Page 11 of Rafferty's Rules
‘Not strictly need to know, but I’d like to know your name.’
‘Oh, pardon me! My name is Lissa. Lissa Montgomery. Where on earth did you find me last night?’
‘Ah, well, that’s a bit of a story.’ My gaze follows the ripple of muscle in his arm as he lifts it to scratch the back of his neck. My attention is otherwise engaged to such a point that I almost miss his next words. ‘You might want to stick to your wholeneed-to-know basis.’
‘You mean going home comatose in the arms of a stranger isn’t the worst of it?’ Christ on a cracker.
‘Well, it’s one hell of a tale. And I’d be interested in hearing the backstory.’
I blow out a long breath to quell my sudden nerves. Man, this morning is like the least fun roller coaster ever, discounting the highs of being close to the man in front of me.
‘One hell of a story that requires coffee at the very least. What do you say?’
Before I can reply, my stomach decides now is an opportune time to remind me liquid sustenance isn’t ever enough. Considering I’m already pink, I think it’s probably hard to tell where the sunburn ends and the blushing begins.
‘Reckon that settles it.’ Rafferty reaches out, taking my hand. ‘Let’s get you downstairs and get some food into you.’
Food. Yes. Let’s go with that. Because I definitely need to get something into me.
Probably some sense.
Rafferty grabs my purse and shoes, handing me the former before I follow him down a narrow staircase, my own bare feet coming to a halt as we reach the next floor.
‘Wow. That is anamazingview.’ I move away from the staircase towards another set of double French doors, leading to a sundeck with breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour.
‘Yeah. It almost makes it worth the renovation of an old place like this.’
I realise he’s standing behind me, and that I literally just wandered uninvited into his space.Just like he’s almost invading mine.
‘I’m sorry. You don’t mind, do you?’ Hand already on the handle, I turn my head over my shoulder, but those blue eyes are so mesmerising I find I can’t hold his gaze for very long. As my attention flicks away, I note the large living room is void of furniture as I sense rather than see him shrug his assent. I open the door and step out. The square deck has a timber floor and roof and is shielded on one side by verdant swathes of bamboo. Unlike the inside, this area is absolutely set up for living, and that of a very stylish kind. A low coffee table is flanked by modern charcoal-coloured sofas, and built into a wall of slate is a fancy-looking barbecue. I make my way to the far side of the deck, the photochromic lenses of my glasses turning dark as I take in the expansive views.
‘Just... wow.’ The sparkling water reflects the blue of the sky, the view stretching all the way to the Opera House, which glitters like brilliant sails in the sun.
‘Well, there’s no pool and only a tiny space for a gym, but what this place lacks in space, it makes up for in other ways.’
‘It’s beautiful. I loved walking around ... The Rocks area, right?’ A historic settlement area of Sydney and an extremely expensive place to live, according to the tour guide on the bus yesterday.
With a small smile, he nods, sliding his hands into the pockets of his shorts and leaning his shoulder against the doorframe. ‘Yeah, that’s right.’
‘This view is so beautiful I think I’d sleep out here.’
Eyes suddenly on his shoes, I don’t think I heard his answer right because it sounded likeI almost did.
A noise from above catches my attention, and the timber slats of the roof begin to angle closed. My gaze turns back to Rafferty to find one hand still in his pocket, but the other holds a remote control of some sort.
‘You’re gonna burn,’ he says by way of explanation. ‘You know, if you’re planning on living out here.’
‘If only,’ I whisper, suddenly becoming aware of my state of undress again, though I manage to force myself not to turn and face away from him.I’m on vacation. I just need to pretend I’m wearing a bikini.‘I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to visit Australia.’
Have you ever had one of those moments when things fall into place so rapidly, so frighteningly, it leaves you with no breath in your chest? No? Me neither up until today. That vague, confused feeling from earlier? Well, it suddenly makes horrifying sense.
‘What is it?’ His deep voice is low and concerned as he moves toward me. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘What time did you say it was just now?’ My head begins to spin, my stomach deciding to join in. ‘Did you say two?’
‘It’s well after two now.’
‘Oh my!’ Fuck, just fuck! My hands rise to either side of my head.Probably to stop it from exploding.‘The boat—’
