One Touch Read online

"Well, they've discovered that crime doesn't pay..."

  "Y'don't say,” Jake said dryly.

  "Yeah, seriously. Ask my bank manager."

  They both laughed and then stood there in companionable silence, taking the occasional swig from their bottles of beer. As old friends, they were used to each other. Awkward silences were a thing of the past.

  "So, Jake, what've you been up to? Haven't seen you for weeks. Anything exciting happening in your neck of the woods?"

  He waited for an answer from Jake, and when it wasn't forthcoming, he turned to him, only to see him watching the laughing group of females sitting under the marquee. “Hello. Earth to Jake..."

  "Sorry?"

  "Thought I'd lost you for a minute there. What's so fascinating over there?” He jerked his head in the direction of the ladies.

  "Nothing. Just wondering what my ex-wife is doing here.” His eyes narrowed in contemplation. “Lizzy wouldn't have invited her, that's for sure."

  "They don't get on?"

  "Never did, really. Who knows? Women...” He shrugged his shoulders.

  Suddenly, out of nowhere, a little body pummelled into him, forcing him to take a step to steady himself, and wrapped herself around his legs, hanging on like a limpet mine. He looked down in to the smiling face of Chloe, who was saying, “Gotcha!"

  Laughing, he handed his beer to Tom and reached down to pick her up. “Hey, sugar. I was wondering where you were."

  "I was playing with the other kids, but it got boring."

  "So you want to play with the big kids now?"

  "Yep.” She giggled as he nuzzled her neck and growled. “That tickles!"

  "Yeah, I know.” He growled again as he moved to the other side, setting off a squeal from Chloe.

  Tom handed Jake back his beer and looked curiously at them. “Ahhh, care to introduce me?"

  He kissed the tip of her nose, making her laugh. “Tom, this is my new girl, aren't you sugar?” When Chloe nodded he nodded with her, mimicking her. “But you can call her Chloe."

  "Pleased to meet you, Chloe.” Tom tried unsuccessfully to hide a smirk when he glanced back at Jake. “A bit out of your age group, don't you think?"

  "Chloe is Cassie's daughter, fool."

  "Ahhh, I see..."

  A very loud gurgling sound came from the direction of Chloe's tummy, and she covered her mouth, her eyes sparkling with laughter. “Whoops!"

  "What on earth was that?” asked Jake. “Was that you?"

  Chloe chortled at the look of mock surprise on Jake's face. “My tummy wumbled."

  "I know. I could feel it.” He grinned back at her. “You hungry, sugar?"

  "Uh huh. Mumma said I have to wait a little bit till the sausages are cooked."

  "We can't have that. I tell you what,” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, “I know the cook. Let's go ‘n see what we can find, okay?"

  "Yes, please!"

  Jake turned back to Tom. “See you later, mate."

  * * * *

  Leaning back and laughing after being in a whispered huddle with the rest of the girls listening to one of Rachael's bawdy jokes, Cass turned at the light touch on her elbow. Liz was smiling, too, but she was nodding her head discreetly as if she wanted Cass to go with her.

  "Hey, Liz. What's up? Where are we going?"

  "You'll see."

  "What? You need some help with the barbeque? Sure, I don't mind. Chloe's playing with the kids, so I'm all yours."

  "She's not, you know."

  "What?"

  "Playing with the other kids."

  "Sure she is. I just left her..."

  Liz put her index finger up to her mouth. “Shhh."

  Silently, they crept around the side of the house. Even though she couldn't see it, Cass could hear the barbeque spitting as the fat released from the burgers onto the hotplate and the smell of frying onions filled the air. Liz pulled up to stop her just before they rounded the corner. Inclining her head, she gestured around the corner. With a curious smile on her face, Cass peeked around the corner.

  There was Jake, sitting on the grass a short distance away with Chloe, helping her with a kiddie size burger that was just the right size for small hands and a small mouth ... a small mouth currently smeared with tomato ketchup.

  Shaking her head in bemusement, she grinned when she saw him attempt to wipe up some of the ketchup with a napkin. She turned back to Liz who looked at her pointedly. Cass shrugged her shoulders at Liz's implied question. She had no idea what was going on, either.

  Snatches of the conversation filtered back to them...

  "...But they're gunky. And they smell."

  "No, they're not. They're yum,” Jake insisted. “Fried onions are what makes it taste so great. Trust me."

  Cass turned to Liz and mouthed “fried onions” in amazement. Chloe had never eaten onion in her life. Just the hint of them in the air was enough to have Chloe hightailing it out of the room.

  "Just try. Come on. They'll put hairs on your chest."

  "Girls don't have hairs on their chest, Jake. You're silly. Mumma doesn't. I don't think I want..."

  Jake's snicker filled the air. “Em, bad choice of words. And I'm very ... em ... glad that mumma doesn't have ... em ... hairs ... Look, skip the onions, sugar. Bad idea. How's the rest of the burger?"

  "It's good,” mumbled Chloe around a mouthful. “I was so hungry.” With little ado, she popped the final piece in her mouth.

  "Yeah, I could tell that from the way you nearly inhaled it. You done?"

  "Yep."

  Chloe moved to wipe her greasy hands down her jeans and Jake grabbed them quickly. “Just a sec. Give me those.” Putting the napkin to good use, he wiped her little fingers until they were all clean. “Now mouth...” Chloe lifted her mouth up to him to be wiped free of any remaining ketchup. “...now kiss for Uncle Jake...” Chloe wrapped her arms tight around his neck and kissed him hard, pushing him over on the grass in the process so that they both fell back laughing.

  "What the hell is going on?” whispered Lizzy.

  "You tell me.” Cass watched them with a misty-eyed expression. “You're the one that told me he didn't want kids. But he's a natural..."

  "That would have to be the understatement of the year. But he told all of us ... Hey, you okay?” Lizzy was watching Cass closely, trying to read the look on her face.

  "I have to tell him, Liz. I don't know how, but I have to find a way. He deserves to know. So does Chloe."

  "No argument here."

  They watched Jake stand and take Chloe's hand, turning in their direction. Quickly, they moved away, back to join the other women before their disappearance was noticed.

  * * * *

  Oh shit! Jake thought as he saw who was coming towards him. Sandy. He squatted down, until he was on eye level with Chloe. “You want to go play with the rest of the kids now?"

  "Yeah! Thanks, Uncl’ Jakey."

  "My pleasure, little darlin'. Any time.” He swatted her backside playfully. “Off you go, then.” He watched her scamper off, swallowing the tenderness he was feeling before his ex-wife reached him.

  "Cute. Very cute.” Sandy watched Chloe leave and turned to Jake with a lifted brow. “And there you had me believing you didn't want kids, Jake."

  "I didn't. I wasn't lying."

  "You could have fooled me,” she mumbled.

  "How've you been, Sandy?” Deliberately, he tried to move the conversation away from the potential minefield they were stepping on.

  "All right, I guess. Work's busy and that's keeping me out of mischief. Feel like taking a walk, Jake? It's a lovely night. We could go down to the beach. Nobody would miss..."

  "Sorry, Sandy. I promised Liz I'd help Rob with the cooking. You know his version of ‘cooked’ is ready for carbon dating."

  She seemed to accept that, thankfully. Rob's lack of culinary skills was no surprise to either of them. They had been to enough barbeques at his sister's over the years. “You come with anyon
e, Sandy?” Actually, he was dying to know why she was here in the first place.

  "No, hon. You?"

  The use of the old endearment felt uncomfortable to him. “No. Me neither."

  "Maybe later we could...” she started, but he cut in quickly.

  "No, Sandy. I don't think so. I don't ... Look, I'd hate to give you..."

  "What? The wrong impression? Don't worry, Jake. I think the divorce took care of that. I just thought it would be nice to talk like old friends. I miss that with you. We were best friends for so long ... Anyway, perhaps another time. Why don't you call me sometime and we can meet for a drink? What do you say?"

  "Sure. That sounds fine."

  * * * *

  Cass, Lizzy and Rachael sat in the dark under the awning, reclining on sun lounges. A silvery stream of light from the moon, a few days yet from full, filtered into the yard. The night had turned a little cool once the breeze sprang up, and they were ostensibly warming their hands by cradling mugs of steaming coffee while they chatted quietly among themselves. From where they were sitting, they had a perfect view inside the house to the huge living room. Outlined in the phosphorescent glow from the TV, they could see the three guys, also with coffees in hand, watching the late night sports show.

  "Must be ad time,” commented Liz absently, watching Rob flicking the remote and hearing an answering ‘hmmm’ from her friends. “You know, I always think I should tell people what time the barbeque ends like I tell them what time to arrive. They never want to leave, do they?"

  Rachael gave a tired chuckle. “I'm just surprised they stay as long as they do once they taste Rob's cooking."

  "You implying my husband can't cook?” Liz glanced over at Rachael with a grin.

  "Yep. You disagreeing?"

  Lizzy laughed. “Not likely."

  "Do you think he realises?"

  Lizzy snorted. “No chance. He seems to think it's some sort of genetic pre-disposition he has like other males. Like a ‘Y’ chromosome represents some sort of primitive skill with fire and a pair of tongs.” She looked over at Cass who seemed miles away. “You're very quiet, sweetie. What do you think?"

  "I think it's time for me to go home. I'm tired."

  "I'd offer to drive you, but somehow I don't think it's going to be necessary,” offered Rach.

  "Why?” Cass looked at Rach curiously.

  "Because I'd hate to have to separate those two.” She nodded her head in the direction of the house.

  A goofy smile spread over Cass's face. Chloe was curled up on Jake's lap, sound asleep. Not seeming to mind in the least, Jake was sitting with his chin resting lightly on the top of her head as he watched the television.

  "You've been replaced by a younger woman, sweetie,” joked Rach.

  "If that's the younger woman, I don't mind in the least.” Cass was loath to disturb the two of them, they looked so cosy together. “They look good together don't they?"

  Liz came up behind Cass and massaged her shoulders affectionately. “Like two peas in a pod. She's like a little ‘mini-me’ of Jake, Cass. Honestly don't know why I never noticed it before. But then it's seeing them together like that that really drives it home. You thought any more about telling him?"

  It wasn't necessary for Cass to ask what. Every time she saw the two of them together it was in her head. “All the time. But the timing has to be right, you know. It's not exactly the sort of thing you just blurt out. Besides, I think it's good for them both to get to know each other a bit first."

  "I agree,” said Lizzy softly. “Give Jake a bit of time to get used to having a kid around. And just as important, give you and Jake time to get a bit closer, if you know what I mean...” She walked in front of Cass and winked at her.

  "Lizzy!” Cass looked at her friend in surprise.

  "Come on, Cass. You know how interested he is. Let it ride for a bit..."

  "But what if he hates me for not telling him sooner?” That particular thought had crossed her mind more than once, and it was a tough one to budge. Of course, seeing how easily the two of them clicked had just made it worse. “I feel so guilty..."

  "Stop that, Cass! Don't you dare do that. It takes two to make a baby, and if Jake hadn't rushed into marrying that annoying ex-wife of his, he wouldn't have had to wait to find out."

  "Speaking of which...” interrupted Rachael, “what was she doing here tonight, anyway?"

  Lizzy rolled her eyes. “Good old ma. She ran into Sandy down at the supermarket when she was picking up the steaks for tonight. Big mouth that she is, she let the cat out of the bag about the barbeque and Sandy pulled the whole sob routine about how much she misses everyone and blah, blah, blah. Poor ma didn't know what to say..."

  "Don't be too hard on your mum, Liz. She's a big ol’ softie, and you know it,” said Cass. “Anyway, I'm beat. I think I'll go and see if I can tear Jake and Chloe apart and head on home.” She leaned over to kiss Lizzy and Rachael goodnight and wandered into the house.

  "Hey guys. Is it still going?” Cass glanced at the replay of the football on TV.

  "You ready to go home, darlin'?” Jake enquired quietly so as not to disturb the little bundle snuggled on his lap.

  Cass grinned at the hopeful look Jake made no attempt to disguise. “You offering me a lift?"

  Jake smiled back at her. “It's on my way."

  "Sure. Here, let me get Chloe for you.” She made to reach for her daughter but Jake stopped her.

  "No need, darlin'. I've got her.” He stood easily with the sleeping bundle still in his arms. “Grab your bag and let's go."

  * * * *

  The drive home was quiet, but Cass looked at Jake in surprise when he reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss.

  "Jake?"

  "Yeah, darlin'?"

  Even in the glow of the dash lights, his expression was intent. A butterfly started doing a dance inside her chest. “Would you ... um ... like to come in for a coffee?"

  "I thought you'd never ask."

  The headlights of a passing car shone at them, lighting up the interior of the car for a brief moment as it sped past ... long enough, though, for Cass to catch the smile that spread across his face.

  * * * *

  Much to her surprise, Jake insisted on carrying Chloe into the house and putting her to bed. She watched from the doorway for a moment as he quieted Chloe's sleepy fussing, and slipped Max into her arms before tugging the light summer quilt up over her curled up body. When he leaned over to brush the curls off her face and kiss her forehead gently, Cass walked away. The image was too much, too painful, altogether to “family-ish.” It brought back every single time she had dreamt and pictured just that.

  And besides, for a man who didn't want children, Jake was acting in a manner entirely too confusing. In fact, if it had been anyone but Lizzy who had told her the reason for his divorce from his wife, she would have had too many examples of behaviour to the contrary to credit it.

  Should she tell him? How would it change the budding closeness between them when she did? He might be thrilled to know that the child he obviously shared such spontaneous affection with was actually his daughter. But there was the chance that he would annoyed or horrified, either because he had missed out on those early years of her life, or, because Chloe being his own child meant that certain responsibilities were now his that he wasn't ready to assume. If only she could be sure...

  And what of the two of them—her and Jake? That was the $64,000 question. She mulled over it as she waited for the coffee to finish brewing.

  "Hey, beautiful.” His arms wrapped around her in a hug from behind. “Coffee nearly ready?"

  "Just about. Milk and sugar?"

  "Black is fine."

  "Chloe settled?"

  "Sure. I left the night lite on and closed the door. She was pooped. But she looks so cute snuggled up in there. It's hard to walk away, y'know?"

  "Yes, Jake. I know exactly what you mean. Many nights I've sat in t
here on her bed and just watched her..."

  "But now it's just you and me, Cassie. D'you mind if I stay for a bit? I want you all to myself for a little while ... no friends, no kids—however cute, and no interruptions."

  "What do you call ‘a bit'?” She couldn't resist teasing him.

  "Until you get sick of me."

  The brush of his warm breath as he chuckled against her neck sent a thrill racing through her body.

  Jake was true to his word, not to mention determined and very, very persuasive. That partly explained the fact less that five minutes later she was ensconced in a burly pair of arms and reclining like a seductress on his lap. The logistics of how and when that had happened were still enough to make her head spin. Jake gave new meaning to the words “fast mover."

  For one night though, she just wanted to forget everything but how it felt to be here with Jake like this. Surely she deserved to have a little piece of her dream come true ... if only for one more night?

  Her eyes travelled over the lightly lined, tanned skin, a result no doubt, of being out in the sun so much. Like the soft touch of a finger, her steady gaze moved down to his nose, strong but with a slight bump, perhaps from a small break, then to his lips, full and masculine. His eyes softened his whole face and were so gentle at times, she felt she could drown in them.

  She reached up a finger to run softly down his angular cheek, and stopped. Held fast by the look in his eyes, words deserted her. Tentatively, her finger moved over the curled, smiling line of his lips and the blue of his eyes intensified at her touch. His tongue flicked out to lick it slowly before she withdrew it, a jolt of pure heat from that single touch shooting down her body. Her nipples hardened in response.

  His eyes focussed on her intently, his strong arms pulled her closer and closer still, and then his head slowly lowered, his lips settling on hers for a brief, electric touch. She remembered fully now how soft they had been, and hot, and the heat of his kiss fluttered through her in slow, steady waves, pulling her in.

  "Tell me that you want me too, Cassie."

  Her body reacted to the need in his voice, and he must have felt it because then his mouth was on hers again, more firmly this time, moving over her lips, gently but persistently, until a response was torn from her, and with a moan against his mouth, her arms went around his neck. Her body trembled and shook, but not from cold. She wanted more. She wanted him.