One Heartbeat by K T Bowes

Author:K T Bowes [Bowes, K T]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hakarimata Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

“Painkillers,” Hana said, handing tablets to the teenager. “It might help.”

“Thanks.” Tama took the white pills and clasped the glass of water. “You’re awesome, Ma.” He laid down on the sofa and flicked through TV channels, alternating between loud pop music and cartoons.

Logan got underway with report writing, putting all his concentration into a neat, left handed slant. Phoenix went to sleep and Hana rattled around bored. Mindful of her promise to James, she muttered something about visiting a random wife in the staff accommodation and disappeared before either of the men could question her further.

Hana found her tennis partner already on the courts with his ball delivery machine. She let herself in through the gate and borrowed the spare racquet, conveniently lying next to the man’s bag. Without speaking a word, the players whacked balls at each other with speed and abandon until they were both breathless and worn out. The tennis player welcomed Hana’s presence with regular smiles as she made him duck and dive to return her volleys and she revelled in the familiar, physical exertion. Her muscles remembered the stance and demands on their flexibility, responding keenly, if a little rusty. The sparring finished before nine o’clock as before and Hana jogged around the court, fetching rogue balls and waiting while her partner locked up.

Hana stroked her finger across the name, ‘Lachlan’ written on the racquet case as she zipped it up, fighting to remember anyone of that name. She remembered one Lachlan from school, but his hair was a sandy red and he wasn’t as nice to look at as her partner. It seemed ridiculous to ask his name at this late stage, especially as he’d known hers from the start, so Hana tried to make conversation that might give her clues. “So, you remember me on the tennis circuit,” she said matter-of-factly, caressing the expensive racquet cover. “Did you go to the Hamilton club?”

He nodded. “Yeah.” His blonde hair whipped up in the icy breeze and he smiled. “I loved watching you play; you have a natural grace and your backhand is dynamite.”

His compliment distracted Hana and she felt herself blush in the glow from the floodlights. “It was dynamite,” she said sadly. “Now it’s more like - rusty undischarged landmine.”

He laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. Hana started in shock as his hand snaked gently around the back of her neck and he caressed her skin with strong fingers. She opened her mouth to protest but he covered her lips with an index finger smelling of tennis balls and rubber grips. “Sshh,” he whispered. “You’re a demon on the court, Hana Johal and a goddess off it. Leave me with my fantasies.”

Hana swallowed and he let her go, pushing the moment no further as if knowing she’d refuse. Hana clutched the racquet case and he took it from her, laying it on the back seat of the car, his fingers brushing hers in the action. Tasting the air for danger and reaching into her surroundings, Hana felt only peace and confusion.

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