Chapter 36
Jack woke with a long, lazy and satisfying stretch, then glanced at Tara sleeping peacefully.
Hell, she was even more gorgeous asleep.
He watched her exquisite body gently rise and fall, one that he’d eagerly explored last night – and she too had got very accustomed with his, he reflected happily whilst chuckling to himself.
Tara stirred and slowly opened her eyes. For a moment she halted, waking to unfamiliar surroundings, then smiled at seeing Jack’s face hover over her.
‘Sleep well?’ He gave a sexy grin.
‘Hmm, not bad,’ she replied with a low chuckle.
‘Breakfast in bed. You stay there,’ ordered Jack before kissing her lips.
‘Sure?’
‘Yeah, just chill. I won’t be long,’ he said whilst getting up and slipping on his jeans.
As Tara’s eyes slid over his tanned, firm body, images of last night flashed into her mind.
And what a night it had been, full of urgent passion.
Jack’s body and hers instinctively moved together, almost as one.
They had responded in unison, like long-lost lovers, not like the first encounter it actually was.
Tara felt like she’d known Jack all her life, such was the connection between them.
Jack, too, was musing on their lovemaking and couldn’t help the wide beam refusing to disappear on his face.
He also hadn’t ever felt such a bond. No doubt about it, they were most definitely compatible.
He busied himself heating croissants and making coffee, then trayed it up and went back upstairs.
Kicking the bedroom door open, he entered to find Tara stood by the balcony wrapped in a towel. Her hair was wet from the shower. She had her back to him and was admiring the bay.
‘I’d never get tired of this view,’ she sighed.
‘I don’t. It changes daily, depending on the weather and time of year,’ replied Jack, putting the tray on the bedside table. ‘Do you want breakfast out there?’
‘That’d be lovely.’
He moved to push the balcony doors open and came back for the tray.
‘I better get dressed,’ said Tara quickly, collecting her clothes and heading for the bathroom.
She put on fresh joggers and a T-shirt, then joined him to sit at the bistro table.
Once again her eyes admired his side profile, lit up by the hazy morning sunshine.
‘Thank you.’ She smiled as he poured her coffee and handed over the croissants. ‘This is a treat.’
Jack assessed her relishing her breakfast. He liked a girl who wasn’t afraid to show her appetite. He recalled cooking dinner for one or two who’d only pecked at the food he’d made them and had been irritated by it.
‘What do you normally have for breakfast?’ he asked.
‘Hmm.’ She wiped her mouth from flakes before answering. ‘Not much to be honest. Don’t have time. Mornings are rushed, getting Calum off to school and going in to work.’
‘But that’ll be different now, won’t it? With your part-time hours?’
‘Yes, it’ll be a welcomed change,’ she said with a broad smile. It took some getting used to, having more time to herself and Calum… and now Jack. She eyed him over her coffee cup.
‘What?’ he laughed, sensing her sizing him up.
‘How many times have you done this?’ she asked, head cocked to one side.
‘Eaten breakfast out here? Many times,’ he replied glibly.
‘No. How many times have you eaten breakfast out here with a woman?’ she corrected.
‘Honestly?’ Jack looked at her.
‘Yes.’ She stared back.
‘None. You’re the first.’
There was a pause. Whilst not entirely expecting that answer, she was glad of it. But was it the truth? Her eyes narrowed in contemplation. Why would he lie? To make her feel special? She already did. Jack had shown nothing but care and consideration.
‘What are you thinking, Tara?’ he gently asked, wanting to know what was going on inside that pretty head of hers.
‘Nothing.’ She shrugged.
‘Oh, I think you were,’ he laughed softly. ‘But let me assure you, you are the only lady who’s sat out here, enjoying this view, breakfasting with me.’
‘I believe you,’ she replied, then added with a grin, ‘but how many have been in your hot tub?’
‘Ah… well…’
They both fell into giggles. Not for one moment did Tara suppose Jack hadn’t entertained many a woman in the hot tub. She could only imagine the parties that he must have thrown here. The Cove cried out for them, it was the ideal place. And Jack was a handsome, young, hot-blooded male. End of.
Changing the subject, Jack asked, ‘So, what do you fancy doing today?’
Tara breathed in the fresh sea breeze.
‘Chilling out here. Fancy a swim in the sea?’
‘Sure. I’ll pack a picnic.’
Tara loved the slow pace of life that living by the beach dictated.
It was such a contrast to what she was used to before moving to Samphire Bay.
Although she’d loved city life in Lancaster, it had always been a tad rushed.
Sitting in traffic, watching people everywhere going about their business, houses overlooking each other, no privacy.
Here, nature was your only neighbour, that and the beautiful, turquoise bay with its golden sandy dunes.
Together they walked, hand in hand along the shoreline. Tara had never known peace like it.
At the end of a perfect day, Jack drove her home and kissed her goodbye. Tara had to be back for Calum, who was being dropped off by his dad.
‘Thanks for a fabulous time,’ she said, opening the car door.
‘My pleasure. See you soon.’
She waved him off, then made her way into Augusta House. Entering the apartment, her mood instantly changed. Calum was already back, judging by the music coming from his bedroom, and there on the sofa was Richard.
‘What are you doing here?’ she rasped.
‘And hello to you too, Tara,’ came the sarcastic reply. ‘Good night?’ He arched an accusing eyebrow, then stood up menacingly with an envelope in his hand. ‘Thought I’d hand deliver this.’ He gave a tight smile and shoved it in her hand. Then without another word, left.
Tara stared down at the envelope. With a slightly trembling hand, she ripped it open. Her chest started to thump at reading the letter.
Dear Tara,
I decided to put all this in writing, as advised by my solicitor.
I intend to apply for full care and control of Calum. As you stated at the court hearing, or rather Claire did, you’ve always had an exhausting, stressful career. Perhaps it’s time for our son to enjoy being in a less demanding environment, which your job clearly creates.
I consider it in his best interests to be part of a complete family which provides love and care from both his father and stepmother, and of course his future siblings, one of which is due to arrive soon.
So, Tara, you’ll be free to enjoy your single life and all that may involve, presumably that young beau you’ve picked up. Congratulations, for now that is.
My solicitor will be in touch, who, by the way, is not the last one that represented me.
Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I’ve done my research and paid for the best. I take it you’ll still keep good old Claire?
Well, whoever, you’re going to need a bloody good one, because rest assured, I mean business.
See you in court, again,
Richard
Tara resisted the urge to throw up. Instincts told her Richard was serious. Of course he was. Now that he’d had time to recover and lick his wounds from the last court order made, he was fighting back. She grabbed her phone and rang Claire. She’d know what to do.
Fortunately, Claire answered quite quickly. Once Tara had read out the contents of Richard’s letter she snorted with derision.
‘Tara, it’s bullshit. He’s just lashing out. Trying to hurt you,’ she retorted. On a more urgent note she asked, ‘Has the final settlement come through yet?’
Tara paused. She hadn’t checked her bank balance for a couple of days. She’d been busy at work and then at Jack’s.
‘I don’t know…’
‘Look now,’ insisted Claire.
Tara went to her laptop and logged onto her bank account. It had arrived that morning. She closed her eyes in relief. Thank God.
‘Yes, it went in today,’ she confirmed to Claire who was waiting with bated breath.
‘Right. So he’s pissed off and wants revenge. He’s using Calum as a pawn,’ she replied with disdain.
Fury mounted inside Tara. Well, if it’s a fight Richard wanted, he’d bloody well get one. They were interrupted by Calum coming out of his bedroom. Tara quickly ended the call.
‘Anything to eat, Mum?’ he asked nonchalantly, oblivious to what was going on.
‘I’ll make us something.’ She cleared her throat and tried to sound casual. ‘Err… How did Dad get into the car park?’
‘He didn’t. We parked outside and walked in. I did remember to text, but my mobile was dead. Forgot to charge it. Sorry.’
Tara took a deep breath. It wasn’t Calum’s fault his dad was crafty by avoiding the Augusta House car park and gaining entry.
She gave her son a false smile. ‘Maybe make sure it’s charged in future, yeah? It’s important, Calum.’
‘OK. What’s for tea?’
Well, at least it looked like Richard hadn’t said anything to their son yet, she thought. But how long would it be before he disrupted their lives again?