I was offered a smile and a greeting as we passed each other. This was truly the life I had always dreamed of. Something you read about in a book or see in a movie. I didn’t have a care in the world for once.

  When my vision finally picked up the movie crew in the distance, my pace increased along with my heart rate. I could barely contain myself. I moved to more solid sand to avoid splashing my shorts as the tiny black dots grew into moving shapes.

  I couldn’t get there fast enough as I power-walked, my calves burning, feet covered in sand. Sweat dripped down my jaw as the sun showed no mercy. Damn it! I’d forgotten to lather myself in sunscreen. As it was, the burnt skin from my first day on Sapphire Island was already starting to peel. I really needed to get it together and be more sun-safe. At least there was a hat on my head!

  Reaching the film set took longer than I anticipated but finally I made it, approaching slowly as I tried to find Kyle. There looked to be around thirty people amongst the chairs, umbrellas, and equipment that had been set up. A man sat on a canvas chair under an umbrella getting makeup put on. I hadn’t met any of the other actors apart from Gina and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to. I was happy having Kyle all to myself without having anyone else around.

  I didn’t really do groups or crowds well. I was better one on one.

  “Hey!”

  I jumped and had to refrain from screaming as Kyle came up behind me and placed both his hands on my hips.

  I turned towards him. “Hey! You scared me! I was looking around for you and couldn’t find you.” Now my heart really was beating fast.

  Kyle looked glorious in the same black outfit I’d seen him in previously. Pirate pants that hugged his waist. The black shirt open halfway down his chest. I couldn’t help but ogle the sculptured masterpiece that was beckoning me to touch it.

  I heard Kyle snicker and found his eyes crinkled and a mega-smile that blinded me. “Like anything you see?”

  Oh yes. Yes. I did. It was stealing my breath. His mere presence had me gasping. Unable to answer, I nodded stupidly.

  He brought his face to my ear, his lips touching the sensitive lobe as he whispered, “You’re early.”

  Again, I was speechless. The fact that his teeth had gently bitten my earlobe and I was now a complete mess because of the sensations between my legs and the hot flush crawling all over my skin, was irrelevant. Wasn’t it? Or had I just turned into a skittish teenager again, star-struck at his fame?

  When my mouth decided to work, I stuttered out, “Uh…yeah…I kinda got…bored.” Oh swell. That sounded lame. How could I be bored? There was still a whole island to explore, not to mention writing that I had planned on doing.

  Kyle laughed as he pulled back, hands still firmly on my waist. The beautiful timbre of his voice stroked me with its richness and I could have listened to it all day.

  What is wrong with you, Dakota? This guy has really gotten under your skin.

  “Well, I’m glad you thought of me when you were bored. Come. I’ll introduce you to a few people.”

  With that I was being led over to the very guy I had been looking at moments ago under the umbrella getting his makeup applied. Up close I could tell he was younger than I, probably mid-twenties. His blond disheveled hair reminded me of the surfers back in Australia that had spent way too much time in the sun. His skin was tanned and his deep brown eyes honed in on me as we approached. He had boyishly good looks but they didn’t hold a candle to Kyle’s handsomeness.

  “Jett, this is Dakota. Dakota, meet Jett.” It was a short introduction but I didn’t mind. I held my hand out and took his.

  “Gidday.”

  “Well, hello there! I love your accent,” he replied as he squeezed my hand. I noticed his eyes flicker up and down me so I quickly pulled my hand away.

  “Thanks, but I don’t have an accent.”

  Jett laughed. “Sure you do, but it’s cute.” After he let the makeup artist dab under his eyes a little more with some concealer, he added, “So tell me, Dakota. How many of those crocs have you wrestled lately? That’s what all you Down Under folk do, isn’t it?”

  Was he being sarcastic? The arrogant smirk on his face told me he was. It ruffled my feathers. Did he think we all lived like Crocodile Dundee?

  I looked at Kyle and his lips were pinched as he didn’t let me answer the question before turning to the woman, ignoring Jett.

  “Becca, this is Dakota. She’s going to hang around a while and watch while we’re filming. Make sure this jerk here doesn’t annoy her, will you?”

  Becca shook my hand and smiled at me politely. “Hi, Dakota. Nice to meet you. Don’t worry, I’ll keep this tiger in line. Just treat everything he says as a joke and you’ll be fine. If he hassles you, let me know.” She playfully punched Jett in the arm and he feigned being hurt.

  “Thank you. Nice to meet you, too.” Becca seemed nice.

  Kyle pulled me away, shaking his head. “Okay, I think that’s enough introductions for one day. Everyone else can wait. Why don’t we go sit over there and wait for my cue. I’ll be called shortly.”

  We moved away from everyone else to have some privacy. I was grateful to be segregated from the crew.

  We sat down on the sand in front of some grassy clumps. Kyle pulled my face towards his and gave me the softest lingering kiss I’d ever had. My lips literally stuck to his as we pulled apart.

  “So…I was thinking we could go into town and eat at one of the cafes. Keep it casual.”

  I was so grateful for that, considering my informal clothing. “That would be perfect.”

  His soft hand cupped my cheek as his thumb moved backwards and forwards. “Sleep well last night after your bath?” His smirk didn’t go unnoticed.

  “Mmm. I actually did. That foot massage was amazing. It really did relax me. How about you? Did you sleep well?”

  Kyle chuckled. “Eventually. Took me a while to fall asleep but once I did, I was out.”

  I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been thinking of me and that’s why he hadn’t fallen asleep straight away. A girl could hope.


  “Kyle, you’re on!” the call came. Loud and booming. I was a little disappointed but knew he had work to do.

  “Don’t you go anywhere, okay? This shouldn’t take too long.” He kissed my head as he stood.

  I wasn’t going anywhere. God, he had a nice butt!

  ***

  It was another hour and a half before we were sitting comfortably in a small, intimate café in town. The scene I had watched had to be redone a few times and had taken longer than planned. Not that I’d minded. I’d sat in awe of Kyle as he’d transformed from the man I knew into a ruthless, sword-wielding pirate. He really was a brilliant actor.

  I must have been sitting with a silly expression on my face as Kyle spoke. “Penny for your thoughts.”

  I found his gaze and snickered. “I was just thinking of the dramatic difference between you and your movie character. You’re really good at what you do.”

  “It wasn’t easy with a pretty woman sitting on the sidelines.” His eyes glimmered, pupils darkening.

  I squirmed, still not used to compliments. I didn’t know how to respond, so I took a sip of my soda that I’d received moments earlier, suddenly wanting the focus off me. I felt the shutters come across, closing myself off to the conversation. Kyle must have sensed it too. I felt him grab my hand.

  “I’ll never stop telling you how beautiful you are. If I say it often enough maybe you’ll eventually start to believe it.”

  “I want to believe you. It’s just hard…”

  “You don’t have to worry about not being good enough when you’re with me. I see who you are. I like what I see. If you’ll give me the chance, I’d like to prove it to you.”

  I wanted that more than anything. I wanted to believe. I just had to fight the demons inside that kept trying to pull me back into the darkness.

  “Okay. I’d like that.” I smiled at him just as the waiter brought out our meals.

  I’d ordered a Caesar salad and Kyle had ordered a fish burger with salad and fries.

  The food looked delicious and it wasn’t long before we were enjoying our meals and chatting idly. The focus was now off me so I was relaxing more and starting to think that I could really get used to this man’s company. Maybe too much. I tried not to think of my holiday ending.

  Chapter Eight

  Dakota

  The next two weeks flew by at lightning speed. Kyle and I spent most nights together and moments during the day in between filming. His schedule had been increased to fourteen-hour days in order to get the movie finished on time. It was very hectic and I could see how tired he was getting, what with working such long days and spending the remaining hours with me. I’d offered to give him a few nights on his own to catch up on sleep but he wouldn’t hear of it.

  “I don’t need extra sleep. I’d miss out on spending time with you.” The subject was closed so I didn’t push it. I was fast becoming the center of his world.

  Nights weren’t just spent cuddled up in bed. They were spent dancing at a club in town, sipping champagne on the beach, and sitting out on my balcony talking for way too long. We had so much to talk about. One conversation would always lead to something else. I’d never talked so much in all of my life.

  We still hadn’t slept together and Kyle hadn’t pushed, although I knew he wanted to and I was fast realizing that I wanted it, too. He’d proven himself over and over again that he wouldn’t push me and he’d stuck to his word.

  Even entwined in bed at nights we’d make out like crazy, inching closer each time, and each time Kyle would pull himself away in a show of respect and just hold me like I needed to be held.

  “I’ve got a great idea,” said Kyle, one fine afternoon when he had some rare time off. “I can’t tell you what it is though, it’s a surprise.” He made two quick phone calls and then grabbed my arm.

  “Where are we going?” I badgered him as we walked towards the reception area.

  “I can’t tell you. You’ll soon find out though, so don’t worry about it. Just trust me.”

  I did trust him but wanted to know anyway. I hated secrets and wanted to know now. Kyle wouldn’t give in however, making me sulk.

  Ramah greeted us at reception with a huge picnic hamper and blanket. She winked at us and wished us a wonderful time.

  “Even Ramah knows where we’re going,” I brooded, not really in a bad mood but teasing Kyle.

  His mouth upturned at the corners as he pulled me even harder towards the car that was parked outside. It was borrowed from one of the film crew and was loaded with equipment. We managed to find a small hole in the back for the basket and blanket. My legs were bunched up on a box on the floor of the passenger side and a large tripod speared its way through from the backseat to the front, pushing me up against the door.

  Looking over, Kyle smirked. “Sorry about the mode of transport but it was all I could manage on short notice.”

  “Humph.”

  If my hand had reached over I would have punched him. Instead, I ignored his apology and locked the door in case it came flying open as we were hurtling down the road to God knows where.

  The trip up the hill was a pleasant one visually. Everything seemed as fresh as a daisy. The sky was clear, its blueness resembling Kyle’s eyes.

  Kyle switched on the radio and a local station rang out. It wasn’t exactly my type of music but it was up-beat and helped add to our carefree mood.

  We didn’t speak for the rest of the way as Kyle tapped his fingers on the wheel in time to the music, looking over at me every once in a while and giving me that jaw-dropping smile.

  I decided I was becoming addicted to his perfection as I sat gazing at his profile while he drove.

  Our hair flapped wildly in the breeze coming in from the open windows. No air conditioning in this luxury sedan.

  Soon the car came to a rolling stop near a high cliff.

  A sea eagle hovered over the choppy water below, intent on finding food, happy to wait until it found an adequate-sized fish. The waves crashed in on the gnarly, jagged rocks, making me wonder if we were still on the same island and hadn’t been sucked into a time machine and transported back to the beginning of time.

  The breeze intensified as we got out of the car and walked over towards the edge to look at the angry ocean below. The white spume thrashed high and mighty over the rugged coastline.

  I sniffed in the salty air and stretched my arms above my head, letting go of any tension and relaxing fully. The afternoon was ours.

  We spread the blanket out and sat holding each other, staring out to sea, captured by the beauty of the vista.

  “Kyle, it’s so beautiful up here. How did you know about this?”

  “One of the film crew took a wrong turn on the first day of filming and we ended up here. I thought it was so breathtaking that I wanted to make it a special place where I could come and gather my thoughts. Now that I’ve met you, I want it to be our special place.”

  Taken aback, I pulled back from his embrace to stare in bewilderment. Never had anyone wanted a special place with me. Here was this man I’d only known a couple of weeks and I felt more connected and at home with him than I ever had with another human being. His lip tweaked ever so slightly as his right eyebrow rose, waiting for my response.

  I kissed the tip of his nose and then found his mouth. “Mmmm, I’d like that. I’ve never had a special place.” My fingers tickled the hollow at the base of his neck, giving him goose-bumps. Our cheeks and temples rested comfortably together.

  Kyle opened the bottle of red wine and poured it into two glasses and I knew in that moment what I had to do.

  “Kyle, there’s something I need to tell you. It’s about my past.”

  Chapter Nine

  John

  The time had come for me to claim what was rightfully mine. After mentally preparing for tonight, I felt I was ready. The hour was nigh. Taking a last long, glorious drag from my cigarette and flicking it out the window, I flexed my muscle and
gave the car some gas. Destiny was mine. She was mine.

  I smiled at the thought of taking them unaware. The element of surprise was definitely to my advantage. There would be no time for her to escape. The plan was perfect.

  Screeching towards the middle class suburb, my 2007 model Saab Turbo fishtailed as I accelerated around the corner, adrenalin coursing through my veins. I turned up the volume on the CD player until the speakers throbbed and the words started to distort. The classic Rolling Stones song “Satisfaction” blared out. It seemed appropriate for tonight. Ever since she left, I hadn’t had any satisfaction and I damn well needed some. She was my release.

  Pulling into the well-kept avenue, I killed the lights and parked far enough away so as not to arouse suspicion. The less people who saw, the better. Hopefully everyone would cooperate. Enough time had passed for them to think I’d turned over a new leaf. Tonight I was going to be on my best behavior in order to win over the parents. The new jeans and checked shirt I wore still had the tags on. Tomorrow I’d take them back for a refund and no one would be any wiser.

  The double story house in earthy browns had been built back from the street somewhat. Newly pruned roses bordered the freshly cut lawn. Lights were on and a Toyota Prado 4WD sat in the driveway.

  Good, they were home.

  Checking my reflection in the mirror to make sure I’d remembered to brush my hair, a laugh escaped me. Victory would be sweet. When she agreed to come willingly into the car to talk and try and work things out, we’d vanish without a trace.

  With a growing hard-on at the thought of seeing her again, I slowly walked to the front door and knocked, making sure no one else saw me.

  Knock, knock!

  Come on, answer! My breath billowed out on each exhale, with the cool, winter evening air stinging my nostrils.