Run For the Hills Read online

  She thought her own single parent—her mother—had issues.

  Cody continued, ‘You can see why we really need someone who can hit the ground running. We’ll need to find bridal couples fast. Those who’ve had their carefully laid plans upturned at the last minute or who are looking to get hitched in a hurry. We’ll, in turn, be able to offer photography, retouching, video and a venue in one complete package.’

  ‘You’ll host the weddings on-site too?’

  ‘We will. We’ve got contacts in catering, event styling, marquee hire etcetera, and we want to keep this operation local.’

  ‘Great idea,’ Bridie murmured.

  She got the feeling when Cody said ‘local’ he really meant ‘low-profile’, not wanting the small-time wedding business to damage his and his brothers’ real work—despite the fact that their careers and looks could have easily drummed up business. But she wasn’t about to complain about keeping things on the down-low. Not at all.

  ‘So when could you start?’

  ‘Er … tomorrow?’

  Yup, this was really and truly happening, without her even having to explain away the last two (carefully omitted) years on her CV. She was immersing herself in the wedding world again. Other people’s weddings. If only it wasn’t slim pickings job-wise in a town this size, and her skill set so limited. She prayed they wouldn’t mind paying her in cash.

  Cody got to his feet, his brothers smiling behind him, and extended his hand for yet another shake. She splashed about in his crystal-blue eyes for a moment. ‘Welcome to the Love Shack. We can do the official paperwork tomorrow. See you at ten?’

  ‘Great, yes. And thanks so much for the opportunity.’ Who’d have guessed the job was hers from the get-go? She tried to concentrate on something other than how nicely Cody’s hand fitted with hers. ‘So what are you guys calling the business?’

  Cody shot her another smile, which just about liquefied her insides at close range. ‘The Wedding Entourage. I’ll give you some business cards. That’s one thing we’ve got sorted already.’

  She wondered if he had the same gleam in his eye right before he got a big-money celebrity shot.

  * * *

  Cody killed the radio in the old Jeep Wrangler which he kept in Australia, his mouth twisted in a scowl. The last thing he wanted to hear while driving down Balkissoch’s quiet main street that evening was Paloma Romeo, singing about the power and passion of love. Any street, any night, in fact. What did a starlet like her really know about love, beyond the feeling she got when she looked in the mirror? Too bad his brain had already conjured up an image of the Jamaican-Italian songstress, with her midnight-black curls, cat-like green eyes and swarthy skin.

  One rule as a paparazzo was never to fall for your ‘prey’. Celebs and paps were from different worlds; fairy-tale love stories never happened between them. In Paloma’s case, he’d fucked up royally. The only good thing was they’d kept their short-lived relationship a secret. Even his brothers didn’t know about it. He wasn’t designed for a life on the other side of the lens.

  An ancient Nissan suddenly cut across his path from a side street, then ground to a halt. Cursing out loud, Cody slammed on the brake. With all the seeming time in the world, the green Pulsar rolled into a vacant parking space opposite. Okay … mechanical failure maybe? A flash of honey-brown hair glimmered through the driver’s window. Hang on. Cody veered into the adjacent park, momentarily forgetting about the pizza dinner he was on the way to pick up for him and his bros.

  Turning off his Jeep’s engine, he climbed out, as did the other driver—Bridie Porter. He should have recognised her car earlier. Who’d have known she hadn’t made the hour’s trip back to the city already? He gave a small wave as they both stepped onto the footpath.

  ‘Oh, hi,’ she said shyly, recognition dawning in her eyes.

  The street lights cast her in a warm glow, making her hair even shinier and her chocolate-brown eyes huge amid her heart-shaped face. Good thing the women he went for were usually spikier than a pair of stilettos. Not made of sugar and spice and all things nice like this one seemed to be. He wouldn’t be mixing business with pleasure ever again.

  ‘Car troubles?’ he guessed.

  ‘Out of fuel,’ Bridie replied glumly, hugging her arms around herself amid the evening chill. ‘I saw the light flashing earlier, but thought the tank would still have a few kilometres in it. Wrong. I’ll just have to hike to the petrol station for a can.’

  He shrugged. ‘I can give you a lift. It’s no problems.’

  ‘Oh … you’re sure? Okay, thanks.’

  Far out she made flustered look good, the way her eyes widened and her cheeks went all pink. He shoved his hands in his jean pockets to distract himself from any more wayward thoughts. ‘I thought you’d have driven back to Adelaide by now.’

  Bridie ducked her head for a moment. ‘Actually, um, I’m staying up here. In a motel. Thought I’d take a punt on the job opportunity, and I felt like a tree-change regardless.’ Her mouth twisted. ‘My lease also just ran out.’

  A job couldn’t be the only thing to spur a girl like her to escape to this tiny dot on the map, could it? Still, as her new boss, her personal life wasn’t his business; only getting through the long month ahead was.

  Cody tilted his head to one side. ‘You know, we have a little guesthouse on the property. We could always make board part of your pay arrangement while you work out whether you want to stick around town or not. I figure you’d want your own space rather than be in the main house. The wedding work will sometimes be odd hours, so it’d be handy to have you nearby.’

  ‘Oh … really? That’d be great actually. Thank you.’ The corners of Bridie’s mouth curved upwards, which did funny things to his insides—or maybe that was just hunger gnawing at his gut. ‘At least there’d be no chance of me running out of fuel on my way to work.’

  ‘True.’ Having her stay had seemed logical in his head, but now he was wondering what part of his body he’d really been thinking with. Still, it was too late for regrets now. ‘Bring your luggage with you tomorrow morning. So, were you on your way back to the motel?’

  ‘I was just grabbing some tea, actually. Pizza from Crustie’s.’

  ‘That’s funny. Me too.’ In Tinseltown, women were never so casual about carbs—it was refreshing. He grabbed his wallet from his back pocket and pulled out some notes. ‘How about you sort out the pizzas a few doors down while I get that can of petrol? There’ll be an order waiting under my name too.’

  Bridie put up her hand. ‘I’ll owe you for the petrol anyway.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that. Just think of it as travel money for making it to the interview. You’re doing us a favour by filling the position so fast.’

  Hesitantly, she plucked the extended cash, their fingers brushing. ‘Well, okay.’

  The fleeting body contact gave him a jolt like he’d touched an electric farm fence. His wiring was obviously still out of whack when it came to work and pleasure. In the meantime, he’d need to give himself a bit of a talking-to.

  Chapter 2

  Bridie sipped a soy chai latte at a main-street café before work the next morning. A little bit of the city in the country. Having only just turned her phone on, the beep of a text cut over the clinking chinaware and chatter.

  With her heart in her mouth as usual, she checked the screen. Never knew who could have uncovered her new number. But it was just Megz, one of only three people she’d given it to. The others on the ‘exclusive’ list were Bridie’s aunt and uncle. It was good to have recently reconnected with her old neighbour Megz, their bond having fizzled somewhat after Bridie moved from outer suburbia to the city. Megz’ real name was Meghan, but she’d schoozed it up a bit.

  Bridie clicked open the message. ‘Hey, B. Howz everythin goin? Tell me—hv u used my cleansing sandalwood incense yet? Remember, u need to purify ur mind of negative energies & psychic pollution if u want 2 start afresh, M x.’

  Brid
ie smiled to herself. It was classic Megz. She called herself a ‘white witch’ and even had fitting looks: ginger hair, olive-green eyes, and a sharp nose with a dark freckle on the end.

  Pity the mention of sandalwood also had Bridie thinking about Cody and his aftershave preference. Plus, his tousle of blond hair. And that bristly, chiselled jaw she’d love to run her fingers over … Ugh. So much for purifying her mind. She was barely single. Bridie tried to concentrate on how Cody would look holding up a long lens, directed her way—

  ‘Excuse me.’

  Her head snapped up. A girl with a blonde Heidi braid stood curiously staring at her. A knot formed in Bridie’s stomach. Then her gaze slid to the heaped plate in the girl’s hand. She was just a waitress. That was the only reason she was gawping.

  ‘Your eggs benedict,’ the girl pressed.

  Bridie pushed her makeshift glasses up the bridge of her nose and squeaked a thank you. With a small smile, the young waitress set down her plate and moved on. Fear was obviously the only reason Bridie hadn’t detected the heavenly scent of poached eggs, crispy bacon and hollandaise sauce earlier.

  After shoving in a mouthful of egg and muffin, Bridie typed a quick reply to Megz. ‘Hello. I PROMISE 2 use the incense 2nite. Was a little busy y’day … securing short-term work & board, yay! Temp. hideaway sorted. In a cute lil SA town called Balkissoch .’

  She’d happened upon Balkissoch after turning off Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway at the touristy, German-influenced town of Hahndorf and following the road down, eventually stopping at Balkissoch. The spot had seemed ideal: quiet, picturesque, hilltop. A mini version of the Swiss Alps. She’d literally run for the hills.

  The sign hadn’t said anything about it being the birthplace of a drool-worthy LA paparazzo and his triplet brothers. But that was the way the ball bounced.

  The text sent, Bridie powered off her phone again—it paid to be careful—and enjoyed another mouth-watering forkful of breakfast. At the same time, the conversation between two sixty-something women on the opposite table wiggled into her ear.

  ‘… Crystal’s devastated. She can’t believe their venue up north was ruined by a bushfire a week before their wedding. The whole town’s been evacuated. She’s got no idea where to find another location to fit their number of guests by the weekend. And the photographer and all the other suppliers were local too. She and Bo are just lucky they won’t be out of pocket, thanks to their insurance.’

  ‘It’s terrible. Truly terrible …’

  Bridie sat up straighter, feeling like Nancy Drew on the trail of something. That being The Wedding Entourage’s potential first client! Not that she liked to prey on people going through bad circumstances, but she did have a way of possibly making things better for them.

  Before her nerves took hold, Bridie fumbled for one of Cody’s business cards in her handbag and shot out of her seat. In two short steps she was hovering beside the women’s table.

  She removed the frog from her throat. ‘Um, hi.’

  The pair, back-lit by the morning sunshine streaming through the window, looked her way. They were reminiscent of Bridie’s Aunt Raelene with their chestnut-dyed crops sprinkled with grey, and their pastel, embroidered cardigans. Odds-on they also liked knitting and lacemaking, had display cabinets for their beloved china dolls, and never missed a musical that rolled into town.

  ‘Good morning,’ said one, eyeing Bridie as reluctantly as they might a charity-pusher at the supermarket.

  The glossy business card grew clammy in Bridie’s hand. ‘Uh, sorry to intrude, but I couldn’t help overhearing about your friend being without a wedding venue this weekend.’

  ‘My daughter,’ said the woman’s near-identical friend. ‘Patti’s my name.’

  Though she’d introduced herself, suspicion still tinged her voice.

  Deep breath. ‘Hello, I-I’m Bridie. I’ve actually started working for a wedding business, which has just opened up in town. They’re photographers, but they also have relationships with other wedding suppliers and can even offer a venue to use. Don’t know if you’ve heard of Goldlake Manor before?’

  Patti’s grey-blue eyes rounded. ‘Valentine Belshaw’s beautiful, old place?’

  Bridie vigorously nodded. ‘Valentine’s sons have recently followed in his footsteps. They’re honouring his memory by providing couples with a one-stop shop for all things bridal at the family property.’

  And also to ensure the place didn’t go to the dogs, quite literally, she didn’t add.

  Patti fingered the faux black-and-white pearls at her neck. ‘Interesting. It would be nice, actually, to have Crystal celebrate in her hometown seeing as she can’t do so at her in-laws’. And it’d mean my side of the family and I wouldn’t have to travel.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Though, I imagine it’d come down to cost at the end of the day.’

  Bridie extended the business card she’d been clinging onto and tried for a casual shrug. ‘No harm in Crystal calling and finding out, I suppose.’

  Patti accepted the shiny bit of paper. ‘True. And thank you, dear.’ She winked. ‘You can eavesdrop on our conversations anytime if you’re always so helpful.’

  With a nod and a grin, Bridie spun around, exhilaration surging through her. She was back in the game, ready for work! The wedding game.

  A camera suddenly flashed across the room and Bridie flung an arm across her face and ducked down, her elation withering.

  ‘You all right, dear?’ Patti asked concernedly behind her.

  Through spread fingers, Bridie watched a Japanese couple on another table using a mobile selfie-stick to snap themselves with their plates.

  Food bloggers, that was all. She’d give herself a stroke one of these days!

  Dusting herself off, Bridie got to her feet and swivelled around to face Patti and co. ‘I’m fine. Just, er, thought I saw a wasp. I’m a bit phobic.’

  Patti slowly nodded, one of her pencilled-in brows marginally raised. ‘Right.’

  Turning again, Bridie slunk back to her seat, her fingers crossed her over-the-top display wouldn’t put Patti off recommending the Belshaws’ services to her daughter.

  One thing Bridie would have to get used to, if she wanted to stay hidden for another month and keep her head above water, was flashing cameras.

  * * *

  ‘At ten-thirty? Sure, we can Skype you and your fiancé then,’ Cody said into his cordless to the woman named Crystal who’d just called. He watched Bridie through the window of the formal lounge, canter up the drive. She reminded him of Bambi with her big brown eyes and spindly legs.

  Bidding goodbye to Crystal, Cody rested the handset on the window ledge and headed over to let The Wedding Entourage’s newest recruit in. Vance had gone for a run and Jaxon was lost in his editing suite doing who knows what, so doorman duties were left to Cody as usual.

  Bridie was early and wearing a pale pink dress that resembled a long shirt. Any thoughts about wishing it had been his from the night before were kicked to the kerb. How many times did he have to remind himself she was on their payroll now?

  He greeted her with ‘Crystal called’.

  Bridie’s eyes widened behind her cat-eye specs. He wondered what she’d look like without them. ‘She did?’

  He nodded. ‘And she wants to Skype with us and her fiancé in an hour. She explained how she’d heard about our services. Brilliant work.’

  ‘Thanks,’ Bridie said shyly. ‘Although, to be clear, I don’t make a habit of listening in on other people’s conversations.’

  He grinned. ‘So long as it brings in potential business, I couldn’t care less.’

  Bridie returned the smile, which did funny things to his insides. Or maybe another piece of toast for breakfast would have been a good idea.

  She scuffed the toe of her ballet flat on the porch. ‘Um, I came a little early because I thought I could unpack first … if you’re still happy to have me at the guesthouse.’

  ‘Of course.’ Tucking her a
safe distance away from the main house had actually been a stroke of genius last night, nipping temptation in the bud. ‘Maybe I can take you on a quick property tour afterwards? Make sure you know what you’re selling to people.’

  ‘Sounds great. Well, I’ll just go get my suitcase from the car, then you can point me in the direction of the guesthouse.’

  Cody followed behind as she popped open her Nissan’s boot and reached for a butterfly-print suitcase. ‘Allow me,’ he insisted.

  But Bridie just blinked at him behind her overlong fringe. ‘I’m fine. Don’t they say the only time a woman is really helpless is when her nail polish is drying?’

  Not such a delicate flower then, despite the pink luggage.

  He put up his hands in mock-defence. ‘I won’t argue with that.’ Cody separated the guesthouse key from the keyring in his jean pocket and handed it to her. ‘Okay, keep following the path around to the right. You won’t miss the guesthouse. It’s cedar-clad and right next to the lake.’

  She enlarged those Bambi eyes again. ‘The lake?’

  ‘Yeah. The property backs onto it. That’s why this place is called Goldlake. The lake was formed by gold miners over a century ago.’

  ‘Wow, sounds totally storybook.’

  ‘That’s why my dad bought the land here.’ Cody shrugged. ‘He wanted to build Mum her dream house.’

  Forty minutes later, he knocked on the guesthouse door to start the tour, bed linen under his other arm. Through the glass sliding door, he could see Bridie from behind, hanging something up on a wall hook. To do the job, she’d climbed up on the black leather couch, left over from the days he and his brothers used the guesthouse as a teenage retreat.

  In another incarnation, the flat-roofed, four-roomed guesthouse had been his dad’s home office, but it was now mostly used by visiting relatives at Christmas, spilling over from the main house. Bridie’s elevated position accentuated the way her shirtdress clung to her behind and showed off her slender, peachy-skinned legs. Quick-smart, he averted his gaze again.