‘An hour’s flying time away and she’s excited about spending some time in Hobart. She’s going to spend the day tidying up at your place then stay overnight with an old friend.’
‘You’ve already asked her? Without speaking to me first?’
‘I talked to her last night when I was making arrangements; you were asleep. I trust her. You can too.’
‘I didn’t think you trusted people.’
‘I trust Emily Branson. She’s a fifty-year-old church-going grandmother. Listen,’ he continued when he saw a protest forming on her lips. ‘Do you trust me?’
‘Doesn’t mean I go along with your plans like I don’t have a will of my own. Or a brain. Okay, Emily can—’
‘I’ve also made other plans for tomorrow.’
Watching him carefully, she nibbled on a piece of bacon. ‘What kind of plans?’
‘It’s a surprise. But I can tell you a change of scenery and something new to think about will do you a world of good. You’ll come back fresh and rejuvenated. Okay?’
She blinked several times, her eyes growing wide. ‘Okay. But—’
‘Pack an overnight bag—and a swimsuit—and be ready to leave at seven a.m.’
* * *
The early summer morning was clear when their small private aircraft landed at Tullamarine airport. Moments later Olivia and Jett were approaching Melbourne’s CBD in a sleek red helicopter, skimming the Yarra River and landing on the helipad beside a pretty park opposite the biggest casino in the southern hemisphere.
Olivia watched the sleek skyscrapers as they travelled the short distance to their hotel within the casino complex. She’d been told to expect luxury and was enjoying every exhilarating minute, so excited she’d barely stopped to breathe. ‘Where’s your place? Do you live in the city?’
‘See that building?’ He pointed to a white tower spearing into the blue. ‘Twenty-first floor. But we won’t have time.’
‘Oh.’ Pity. His secluded world up in the sky might have given her further insight into Jett Davies but it wasn’t going to happen today.
As they entered the sparkling lobby she wondered what arrangements he’d made regarding rooms but didn’t have time to ask because a stylish woman in her mid-thirties wearing a trim white pant-suit with a multi-hued scarf was approaching with a smile on her glossed lips.
‘Jett. Good morning.’
‘Tyler.’ He brushed a kiss over her cheek. ‘Long time no see,’ he said, then touched Olivia’s shoulder briefly. ‘I’d like you to meet Olivia.’
‘Welcome to Melbourne, Olivia.’ Her handshake was brisk and businesslike. ‘Smooth flight over?’
‘Thanks, Tyler, and yes, smooth as silk.’
‘Jett told me it’s a day of surprises, so if you’re wondering what’s next, say goodbye to him for now. I’m going to be your personal shopper for the next two and a half hours and we’re going to have a Pretty Woman shopping spree in some of Melbourne’s famous boutiques.’
She grinned. ‘Sounds awesome.’
‘Before you go,’ Jett said, holding his hand out, palm up, ‘your credit cards stay with me until tomorrow.’
‘But—’
‘Shopping time’s ticking. The whole purse. Now.’
Knowing he meant it, that he wanted to do this for her no strings attached, Olivia met his eyes as she handed it over, mouthing, ‘Thank you.’ She wanted to stop a moment and tell him how much she appreciated everything but Tyler was already moving off so she settled for a finger wave and a smile she couldn’t have wiped away if she’d tried. ‘Bye.’
She fell in love with Melbourne’s quaint little arcades, Victorian architecture and exclusive boutiques. Tyler informed Olivia she was to purchase something sophisticated for the evening. Anything else she fancied was up to her.
They browsed designer wear. Metallic, silk, subtle, bold. Backless, one-sleeved, split thigh. ‘What colour does he like?’ Olivia wondered.
‘He loves your hair. So earthy colours that bring out its beauty.’ She pulled out an unusual metallic olive-green dress with a sheer bodice insert studded with tiny gold beads and held it up. ‘Try this, see what you think.’
He’d told this woman he loved her hair? He’d never told her he loved her hair. She felt a warm glow inside her chest as she studied Tyler’s choice. ‘The colour’s great, unusual, but the neckline’s way too daring, even with the insert.’
‘I guarantee you’ll love it.’
‘You know Jett personally,’ she said, slipping it on. None of Olivia’s business but she wondered if Jett and the striking blonde had been lovers.