The Boy Toy - Nicola Marsh Page 0,87
would be flying him to Brisbane, where he’d catch a commercial flight back to Melbourne.
Back to Samira.
He didn’t like the distance between them, and he wasn’t just referring to the physical. He’d always preferred texting over talking via the phone. His thumbs could articulate words a lot faster and clearer than his mouth. But he’d wanted to hear her voice, so he’d rung a few times, had videoconferenced once, but each time she’d sounded . . . aloof. Withdrawn.
She said all the right things and forced a laugh or two at his anecdotes about living in the bush with a bunch of strangers, but in his gut, he knew something was wrong. He’d wondered if the baby was okay, but she’d assured him everything was fine. He didn’t believe her, and he hoped she wasn’t hiding some devastating truth from him because of the distance between them.
He’d missed the twelve-week scan, but she’d sent him a pic to his cell. It had been a godsend, keeping him sane at the end of a long day when the effort of trying not to stutter had taken its toll, leaving him exhausted and grumpy. He’d lie on his makeshift cot, staring at that pic of his kid, knowing he had to do right by him or her.
The fear hadn’t left him that his kid could face the same difficulties he had growing up if he passed on his stutter, but he had to stop letting it taint the way he viewed this pregnancy. He should be celebrating it with Samira, not dreading something that may never eventuate.
“Safe travels, Rory.” Sherman Rix, one of the directors who he’d auditioned for, clapped him on the back. “You’ve done well acclimatizing the last eight weeks, exactly why Allan and I chose you for this job.”
He managed a sedate “Thanks,” as this man intimidated him as much today as he did at the audition over two months ago. While he’d done his best to fit in on the set, he knew most of the crew viewed him as a recluse who preferred his own company than hanging around a campfire at night chugging beers and swapping bullshit. It didn’t bother him, because the less time he spent talking to people beyond the scope of reading off a cue, the easier it would be not to slip up.
But the tension had taken its toll, and he couldn’t wait to escape to his grungy Middle Park flat, no matter how tiny or ill-equipped. As well as seeing Samira, he was looking forward to dropping by the rec hall at the housing commission flats and seeing Amelia’s program in action. His first payment had gone into his bank account two weeks ago, and he’d forwarded the lot to her, keen to get the program started sooner rather than later. She’d responded by sending him pics of the hall with kids at tables around the room, working with therapists. It had warmed his heart and vindicated the sixteen-hour days he was pulling to ensure he did a great job as host of Renegades.
“See you back in Melbourne.” Sherman held out his hand, and Rory shook it. “Take a break. Rest up. Because we start shooting in a month, and we need you on top of your game.”
“No worries, I’ll be ready.” He gave a brusque nod, hiked his duffel over his shoulder, and headed for the plane.
Once ensconced in a small seat, he stared out at the barren landscape, admiring its rugged, red-dusted beauty but glad to see the back of it for now.
* * *
* * *
Eight hours later, after dumping his stuff in the wash at home and showering, he headed for Samira’s. The security guard still gave him the side-eye as he stood outside her door, but he didn’t care. In a moment, he’d be seeing the woman he’d fallen for, and he could hardly wait.
His heart pounded and his palms grew clammy. Crazy, considering they’d moved past the early dating stage, but his nerves had everything to do with seeing her again and hoping their connection hadn’t waned.
The door opened, and he released the breath he’d been holding. She smiled at him, wide and genuine, before gesturing him in.
“Hey there, cowboy, long time no see.” She nodded at the guard. “Thanks, Ru.”
He waited until the door closed before sweeping her into his arms and seeking her mouth.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured, a second before claiming her lips in a searing kiss that proved actions spoke louder