Obsession Down Under (15 page)

“Thank you, Whip. Bruce and I appreciate it. His parents will be home in two weeks, and once we tell them our news you can shout it to the world.”

Whip could tell Donna was delirious with joy. Her whole attitude reflected it, and her face lit up when she spoke of her fiancé.

“I couldn’t be more pleased, though it took you two long enough. You make a great couple.”

“I think what they say is true, absence does make the heart grow fonder.” Donna giggled like a schoolgirl. “Thank goodness for technology. We spoke over the Net almost every day.”

“Bruce has asked me to be best man. I’m honored.”

“He told me you’d accepted, but I’m warning you, Whip, you’d better not have any sexy girls popping out of cakes or lap dancers or the like at the bachelor party.”

“Who me? Wouldn’t dream of it. Now, if it was up to Drew or Mark . . .”

“I don’t think I can trust you, but I must fly.” She rose and kissed his cheek and he kissed hers. “I’m so happy you’re okay.”

“Not half as much as I am.”

Donna went to the door and, clutching the handle, paused and turned. “Oh, and by the way, I think Jessica is lovely.”

“Me, too,” he replied as she closed the door behind her.

Chapter 21

On the third day after the snakebite incident, Whip drew the line. Apart from the fact he was sick of lying about, he was getting antsy. Jessie Rose was a stickler for following the rules Bruce had stipulated, and the longer he stayed in bed, the longer there’d be no monkey business. Well, that drought was about to break. Tonight he planned a feast and not the kind that involved food, and tomorrow morning he and Jessie Rose would head off to Sydney where he’d make his proposal. He’d given it some thought while convalescing and had come up with what he thought was a perfect solution.

Hours later, whilst fondling Jessica’s breasts that night, he argued he was one hundred percent fit. She was unconvinced and hesitant to go against Bruce’s orders, but in the end didn’t deny him.

His lovemaking was slow, tender, and fulfilling if her satisfied moans were anything to go by, but afterward he’d fallen asleep in her arms. And although reluctant to admit it when he woke, he realized he wasn’t as fully recovered as he first thought.

The next morning, Jessie Rose insisted on foregoing the Sydney part of her trip to give him an extra few days to recover. He protested, arguing he was fine, but this battle was hers, and she stood her ground.

“You know if we delay, you’ll miss the beaches, and you can kiss the Bridge climb good-bye,” he said, hoping to add weight to his argument.

“I’m scared of heights anyway so maybe that’s not such a bad thing.”

“Have it your way then.”

The other thing that eventuated with the delay was Brenda and Jessie Rose seemed to be developing a friendship of sorts. And that could only be a good thing.

Brenda confessed her part in the blow up between her and Jessica. He was livid when he’d heard what she’d done and wanted to ground her for eternity. If it hadn’t been for Jessica’s interference, Brenda’s promise that she’d deleted the e-mails without reading them, and the apology he believed to be sincere, he would have.

Two days later, Jessica and Whip drove down the coast road and arrived in Sydney at six that evening. Over dinner, she was flabbergasted when Whip presented her with two tickets for the Harbour Bridge climb the following morning.

“It’s an early start, Jessie Rose, but I didn’t want you to miss out. I know how much you were looking forward to it.”

It was a tremendous surprise and she misted up at his generosity. She only prayed she had the courage to see it through. The bridge looked so damn high as they drove across it earlier, and she would just hate to disappoint him.

“I can’t believe you actually got tickets,” she said, shoving her acrophobia aside and beaming him a smile. “You’re so good to me.” Nothing was going to spoil the moment or the rest of the night.

“I’d say we’re good for each other.” He lifted his wineglass and tilted the rim toward her. She picked up the delicate stem of her goblet and did the same. Whip clinked her glass and proposed a toast. “To the future. May it be as bright and beautiful as your smile.”

“What a charming thing to say. Thank you, Whip.”

“It’s the truth. Now I guess we’d better hit the sack. It’s been a long day, and we’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

She should have been tired when the alarm shrilled at four a.m. the following morning. Instead, she felt exhilarated. They’d gone to bed early and made love twice before falling asleep. Then in the early hours, he’d reached for her and their frenzied lovemaking had taken her to new heights that left her sated and limp.

Five o’clock found them waiting at the Bridge check-in. They showed their tickets and were sent off to a climb simulator, after which she felt a little more confident. They then changed into the overalls provided and attached the safety harness and communications equipment that were part of the outfit.

Once in line at the southern pylon ready to start, Jessica sneaked a look upward and wished she hadn’t. Damn but it was high.
Deep breaths, slow and easy. You can do this, you are strong, and this will not beat you
. She repeated the mantra in her head. With a firm grasp on the handrail, and with extreme care, she placed one foot in front of the other and set off.

Eyes focused ahead, she walked along the flat inclined mesh catwalk not daring to look down, but as they crossed the section suspended over the water she stole a peek and gasped.

“You okay, babe?” Whip’s voice came from behind with concern.

She swallowed and shut her eyes for a brief moment. “Yes. I can do this,” she called over her shoulder. Her voice was stilted, but the steady smile he shot back encouraged her to go on.

Up and up she climbed the four hundred and sixty-five widely spaced stairs, repeating her mantra as she ducked under, stepped over, and squeezed through the steel girders.

The guide controlled the pace of the climb. The cables that attached the climbers to the Bridge were a security and confidence booster as well as a necessary safety feature.

All in all, it went well. The only hiccup being when she looked down, but that was brief and she’d rallied almost without delay.

When they reached the top, it was with a sense of achievement and pride that she peered out over the horizon.

The view was breathtaking. The golden rays shimmering on the water as the sun climbed higher, bathing everything in its shining light, was like being in paradise. No one spoke. They all just gazed in awe-struck silence as they drank in the majesty of their surroundings.

She stood beside Whip, overwhelmed, for how long she didn’t know, before facing him and breaking the peace. “It’s so beautiful.”

“As are you, babe.”

Her eyes misted and she brushed at them. In such a short time he’d become the center of her universe. Even his family had ingratiated themselves into her heart, and it cracked a little at the thought of leaving. She recalled the fond send-off they’d given her yesterday morning. It was before daylight, and she hadn’t expected anyone to turn up, having said their good-byes the night before. But they were all there, and without exception each had expressed how much they would miss her and hoped to see her again in the not-so-far-off future. If only Whip felt the same way about her as she did about him, how complete her life would be.

He clasped her fingers and brought them to his lips and then took out a small box from his pocket and placed it in her hand.

“What’s this?” she asked, her brow puckering.

“Open it.”

The bling from the diamond inside almost blinded her as she popped open the lid. Not a ring, but a single white stone encased in black velvet.

“I wanted to give you this the day of our picnic, but things kind of took a nose dive, so I’ve been carting it around with me ever since. I couldn’t have you cringing every time you remembered the day I proposed. I love you, Jessie Rose, everything about you. Your gutsy ways, your loyalty, your courage and calmness under pressure. I couldn’t ask for more in a wife. Marry me and make me the happiest man alive.”

“Oh. My. God. Whip.” Her hand flew to her mouth, and her heart somersaulted. “I don’t know what to say,” she exclaimed as her eyes brimmed.

“I didn’t know your preference in rings, so I thought a diamond was the safest bet. You know, a girl’s best friend and all. And this way you can design the setting yourself.”

“That’s not what I meant . . . but yes, it’s beautiful and so big!”

“Yeah, almost two carats. Annie said anything less than a carat would be an insult.”

“Oh, Whip! You know I don’t need the baubles, just knowing you love me is enough.”

“A man’s gotta stake his claim. So what do you say, babe, will you marry me?”

“Yes, Cowboy, in a heartbeat, and I’ll love you for eternity.”

Whip swooped down and claimed her lips in a kiss that transcended every other kiss before it.

“Woo-hoo!” The eavesdropping crowd clapped and cheered, causing Whip and her to break apart.

She spun around, embarrassed that they had an audience. Whip, though, accepted the handshakes and congratulations with enthusiasm, good grace, and a winning smile. She beamed her thanks, too, and clung to his side.

“Would you guys like a photo to remember the moment?” the guide asked.

“That would be great.”

“Yes, please.”

They were both keen for their first picture as an engaged couple. Whip tucked her under his arm and they both beamed from ear-to-ear.

After quite a few pics, it was time to go.

The climb down the bridge seemed quicker, perhaps because her head was filled with thoughts of her next thrilling adventure as Whip’s wife. As she retraced her steps her mind was a whir with a list of things to do once she arrived home, least of which was hand in her notice at work, terminate the lease on her apartment, and the most daunting task of all—break the news to Trish and her parents.

Both she and Whip bubbled with excitement as he drove to the airport, using the journey to make their plans. By the time she’d checked her luggage, they’d agreed on a spring wedding. Whip didn’t want a long engagement, and they figured spring should give her enough time to wrap everything up in the States.

“Are you sure you just want your diamond set as a solitaire in white gold?” Whip asked for the umpteenth time, prolonging the moment of parting as they stood in front of the departure gate. “No stones on the band?”

“No, Cowboy. Like you, it’s perfect all on its own.” She smiled into his face, never having seen him like this before. He seemed actually nervous.

“Okay, plain it is then. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when I tell the family back home.”

She smiled. “Just another one of the many reasons I love you, Whip. The way you always look out for them, you’re so loyal and considerate.”

“It’s just what families do.”

“I can’t believe I’ll be a McGregor soon, I have to pinch myself to be sure it’s really happening.”

“Believe it, babe.” He grinned and squeezed her hand.

“Now I’ve really got to go.”

“I know, but call me or Skype the minute you get into your apartment, babe.” He kissed her one last time, then released her hand as she started to walk away.

Determined to be brave, she held her head high, straightened her spine, and walked along the corridor of the departure gate. Before rounding the corner, though, she paused, unable to resist one last look at his beloved face.

That was her undoing.

The tears free flowed down her cheeks, and when he took a step forward, she ran toward him and catapulted into his arms.

“God, I love you, Jessie Rose.”

“I love you, too, and I miss you already.” She clung to him for a brief moment and then with his kiss still lingering on her lips, she pivoted on the balls of her feet and retraced her steps without a backward glance.

Chapter 22

The airport was a hubbub of noise as Jessica took out her cell. The flight had been long, turbulent, and noisy. She’d been seated next to a young mother with a three-year-old little girl and an eight-month-old boy, and neither would settle. By the time she’d collected her luggage and dispensed with the red tape, she was exhausted.

Trish was supposed to meet her but she was nowhere to be seen. To fill the time, Jessica took out her phone to call Whip, but on checking the time realized he’d be asleep. No point waking him, so she sent an e-mail instead.

Arrived safe but exhausted. The flight was arduous. Just waiting now for Trish to collect me and then I’m going home to sleep for a week!! It’s freezing here! I sure do miss that Aussie sun, and you, too, of course, Cowboy! Don’t expect to hear from me again for a day or so. As I said, I’ll be asleep!

Jessie Rose

Next Jessica scrolled through her contacts until she found Trish’s name and hit ‘call.’

Trish answered on the third ring. “Jessica, I’m so sorry I’m late, I was just about to call. I’m stuck in gridlocked traffic and going nowhere fast. I don’t know how much longer this is going to take.”

“Don’t sweat it, I’ll just grab a cab. I have so much to tell you, I can hardly wait!”

“Sounds intriguing. I’ll meet you at your place,
ciao bella
.”

Jessica disconnected the call, and after buttoning her coat and pulling on her hat and gloves joined the taxi queue. She’d been riding on cloud nine ever since Whip proposed and she wasn’t about to let this little setback dampen her spirits.

Grabbing a cab at the airport could be a lengthy procedure, but today she only had a short wait before being settled inside and heading for home.

She closed her eyes and rested her back against the upholstery. The impact when it happened was hard, violent, and caught her unawares. One minute she was drifting off to sleep, the next she was being tossed around like clothes in a front loader. Before she could right herself, her head smashed against the passenger door and she saw stars before blacking out.

When she regained consciousness, the screeching of tearing metal and blaring sirens were the first sounds she registered before her eyes fluttered open.

“She’s coming around.” A deep male voice intruded on her fuzzy thoughts.

She was no longer in the vehicle but on the ground, two paramedics were leaning over her. “Where am I?” Her voice was groggy, her hand unsteady as she raised it to locate the source of the pain in her head, and she felt bone-chilling cold.

“Save your strength, ma’am. You’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Your leg was pinned, but you’ve just been cut free.”

Leg pinned. Cut free. She can’t have heard right. They must be talking about the driver because it sounded bad.

“My head hurts,” she complained, touching the swelling to her forehead with gentle fingers.

“Ma’am, you have a nasty bump on your head, but we’ve given you something for the pain,” the same male voice replied.

Dazed and disoriented, her eyes closed as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

Snippets of conversation filtered through to her subconscious as she was lifted onto a gurney and placed in the back of an ambulance to transport her to hospital.

The emergency room was a hubbub of white-coated doctors issuing orders, nurses following directions, bright lights, and moaning patients that all mish-mashed together in a blur. The noise of the gurney clanging as the wards man wheeled her to the operating theatre was probably the most vivid recollection she had.

Afterward, in recovery, she’d struggled to remember the events. She supposed that time was lost forever.

Through it all was Trish, stalwart and dependable. Her friend, her lifeline. It seemed every time Jessica opened her eyes, Trish was there giving support, offering encouragement, saving her sanity.

Even now, a week later, she couldn’t recall the details of the accident that had so changed her life. One minute she’d been brimming with excitement and taxiing home, the next she was in intensive care, recovering from disfiguring surgery.

When the doctor told her they’d removed her leg from three inches below the knee, she’d screamed herself hoarse and had to be given a sedative. Trish was by her side, holding her hand, assuring her it would be all right, but that was so far from the truth. Nothing would ever be the same again.

Trish brought in her laptop at Jessica’s request. Not only so she could do some therapeutic writing, but also because she had something more pressing to do. With a heavy heart, she connected to the web and signed into her e-mail account. There were oodles of messages from Whip, no doubt worried about her silence, but she ignored them all, intent on sending her own before her courage failed. The message she’d composed was short, formal, and to the point.

Whip,

I apologize for not responding sooner. I’ve spent the time giving what I’m about to say a great deal of thought, and my mind is made up so don’t try to change it. The engagement is off. Please don’t contact me ever again. There’s no point. Just accept it’s over. If you call my cell, I won’t answer, nor will I respond to e-mails. I think a clean break is the kindest way.

Jessica

Whip deserved so much more than she was capable now of giving him. The tears cascaded down her cheeks and splashed off her chin as she re-read the message.

“Please don’t do this. Things will look different in a few weeks. Give it some time and you’ll see I’m right,” Trish begged her.

But Whip’s words the day of her bike accident came back to haunt her. “What if she’d been maimed?” he’d shouted at his brothers.

“What’s the point?” Jessica lowered her lashes and wiped a hand over her face.

“He loves you. The man you described to me wouldn’t desert you. Tell him. Let him make the decision.”

“No, if he stayed it would only be out of pity.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I’m sending it.”

“You’re being foolish, Jessica. Call him, please. I know if you—”

“Just shut up and get the hell out of here if you can’t be supportive,” her voice was loud and rude as she ordered Trish from the room, but she was beyond caring. So what if she was throwing a tantrum, she had every right.