From Paris to Forever Page 3

  “I didn’t know that property was for sale.”

  “No, it’s not on the market … yet. But I’m working on it.”

  “You mean you’re working on her. Now I get it.” She stood up and walked to the sink with her empty bowl. Leaning back against the bench, her eyes narrowed on him.

  “There is nothing ‘to get’. I like the property. I want to buy the block. We could put up some luxury apartments on that site and make a tidy little profit.”

  “But it doesn’t hurt that Chloe Armstrong’s a beautiful woman. If my memory serves me correctly, she was a dancer in Paris for years and she’s single. I read about her in the paper the other day.”

  “Yes, she is quite attractive, and I imagine she would look more attractive if she ever got out of her paint-spattered clothes … no … don’t look at me like that, I meant if she dressed up in something flattering. It’s the property I’m interested in, not Chloe.” The image of Chloe dressed in nothing but a smile and holding a paintbrush caused the blood to rush to parts of his anatomy not considered work safe.

  “Oh, Chloe is it? Right, Todd, just keep on telling yourself that you are not interested.”

  She sat down again, propped her elbows up on the table, rested her chin on her towered fingers and looked into his eyes.

  He stared back but he had no ammunition, no smart retort. “I have work to do, don’t you, Sam? Any chance you could find the time to finish those Fisher contracts today?”

  He needed to get away from this topic of conversation before his mind started to wander down a completely different track. He stood and disposed of his lunch wrapping in the pedal bin, then picked up his coffee and strolled to his office.

  Chloe rushed to catch the post office before it closed for the day. She parked her jeep a block away, and picked up her walking stick from the passenger’s seat so she could hurry without the risk of a fall. When she crossed the road and saw the Baker logo on his office window, she thought of Todd. It had been a few days since they had coffee, and she actually hoped he would call in again. His expensive cologne had lingered in her kitchen all day, causing fluttery sensations deep in her belly. He said he would drop by, but that hadn’t happened. Deep in thought, she almost collided with a woman at the door of the post office, carrying a box of letters.

  “I’m so sorry. After you.” The woman stood back to let her enter.

  Chloe held the door open. “No, it was my fault. After you, please. I was in too much of a rush to get here before they closed.”

  “Please don’t think I’m a stalker, but I recognise you from the article in the paper a few weeks ago. You’re Chloe Armstrong, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. That’s right.” Chloe smiled at the woman, and stopped inside the shop door.

  “I’m Samantha, Samantha Douglas, my office is next door. Baker Real Estate.” The woman moved the box she was carrying to shake her hand.

  “Oh, you’re that Samantha. Todd mentioned you. No, don’t look worried. Nothing bad, I can assure you. He said you run a tight ship. This is a small world. Nice to meet you.”

  “Oh, you know Todd?” Samantha kept a straight face.

  Chloe walked alongside Samantha. “Yes, he came to see me, to offer to represent me if I wanted to sell my house, but I’m not on the market. I’m renovating.”

  The queue inside was getting shorter and they slowly made their way towards the counter.

  “I see. So how are you enjoying being back in Melbourne, Chloe?”

  “I’m finding it a little more difficult than I thought I would. I don’t have a big family and no one living in Melbourne. Friends have moved on, so I guess you could say it’s a bit lonely. It will take time to find my feet again and establish some contacts, I would imagine. I’m kept pretty busy with the renovations though.”

  “I know how it is. I’m the last of my family in Melbourne. My parents and brother’s family live in Queensland now, and I do miss them. I go up probably twice a year with Malcolm, my husband. It’s hard to take the time to travel often when we are so busy with the business. Of course, computers are great, and if I didn’t have FaceTime on my iPhone I would have missed seeing my nephews and nieces going through all their different stages. They grow up so quickly.” Samantha took another step forward.

  Although not called to the counter at the same time, a few minutes later she walked out with Samantha.

  “It was nice to meet you, Chloe.” Samantha pushed open the office door. “If you ever feel like coming in for a coffee, please do. I’m here most of the time.”

  “I might take you up on that. Nice to meet you too. Enjoy your evening.”

  She returned to her car a little happier than she had been half an hour ago. She liked the look of Samantha, and estimated her to be about her age. She came across as open and friendly. I loved what she was wearing too, very stylish. It was time to reach out and make new friends. Since arriving in Melbourne, she missed the company of her female friends in the dancing troupe, and the fun that ensues when a group of girls get together.

  Samantha counted the petty cash and smiled as she recalled the conversation in the post office. Timing was everything. Todd walked in the front door a few minutes later.

  “Hi there. Guess who I literally bumped into at the post office a few minutes ago? Two guesses. Nothing? Okay … it was your new friend Chloe. Ah, I see that put a smile on your face. No, don’t look for her outside. She just drove off.”

  “Was she coming to the office?” Todd cast a surreptitious glance at the street.

  “No, I don’t think she was coming here, she was in a hurry to post something, and then she left. I asked her to drop in anytime for a coffee though, and she said she might do that.”

  Samantha watched Todd’s face intently, trying to read his expression.

  “Maybe you should call around later and say hello. She said she was feeling a bit lonely since she came back to Melbourne. Buy a bottle of wine and some cheese. The French love a nice Brie, and I am sure she is used to nice food and wine after living over there for so long.” She packed away the petty-cash box in the safe.

  She busied herself with the paperwork on her desk, pleased she had planted the seed. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Todd was sitting at his desk staring into space. No doubt about it, he really likes her. Work would be the last thing on his mind right now. A certain tall blonde Amazonian woman would be featuring as the leading lady in whatever movie was running through his brain.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Chloe pulled into the kerb and parked her jeep on busy Beach Road. The sound of another powerful car engine pulling up directly behind her caused her to tense up and close her eyes. She clenched the steering wheel, waiting for the jolt of impact. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Exhaling slowly, she opened her eyes. She glanced into the side mirror, bringing the car behind her into view. Todd’s long lean body unfolded from the driver’s seat. Surprised to see him, she checked her reflection in the vanity mirror. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. He strolled towards her, signalling her to lower her window.

  “Hi there. What brings you to Beach Road this evening?” As his woodsy cologne wafted into the car’s interior and invaded her senses, she moistened her suddenly dry lips.

  He leant towards her and placed his hands on her car window frame. “You, actually.”

  Flicking her glance down his body, she took in his white linen shirt rolled up to the elbows, and grey pants. Hmmm, relaxed attire.

  “Samantha said she bumped into you earlier today. She thought you might be feeling a bit lonely … so … I thought I’d drop by and see if you are up for some conversation, a glass of wine, and something to eat. What do you say?”

  “Well, I don’t know, Todd. I’m not up to going out tonight.”

  He turned quickly and jogged back to his car. She watched in the rear-view mirror as he picked up a wicker basket from the passenger’s seat and returned with his bounty. He held it up for her approval. She recognised an expensive b
ottle of merlot. A crusty French baguette angled out of the top, and a large platter of cheese, cold meat and antipasto covered in cling film nestled beneath. Looks inviting, but I should be working tonight.

  “I really should be getting back to work before it gets dark … I’m planning on sanding and preparing the woodwork in the back bedroom downstairs.”

  “Surely that can wait until tomorrow? You know what they say about all work and no play … An early dinner will be good for both of us, don’t you think? Samantha’s always on my back about working too late and missing dinner.”

  “Okay. Come inside, since you have gone to so much trouble. A glass of wine and some company is very tempting. Thank you.”

  “I see you’ve been shopping. Let me help you with those bags.” He opened the back door.

  She hopped out and allowed him to grab a couple of grocery bags from the back seat. I see someone taught you manners. He headed towards the house, dumping them and the wicker basket at the door before turning to help her with the remaining bags. As she climbed the porch steps she caught her sandal on the edge and stumbled slightly, quickly regaining her balance. His hand shot out, wrapping his fingers around her bare upper arm. Heat seeped into her skin, tingling all the way to the tips of her fingers.

  She pulled away from him to open the door.

  “I should have brought my cane from the car. Would you mind going back to get it for me, please?” She handed over the car keys. She needed time to think.

  This couldn’t happen. She wouldn’t let it happen. A romantic relationship with a man like Todd was not on her agenda. She could tell he had to be in charge. Her entire body shuddered in response to the memory of another man for whom control was unquestionable. Her life was hers and hers alone now. The mistakes of the past would not be the mistakes of the future.

  Chloe covered the little wooden table in the backyard with a snowy white tablecloth, and set the table. She lit some citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Placing them inside multicoloured lanterns, she hung them on the lower branches of the lemon trees. The back porch light created an amber glow over the yard. If they were going to eat outside, it may as well be a friendly dinner in a pleasant setting.

  She spread out the platter of antipasto Todd had purchased, sliced the baguette, fanning it out on a wooden chopping board, and decanted the wine to breathe. The dulcet tones of Tony Bennett wafted through the speakers of the portable CD player, propping open the laundry door.

  He gallantly pulled out her chair and inclined his head, just like a waiter in an upmarket restaurant. Once seated, he covered her lap with a napkin. She smiled at him as he took his seat across the table.

  “Why thank you, kind sir.”

  “You are most welcome, I’m sure. Let me pour the wine.”

  Conversation flowed easily between them as they shared their light meal, sipping the ruby red wine, the breeze ruffling the bottom of the tablecloth.

  As she listened to his banter, her mind wandered. Is this what I have been missing? His company and the excuse for an early dinner on such a balmy evening was a tonic to her lonely soul. The full-bodied wine and the delicious Italian food had been a welcome respite at the end of her day. As Nat King Cole’s unforgettable voice could be heard through the speakers, Todd got to his feet.

  He held out his hand, imploring her to come to him.

  “This is one of my favourite tracks. We really should dance to this one. It’s okay. We’ll just sway to the music. I will take care of you, I promise.”

  Although sceptical, she stood up and allowed him to take her hand. She took a step, closing the gap between them. His strong arm encircled her waist, pulling her gently against him. His body pressed lightly against hers, from chest to knees. Warmth flooded through her, bringing back the tiny butterflies in her belly. A kiss brushed the back of her hand as he brought it to his lips. His gentle touch seeped into her skin, relaxing her. It had been such a long time since she had been in a man’s arms, other than a show. As her breasts brushed against his firm chest, her nipples hardened and she attempted to pull away, a little embarrassed. However, the pressure of the hand resting at the base of her spine held her fast.

  True to his word, he held her gently and they swayed to the music. The cologne he wore was more noticeable in such close proximity, and it worked its magic on her senses. She snuggled closer into his embrace, her head on his shoulder, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.

  The next track began to play and the tempo changed. She pulled away a little, breaking the spell. Don’t get too comfortable, you don’t know him.

  “That was nice. I haven’t danced since the accident. You’re probably wondering what happened to me. I haven’t wanted to talk about the accident to anyone since I came back to Australia. It has been too painful. But maybe now the time is right.” She looked into his eyes. All she saw was kindness.

  “You don’t have to talk about it, if it upsets you.”

  “I think I do need to talk about it. Get it out in the open so I can deal with what I’m feeling, deal with the loss. You see, dancing was my life, and I wanted to dance for as long as my body could cope. I never expected to have to give it up in my early thirties, and never because of such a bad fall. I had contemplated opening a small school when I retired, teaching contemporary dance to young adults. I know I could still teach, but I wouldn’t be able to adequately demonstrate any movements or choreography. It wouldn’t be ideal.”

  She shivered. Perhaps it was the cool night air, or perhaps the memories were too much to endure. They made their way inside to enjoy their coffee in the lounge.

  At the front of the house, its picture window overlooking the bay, the lounge had been the first room to be redecorated since her return. It was both comfortable and comforting at the end of the day. Her parents’ original pieces, made of Tasmanian Blackwood, furnished this space. They had stood the test of time. Since coming home, the couch and chairs had been reupholstered in a modern jacquard fabric, and she had added a few personal touches of her own to bring this room up to date. Some brightly coloured scatter cushions here, a table lamp there. An original Australian abstract oil painting on the feature wall, a throw rug and some candles brought it all together. The room had been transformed to a warm and welcoming retreat. The pleasure she gained from the work she had already put into the house could not be measured. This was what she got out of bed for every single day. It had never occurred to her that she could excel at something else. Dancing had taken over all aspects of her life. Until now.

  They sat together on the couch, close but not touching. She piled the cushions behind her and faced him. As she relayed the gruesome details of the accident, and the many operations she had to endure, tears did fall. It had been harder than she thought to talk about it, but once she started, it became easier to describe her feelings and fears of what the future held for her. Leaning forward, she took his hand in between both of hers.

  “You know, Todd, I really didn’t like you when you came to my front door that first day. I thought you were an egotistical pompous arse. I couldn’t wait to get rid of you.”

  “You really know how to bolster a man’s ego.”

  “And when you brought me the Eiffel Tower doorstop, I still thought you were painful, and conniving. I thought you wanted me to look at that Eiffel Tower every day and to be so homesick for Paris, I would be desperate to sell up. Then it would only be polite to offer to buy my house.”

  “Please, don’t hold back!”

  “But I have had a chance to get to know you a little better over the past few weeks, and you have changed my opinion … slightly … Okay … a lot.”

  “That’s more like it.” He smiled.

  “I don’t think you like to show it very often, but you do have a soft side. I don’t have friends in Melbourne. I didn’t keep in touch when I left for Paris so I can’t image they would be happy to see me now. I try to keep busy, but I do get lonely sometimes. On the flip side, I beli
eve you would be a stubborn mule when it comes to business dealings, and you are determined to get what you want. I also still believe you want my house, but you’re wasting your time if you think you’re getting it.”

  “I know I come across as forceful sometimes. Okay. Always. But it has paid off in the past. I wouldn’t have what I have today if I hadn’t been forceful. I have no excuses; I did want your house. Still do. But I think I have mellowed a little,” Todd said. “No, don’t laugh. It’s just as much of a surprise to me, don’t worry. The truth is I enjoyed spending time with you tonight. I enjoyed the conversation and the impromptu dance. I don’t often take the time to smell the roses, but tonight I did, and I surprised myself.

  “Well, Todd, I’m pleased. We all need to find more time to smell the roses.”

  Still clasping his hand, she leant forward a little more and kissed his cheek. It was a platonic kiss. There was no intention on her part to make it anything other than a friendly peck. Washed out and tired from dredging up the pain of the past, she could not have taken it further if she tried. Do I really want to take it further than friendship? That’s the million-dollar question.

  He turned to capture her lips, but she pulled back and stopped him with a look and a slow shake of her head.

  “I said I was grateful for your friendship. Don’t try to read into it any more than that, okay.” Chloe immediately regretted the tone of her comment. Why are you being so rude to him?

  “Can you help me clear the table and bring the dishes into the kitchen, please? It’s getting late, I’m really tired and I have to make an early start tomorrow.” She rose quickly, picked up her empty coffee cup from the table beside her, and headed down the hall towards the kitchen.

  She left him sitting on the couch. Have I scared away my only friend in Melbourne?