Read Online I'Ve Got You by Louise Forster - Free Book Online Page A

steady. His firm grasp sent a flutter into her chest and Belle felt the urge to laugh out loud at the absurdity of it all. She should just jump him and get it over with.
    He gave her a squeeze and a quirky smile, and said, ‘Take my hand.’
    She took it, and dragging behind, watched him push through the water with a seesawing shoulder action that Belle found mesmerising as she bounce-skipped along in his wake.
    They waded out of the shallows and, with a sigh of regret, Belle released his hand. They hit the warm sand; it felt good to stand on solid ground and not a moving deck or one that sloped. She took a few photos of The Ondine and as she turned saw Kabe enter the rainforest where it met the beach. Somewhere behind the greenery there was the rush and tinkle of a waterfall cascading over rocks.
    Belle caught up to Kabe. ‘I’ve always loved this place,’ she whispered, lifting her face. ‘Feel the mist against your skin, so cooling.’
    â€˜Yeah, a little downpour and hey, fresh water … the perfect place for a …’ he trailed off, kneeling on a rock to rinse and fill the water flask.
    Straightening, he attached the flask to his belt, took a step forward and cupped his hands under the rushing waterfall. About to take a drink, he hesitated, then turned to face her. ‘Drink?’ he offered.
    Belle dipped her head and drank; the cool water slid down her throat. Her eyes focused on his large masculine hands, the same hands that had saved her life were so close she could kiss them. Damn! She came up for air and wiped her mouth. ‘Thank you.’ Her voice barely a whisper, her mind and the mellow place below her navel in a whirl. She had to hold herself in check or she might hug this incredible man.
    As a distraction, she wriggled her red-lacquered toenails in the rubble of sand, shells and fallen leaves.
    â€˜How are the feet?’ Kabe asked, peering down.
    She followed his gaze and flexed her toes. ‘Fine.’
    â€˜Uh-huh,’ he replied dreamily.
    It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know there was something going on. She turned to see he was still staring at her feet . ‘Hello!’
    His head snapped up, revealing a grin and eyes betraying red-hot signs of desire looking back at her. Kabe rubbed his face before continuing. ‘I think it’s time we moved on.’
    She walked ahead, taking a path that led up to a lookout. She pushed past shrubs and ferns, relieved when a cool breeze greeted them as they came out of the rainforest. A few steps up and they were on a large, warm, flat boulder. The panoramic view from there was magnificent. Like emeralds, tropical islands floated on the deep, sapphire-blue sea; it amazed her every time she came up here.
    Kabe moved in close beside her, his shoulder touching hers.
    Ni-i-ice … very nice, Belle thought, savouring the moment.
    He leant in, and mouth near her ear, he pointed out, ‘That’s North Molle and South Molle Islands.’
    Belle nodded, ‘I know … you are speaking to a local.’ She forced her mind on something other than how close he was, how good he smelled, fresh with the scent of sea air. ‘I’m glad I brought my camera, not that photos would do it justice,’ she said. Sitting down cross-legged on the sun-warmed boulder, she put the camera to her face.
    The silence stretched, and Belle relaxed, taking in the stunning vista surrounding them. She listened to countless chirping birds and appreciated the cool breeze against her skin; all of it lulled her into a peaceful, meditative state.
    Kabe broke the silence. ‘Back in high school … I always admired you,’ he said, gazing out at the view while shredding a blade of grass.
    There was something almost sad, compelling in his tone.
    Her heart pounded, constricting her chest.

Chapter 5
    â€˜Wha—what?’ Belle stammered as she swung around. ‘You never … the way you behaved, I