Spark (10 page)

After reprimanding myself, I continue my run. As I approach my street, Aidan and Rob are leaning against Aidan’s Ute.

I should run straight up to the apartment, especially with my guilt following me like a shadow, but I decide to run over and say hi. It’s the polite thing to do.

As I get closer, Aidan turns his head in my direction and smiles. He continues his conversation with Rob. I stop running, and walk the last few metres, removing my earplugs. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica is playing. Their conversation stops.
Am I interrupting?
My face burns as my heart rate slows down, and I wipe the sweat from my brow.

“Working up a sweat hey, Eve?” Rob comments, his lanky legs pressed up against the car. They both scan me up and down, but Aidan’s eyes are the ones I’m focused on. It’s like he’s imagining me naked.

“Yeah. I see you finally got around to that haircut,” I say. Rob runs his hands over his short dark hair. The last time I saw him it grazed his shoulders.

“Gotta keep the missus happy,” he says, and grins like cheeky schoolboy.

“What ya listening too?” Aidan asks, music blaring from my earplugs. I take the iPod from my armband and turn it off. I’m almost too embarrassed to reply.

“Oh, um, Metallica.” I breathe out. I rest my hands on my hips as my chest heaves in and out, sweating more as my body tries to cool down.

“
Really?
” Aidan asks, furrowing his brow.

“Random, I know. Nothing like hard-core metal to inspire a good workout—well, that’s what the trainer at the gym reckons, anyway.”

“Given your sweaty state, I’d say they were right,” Aidan replies, his eyes drifting from my eyes down to my mouth, lingering long enough to distract me. I press my lips together, as if to ward his eyes away. It doesn’t work.

“Nice bike,” I comment, as I nod in the direction of the Yamaha dirt bike on the back of the Ute. The bike looks pretty new.

“Yeah, thanks.”

“It’s a lot flashier than the bike I learnt to ride on.”

“You can ride?” Aidan asks, curiosity all over his face.

“Yeah, I learnt when I was nine on an old ag bike on my uncle’s farm. A few crashes, and I soon learnt to stay on.” I smile as I fondly remember those times spent with my Uncle Steve, and recall the pain of speeding out of control into the barbed wire fence. Luckily, I only ended up with a small cut near my ankle, the scar still visible.

“Yeah, I smashed myself on the last ride. It was a killer,” Rob says, rubbing his left arm as if remembering the pain.

“Mate, you should try harder at stayin’ on,” Aidan taunts Rob, and they both laugh. Yep, Rob’s
definitely
got a man crush on him. I can just imagine Rob, pushing the boundaries to keep up with Aidan. I think Crystal said Aidan might even compete professionally. It’s a wonder Rob hasn’t really hurt himself.

“Anyway, I’ll leave you guys to it. I need a shower. Nice to meet you, Aidan.” I smile at both of them.

“You, too,” Aidan replies. He smiles, and runs his fingers over his chin.

I buzz the intercom to our apartment, and Crystal meets me at the top of the stairs, waiting with the door open.

“Good run?” she asks.

“Yeah. I worked up quite a sweat.” Still catching my breath, I walk into the kitchen and take a bottle of water from the fridge, finishing it in one hit. Crystal follows me.

“So … what did you think of the eye candy?” Crystal smirks, crossing her arms and leaning against the pantry door.

Hot, delicious, and mouth-watering all come to mind.

“Impressive,” I say, but my face drops when I think of Jon.

“Well, it seems you made an impression. Rob only just got here, so the two of us had the chance to have a bit of a chat. I think Rob may have said something to him about you.”

What the hell does that mean? “What would Rob have to say about me?” I ask with a frown. “There’s nothing to tell.” Now I’m intrigued.

“Aidan wouldn’t tell me. I did a bit of digging, though. The bad news is he has a girlfriend.”

Disappointment hits like a medicine ball to the chest. But why? Why should I care? I have a boyfriend.

“As if he wouldn’t,” I say casually. He’s drop-dead gorgeous and oozing some potent sexiness. And I bet on top of that, he adores his mother, and rescues stray animals in his spare time too. “Anyway, I’m with Jon.”

“Yes, you are.” Crystal tilts her head to one side. “And how is
that
going?” Geez she’d make a great therapist.

“
Fine
thanks,” I say through gritted teeth. The corner of her mouth twitches. She’d better not say any more. “Whatever … I need a shower.”

A hot steamy shower is exactly what I need. I take my time, lathering my whole body, my brain ticking over the last hour.

So what if I looked? Gawked even. So what if I thought about grabbing his arse?
I can appreciate a hunk like that. Eye candy, as Crystal said. It’s no different to imagining rude things with my book boyfriends, or the tradesmen that come into work. It’s not like I did anything wrong. Besides, Aidan is a taken man.

End of story.

As if a guy like that would be single, anyway. I bet women swooning all over him happens every damn day of the week, and twice on Sundays. As if he’d be interested in me, even if the way he looked at me said otherwise, with those piercing eyes …

Rinsing off the bubbles, the deep ache in my lower belly intensifies. I slide my fingers between my legs, and for some reason I’m all hot, needy, and sensitive to the touch. I guess I haven’t rubbed one out in a while. With the heat of the shower coercing me, I move my fingers up and down, and close my eyes.

Aidan rips off his shirt, and my greedy fingers explore the lines of his stomach. He’s perfect.

He takes my hands and holds them above my head with one hand. The other, he slips under my short skirt, and into my panties. His long fingers stroke and tease me, making me cry out. Oh God, it feels incredible. He nips at my neck, his hot breath and stubble prickling my skin.

“You like that, baby?” he says, his voice raspy. He slams his mouth against mine, kissing me hungrily as his fingers move faster between my legs. Waves of delight rush through me, as I get closer …. Oh, Aidan …

Fuck!

I take my hand from between my legs, and slam the hot water off. The cold water snaps my head back to reality. I can’t be doing
that
and thinking about someone else. Someone other than Jon. It’s so wrong.

I’m a bad, bad girlfriend.

Once in the confines of my room, I decide to call Jon, something I’ve been putting off all day. The conversation is no different than normal, except deep down I feel a trace of guilt.

****

It’s been a hellish couple of weeks. Work has been crazy, and I’ve spent more time than I wanted talking about divorce shit with mum. It’s doing my head in. I haven’t seen quite as much of Jon lately, with his footy training, and weekend games away. I miss him, but I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed the space. I’ve had time to think. Think about us.

At around four on Friday afternoon, my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Crystal; a welcome distraction.

We are going out tonight. Tapas, drinks, and dancing. Be ready by 6.30

Jon is away again, so I’d only be home alone. Thank God it’s pay week, and I can afford it. I reply:

I’ll be ready

Now five o’clock can’t come quick enough.

The door chimes, and a gentlemen in a sharp grey suit enters the office. He’s probably in his early forties, and has dark brown hair speckled with grey on the sides. He’s quite attractive for an older man. My smile grows as I recognise him from the Orchid Lounge, the ‘suit’ that graciously let Cassie and I in ahead of the queue.

“Hello, I’m here to see Cassandra,” he says in his thick Italian accent, and gives me a charming smile.

“Hi Antonio, I’ll let her know you’re here,” I say sweetly. He gives me a look, as if impressed that I know his name. I slip around the side of my desk to find her.

“Cassie, Antonio is here for you,” I announce.

“Oh. Great.” She gathers some papers into a pile before we leave together.

“Ah,
bellissima
Cassandra,” Antonio murmurs as he kisses her on each cheek.

“Antonio, lovely to see you. Do you remember Genevieve? We came to the club not that long ago.”

He narrows his eyes at me, and then opens them wider as if he remembers the encounter.

“
Bellissima
, Genevieve. I didn’t recognise you with your glasses on,” he says, extending his hand for me to shake. Now I feel embarrassed by my glasses. I’m still getting used to them.

I offer my hand, and instead of a regular handshake, he turns his wrist and kisses me softly on the knuckles. My cheeks tickle with warmth. Well, doesn’t
he
have a way with the ladies.

“When are you gorgeous creatures going to come and liven up my club again, huh?” he asks with a mischievous smile.

“Soon, Antonio, I promise,” Cassie says, smiling.

“And you, Miss Genevieve?” Antonio leans in close, his sharp citrusy aftershave invading my personal space.

“Um, I’m having dinner with friends tonight, so we might come by after.”

“
Molto bene
,” he replies.

I frown, having no clue what the hell he just said.

“Very good,” he says. I smile. “I just got in some exquisite limóncello, so come in and we’ll crack open a bottle, huh?” he says, patting me on the shoulder.

“Sounds great,” I reply, wondering if we’ll even make an appearance.

Cassie shows Antonio into the meeting room, and I drag my arse back to work.

After pacing past my desk a few times, as if he’s lost in his own office, Theo Andros, the big boss, approaches me, and sits uncomfortably close on the edge of my desk. His eyes drift to the hem of my skirt, and then dawdle back up to my face.
I don’t have the patience for this shit today.

“Why don’t you take an early mark, Genevieve? I know you’ve worked hard this week,” Theo says, giving me a sly smile. He doesn’t have to ask me twice.

“Thanks Theo,” I reply, forcing out a smile. I flick off my computer and move my chair, bumping his leg.
Yes Theo, you really are that close
.

Out. Of. My. Way.

Theo leisurely rises off the desk, still partly in my way. “Have a nice weekend … Genevieve,” he says as I brush past him with my bags.
Fucking sleazebag
.

I walk towards Cassie’s desk, a spring in my step. She’s working on a file, writing notes.

“Bye, Cassie.” I stop beside her, and give her a playful smile. It’s not often I get an early mark. She looks exhausted, her face pale, dark circles beneath her eyes.

“Bye, gorgeous girl,” she replies. “I’m not far behind you. Make sure you take some time out on the weekend, honey.”

“I’m going out with Crystal tonight, so I’ll have a drink for you.”

“Good girl. Have a good time, but … be safe.” Cassie rubs my arm, giving me a weary smile. Be safe; of course I’ll be safe.

“Sure thing.” I give her a genuine smile, but wonder why she’s concerned.

“Just look out for each other, okay?”

“Promise.”

****

After destroying my once-tidy wardrobe, I put on a pair of black skinny jeans and a new pair of strappy black heels. I slip on a flowing white top with a racer back, covered with white and silver sequins. I go through the painful process of putting in my contact lenses, and style my hair into soft waves. I apply some smoky eye shadow, a brief flutter of powder, mascara, and lip gloss. Thank God I don’t go through this routine every day.

I join Crystal in the lounge room. She’s opted for skinny blue jeans, and a black long-sleeved lace top. Her silky blond hair shines, and there’s a healthy glow in her freckled cheeks.

Crystal and I walk for a few blocks until we reach the tapas bar. Crystal has booked for eight, and we’re the first to arrive. We are taken through, and sit at one end of a long, rectangular table. The waitress hangs around to take our order. After a quick inspection of the wine list, I order us a bottle of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Within a couple of minutes, the waitress returns with a bottle in an ice bucket, and two glasses.

The bar is situated on the corner of the block, and has large glass bifold doors, which open at the front and side. The cool breeze is welcome after an uncharacteristically warm day for October, and we benefit from it as our table faces the front of the establishment. It’s also prime position to do some people watching, something Crystal and I
love
to do.

The place is already busy, with people drinking in the lounge area. The soulful jazz music has me feeling relaxed. The bar is modern, with an eclectic collection of spirits from all over the world. From perusing the wine menu, they also stock a lot of different beers. I’m sure the guys joining us for dinner will be pleased.

“So, who’s coming?” I ask Crystal as the waitress pours our wine. Even though we live together, it’s nice to catch up. We tend to miss each other during the week, so I’m looking forward to hitting the clubs later—Crystal is so much fun on the dance floor, so animated for such a petite thing.

“My sister, Leila, and her boyfriend, Brad, are here from Melbourne. Rob, of course, and a couple of the guys.” We both take a sip of wine, and sigh at the same time in appreciation.
Delicious
. We chat for a while about work whilst scanning passers-by. Crystal asks me how things are going with my family, but it’s not the direction I want the conversation to go in. I brush off the topic, and distract Crystal by passing her a menu.

“Wow, this food sounds great,” Crystal comments as we study it, sipping our wine all too quickly. I remind myself I’d better take it easy—at least, until I have something to eat.

“Let’s hope everyone gets here soon, because I’m starving.” I rub my hand over my rumbling stomach.

“They should be here any minute.”

We sit for a few moments, savouring the wine and enjoying the delightful breeze.