Just a Little Fling (Landscape Lovers Book 1)

by Dee Florence

  We get in the car and I drive us to the venue. She’s quiet for the trip, but she doesn’t seem too nervous.

  I’ve got a good feeling about today. I hope she does too.

  I find a good parking spot and unpack some things for us both to carry. Between the two of us, it’s only the one trip. Cate knocks on the door and one of the owners, a woman named Gemma, lets us in.

  “It’s so good to meet you both.” Gemma greets us, “Are you ready for today?”

  Cate nods. “Yeah. I think so. I’m a bit nervous, but hopefully it goes well.”

  “I’m sure it will!” Gemma replies.

  “I’m just here to carry stuff, she’s the brains behind the operation.” Gemma laughs and Cate rolls her eyes. “Where can we set up?”

  Gemma shows us to the space that’s been set up with long tables so the girls can all sit in a long row together with a main desk at the front where Cate can demonstrate from.

  “I think I’d rather use a desk that’s on their level for myself. Is that okay?”

  “Sure. Let’s move this one over so you can use this instead.”

  I jump into action and help move the desk into place and Cate nods to herself. I can see that it’s more what she was hoping for.

  “Would either of you like a tea, coffee or some water whilst you’re setting up? I’m just going to grab myself a cuppa.” Gemma asks, pointing at the kitchenette at the back of the open space.

  I look to Cate and she shakes her head. “We’re both fine for now. Thanks for the offer.”

  “No problem.”

  As she walks out of earshot, I lean in and whisper to Cate, “This is how you wanted it set up, yeah?”

  She nods.

  “Let me know if I need to move anything. This is your space now. You can have it how you want. It’s going to be great.”

  She smiles up at me.

  I know she hates PDAs, but I give her a quick peck on the lips.

  “Go get ’em, tiger!”

  I kiss her forehead for good measure and step away.

  It’s 11:45am and kids and parents start arriving with their tickets. Lottie set up a page on an event booking site for Cate’s trial class and parent’s paid in advance. This helped Cate pay for the supplies for today.

  Lottie was smart and set it as non-refundable, so if any kid doesn’t show, there’s no tricky refunds to deal with. It’s also good because people are less likely to flake on the day if they can’t get their money back.

  The girls all look super excited to be here and are hugging each other in greeting.

  Maya runs up to Cate, who is checking the set-up of the laminator, “Aunty Cate!” Cate looks up and smiles. Maya hugs her around the middle. “I’m so glad I get to share this with my friends!”

  “Hey, Maya! Thanks for getting them to come along. Are you ready to make some cool things?”

  “Yeah!”

  I notice my sister quietly slip in behind the parents, who are gathered in a group by the door. She makes sure not to draw any attention to herself and works her way over to the wall I’m watching from.

  “Attention kids and parents! My name is Cate Henry and I wanted to thank you for coming along today for this trial run.

  “Parents, you are more than welcome to stay. There’s a spot up the back if you’d like to have a biscuit and sit, or there’s a cafe down the road if you’d prefer some kiddo free time.

  “Kids, it’s time to take a seat at the table. First we’re going to find our name tags and then pick a spot. All of them are just as special as the others. I promise that I sprinkled good crafting dust on all of them!”

  The girls’ eyes go wide and they chatter amongst themselves as they find their name badges and take a seat. Most of the parents wave and leave and the couple left behind, head to the refreshments table at the back, chatting amongst themselves.

  Cate explains her rules and promises and the kids all look mesmerised by her. She starts by teaching them how to braid their own friendship bracelets and then takes them, one-by-one to make a card of their own design. They can pick from 15 set shapes but can choose their own colours and what text they would like.

  In between her one-on-one time, she checks in on how the friendship bracelets are going. The kids are chatting happily and discussing the merits of one colour combination over another.

  When they finish their first one, Cate helps them get started making a second one to give to a friend.

  As they each take their turn to make a card with Cate and bring it back, the others all fawn over it with praise, before heading back to their own work. It’s kind of awesome to see.

  Ella has been standing quietly next to me for a while when she whispers, “She’s kind of amazing, Blakey. Are you sure that you’re good enough for her?” She elbows me in the rib playfully, but I just grunt.

  “Not remotely. But I’m just hoping that she never figures it out. She is still under the impression that this has an end date of next weekend.”

  Ella’s eyes go wide. “You’re going to let someone like that get away? Blakey, why?”

  “I’m trying not to. But she doesn’t want to get hurt and she thinks that an end date will stop this from ending badly. I was chickenshit and didn’t tell her that I didn’t want it to end at all.”

  She stands silently next to me again, looking out at the class in progress. She shakes her head. Ella clearly has opinions, but I’m glad she’s not voicing them here.

  There’s about 15 minutes left and the kids all seem super happy with their creations. Cate has just finished the last card with a girl with braids who bounces back to her seat.

  The girls all get Cate to help them fasten their bracelets to their own wrists and then some of the girls swap their second bracelets and Cate helps to fasten those too.

  One girl pipes up with: “I’m keeping mine for my little sister, she was too little to come today and was so sad. Maybe it will make her smile?”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you, Iris! I’m sure she’ll love it.” Cate smiles at her.

  Gemma comes over to stand next to Ella. They’re old friends. “This has gone much better than I expected for a trial run. She should consider taking this on as a part-time gig. The kids loved her and she’s a natural.”

  “She really is.” I reply, not taking my eyes off Cate. “You should definitely give her that feedback. I’m sure she’ll believe you over me!”

  The two women next to me laugh knowingly.

  Ella says, “I’m so impressed. I thought I’d come to help if the kids were overwhelming, but she didn’t need help at all! Do you have booking space, Gem?”

  “Yeah. We do, actually. The adult classes are all winding down because December is so busy, but if she wants to see if parents are up for 90 minutes of kid free time on the weekends that lead up to Christmas, she might be on a winner!

  “I bet we have space in the summer holidays too. We don’t run kids classes ourselves anymore. This could work.”

  They chat away for the remainder of the class. The parents wander back in. Excited kids show off their creations and rave about how they love “Miss Cate”. Cate blushes at all the praise and I throw her a wink when she looks over at me.

  The parents all leave their email addresses on a sheet of paper that Cate made up for people who wanted to be informed about future events. They thank her and once they’ve all gone, it’s just Ella, Gemma, Cate and me remaining.

  “Cate, this is my sister, Ella. Ella, this is Cate.”

  “So nice to meet you.” Cate says and reaches out to shake Ella’s hand.

  Ella is a hugger and instead wraps Cate in a hug. “I’m sooo glad to meet you! Blakey has told me so much about you!”

  Cate mouths “Blakey?” at me. I just shake my head.

  Gemma and Ella praise Cate for five minutes or more and convince her to book some Christmas crafting classes for kids on the weekends leading up to Christmas and the holiday break.

  Cate nods and promis
es that she’ll think about it.

  Ella helps us pack up and she and Gemma go to lunch as I help Cate back into my car.

  She looks exhausted but happy. Today was huge for her.

  I get this weird feeling in my chest at how proud I am of her today.

  How can this end in a week’s time? I can’t let it.

  THIRTY-FOUR

  CATE

  The week goes by in a blur.

  I’m on a high from the trial class and nothing Luke—my grumpy boss—throws at me seems to bother me. Blake and I text every night.

  He even popped over on Tuesday night to make me dinner. He’s being so sweet and affectionate that it almost feels like this weekend isn’t our last.

  I try not to feel sad about our impending end. I don’t want to. I want to enjoy it for what it is: an amazing fling and something I’ll probably never experience again in my life.

  Men like him don’t come along every day for women like me. It’s been five glorious weeks and I hope I can remember them forever.

  But it’s not over yet. Tomorrow afternoon we leave for Matt’s birthday weekend at a property he’s rented on the outskirts of a small town in the Adelaide Hills.

  I’ve always wanted to visit, but never really had the chance, so I’m hoping that there will be time for exploring along with all the celebrating that will—no doubt—be happening.

  Apparently, most of the guests are arriving on Friday morning, so we will be about 6 hours late to the festivities.

  But, Blake assures me that it will be a good weekend anyway and if they get too much for me, that we can disappear and find things to do. Just the two of us.

  I’ve been looking up things to see and do in the area and have hidden a list in my bag in case we have time to get out and about. I somehow don’t think Matt will mind, so long as he’s got company and the right beverage.

  Harsh, Cate! Be sure to tuck that thought away before tomorrow!

  Blake has asked me to have my main bag packed early, so he can collect it tonight. He wants me to meet him at his place tomorrow, right after work. So we can get on the road before the roads to the Hills get too busy.

  I’m finishing early tomorrow to meet him and despite not loving big party weekends, I’m actually looking forward to this. We’ll deal with the ending when it comes.

  I’m sitting at my craft table in comfy shorts and a loose T-shirt when Blake knocks on my door.

  I bounce up to get it and the look he gives me—as he scans my whole body—has so much heat to it that I’m worried I might melt. I blush. Even after all these weeks, I still can’t hide how he impacts me.

  “Hey, gorgeous! You didn’t have to dress up for me!”

  I look down at my lazy outfit. “Er, I didn’t? These are just comfy clothes to deal with this warm weather? Are you making fun of me?”

  “Nah, babe! You’re just tempting in everything you wear.”

  He steps into my space and breathes in the scent of my shampoo. He doesn’t even hide it anymore. He just openly sniffs me like it’s air for his lungs.

  Such an adorable weirdo!

  “Come inside and shut the door. The neighbours don’t need to see you standing this close to me.” I usher him in and close the door. “Do you want a drink or a snack or anything?”

  I’m standing by the door where I just closed it. He stalks over and cages me in, so my back is against the door.

  He leans down, his fresh pine scent surrounding me, and whispers in my ear, “I didn’t come here for this, but you’re definitely my snack tonight.”

  He plants a searing kiss on my lips and devours my mouth. I run my hands through his hair, pulling on the strands at the base of his hairline just enough for him to growl into my mouth.

  His lips are everywhere. My jaw. My neck. That little spot behind my ear that drives me wild.

  I pull away from him planting my hands firmly on my chest. “You said you couldn’t stay long tonight. I’m not going to be the reason that your assignment is handed in late. Save it for the weekend, hot stuff!”

  “Did you just call me ‘hot stuff’?” His eyes are wide and mischievous. “I’m so here for that, babe.”

  I giggle. I was never a giggler before him. But there’s something about him that brings it out in me.

  “Maybe! But don’t change the subject! You need to take my suitcase and get home and finish that assignment!”

  I duck out from where he’s caged me in and get the case.

  He spins to follow me. I place it in front of him and give him a searing kiss of my own.

  I pat his chest, “This is a teaser for tomorrow night. Be a good man and do your homework. I’m sure I can find a way to reward you.”

  He looks ready to devour me again so I place my hand in the middle of his broad chest and push. It does nothing to move him.

  “You think I can leave now?”

  “Yes, yes I do. Tomorrow will be worth the wait.” I open the door and ghost his lips with a kiss.

  He growls again and plants one last kiss on me.

  “Tomorrow!” He points at me. “Don’t be late.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it!”

  He takes the suitcase and leaves. I need a shower just to cool down.

  The drive to the Hills isn’t too bad. Adelaide is blessed because these picturesque locations are only an hour or so out of the city centre. The air in the car feels charged with electricity.

  After how we left things last night, we almost didn’t make it out of his house.

  The GPS directs us to a large house that has a tennis court on one side and a gated pool on the other. The house itself is beautiful. It’s a two storey home with a wrap-around porch. It’s definitely been designed to attract visitors.

  Blake finds a spot to park. It looks like everyone else is already here by the number of cars lined up. He tells me that most of Matt’s guests carpooled together because they knew they’d stay put on the grounds for the weekend.

  We get out and he grabs our bags from the back.

  Matt appears on the porch, “You guys finally made it!”

  “Happy birthday, old man!” Blake hugs his friend. “This is Cate.”

  “Who you calling an old man?” Matt laughs, he’s clearly had a couple already. “So good to finally meet you, officially!”

  “Thanks for having us.” I say and put out my hand to shake. He goes in for the hug and it’s super awkward.

  Blake steps in and gently breaks it up by changing the subject. He looks at me in apology. “Hey, man! Where should we put our bags?”

  “Let me give you the tour. I gave you two the secluded guest bedroom.” He winks dramatically and Blake just rolls his eyes. “These are the main bedrooms, he points to the hallway to the left. There’s a bathroom down there too if you need it.

  “This is the living space and kitchen.” He waves at a giant open space with a kitchen island that’s about the size of my whole living room in my tiny apartment.

  There are comfy couches near the windows and bar stools at the island. It looks like they’ve set up a makeshift bar there already.

  “Put your food in the fridge, if you like.”

  He keeps walking through this beautifully laid out country home. The large glass windows show the stunning backyard gardens and what looks like a round fire pit, where the other guests are already hanging out.

  Blake said Matt’s family were loaded and I can see that he’d need to be to rent this place for a whole weekend.

  “This is your wing!” He gestures dramatically to a hallway that leads to just one main door.

  He opens it and there’s a beautiful king bed that looks so inviting, it might be hard to drag us from the room later.

  “You’ve got your own bathroom through there too! It’s got a wicked spa bath. Kind of regretting not taking this one myself.” He laughs.

  “Thanks, mate! Let us get settled and we’ll come say hello to everyone.” Blake expertly guides him to the door. “It’s g
oing to be a great weekend.”

  Matt replies, “Hell, yeah!” Wandering happily back to his other guests, buzzed.

  Blake shuts the door and locks it with a snip. “I thought he was never going to leave. He’s a bit clingy when he’s drunk. Hopefully he has enough other people to cling to this weekend.”

  I’m walking around the room and looking at the way everything is laid out so perfectly. I can’t help but take a few photos to share later. It’s like a Pinterest image board.

  He’s following along behind me by two paces. His eyes are on me. I smile to myself but keep playing.

  I walk over to the bathroom and gasp when I look at the tub inside. It’s a two-person thing of beauty. Lined with candles, they obviously expected that this would be for a couple.

  “We should definitely use this at some point.” I think out loud.

  Blake crowds in behind me, spinning me and closing the door. “Later, babe.”

  He runs his hands down my body, cupping my breasts and squeezing before continuing down to my bum. Suddenly he’s kissing me like he needs this—needs me—more than he can say.

  He grabs me at the back of my thighs, wraps my legs around his waist and carries me to the bed.

  “You’re just what I need.” He growls as he tosses me down on the mattress.

  It’s even plusher than his and I bounce like I’m on a cloud. He shucks his clothes immediately and throws a string of condoms on the bed.

  Ever the responsible one, my man.

  I gesture for him to come closer.

  He kneels up on one knee to help me pull off my dress. He growls that approving noise that I’ve come to crave. He leans in and bites my breast over the navy blue lace.

  “I could never get tired of this,” he whispers. I have to assume it’s the lust talking, because I’m not getting lost in what that could mean.

  He peels off my underwear, so we’re both skin to skin. The sun is still up and streaming through the semi-sheer curtains in a pattern that bathes the room in an ethereal light. He’s grinning down at me like he’s the one in control, so I flip us so that I’m on top.