Let Me Love You (Australian Sports Star Series Book 2) Read Free

future had been too overwhelming. And that had meant to leave her hometown behind.
    Tamara wrapped her cardigan closer and folded her arms across her chest. All she wanted was the pain to ease and the wonderful memories of her and Jason to return. She wished so much for the picture in her mind to go away…the image of Jason lying in the hospital with all the tubes stuck in him.
    Her gaze drifted into the distance. Tonight had been the first time she left the house apart from going to work. Although she was aware it was something she’d avoided the last months, today there’d been a need for fresh air, for the buzz of people around her, and the sound of life. It’d been the first time she allowed herself to walk along the streets, and it’d been the first time that the accidental touch of a stranger hadn’t caused her to break down in an instant panic.
    It was another small step towards the future.
    Despite enjoying her evening stroll, though, her body was sore from the anxiety inside, from the tense muscles, and the constant fear. A tear escaped, falling onto her cheek from the relief and hope she felt inside. Hope of moving forward, hope that’d been hidden away for so long. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself by inhaling the smell of the sea and listening to the screeching of the seagulls.
    Tamara had done well moving across the country, finding a house and a job so quickly. She’d learnt to live from one day to the next. The lesson learnt this night was she might be ready to start taking little steps.
    “Fancy seeing you here.”
    Tamara shot around at the sound of the familiar voice and stood in one smooth motion. Staring at Oliver, she noticed how he waved to someone back at the pier.
    “Are you following me?” she asked when he looked back at her.
    He laughed softly without mirth. “Cupcake, this is one of the most popular places in a radius of about fifty k’s, and you’re sitting here on your own. You draw attention to yourself like a magnet.”
    Looking around, she realised he was right. Suddenly that simple fact and the realisation she was so exposed, gave her a shiver. Uncomfortable with the situation, she wrapped her arms around her waist before meeting his gaze again.
    “What?” she asked in a whisper.
    He shrugged. “Trying to figure you out.”
    His reply surprised her. Deep inside she enjoyed his attention, and for a moment, she suppressed her guilt that she’d only recently lost her husband…yet she was intrigued and possibly surprised as well, as to why he wanted to figure her out .
    “Why?”
    Shoving his hands in his pockets, Oliver rocked back on his heels. He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Perhaps I like you against my better judgment.” A smile crossed his lips, and he shook his head in what seemed a bit of amusement. “Or maybe if I figured you out, I’d like you more.”
    “More?” she asked.
    He laughed. “I know. It sounds impossible. But, hey, I’ve always liked a challenge.”
    Gone was the moment when she’d enjoyed his attention, replaced by a building irritation in her chest. She took a minute to get it under control. With raised eyebrows, she asked calmly, “A challenge? I had no idea I was a challenge .”
    The man from the pier joined them, and Tamara was grateful for the subject to be diverted. Still trying to calm her frustration, she took another deep breath.
    “This is Markus. A friend of mine.”
    She closed her eyes momentarily, preparing herself for more chit chat. This evening had suddenly become out of control, and the moment of guilt when she’d enjoyed their little conversation had long gone.
    Tamara looked up at his friend Markus. It didn’t surprise her that he was as good looking as Oliver. Even in the evening darkness she noticed his blue eyes. Markus had the same athletic physique as Oliver. His blond hair was cut short, but it had a small wave in it, which gave him a mischievous look. More so with the constant smile on his