Fallen Down Under (Down Under #2) Read Free Page A

well then?"
    "Like you wouldn't believe flower."
    Knowing Mal, I bet he's had these poor nurses at his beck and call at every opportunity. I can't help but laugh, my chest suddenly feels so much lighter now that I know he is going to be okay. It's one thing Melissa giving me updates but seeing him face to face makes it all feel more real.
    "So what's the plan from here then?" I'm still a little unsure as to what's happening with Mal once he's been discharged. A pang of guilt creeps in for not coming to see him more often while he's been here. My reasons aren't that valid either, only to me for being the selfish bitch that I am. I didn't come to see him because I was scared that I would bump into Max. Yep, definitely a selfish bitch.
    "Well, it's looking pretty good for them to discharge me soon." A huge smile lights up his whole face. "I can't wait to stretch these bad boys, let me tell you."
    Daisy walks in just as I wipe away the happy tears that have made a run for it. It's so bloody good to have him back.
    "Jess dear. It's so good to see you. Has Mal told you the good news? Honestly," she sighs, "I can't tell you how relieved I am. Getting him to rest is going to be the tricky part." I watch them as their faces light up at the thought of finally being free from this place and how in love they still look after all these years. Now definitely isn't the time to drop my bombshell. I stay with them for a while, laughing and joking at everything and in this moment I don’t have to worry about anything but the three of us in this room.
     
    I step out into the sunshine, my eyes squinting from the brightness. I struggle to see for a moment until my eyes slowly adjust. I take a few steps forward and my heart contracts as soon as I see the most beautiful sight before me. I stand motionless, unable to put one foot in front of the other, completely transfixed on him. My eyes never leave his as he watches me intently. His look alone has me feeling weak at the knees. Clearly neither of us expected to bump into each other. He slowly steps towards me and stops just inches away from me. His mouth opens and closes a few times as he decides whether or not he’s going to say what he was going to say.
    "Hey." He says, a shy grin curving his mouth into that cocky grin that I miss so bloody much. Not that I'd ever tell him.
    "Hi." I reply, feeling rather awkward. After all I have done to prevent this meeting from happening and here he is stood in front of me as if nothing has happened. "It's great news that Mal's on the mend." I say trying my best not to look at him straight on. Whenever I do it's as if he can see straight through me and into my soul. I step backwards so that I can get away from him.
    "Jess, wait. Can we talk?"
    "About what?" I ask, pretending I don't care just to see if he will make a comment about Stella.
    "I've not seen you much at the office. I thought you had meetings scheduled all week?"
    "I did, however I postponed them until further notice. You've got access to my calendar so surely you could have checked that? Why don't you see if Stella can fit them in seeing as she's your current employee of the month?" Childish remark? Maybe, but fuck if I care. He doesn't say anything back to me. He just stands there, his face remaining impassive as he watches me stare him down.
    "Do you know what, whatever Max. I'm done." I turn to head in the opposite direction, more sure now that going home is the best move of them all. How could I be so stupid to think I could be different to all the other women who have been and gone before me? So we've fucked more than once, big deal - it obviously doesn't have to mean anything. The sooner I’m away from him the better. I'm pulled back suddenly as big, strong, powerful hands secure my wrists so I can't break away.
    "Stop fucking running Jess. Jesus Christ woman, will you fucking stop?"
    "Do me a favour and leave me alone Max." I plead, knowing full well that he won't, but it's all I want