“I know,” Emma murmured, saddened by the past. But she was moving on now. This trip was the first big step.
Sharryn checked her phone. “Kallan said he’ll be here in about five to ten minutes.”
“Okay. But I’m not convinced I need a bodyguard. Dad and I are going to have a serious discussion about that.”
“Well, you might decide to date him instead,” Sharon said with a wink. “He’s really good-looking.”
Emma chuckled. “Honestly, I won’t be interested. I don’t do long-distance relationships.”
“Bad experience?”
“Yeah, pretty much my whole life,” she said with a dry laugh. “I’m the product of two people who ended up hating each other because Dad was never around to nurture the relationship. That sucked. Then a week after Mum died, I discovered that my constantly travelling boyfriend—now ex—had been cheating on me with not one but five different women in five different states.” And she was positive, although she hadn’t seen any proof, that part of the reason why her mother had grown to hate her father was because he’d cheated repeatedly.
“What? Bastard!”
“And you know what his excuse was? He couldn’t be with me often enough so he had to have meaningless sex with the others.”
“No way! What an asshole!”
“I know. I wasn’t even that keen on him in the first place. But he was very persistent and sweet, and I guess I was flattered so I agreed to go out with him. When I found out he’s been wooing other women the same way he pursued me, I’ve never been so livid. But I think I was angrier at myself. I knew he was an executive who had to travel almost every week, but I still went out with him.”
“Come on. You can’t blame yourself for his actions. And you know what I think about long-distance relationships? It’s not the situation that’s the problem but the people involved.”
“I guess. Anyway, my ego was severely bruised, but my heart wasn’t broken. I was never in love with the guy.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
Emma opened her mouth to say no, but hesitated.
“Ooh, you have been.”
She exhaled loudly. “It’s silly, but the guy I liked more than anyone else was someone I’ve only spent three weeks with.”
“Wow. Love at first sight, huh?”
She smiled. “I guess.”
“When was this?”
“Two years ago.”
Sharryn lifted her brows. “What happened?”
Emma took a deep breath. “I won a trip to a Whitsunday island after participating in a cooking contest. The prize was for only one week, but I paid for an extra two weeks to give myself a longer break. That’s where I met him. We had a great time together, and I was hoping we could continue what we started after my trip was over, but we both agreed that the distance between us was an issue. So we parted ways without even giving each other our phone numbers. But, for the life of me, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Then when my ex started wooing me, a part of me wanted to prove that long-distance relationships could work, so that was why I agreed to date my cheater ex. Mind you, I didn’t realise all this at the time. It all came out during my hours and hours of talking my friends’ ears off. So, long and short of it, I’m still a firm believer that long-distance relationships don’t work.”
Sharryn patted her hand. “Hey, not all men are like your ex or that guy from the Whitsundays who didn’t even want to try. I know some couples who’ve made long-distance relationships work.”
“Sure. But a relationship is hard enough to manage without putting distance into the mix. Why even go there?”
Sharryn shrugged. “Which island in the Whitsundays did you stay at?”
“Plank Island. It’s actually a private island that the owner occasionally opens to the public. It’s an absolutely beautiful place.”
Sharryn’s mouth dropped open.
“What?”
“Um…that’s not far from an island that your dad has visited a few times.”
“Really? Which one?”
“Can’t remember the name. It wasn’t a commercial island that accepted guests. Friends of your dad lived there. Anyway, I was just thinking how cool it would have been if Uncle Addison had known you were at the neighbouring island two years ago. You could have caught up then!”
“Yeah,” Emma said, although she knew she wouldn’t have been ready to talk to her father then. “I think I’ll go to the ladies’ before Kallan arrives.”
“Oh, you wanna powder your nose for him?” Sharryn teased.
“I actually need to pee!”
Emma sprang from her seat and turned to the direction of the restrooms. She gasped loudly as she bumped into a body. Her gaze fixed on the man’s face, and her eyes rounded. Suddenly, she found it hard to breathe.
The dark-haired, brown-eyed hunk grinned at her, clearly reading her expression. “Emma.”
“Bryce,” she said in a breathless voice. What? Had she conjured him when she’d spoken about him to Sharryn?
She could feel her mouth stretching into a wide grin.
“Wow. How are you?” Bryce asked, himself looking surprised.
“I’m good,” she said with a laugh. “What are you doing here?”
Bryce gestured at the window. “I was passing by and I saw you sitting here. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“I mean, what are you doing here in Sydney?”
“Oh, I live here now. You?”
“Just visiting,” she answered, instantly disappointed at his answer.
Her mind played back the memory of her shedding a tear as she waved goodbye to Bryce from the back of the boat leaving Plank Island. And she’d waited until she was far enough away before she’d dared wipe her face. She hadn’t wanted him to notice her crying stupid tears when all they’d shared were three weeks of hanging out—and a hot, passionate one-night stand.
She felt heat rise up her face, embarrassment from that moment resurfacing.
“Hi, there,” Sharryn interjected.
Emma quickly turned to her cousin, hoping she wasn’t as red as she felt. Ugh! It had been two years, for heaven’s sake. “Sharryn, this is Bryce, an…old friend. Bryce, Sharryn. My cousin.”
Bryce offered his hand. “Good to meet you, Sharryn.”
“Same here,” Sharryn murmured, eyeing Bryce curiously.
“Well,” Emma said, lost for words but finding herself gazing back at Bryce. He looked just a tad older, but still absolutely gorgeous. In fact, he looked hotter now than she remembered.
She gulped, her chest heaving from an involuntary sigh.
“Were you going somewhere?” Bryce asked.
She blinked at him. “Huh?”
“You looked like you were going somewhere.”
“Yes, to the toilet,” Sharryn quipped.
Emma nodded, her cheeks burning even more. She took a couple of steps towards the restrooms before looking back. “Take a seat, Bryce. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.” Then she hurried to her destination.
She went into the ladies’ and checked herself in the mirror. “Oh God,” she groaned under her breath. Yes, she was obviously flushed. Shaking her head, she went into one of the cubicles. As she sat, she rested her elbows on her thighs and covered her face with her hands.
Bryce was here. And her system was going haywire.
What on earth was wrong with her? She was so over him. It had been so long ago.
She inhaled deeply. Perhaps it was from the sheer shock of literally bumping into him after just having spoken about him. Plus, she’d truly never expected to see him again, and now he was here!
Yes. Perfectly understandable that she’d reacted like she had. Besides, the man was still an absolute hunk. He’d make any woman blush.
Ugh, Emma!
Well, hadn’t Bryce said he lived here now? In Sydney? She bet he’d still be averse to long-distance relationships. And she was too! Not only that, she wasn’t someone who’d ent
ertain anything casual with a guy. It just wasn’t her thing.
Sure, she’d had a one-night stand with Bryce two years ago, but that had been a one-off. She blamed their paradise-like environment for that decision. They hadn’t been in reality then.
Not that she’d ever regretted sleeping with him. Not at all. It had been a remarkable experience. But she had to admit that it had taken her a long time to stop pining for him, and she wouldn’t want to put herself in the same position again.
Right?
Yes.
She took a long, deep breath.
Okay, she’d recovered from her surprise now. She’d gotten back her equilibrium. She could go back to their table and just enjoy this nice coincidence of bumping into an old friend.
Because that was all Bryce was. An old friend.
Really, that was all.
Chapter 3
Bryce smiled at Emma’s cousin. This was Addison Fern’s niece, according to Aidan, and she didn’t look thrilled by his presence. He indicated the empty seat at their table. “Do you mind?”
“My future brother-in-law’s joining us soon. But sure, have a seat.”
“Thank you.” He sat down, surprised and disappointed that someone else was joining them. Who was Sharryn’s future brother-in-law? And her fiancé, for that matter? Did those guys have any idea this woman was the daughter of the drug trafficker who’d been front page news a few months ago?
“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding,” he said with an engaging grin.
Sharryn narrowed her eyes. “How do you know I’m getting married?”
“You said future brother-in-law.”
“Oh, duh. Of course.”
“I guess that’s why Emma’s here in Sydney? She still lives in Brisbane, right?”
“My wedding’s not for another few months. Emma’s here for work. She was promoted as a sous chef at her restaurant, and her boss sent her and a colleague here to learn and help out in their main branch.”
“Oh, great. How long is she here for?”
“A total of three and a half months. Two weeks for a short break—which is right now—and three months for work. So how do you know Emma?”
“We met at the Whitsundays two years ago.”
Sharryn’s lips parted, her eyes widening. “Two years ago?”
“Yes.”
“Which island?”
“Plank Island,” he said, trying to look and sound nonchalant.
Sharryn let out a laugh. “Oh my God.”
“What?”
“Emma and I just happened to be talking about that particular holiday only a few minutes ago.”
His curiosity was instantly tickled. What exactly had they discussed? “I hope she didn’t have a lot of bad things to say about me,” he said teasingly.
“Well, she did say she that she had a wonderful time with a guy she met there. It must have been you, judging by her reaction to seeing you. What a coincidence that you’re here.”
He grinned, glad that Sharryn had given him an opening of sorts. “I do hope it was me she was talking about. Did she tell you I worked there?”
“Worked there?”
“Yes. I was part of the island’s security team.”
Sharryn sat up straighter. “You were one of the security guys at Plank Island two years ago?”
He nodded, his breathing shallowing. Sharryn seemed to know being a security personnel at Plank Island meant he would have had some association with the Flowers syndicate. Had Emma known that too?
“What did you say your name is?”
“Bryce. Bryce Green.”
She stared at him. “And what was your father’s name?”
He narrowed his eyes, going for cagey. “Why do you want to know?”
“Um…my uncle was friends with a Mr. Green whose son worked on that island.”
He crossed his arms and took on a thoughtful look. “Who’s your uncle?”
“Tell me your dad’s name first.”
He smiled, shaking his head. Any underworld member worth their salt wouldn’t be so open to giving details about themselves. “They probably didn’t know each other. That would be too much of a coincidence.”
Sharryn sipped some water, scrutinising him. “Do you know Emma’s surname?”
“No. We never exchanged surnames.”
“Unbelievable.” She rolled her eyes. “Mine is the same as hers.”
He laughed. “That doesn’t help. But from what you just said, I gather that your fathers are brothers. So is this uncle of yours Emma’s dad?”
Sharryn was silent for a moment. “The Mr. Green I’m referring to has passed away. Is your dad still around? If he is, then we’re obviously talking about different people.”
Bryce kept an impassive face. He’d gotten Sharryn curious. Time to pull back and let her think she was driving this interrogation. He let a few more seconds pass before he spoke. “Hey, I hear the noodles here are good. Do you come here often?”
Sharryn curved her lips. “Yes. It’s one of my favourite restaurants. You know, my uncle thought very highly of Mr. Green.”
Bryce lifted a brow, but kept silent.
“This Mr. Green I’m talking about…he was good friends with my uncle, even if they were competitors in some areas.”
“Sharryn, I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Sharryn laughed. “Forget I said anything then.”
“Hey, Sharryn,” a man from behind Bryce said.
“Hey!” Sharryn stood to offer her cheek to the newcomer. “You made it.”
“’Course I did. Where’s Emma?” the guy asked, glancing at Bryce.
“She’s in the ladies’. And this guy sitting on your seat is Bryce,” Sharryn said jokingly. “Bryce, this is my fiancé’s twin, Kallan.”
Bryce stood and offered his hand. “Bryce Green.”
“Good to meet you. I’m Kallan Keegan.”
Bryce was certain he’d never seen or heard of this guy before, and Kallan hadn’t shown the slightest bit of recognition upon hearing his name.
“Bryce is Emma’s friend,” Sharryn supplied. “He was walking past and saw Emma through the window, so he came in to say hello.”
“Right.”
“And he’s just passing by,” Sharryn added. “Aren’t you, Bryce?”
Bryce repressed a sigh, tempted to ask if he could join them. But he didn’t want to ruin things by pushing too fast. “Yes.”
“I’m back.”
His heart skipped at Emma’s voice and he turned to her swiftly. God, those green eyes of hers were truly gorgeous. Pity they belonged to a criminal.
Emma turned her gaze to Kallan, who’d stood and was smiling at her.
“Hey, Em, this is Kallan,” Sharryn said.
Bryce watched as Emma introduced herself to Sharryn’s future brother-in-law. So Kallan and Emma hadn’t known each other before? What was this meeting about then?
Emma turned back to him. “Um, do you want a chair?”
“No, thanks. I have to go. But I’d love to catch up some other time. Maybe we can have coffee or something one of these days?” He ran his hand through his hair. Damn it. Why was he nervous all of a sudden?
Emma’s smile was endearingly shy. “Sure. Why don’t you give me your number? I’ll let you know when I’m free.”
“Great.” He recited his number while Emma entered it on her phone. To his delight, she called it, so he now had her contact details too.
“Well, I hope you guys enjoy your dinner.” He smiled at all three, but found himself fixing his gaze on Emma for a second or two longer.
“Thanks,” they answered.
Bryce headed for the exit, tempted to glance back. Why was Kallan having dinner with the two ladies? The man had immediately asked for Emma when he’d arrived.
Bryce had to admit that remnants of his attraction to Emma were obviously still there. It wasn’t a surprise, because Emma was a beautiful woman. Actually, she looked
more gorgeous than he remembered.
He shook his head and walked down the road, calling Aidan. With the numerous hackable CCTV cameras in the middle of the city, Aidan should be able to watch the three from his monitors.
“Bryce,” Aidan answered.
He gave Aidan Emma and Sharryn’s location and updated him about his conversation with the cousins. “It’s unfortunate I haven’t been able to talk to Emma much. But I think I got some good rapport going between me and Sharryn. She definitely knows who I am. Let’s hope that’s one big step towards Addison welcoming me into their group.”
“Yes, good. And…okay, I’ve hacked the cameras. Good thing they’re seated right next to the window.”
“Do you recognise Kallan?”
“No. But my initial searches indicate he’s been a self-employed private investigator for the last three years. No info on what he used to do before that. As for his twin, Kerrod’s a consulting engineer for AS Engineering. Been there for eight years. We definitely have to look more closely into those two guys, especially Kallan.”
“Yeah. I wonder why the girls are having dinner with Kallan without Kerrod.”
“What did it look like to you?”
“Honestly, I had a feeling Sharryn was setting them up.”
“That would explain the body language. Kallan’s talking enthusiastically but only looking at Emma, Emma’s smiling but coy, and Sharryn’s watching the both of them with interest.”
Bryce’s nose flared. “I better throw a wedge between them quick smart.”
“So what was it like when you first saw Emma again?”
Bryce rubbed his jaw. What had it been like? “Weird.”
Aidan laughed. “Weird?”
“Yeah. It’s like meeting someone you both like and hate.”
“But you’re still attracted to her?”
“She’s a Fern. Why would I wanna be still attracted to her?”
“That wasn’t my question.”
Bryce felt himself flushing. Luckily, Aidan couldn’t see—unless he was watching him through the CCTVs. He glanced around, looking for cameras. “Seriously, Aidan. What does it matter? You’re getting kind of personal here, aren’t you?”
Bryce: The Project (Indie Rebels Book 3) Page 3
