by Hazel Gower
Jessica was doubled over holding her stomach with laughter. “I can’t believe she admitted it. You are now the only person besides me who knows Bailey and I have made out.”
This time my growl was real and deep. But it only made Jessica howl with laughter and Bailey groan sinking down in her seat.
“Oh, you’re right,” Jessica puffed out between a giggle. “Toby has no chance.”
Chapter Four
Bailey
Toby was really starting to piss me off. He was pushing me to further our relationship when I wasn’t ready. I knew he was pushing harder than usual thanks to Richard and his interest. When I had come back from spending the other morning with Richard having breakfast and choosing a puppy, Toby hadn’t been happy. He was been annoyed I was with Richard. I knew he had a right to be angry, and I did feel guilty, but the pull to Richard was so strong and getting stronger by the day.
I was trying with Toby, but I still didn’t feel anything more than friends. When I thought about it, my feelings for Toby went more towards the brotherly type of love. I didn’t get tingles and my stomach didn’t flutter. I got nothing like that. Toby’s hold was nice, but it didn’t even bring the warmth and safety I felt from just being close to Richard.
Toby slipped his tongue into my mouth whilst he kissed me, and I tried not to cringe. His hands fumbled getting under my shirt. He groaned and eased his mouth from mine as soon as his fingers grazed my breasts. I shivered but not for the reasons I knew I should while this was happening.
Toby trailed sloppy kisses down my face to my neck. He sucked on my neck and his hand slid into my pants, and as soon as his fingers touched my clit, I knew I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t continue to lead Toby on. I would never be ready for this with him.
Grabbing his hand, I brought it back up and slipped out from under him. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I can’t do this, Toby. I’m sorry.”
“Fucking hell, Bailey. This isn’t about us. It’s about him, isn’t it?”
I shook my head. “No. I just don’t feel the way I should to do this with you.” But Toby wasn’t hearing any of it.
“I’ve waited years. Fucking years for you.” He bashed the wall behind the bed, and I scrambled further away from him.
“I didn’t ask you to wai—”
“Don’t. Don’t you dare say it.” Toby raked his fingers through his hair. “What does he have that I don’t?” he yelled.
I backed further away from Toby. Deep down, I knew he would never hurt me, but I’d never seen Toby this angry before. “Nothing. You have everything. You could have any girl you want.”
“I don’t want any girl, I want you.” He stalked towards me, and I backed up until I hit the wall.
“Why? I’m nothing special. You could do so much better. You could have someone who wouldn’t have to rely on you to guide her around everywhere. Someone who could play the sports you love. Someone who could love you the way you deserve.” I felt terrible as I gazed into his sad eyes and wished I could be what he needed and wanted. I wished for a moment I could love him the way he wanted me to love him.
“You have everything I want. You have courage, strength, and when you love someone, you love them so fiercely. You’re one of the kindest people I know. I see how you are with your brother, Jessica, Isaac and even me—I know you love me.”
“I do.” I swallowed looking for that courage he said I had. “Just not the way you want. I love you, but I’m not in love with you. You deserve better, Toby. You deserve someone who will love you the way you need. I’m so sorry I led you on.”
Toby’s fist had hit the wall next to me before he stepped away in a swearing fit. He then paused a couple of steps from the door. “Promise me one thing.” I nodded. Right now, I’d promise him almost anything. “Promise me you won’t go straight to him after this. Promise me you’ll wait—at least until we’re back home.”
He didn’t say Richard’s name, but I knew who the ‘he’ was. I debated for a moment if I should tell him I wasn’t with Richard, that we were just friends. I wasn’t stupid, though, Toby wouldn’t listen. He was convinced I was leaving and breaking up with him to be with Richard. “I promise.”
Toby nodded and stormed out of my room.
I slid down the wall and stayed there until Jessica came a couple of hours later. How the hell had my whole world changed in less than a week.
*****
Richard
“So I need your opinion. I have four houses to look at today and four tomorrow.”
Bailey nodded. She’d been quiet all morning. I’d invited all her friends this morning to breakfast, but only Bailey had come. I’d overheard Jessica telling her she thought it best Bailey had time away, and that she should go with me by herself today. Bailey had barely said a thing since I’d picked her up at her resort room.
Reaching over to the passenger seat, I squeezed her thigh. “You don’t have to look at houses with me. We can do something else today.”
We sat in my car idle. We’d just finished breakfast where I’d done most of the talking, telling her about some of the problems I was still having with my clubs. I’d then moved on telling her about a new venture I’d come across, one that my family would likely get involved with. It was land and real estate.
“No, looking at houses sounds good. I don’t know how much help I’ll be. Are you looking at a house to live in or another rental to add to the many you have?”
“To live in. And you will be very helpful as I want you to be comfortable in this house. I want you to feel like when you come around, it is your own.” I smiled at her. She had no idea that she was going to be choosing the house they would be living in together. Baby steps, I thought.
“Um, okay. What time is your first house?”
Starting the car, the dashboard lit up. “I have twenty minutes until my first appointment.”
“Richard, you weren’t going to be rude and cancel with so little notice if I’d said no, I didn’t want to look at houses, were you?”
I should probably lie, but I didn’t want to do that to Bailey unless I absolutely had to. “Yes, I was. They wouldn’t have said a thing either. With the commission they make off me, they would have told me no problem and happily rescheduled.”
“Richard, that’s so rude.” She shook her head, but I could see the slight upwards curl of her lips. “Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’?”
“Yeah.” I winked at her. “But I don’t think it applies to us Silverman.” This time, when I looked at her, I got a smile.
“You’re so arrogant.” She sighed, but I could see the smile she was fighting not to give me. “Let’s go see these houses.”
She seemed lighter, and I knew then, whatever had been bothering her was better now thanks to me. I felt good because I knew I was getting somewhere. I knew Bailey was coming around to being with me more and having me as a friend. Soon, I hoped to be more.
*****
Bailey
The houses yesterday sucked. It probably had a lot to do with the fact I thought of the houses as what I would be living in, not Richard. They were all either beachfront or lake front properties. Now I loved both the lake and the beach, but being vision impaired, I couldn’t have one in my backyard. I suppose, after a while, I would get used to it, but the beach one I couldn’t trust as the sand changed, and I could trip. The lake ones could have been fine after a while, and I knew the borders and so on, but being vision impaired, I didn’t like to have something that appeared quickly like a boat and I couldn’t see.
“Today, the houses aren’t backing onto a lake or the beach,” Richard said as he drove towards our destination. “Thanks again for coming with me. Jessica or any of your other friends could have come, too.”
“Nah, we have all been spending a lot of time together lately and need a little break.” I really needed the break from Toby. He was acting like a real arsehole. I wasn’t going to tell Richard about
Toby, so I didn’t even mention him. “Plus, Jessica met this girl yesterday and she’s going out with her again today. The guys are spending the day at the beach.”
Toby wasn’t really talking to me, but he was getting very touchy with me, even more so than when we were going out. The only time Toby did speak to me was when Richard was around. Toby was also all over me whenever Richard was with everyone. I wasn’t stupid. I knew Toby was doing it for Richard’s benefit and because, not only had I promised I wouldn’t be with Richard in a relationship while we were on the Gold Coast all together for Schoolies, I owed Toby at least this little boon for leading him on. Even if Toby’s touch now made my skin crawl. It was getting worse too, and not just Toby’s touch, Isaac’s hugs and cuddles didn’t feel the same, either. The weird thing, though, I craved Richard’s touch. I savoured anytime I felt his skin against mine.
“Is everything okay with you and your friends? Do you want me to organize a room for you tonight? You’re welcome to stay in my spare room.” Richard’s eyebrows rose and fell suggestively.
I laughed and shook my head at his antics. The last couple of days, he’d eased anxiety over everything that was going on with his easy banter and quick wit. He was fast becoming a close friend. I loved his honesty even if he should have fibbed. “Thanks, but I’m fine where I am.”
He nodded. “The offer is always open.”
Today we drove inland more. Closer to where I knew Griffith University to be.
“What else didn’t you like about those houses? Remember we can always paint and change gardens and so on.”
“One I didn’t like the kitchen, too much dark wood, plus the stairs were tiny. You’d have to be careful every time you went up and down them. Another, it didn’t have a bath. All the ensuites had were showers. I mean even the one that was huge and had the room for a bath didn’t have one. The other two I didn’t like the layout, plus the one on the lake with the kitchen at the front when it should have been back looking out over the lake was just silly.’
He chuckled. “I’m glad you know what you like and want.”
I knew I shouldn’t be so critical, as it wasn’t going to be my house, but I felt the need to make my likes and dislikes known, and he did ask my opinion. “I’ll be good at these houses.”
“No. I want you to tell me what you think and which you like. Your opinion matters.”
“Okay, if you insist.” His smile was beautiful and always took my breath away. I was used to his features now and knew what to watch for and which angle my sight could look at him best.
Richard parked in front of a high gated three-storey dark brick home. He got out of the car, came around opening my door, and helped me out. He guided me to a female, and not a male like yesterday’s real estate. Like yesterday, two of Richard’s security stood close by. I recognized Cole.
“Good morning, Mr. Silverman. Miss Rodgers. I’m Susan Randal, and it’s nice to meet you both. I understand yesterday’s views weren’t what you were looking for. Wesley has asked me to show you what we have lined up for you today. This one is new to the market. From what I was told the cleaners were here yesterday as it hadn’t been done yet.” She went over to the gates, placed a key in, and punched a code into the pad. The gates opened and they all walked through.
Gazing around the front yard, I liked what I saw. It was green with a fairy arch covered in roses and a stone chair under it on one side. The other side held a path with a little bridge over an empty pond. Small palm trees lined either side of the driveway all the way to the top. The door was a dark rich burgundy wood with flower-glazed panels in it.
The realtor opened the front door, and on the wall was a large box. She went to it and typed in the numbers until the flashing screen turned green.
The entry walkway was large, and to the left was the entry to the rumpus room, which was huge.
“On your left is the rumpus room. To your right is the garage. The back of the house is the kitchen that leads out onto the patio,” the realtor said as we walked through the rumpus room to the kitchen.
The kitchen was amazing. Black granite top with all stainless steel appliances. The tiles were black. The cabinets were the same dark, rich burgundy as the front door. I loved it. The sink was an island that looked at the dining room table as if it was partly there in the kitchen, but also partly outside at the patio area.
“The garage fits three cars comfortably. It opens out the back here, too.” The realtor walked outside and we followed to see double garage doors. The patio area was spacious.
I looked up to see a balcony. Then gazed around looking for something the balcony could look upon, pausing when I saw what looked like a garden with a fence around it. Walking to the fence, I opened it and stepped into the little garden. I smiled when I went further and saw an oasis. A lagoon style pool with a beautiful garden surrounded it. This house so far was a winner.
Richard hadn’t said anything the whole time. He’d kept a hold of my hand as I practically dragged him off in the garden. I could feel his gaze on me, though. I was eager to hear what he thought, but I wanted to see the rest of the house.
Going back into the house, we took the stairs to the next level. Richard kept a hold of my hand the whole time.
“On the second floor is a study, or if you like, a bedroom. A bathroom, lounge room and entertainment room is also on this level,” the realtor said as we followed behind her.
The bathroom on this level had only a shower. The entertainment room was perfect with no windows and a dark room ready for a huge flat screen TV movie theatre. The study was a decent size, bigger than her bedroom at home. The balcony was big and had the perfect view of the oasis pool. The house was really nice. All it needed was a bath and it would be perfect. They still had the top floor, though.
The carpet throughout was a warm brown and was nice and soft. The stairs we’d walked up on both levels were big. After looking at the second level, we now stood at the top of the third floor. I really hoped it had a bath. It was lovely. This house and a bath would make it a dream home.
“This top floor has four bedrooms, the main with walk-in closet and ensuite, and there is a bathroom on this level, too.”
I nodded to the realtor as Richard and I walked hand in hand through three of the bedrooms. The bathroom was a decent size with a nice big bathtub. Yay, we had a winner.
Richard and I stopped at the threshold of the main room. It was a massive room with French window doors out onto a private balcony. To one side, there was a large walk-in wardrobe. On the other side, there was an ensuite. I paused at the ensuite threshold and sighed as I saw a huge claw tub. I totally loved this house, well, I should say mansion. The place was too large and extravagant for just Richard, but I knew he had the money to buy it and pay a housekeeper to clean the big house.
“I take it you like the tub?” Richard asked.
“Uh-huh.” I raised my eyebrow. “I love this house, but don’t ya think it’s way too big for just you? Or do you have a wife and kids hiding somewhere you haven’t told me about?” Richard was too good to be true sometimes. I may feel this burning attraction to him, but I wasn’t stupid enough not to question everything. Why would a rich, gorgeous, successful thirty-year-old man be interested in a dumpy, vision impaired eighteen-year-old?
Richard frowned. His forehead crinkled and his dimple that had been visible a moment ago disappeared. “Do you honestly think I would do that to you? There is no other woman in my life but you. There will be no other woman ever.” The fierceness in his voice made it hard to even question him.
I thought this should when I should tell him I wasn’t with Toby anymore. And that Richard and I weren’t in a relationship so I had no say over if he saw other women. This was when I should say we were just friends and this house hunting had nothing to do with me. But, like the coward I was, I nodded, let go of his hand and stepped away from him.
“This place is much better than those we saw yesterday. It’s my dream home, but
you are buying a house for yourself, not me. You don’t need one this big. Not unless you expect a family soon.” I turned my back on him unable to keep his stare. I went over to the claw tub and ran my fingers over it.
I needed a moment. Richard was starting to make me want things I hadn’t dared to wish for before. He was making me think of things I hadn’t thought of having for a while, like children, houses, different careers, and what type of man I want.
When we finished looking at the house, I was going to ask Richard to take me back to the resort. I may not be with Toby, but until I got back to Brisbane and sorted out what I felt and what I wanted, I needed to step away from Richard. I needed to know if I wanted a relationship with him and if I believed what he kept saying.
He told me I was his and he wanted more than just friendship on many occasions, but I still didn’t know how I felt about everything he wanted from me. Was I ready to give Richard a chance? If I weren't, I shouldn’t be leading him on like I was. Sure, he made my skin burn with need for him. I got butterflies when he was near, and what I knew of him, I liked. But could we have a relationship beyond friendship? Seeing this house had me thinking of what I wanted and of my future.
*****
Richard
I bought the house we looked at, putting in an offer the owner couldn’t refuse. Bailey had asked to be taken back to the resort after we saw the house, and I could tell something was up. I was worried when she called me early this morning to cancel our breakfast. I tried to see if she wanted to do lunch, but she said she was spending the next two days with her friends, and she’d call me when she got home to Brisbane. I felt like I took two steps forward only to take four steps back.
I sat across from Zeck, Mason, my cousin Ryder, and some of our friends in my cousin Tyson’s backyard. We all had beers in our hands as we relaxed on Tyson’s porch that overlooked the beach.
Exhaustion settled over me just thinking about my day. I’d needed this afternoon to relax after spending my day catching up on paperwork and checking on all my businesses. I’d had a meeting with Cole, too. I wanted to see how the clubs were doing and if we’d had any more threats. Both my brothers Zeck and Mason had sat in on the meeting, as well as their own security. Ryder had made an appearance, talking to security and then arguing when they told him he needed protection. Ryder’s argument was that he was a cop and didn’t need his own security.
