Winning the Player

by Leesa Bow

  I’m sorry to hear that. He wasn’t interested in discussing anything and told me to stay away from him. Mum was pretty upset. But I’m good and have learned to live with Hunter and his moods.

  Connor response was quick.

  He’s used to getting what he wants. But he never got you so that’s a first. How are you keeping?

  I tapped a reply.

  I’m sorry, too. I think he should have spoken to you before you left. He’s so stubborn. I don’t think he really wanted me anyway. So no big deal. Happy excavating ☺

  I breathed in and out slowly. Hunter was a stubborn pain in the arse. But today’s generosity played on my mind. My phone vibrated with another message.

  I feel sorry for Sabrina. Hunter has led her on for years. He tells her what she wants to hear. Glad you’re over him. You deserve better.

  Deep down I had to admit I wasn’t over him, but I definitely deserved better. I didn’t want to end up like Sabrina, all desperate and clingy. And yet Hunter used her for his personal needs. No, that’s not what I wanted. The answer: to rid myself of all things Hunter and break the spell before I became trapped like her because today I almost fell into his web.

  I replied to Connor.

  I’m glad things didn’t go further. Have fun. Hope you discover something exciting!

  My phone vibrated.

  No, I haven’t discovered anything. You’ll be the first to know.

  I smiled, thinking how Connor gave me strength and reason not to fall for Hunter. Then an image of Hunter, head shaven, flashed through my mind, and I recalled the look on his face when he’d kissed a sweet little girl. Regardless of what I wanted to feel today, I was proud of him and humbled by his benevolence.

  As much as I tried to think of Hunter as the bad guy, after today how could I not see him as a hero?

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  On Wednesday night I headed to Maddy’s house before the gym. Her car was being serviced so I offered to pick her up rather than have her renege on her fitness regime. Cait opened the door and directed me to the kitchen.

  ‘Hey, Aubs, I’m almost ready,’ Maddy said, filling her water bottle under the tap.

  ‘Maddy, would you mind first running some errands for me?’ Cait handed Maddy a list and a plastic bag without waiting for an answer.

  Maddy gave her mum a look as she grabbed the bag from her.

  I grinned. ‘It’s fine.’

  ‘Sorry,’ Maddy said in the car and out of earshot of her mum.

  ‘No worries. Just tell me where to go.’ I revved the motor of the Barina and waited for instructions.

  She directed me to the local post box, and then to her relative’s house to drop off a sealed plastic bag.

  When we turned down a street near the beach, I realised that it was Hunter’s childhood home. I had been here once when I was fourteen.

  ‘Come in. I won’t be long,’ Maddy insisted when I parked the car outside the cream brick house. ‘My aunt will ask who I’m with and she’ll think you’re rude if you wait in the car.’

  I shot her a look. ‘Not a chance.’

  ‘Come on. Hunter’s not here.’

  Dressed in black leggings and a pink Lorna Jane singlet, I cringed at my inappropriate clothing for visiting. ‘We can’t stay long,’ I emphasised, while removing the keys from the ignition. Maddy led the way along a paved driveway and I inhaled the scent of salt and seaweed. She rang the bell and just as the door opened she whispered, ‘Her name is Mary.’

  ‘I know!’

  ‘Madeline,’ Mary sang. She was smaller, maybe rounder, and with more grey hair than I remembered. ‘Your mother called to say you were dropping by.’ She enveloped Maddy in her arms.

  ‘Aunty Mary, you remember my friend, Aubree?’ Maddy said in a strained voice. I watched as Mary’s blue eyes moved away from Maddy, stopping for a moment to study me.

  She released Maddy only to engulf me. ‘Of course. Let me look at you.’ She gave me the once-over. ‘You girls grow too quickly.’

  I smiled. ‘You sound just like my mum.’

  ‘Come in and have some almond bread.’ Mary wiped her hands on her apron.

  ‘Thank you but we can’t stay long. We’re heading to the gym,’ Maddy said. When Mary frowned I realised she was a woman you couldn’t say no to.

  ‘Nothing beats fresh food from the oven. You young girls exercise too much.’

  ‘Okay one piece, Aunty, then we have to go.’

  We followed Mary through a long hallway to the back of the house, where a sweet aroma filled the room. A long galley kitchen overlooked the rear yard.

  ‘Sit,’ she directed to a table.

  The kitchen had a homely feel with cows and chicken paintings on the wall. Little signs were placed around the room: ‘Bon Appétit’, ‘Food From the Heart’, and ‘My Kitchen, My Rules’, leaving no doubt that Mary loved to cook. The wall opposite the table donned a wooden cross with Jesus. Mary was Irish Catholic, I assumed. My stomach grumbled in perfect timing when almond bread and muffins were served on a white china plate. ‘Tea?’ she asked.

  Maddy waved her hand while stuffing a muffin in her gob. ‘No,’ she mumbled. ‘We really have to go.’

  ‘The almond bread is divine. Thank you.’

  ‘You’re very welcome. I’ll grab a container for you to take home. I know how my sister likes this recipe.’

  The bang of the front door closing sent my heart to my throat.

  ‘Ah, my boy’s here.’ Mary smiled. I choked on almond bread. It could only be Hunter since Connor was in Greece. Every muscle in my back tightened as I realised I’d have to face him. I turned to Maddy, who took one look at my face and said, ‘Thanks, Aunty, but we have to go. I’ll be sure to give Mum the sweets.’

  Hearing footsteps down the hallway, my heart pounded like it was about to jump out of my chest. I eyed the back door.

  Maddy stood and walked around the table. ‘Bye.’

  ‘What’s the rush, Maddy?’ Hunter stood in the doorway with his thumbs hooked in his jeans pockets. His gaze locked on me and I grabbed the back of a chair for support. Without hair around his face, Hunter’s eyes looked twice as big and more intense. So goddamn sexy. ‘Thought I recognised the car.’

  It wasn’t a hello, yet it was enough to throw me. The tension between us escalated and I swore I heard a crackle in the air. The only way to the front door was now a landmine around Hunter.

  Maddy took two steps and hugged him, but his eyes never left mine. I concentrated on breathing, regaining composure, trying not to feel like a trespasser in his home.

  ‘Here you are,’ Mary said, and handed Maddy a plastic container.

  Hunter released Maddy and hugged his mum, planting a kiss on her forehead.

  ‘How are you, my darling?’ Her fingers squeezed both his cheeks. ‘How good is my son shaving his head for charity?’

  ‘Yeah, yeah. Already heard all about it from him,’ Maddy said in a joking tone.

  ‘It’s a great cause. Got quite a turn-out,’ I added, taking a few steps closer to Maddy.

  Mary’s adoring eyes moved away from her son to me. She tilted her head.

  Hunter’s eyes rounded. ‘You were there?’

  What the hell was I thinking? ‘Yes. Mum had an appointment.’ Hunter took a step towards me. I grabbed Maddy’s arm. ‘We really should go.’

  ‘Sure. Thanks again, Aunty. See you both soon.’

  ‘Thank you, Mary,’ I said as calmly as possible without giving away how unnerved her son made me. Without a further glance I scooted around the table to the hallway, walking ahead of Maddy in almost a sprint to the front door. Too scared to turn around, I kept walking along the driveway and didn’t stop until I reached my car. The keys slipped through my fingers, which trembled as I unlocked the car. ‘Bad idea,’ I mumbled.

  ‘I’m sorry. I never expected him to drop by. Mum will be happy. She loves Aunty’s cakes.’

  ‘I’m glad someone’s happy.’ I revved the motor of my
Barina and took off faster than necessary down the road. All I wanted was to get to the gym, fast. My heart continued to thump in my chest and I cursed myself for allowing my body to react to him.

  ‘Did you find out about the availability of the house in Victor Harbor?’ I asked, trying not to think of Hunter.

  ‘Yes, it’s all good. Shenae can make the trip as well. It’s ours from Friday to Monday.’

  ‘Perfect,’ I whispered.

  ‘You never told me you saw Hunter get his head shaved.’

  ‘That’s because I forgot. I was there with Mum and noticed the fundraiser while getting a coffee. Like I said, it was no big deal.’

  ‘Right.’ Her tone mocked me. ‘How is your mum?’

  ‘She’ll be okay, needs a hysterectomy but otherwise good.’ I pulled into the gym car park and turned off the motor. ‘I’m actually looking forward to getting away this weekend. I think a weekend by the sea will be a perfect break.’

  Maddy nodded. ‘The house is out of town, too, so no neighbouring homes and the view is awesome. Rolling hills one side and the ocean the other.’

  ‘Next you’re going to tell me there’s no television or internet.’ I laughed, imagining it to be an older home like my gran’s.

  Maddy chuckled. ‘Not quite.’

  After packing my bags I flopped on the bed, exhausted from the busy week at work. I closed my eyes determined not to think about Hunter, because he was all I’d thought about the past day.

  I was thankful to be heading to Victor Harbor tomorrow, for me it equated to a retreat. Hence the fridge full of healthy alternatives, and I’d even packed some new recipes to cook, considering we had nothing planned except a relaxing weekend. With a fresh look on life, I hoped the weekend held new beginnings, a new me in the making.

  Not quite tired enough to fall asleep, I opened up Twitter on my iPhone. Messages from Connor and BJ instantly put a smile on my face. BJ mentioned he was studying hard and training twice a day with very little time for fun. He finished the message with:

  Good night, Aubs. Miss you xx

  ‘I miss you, too,’ I whispered.

  Connor had sent two messages saying how much fun he was having and how he wanted Maddy and I to visit. He finished with:

  Well I’m about to hit the sack. Sweet dreams. Take care of yourself! xx

  I clicked on the icon to tweet.

  @AubsTaylor: I love getting cute goodnight messages. #sweetdreams

  I then set my alarm and switched off the bedside lamp, feeling as though I could fall into a deep sleep. Moments later my phone vibrated on the bedside table. Hunter.

  Who the fuck is sending you goodnight messages?

  I breathed out slowly.

  What game was he playing? One day he hated me and didn’t want to talk; the next he claimed some sort of ownership. I had to end his twisted game if I really wanted to move on with my life.

  I opened up Twitter and tapped ‘unfollow Hunter Stone’, switched off my phone and prayed I’d wake without my alarm in the morning.

  ‘Well, I better go. My friends will be here soon,’ I said to Mrs White after chatting with her for a good half hour. It was almost four on Friday afternoon. Maddy and Shenae were picking me up from work on the way to Victor Harbor.

  ‘You have a lovely weekend, dear.’ Mrs White squeezed my hand. Both our heads turned at the sound of her bedroom door opening. ‘Luke. What a surprise,’ she said in pure delight.

  My gaze went to a tall, blond guy standing in the doorway. He had an angelic look about him, like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.

  ‘Am I interrupting something?’ he asked.

  ‘No, not at all.’ I smiled.

  ‘Aubree, I’d like to introduce you to my grandson, Luke.’ She looked at me and winked.

  ‘Oh, you’re the grandson I hear so much about.’ I extended my hand to greet him. His hand was warm yet slightly rough, unusual considering he was a student.

  ‘It’s a pleasure, Aubree.’

  I slowly pulled my hand from his and looked back at Mrs White, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  ‘I really must go. I’ll see you next week.’ I bent over and kissed Mrs White on the cheek. My gaze lifted to Luke’s dreamy brown eyes. ‘It was nice to meet you.’

  He nodded. ‘Perhaps we’ll meet again. Have you worked here for long?’

  ‘A few months. Perhaps we will. Both of you enjoy your weekend.’ I closed the door behind me and exhaled slowly. ‘Wow.’

  ‘Wow, what?’ Maddy said from behind, startling me.

  ‘Just wow. I’ll explain in the car. My bag is in the office so give me a minute.’

  ‘Explain,’ Maddy insisted, as soon as I stepped inside her car.

  ‘Hi, Shenae,’ I said politely.

  Shenae grinned. The same ocean-blue eyes as Maddy and Hunter lit up her face. ‘Hope you’re ready for a —’

  ‘Why were you all googly-eyed in the hallway?’ Maddy interrupted.

  ‘Because I just met Mrs White’s grandson and he’s hot.’ I smirked at Maddy’s reflection in the mirror.

  ‘And you didn’t bother to introduce me!’ She looked back at me in the review-mirror with narrowed eyes.

  ‘It’s not always about you, Maddy,’ Shenae said in a dry tone.

  I laughed. ‘Oh, I think I’m going to like having you around this weekend, Shenae.’

  Shenae’s strawberry-blonde hair fell forward as she turned in the front seat to face me. She raised her hand to high-five, and I laughed at Maddy’s sour expression.

  Fifteen minutes later we were on a country highway and surrounded by fields. My shoulders relaxed and I eased into the back seat of the car. ‘I’m not drinking alcohol this weekend,’ I announced.

  ‘You’re alone on that one, sister. The esky is full of wine.’

  I sighed. ‘How many bedrooms are there?’Cause I’m not sharing with you.’

  Maddy laughed. ‘Chill. There are five.’

  ‘Five,’ I repeated in a louder voice. ‘Is it a holiday home or a mansion?’

  ‘Doesn’t she know?’ Shenae screwed up her face at Maddy.

  ‘Know what?’

  ‘Yes,’ Maddy said, louder than necessary. ‘That it’s a family holiday home.’ Shenae turned her gaze back to the road and said nothing.

  ‘I love this song,’ Maddy sang and turned up the radio. The catchy tune pumped through the speakers, encouraging us to sing at top volume and I only stopped when my phone vibrated in my pocket with a message from Mum.

  Have a good weekend, sweetheart. See you when you get home.

  I replied, wishing her a relaxing weekend, too. Then I opened Twitter.

  @AubsTaylor: Looking forward to getting away. #serenity #justwhatineed

  After an hour of singing loudly, Maddy finally pulled into a driveway lined with palm trees. The road continued up a hill with no house in sight.

  ‘So when you said no neighbours you actually meant no neighbours.’ I laughed.

  ‘There are some closer on the other side of the hill,’ Shenae pointed out.

  We reached the peak and my eyes widened. ‘Wow.’ I looked down on a sweeping vista of the ocean, from a rocky cliff to a cove. Maddy drove slowly down the hill towards a rooftop in the distance.

  ‘Pretty impressive, eh.’ Her eyes met mine in the mirror.

  I nodded. ‘Why haven’t you shown me this before?’

  Maddy shrugged. ‘Hasn’t been in the family long.’

  The road turned into a driveway to the back of a cream-rendered two-storey brick house with a tin roof.

  ‘I think I’d like to be here during a storm,’ I said, thinking of rain pounding the tin roof while I relaxed in bed.

  Maddy looked at me and frowned. Then she blinked and her expression changed. ‘Careful what you wish for, Aubree.’

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The wow factor continued inside the house. The entrance hallway displayed framed colourful paintings, which were eye-catching against glossy
white walls. The house still had a fresh smell to it, the newness taking me by surprise. Maddy and her mum were far from rich, and admittedly, I hadn’t met all of her relatives and was only vaguely aware that Shenae’s family did okay with their family pub located in the city. Then there was Hunter’s family. I was surprised by the purchase of a costly holiday house.

  ‘How long did you say it was in your family?’

  ‘Not long,’ Maddy said quickly, leading the way to the kitchen.

  I followed in awe as I took in the décor. Large white tiles lined the floor from the kitchen through to the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows let light permeate through the room. I stopped in my tracks and almost gasped at the breathtaking ocean view and had to force myself to look away as curiosity ate at me to check out the rest of the house. A black couch and side table were positioned near a bookshelf on the southern wall and I envisioned tension melting away while lying on the couch reading a book. In the middle of the floor a pastel-blue modular lounge curved around the room, allowing complete absorption of the surrounding landscape. To my left seascape paintings and lighthouse prints lined the walls, giving it a beach-holiday feel.

  I glanced over at Maddy, who was already stacking her wine in the door of the fridge. I forced myself to walk away from the window and immediately the architecture of the kitchen captured my attention. I trailed my fingers along the smooth cream marble benchtop that reminded me of the beach, with particles glistening like sand in sunlight.

  After placing my food bag next to Maddy’s esky, I continued to gaze about, taking in minor details of the room. A massive glass vase holding beach sand, shells and a blue pillar candle sat centrally on a dining table, which seated ten people, and a floor-standing world globe in the corner. ‘This is amazing. It’s going to be hard to leave come Monday.’

  Maddy lifted her gaze and met mine. ‘Wait till you see the rest of the house.’ She winked and her blue eyes twinkled, reminding me of Hunter.

  After taking care of the food we all headed upstairs to select a bedroom. I paused at the bottom of the staircase, noticing a door at the end of a hallway.