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

would’ve thought the opposite was true.’
    â€˜The way I behaved doesn’t count. With all the shit happening during those fucked-up months, I cut myself off, but you were the only one who could make me smile—laugh.’
    She would never forget the image of Kabe as a teenager, keeping to himself, brooding, moody.
    â€˜Had you said something, I could’ve helped you,’ Belle told him.
    â€˜Why would I burden anyone with that shit? It’s history—done—no going back.’ With a shake of his shoulders, Kabe’s pensive mood eased. He stood, laid his big hand on her head and ruffled her hair. ‘Time we made a move.’
    â€˜You take my breath away sometimes,’ she muttered. And then he ruffles my hair as if I’m still the kid he knew, and that makes what he said about admiring me … in a tone that made my heart ache … all right?
    She uncurled herself ready to stand. Kabe held out his hand and helped her up, while giving her a soul-stirring look. ‘Thanks,’ she mumbled. Not knowing what else to do at this point, she dropped his hand and headed off the rock. She felt Kabe’s presence like a feather tickling her back as he followed her down the path that would take them over the other side of the spit to Mario’s.
    Half an hour later, they came out to a white sandy beach. Belle saw a tiny figure up ahead: her grandfather. She waved and called out to him. He pulled off his cap and waved back. She took a couple of quick shots with her camera, then holding it steady jogged along the hard sand with Kabe by her side. He placed a hand on the small of her back, which, unrealistic or not, gave her the feeling she belonged with him, was part of him. Euphoria flashed through her like a rush of adrenaline. She stumbled. Kabe’s hand shot around her waist. They slowed to a walk, but he didn’t let her go and held her close to his side. Wow!
    On reaching her grandfather, Kabe let her go. ‘Hi, Pop,’ Belle said and threw her arms around his sun-wrinkled neck. She cupped his grizzled, smiling face and studied his bright brown eyes. Satisfied that he appeared to be happy and healthy, she kissed his leathery cheeks.
    â€˜Belle,’ Mario chuckled. ‘And you brought a friend. G’day, Kabe, good to see ye. How’s Marilyn enjoying retirement? Can’t imagine she’d sit still for long.’
    Grinning, the men shook hands and slapped each other on the back. ‘Mum finally had her name taken off her office door, but she still as busy as always, just not practising law.’
    â€˜She would’ve worried about you out there.’ Mario waved his hand in the direction of the ocean.
    â€˜Nah, Mum’s out of town.’ Fighting a wry grin, Kabe pursed his mouth. ‘Besides, she knows I can sail.’
    â€˜Well,’ Mario nodded, turning back to Belle, ‘Rescue Services got in touch. Good thing Kabe was out there, hey—seeing’s he can sail and all.’ He chuckled and hugged her tight, then grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back to look her over, and hugged her to him again. ‘Crikey, darlin’.’
    â€˜Pop,’ she squeaked, ‘I can’t breathe.’
    He let her go. ‘Sorry, but that storm was freaky, and to think you were in the thick of it. Come on I’ll get us a cold drink and you can tell me all about it.’ Mario offered his arm and Belle hooked it with hers.
    â€˜You look great, Pop, island life must agree with you.’
    â€˜Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, darlin’.’
    She gave his arm a squeeze. ‘I know, Pop.’ With a hand across her brow, she shaded her eyes and looked ahead. ‘I can just see the veranda through the trees, have you repainted it?’
    â€˜Yep, so white that after a stroll on a moonlit night it shines like a beacon. Easy to find my way home.’ Mario gave her an I’m-so-innocent