Songbird (Songbird, #1) Read online

  We danced properly for song after song before Riley pulled me closer for a slow dance.

  “You look amazing tonight in that uniform,” I whispered. “It’s like you’ve stepped it up to a whole other level.”

  “Do tell,” he said with an amused look.

  “Well, the first time I saw you, the night we met, you were wearing faded jeans and a tight white T-shirt. You looked hot.”

  He raised his eyebrows, surprised.

  “The second night you had that black tee with buttons and ripped jeans,” I raised my eyebrows at him, “even hotter. Then that blue shirt that matched your eyes …”

  I could feel that ball of fire in the pit of my stomach engulfing my entire body as my breathing began to increase. Riley looked into my eyes, and noticed the change instantly.

  “So that shirt is a favourite. I’ll have to remember,” he said with a seductive smile.

  “And now tonight, I don’t think you could top this. You look,” then I grinned, “good enough to eat. Yummy, in fact.”

  He laughed with delight.

  “I could say the same about you.” He leaned down and I could feel his breath on my ear and my neck. “First you did my head in with those shorts, and your legs that never end. Next it was that dress that just skimmed over your body.” He sighed, clearly remembering. “Then,” he nibbled my ear, “that red top.”

  He nibbled my ear again and I let out a little whimper, remembering how he had spent a good part of the night trying to tear his gaze away from my cleavage.

  “So was that a firm favourite?” I teased.

  “Without a doubt.”

  His breathing was increasing, the heat on my neck sending shivers up my spine. His hand had slid down and was caressing the small of my back.

  “And tonight …” He trailed light feathery kisses down my neck to my collarbone, then ran the tip of his nose back up to my ear. “… tonight … there are no words to describe how breathtaking you are.”

  We felt someone bump into us and looked up, startled. Cooper and Kelli had danced their way over to us, and Cooper was leaning in with a cheeky grin on his face.

  “There’s probably a broom cupboard somewhere that’s not occupied if you want somewhere more private.”

  Riley blushed. “Okay, thanks mate, I get it.” Then he straightened up so we were dancing properly again.

  I looked over at Kelli and Cooper together, dancing and joking around while I struggled to regain my composure. He was dipping her, and she was giggling with delight.

  “Do you think you could manage a long-distance relationship?” Riley asked, following my eyes to Kelli and Cooper.

  “I don’t know. It would be difficult, but Kelli and Cooper seem to do okay.”

  “They’re freaks though.” He laughed.

  “I guess you have to make the one day together outweigh the nine apart,” I said, almost to myself.

  “That’s very profound of you.”

  I smiled up at him. “Just something Kelli said to me once. I think that’s how they do it; they make every moment together count, and they don’t sweat the small stuff. That, and Kelli has her own life, and makes her own happiness. Cooper adds to her happiness, but she doesn’t rely on him to make her happy.”

  “Are you happy?” Riley asked, looking deep into my eyes.

  “I’m getting there. I’m certainly a lot happier than I was a few months ago.”

  The music stopped as the band announced they would be taking a short break. I excused myself and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. I was on my way back to the table when a tall soldier with red hair and freckles deliberately stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

  “Excuse me,” I said, trying to step around him, but he didn’t move.

  “So, you’re the new girlfriend. Interesting … you’re not really his type.” His words were slightly slurred and he reeked of cigarette smoke.

  “I’m sorry, are you addressing me?” My hackles were instantly up. I didn’t like what this man was implying.

  “Yes you, but don’t be angry, I’m doing you a favour. I’ve known Riley Hammond for a very long time, and he is one guy that cannot be trusted when it comes to women. Believe me, love, he will only break your heart.”

  “I don’t know you, so why should I believe you?” I asked, my face flushing with fury.

  “Because he will shag anyone.” And he laughed. “You don’t think he’ll be faithful to you once he’s back in Sydney, do you? He has a proven track record, and it ain’t pretty. Out of sight, out of mind.”

  He held up his glass as if he had made his point, then emptied it. I took the opportunity to push past him while he was distracted, but he called out, “Tell him Patrick says hi.”

  I started back towards the table, needing a moment as I felt tears beginning to sting my eyes. I made my way hurriedly to the door instead.

  I STOOD on the balcony, wanting to leave but not wanting to make a scene.

  The cool air was refreshing and helped clear my head as I leaned against the railing, looking out over the manicured lawns. The balcony was long enough that the other people out there taking a cigarette break and talking couldn’t see my face, and I couldn’t hear what they were saying.

  I felt completely alone, as my head swam with what Patrick had just said. The knot in my stomach tightened and then a wracking sob escaped me, and I broke down.

  Why was I so upset? It was what I had suspected deep down anyway. How could someone like Riley be interested in me for anything other than a bit of fun while he was in town? But I was upset, really upset, and I had to admit to myself why: I was falling for this guy. It had only been a few days, but my every waking moment had either been spent with him or thinking about him. His face was there when I closed my eyes, and his smile, his laugh … I could feel his lips against mine even after we had said goodnight and I had climbed into bed.

  I took a steadying breath and berated myself, “Good one, Tara. You fucking idiot.”

  “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Riley looked at my tear-stained face. “Tara, what’s wrong?”

  “I ran into a friend of yours before,” I said, wiping my still damp cheeks. “I think he said his name was Patrick. He tells me you have a history of not being so honest with girls. Seems you’ll sleep with anyone who looks sideways at you.”

  I waited for him to dispute the claim but he just looked away.

  “So it’s true then?”

  He shook his head. “Patrick isn’t a friend of mine; he’s my older brother.”

  He sighed and came closer to me so we were both leaning against the railing facing each other. I crossed my arms protectively over my chest.

  “I’ve mentioned before that I was close to my mum? Well, Pat takes after my dad; they both have quick tempers, and don’t have any problem with pushing women around. My dad used to hit my mum, and I guess Pat just thought it was the normal thing to do. I, on the other hand, was the one who would comfort my mum afterwards, feeling helpless that I was too little to stop him.”

  I was shocked by this admission. It saddened me to think of a young Riley trying to comfort his mum after he had witnessed his dad abusing her. No child should have to see that.

  “Anyway,” he continued, “about five years ago, Pat was going out with a girl and he used to take his temper out on her on a regular basis. One time I came home, stepped in and stopped it. I hadn’t been able to stop my dad from hurting my mum, but there was no way I was going to let my brother do the same thing to his partner. After that, she and I became close. She would basically cry on my shoulder and … I don’t know … one thing led to another, and we hooked up.”

  “Oh.” I didn’t know what to say. He had slept with his brother’s girlfriend; no wonder his brother was pissed with him.

  He saw the look on my face and continued quickly. “The girl was Rebecca, my ex. She broke it off with Pat, and we stayed together for three and a half years, so it wasn’t just a
hook up. But I’m not proud of how we got together, I know it was wrong. She had told me that they were over before we slept together, then I found out that she was actually with both of us for a while before she finally chose me. Patrick never forgave either of us for it.”

  He sighed again and rubbed his forehead, as if trying to clear his thoughts, before continuing the story. “After I signed up, Rebecca and I tried to stay together, and I went back home to Perth as much as I could, but it was hard during the training periods as I went from regular army to Special Forces, and we began drifting apart. When I finally did go home I discovered that Rebecca was pregnant … It was Patrick’s baby.” He looked down at his hands. “I guess that was his ultimate revenge, his way to prove that he could have her back if he wanted. I haven’t been home to Perth since, and I haven’t seen or spoken to either of them.”

  Looking away, I tried to process all the information. “Patrick said you couldn’t be trusted.”

  Riley shook his head. “In the end she didn’t want to do long distance, and she cheated on me. I’ve never cheated on anyone. I tried to hold the relationship together, but I guess I should have known; if she could cheat with me, she could cheat on me just as easily.”

  He turned and looked out over the balcony. “After that, I thought it was too difficult to be in the military and have a relationship, I haven’t dated anyone in about eight months—and when I say ‘dated’, I mean been with.” He looked into my eyes to make sure I understood what he was referring to. “I’ve already told you I’m not interested in playing games.”

  “What about all the girls you meet in bars that you mentioned in the limo?”

  “To be honest with you, they hold my interest for about five minutes because, to put it bluntly, they’re as dumb as dog shit.”

  I smirked at the analogy.

  “I want someone I can talk to and laugh with.”

  “So what is this between us?” I asked, indicating between the two of us. “If there even is an ‘us’.”

  “What do you mean if? There is an ‘us’, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. I’ve got your number, Tara; I don’t think I could go without calling you even if I wanted to, just to hear your voice, your laugh.”

  He held my hands again and pulled me closer. “Of course there’s an ‘us’; don’t you want there to be?”

  He studied my face, trying to read my expression; I nodded, dumbfounded. I guess I had my answer.

  “So you’ll be coming back?” I whispered.

  “I will always come back to you, Tara.”

  He looked into my eyes with so much sincerity as he poured his heart out. “I’d built up all these walls, and convinced myself I was happy on my own just focusing on my career, and then with one smile you completely turned my world upside down.” He stroked my cheek. “I can’t guarantee that this will be easy. In fact, I know it’s going to be tough at times, but I also know I don’t want to be without you.”

  “Is that why you asked me if I would go back to Stephen? Because of Rebecca?” The penny had dropped, and I realised he had insecurities of his own to deal with.

  He nodded and gave me a half-hearted smile. “I don’t think I could go through being second best again.”

  I cupped his cheek in my hand. How could this beautiful man be second best to anyone, especially to my ex? The thought was ludicrous.

  “You are not second best; you are quite possibly the most wonderful man I have ever met. I would never go back to Stephen because I now know how it feels to be with someone who truly appreciates me for me, flaws and all.”

  He took my hand from his cheek and held it to his lips, gently kissing the back of each finger. It set my heart racing, watching his mouth work its magic.

  “You said earlier that Coop adds to Kelli’s happiness.”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  “Do you think I could add to your happiness, Tara?”

  I looked at his eyes, his face, his lips, felt the caress of his thumb brushing against the back of my hand, and thought about the last four days I had spent with him, the laughter we had shared, the excitement and nervous anticipation of seeing him.

  I smiled at him warmly. “You already do. The last few days are the happiest I can remember, and it’s because of you.”

  He exhaled audibly and finally visibly relaxed, a beaming smile spreading over his gorgeous face.

  The music started playing again, and I could hear ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ filtering out to the balcony. I wanted so much to feel Riley’s arms around me.

  “Can we dance?” I asked.

  Riley took my hand and turned towards the door.

  “Can we dance out here?”

  He nodded. “Of course.” Then he stepped in to hold me close.

  My head rested on his shoulder and he held my hand against his chest. It was private, intimate, away from the crowded dance floor. His thumb gently stroked the bare skin on my shoulder blades and I closed my eyes and inhaled his scent as his body moved against mine.

  Then, ever so softly at first, he started to hum along to the music.

  “Are you going to serenade me now?” I asked, dreamily.

  “If you want me to.” He looked down at me and smiled. “Okay then.”

  He rested his cheek against my head and started to sing along softly.

  A waft of cigarette smoke assaulted my senses. How rude of that person to be standing so close to us when the balcony is so long. I looked up to see Patrick watching us with a sneer on his face.

  “Tara, how lovely to see you again.”

  “Back off, Pat. This is not the time or place, and it doesn’t involve Tara,” Riley said vehemently.

  Patrick ignored him, his glassy eyes focused solely on me, and he continued as if Riley had not spoken. “Although I must admit, I was hoping for tears and tantrums.”

  I stepped away from Riley but he held my hand firmly.

  “So sorry to disappoint you,” I replied sarcastically. I had no patience for this antagonist. “Riley and I talked things through, Patrick. He has explained everything.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “So he told you he fucked my girlfriend behind my back, and you’re okay with that?” He said it as crudely as possible to drive the point home.

  “Yes, and he also told me that you then fucked her behind his back and got her pregnant to even the score.” I tried to say it as crudely as he had.

  He laughed sinisterly. “Oh the score is far from even.” He took a long draw on his cigarette. “But,” he finally turned his gaze to Riley, “new girlfriend, Brother. Maybe I should fuck this one too.”

  Now it was my turn to grip Riley’s hand as tightly as possible. Every muscle in his body tensed as he fought to contain his anger. I knew as well as he did that if there were a fight it would affect Riley’s career, so I needed to step in.

  “Only problem is, Patrick,” I spat out his name like it was poison, then squeezed Riley’s hand, “it takes two to tango, and I have no intention of ‘dancing’ with you. I do, however, plan on ‘dancing’ as much as possible with your brother.”

  I turned to Riley. He was holding his breath, ready to pounce. “Can we go inside please, babe? I’m getting a little chilly.”

  He broke his stare and looked down at me, then nodded and led me through the glass doors back into the ballroom.

  “Every time I see him it reminds me how much like our father he is in every way, and how much I fucking hate both of them.”

  “Where have you two been?” Cooper asked with a cheeky grin and a wink.

  “We went to find that broom cupboard you mentioned earlier,” I joked, trying to get the evening back on track so we could enjoy ourselves. But the other guys at the table were looking at Riley, his face still rigid with anger, their faces clearly scripted with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

  “What’s up, Irish?” Bear asked, studying Riley’s face.

  Riley shook his head and didn’t answer, so I did.

>   “We were just talking to his brother, Patrick,” I replied pointedly.

  The guy’s faces dropped; obviously they all knew who Patrick was, and the sordid details of the love triangle.

  “Where is the fucker?” Bear asked as both he and Cooper stood up, looking around.

  “Don’t do anything stupid, Bear. He’s not worth the trouble.” Riley was finally speaking again as his anger slightly waned.

  “I could collar him without anyone knowing.” Bear was still looking around.

  “I’ll keep look out,” Cooper said, scanning the crowd. “No one fucks with our family.”

  Riley finally relaxed again and smiled. “No, please don’t do anything. Besides, Tara sorted him out.”

  He looked at me admiringly before managing to quip, “I’d like to dance with you too.” So he had picked up on my innuendo. My cheeks turned hot, and he chuckled. “There’s that adorable blush again.”

  “Okay, well you two go and dance then, and we’ll do a circuit of the room.” Cooper seriously wanted to kick some butt, but his reference to us dancing made me laugh.

  Riley looked at me and started laughing too, sharing our private joke, and the final threads of tension were gone.

  “HEY, YOU’RE Tara O’Connell, right?”

  Looking up, I saw the cellist standing slightly behind my chair, beaming excitedly down at me.

  “Yes, that’s right.” I smiled as warmly as possible, considering I still couldn’t remember where I knew this guy from.

  He laughed nervously. “You probably don’t remember me; we went to the same school. My name’s Jayden Conroy. People call me Jay. I was a year under you. We all worshipped you.” He blushed as his mouth ran away from him. “Your playing, I mean, we worshipped your playing.”

  I stifled my chuckle at his faux pas. “I thought you looked familiar. It’s good to see you and hear you play. The band sounds great.”

  Riley was watching our exchange with an amused look on his face, before subtly clearing his throat.