Page 14 of The Game
Alyssa emerged from the shower block, looking clean and fresh and completely irresistible. And when she bounded over the grass towards him and launched into his arms, his tongue tied in knots, and he couldn’t bring himself to say the words.
It wasn’t until she snuggled closer that he realised his error. He wasn’t in danger of losing his heart, because his heart was already hers. And though that terrified him more than the prospect of jumping from a plane, he knew one thing with certainty—he could not give her up.
But he also couldn’t tell her how he felt. He’d promised things between them would be anything but serious, so admitting his feelings had developed into something more than friendship would no doubt mean he’d lose her. Besides, he’d only just acknowledged the truth; he couldn’t just blurt it out. For now, he’d keep it to himself.
‘Thank you for today,’ she murmured, looking up at him. ‘It was just what I needed.’
He winked in an effort to keep up the fun-and-casual pretence, but when he spoke, his voice was huskier than he’d intended. ‘My pleasure, Martin.’
And then she kissed him, and she tasted of summer and happiness. His new favourite flavour.
Chapter 7
It was Australia Day, and Alyssa was heading to the beach for an afternoon of barbecue and beach cricket. Dean had invited her, promising a surprise.
She had a feeling there’d be a few familiar faces, some of the old school crowd joining them in a celebration of Aussie culture, and she was excited about it. It would be nice to catch up with everyone.
But when she scanned the busy stretch of sand near the Catalpa Memorial and finally spotted Dean standing in front of a picnic rug, only one other couple was with him. They were sitting on the rug; the guy’s arm was around the woman, and she was snuggled against him. Alyssa’s stomach gave an unpleasant lurch. Spending the afternoon with another couple, especially one so loved-up, seemed too much like a double-date … like she and Dean were in a relationship. So far, the time they’d spent together had been fun and exciting, and the whole friends-with-benefits thing had been liberating. But this? This wasn’t what she wanted.
She contemplated heading home and sending her apologies, but the thought came too late. Dean spotted her and lifted his hand in a wave.
Cursing, she trekked through the sand, dodging frisbees and footballs, her skin prickling with unease. She’d have to talk to him later; what on earth had he been thinking?
As she came closer, he lifted his hand again, this time greeting her with a high-five. She slapped her hand to his, confused. He was welcoming her like he would any other friend; maybe she’d misread the situation.
Leaning close, he whispered in her ear. ‘Here’s your surprise, Martin.’ And he swept a hand towards the picnic rug.
Now standing with his back to Alyssa, the guy helped his partner rise from the rug. Alyssa looked sideways at Dean, unsure what was supposed to surprise her. But he simply nodded as if to saywait for it …
When she glanced back at the couple, the first thing she noticed was the woman’s round, pregnant belly. She flicked her gaze higher and politely returned the woman’s expectant smile. It took a few seconds, but then recognition hit Alyssa like a wave, and the chaos that followed was like the current that pulled her under.
‘Kate! Oh my god, it’s you?’ She glanced again at Dean, who laughed and nodded his confirmation.
Kate wiggled on the spot and squealed, ‘Yes-it’s-me-I-can’t-believe-it’s-you!’
Alyssa launched forward into Kate’s open arms, and they shared a hug made awkward by Kate’s pregnant belly shaking between them as they laughed out the emotion of their reunion.
Once the craziness subsided, Kate introduced Alyssa to her husband Matt, and the four of them sat to catch up properly.
Alyssa was relieved to hear that Kate and Matt had travelled from Melbourne to surprise both Dean and Matt’s family for the long weekend, taking this last opportunity to visit home before their baby arrived. For a moment, she’d worried Dean had arranged Kate’s visit especially for her, but after hearing the truth, she told herself to cool it. She was being paranoid; she didn’t have anything to worry about. This was Dean Daniels. Fun and casual were his middle names.
After a game of beach cricket, which proved more frustrating than fun, given the amount of people out and about, the guys decided they’d start grilling the meat on Dean’s portable gas barbecue. Alyssa and Kate left them to it and took the opportunity to escape to the water’s edge and paddle their feet.
Kate lifted her face to the sun. ‘Mmm, I’ve missed this place.’
‘I know what you mean.’ Alyssa smiled as she dug her toes into the sand. ‘I felt the same when I first came home.’
Kate squinted sideways at Alyssa. ‘Dean says you’re only here for another week?’
Guilt lodged in Alyssa’s airways, making it difficult to swallow. She had to clear her throat before she could speak. ‘Yeah, I’m heading overseas soon.’
Lies.
‘Well, if you ever find yourself on the east coast again, we should catch up.’ She glanced hopefully at Alyssa. ‘I hate that we never kept in contact.’
‘Yeah.’ Alyssa nodded. ‘I’d love that.’
But regret settled over her like a shroud—regret that she’d neglected everything in her life but her career, including the one friendship that had ever meant anything to her … and now she may never get the chance to rekindle it.
