Belle

Thomas looked completely flummoxed as he was interviewed on his front door step on the evening news broadcast. I expected an angry response from him, or even Belle, but there was nothing.

With the tournament only five days away, I started to get itchy, nervous. I couldn’t get rid of her image from my brain. Four days to go, and I started checking airfares. I paced around the house, slamming doors, if I had a dog, I would probably have kicked it.

In the end I gave in to my growing anxiety, and booked flights for the following day. There was no accommodation anywhere around the Kapiti coast. With the Open on, everything was sold out.

I did have an uncle who lived in Upper Hutt. A quick phone call and he said I could stay with him. He even offered to pick me up from the airport.

So that was it. I visited all the construction sites, talked with all the supervisors and contractors. I made sure that they understood, if they needed me, I would be available on my mobile. I locked up and headed for the airport.

I arrived in Wellington with the event only a day away. I turned up at the course early the next morning. It was expensive, but it was possible to get tickets to watch the players practising.

I waited three hours before Belle walked out onto the first tee. She looked as beautiful as ever, her short mini-skirt showing of those spectacular legs. I watched eagerly as she went through her warm-up routine. She might be beautiful, but she was tense. Her features were hidden behind her cap and dark mirrored sunnies.

She placed her ball on the tee and stepped up to drive. Unlike the thing of beauty I remembered and was expecting, what I saw horrified me. The confident cocky excited young woman I knew had been replaced by this anxious timid creature.

She walked off and we were able to follow the group around the course. I wanted to yell out, but thought better of it. I just followed with the main gallery.

By the time she was on the eighteenth, she looked more confident. Still uneasy. I wondered if her parents turning up tomorrow might make her more comfortable. Her caddie walked with her as they returned to the clubhouse. A lady beside me started screaming out her name, and Belle waved to her and wandered over.

I stepped back, hoping my cap and sun glasses would be enough.

The woman reached over the tape and hugged her. Belle pulled off her cap, signed it and handed it to the woman. They laughed and joked about something before Belle looked up.

Yes, it was one of those moments. Our eyes locked together and I saw the faltering smile grow into a full-on grin. “Carl, what are you doing here?” The woman she was talking to turned and glanced at me as if to say, “Who the fuck are you?” I just shrugged.

“Came to watch NZ’s premiere woman’s golfer in action.”

“But Dad told me you gave away the tickets to charity.”

“I did. It earned a lot of money, too by the way. So thank you for doing that.”

She lifted the tape, much to the consternation of the security guard, and walked over to me. She fell into my arms and we hugged. “I am so glad you are here. Bloody hell, I have missed you so much.”

I nodded. “I have missed you, as well.”

Her lips grazed mine and suddenly we were surrounded by flashing cameras and people started to mill around. She grabbed my hand and led me underneath the tape. The security guard grabbed me. “Hey, bro, you can’t come in here. Sorry.”

Belle barked. “He’s with me.”

“Doesn’t matter, Miss. He is not allowed in here.”

He was big, his arm muscles were bigger than my thighs, his face a picture of tribal tattoos. He looked fierce and I wasn’t going to argue with him. I stepped back under the tape. Belle snapped, “Good god, do you know who I am?”

He nodded. “Yeah, cuz, I know who you are, but it’s more than my jobs worth to let him in here.”

She stepped under the tape and called to her caddie to take her clubs. She walked off with me down towards the carpark. “Damn it, Carl, if you had just accepted that package all this would have been avoided.”

“Belle, I don’t need your money. For your information. I was always coming. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Oh yeah, smart arse, and where do you think you’re going to get VIP tickets from then, hotshot?”

“I’m not. I only came to watch, and hopefully to catch up.”

Her anger wasn’t dissipating. If anything, she got angrier. “I thought you might have come to be with me.”

We walked out into the car-park and she twisted into my arms, hers circled my neck and she clung on like crazy. Her mouth quickly found mine and soon out tongues danced playfully as cameramen who had followed along took shot after shot of our kiss.

She said, “Hang on a minute, I need to talk to Billie.”

She walked off and I was assaulted by half a dozen frantic reporters. Who was I, how did I know Belle, was I a golfer, a coach? I waved them away. Belle returned. She jumped in beside me, we sped away.

“Where are you staying?” She asked.

“Lower Hutt, with my uncle.”

“Damn it, Carl, I did send accommodation.”

“Yes, and the cancer foundation is very grateful for the money it raised. I’m sure they will be sending a thank you note.”

She shook her head in dismay but, smiled cheekily. “Christ, you’re a frustrating man. Why can’t you accept the simplest gift?”

“I have no problem with gifts. But come on. Am I that hopeless, that you think I can’t pay my own way?”

“It had nothing to do with that. Damn it. It was just a gesture of goodwill, and I was hoping we could put aside the stuff from the past and spend some time together.”

“Cut me some slack Belle. I mean I didn’t know if you were here with anybody else. Christ you have so many

“Oh, for fucks sake. If I didn’t want to see you, I wouldn’t have got dad to take you the bloody tickets, would I? Now you’re staying in Lower bloody Hutt. How can we see each other?”

She sighed deeply before asking. “I have to attend the big dinner tonight. If I can get you a ticket, would you go with me?”

I nodded. As we drove back down the motorway, she jumped on her phone. I heard her trying to wrangle me a ticket, but it was a no-go. “Fuck,” she snarled. “See what you’ve done. Now I can’t get you in.”

“Oh well, no big deal. I can see you tomorrow.”

“No way. You will just have to find somewhere else to eat. You’re not going anywhere, you’re staying with me tonight.”

I chuckled snidely. “You seem pretty sure of yourself.”

She reached her hand across and dragged me into a deep sensuous kiss. “Maybe, but that tells me that I’m on the right track.”

We went back to her hotel room and we fought our way through the crowds of fans who had turned up just to scream at her, talk to her, or hopefully even shake her hand. They were amazing. Scary as hell for a small town boy like me.

Once locked safely inside her room, she instantly fell into my arms. Her succulent velvety smooth lips were again on mine, our mouths open, our tongues swirling and dancing.

I grabbed her by the arse, crushing her against my now throbbing erection, her breasts heaving against my chest. Her thin T-shirt was no match for her pointy nipples. Her hands grabbed at my shirt, pulling and ripping as she ripped it from my body.

I lifted her T-shirt, unclipped her bra and those gorgeous sexy boobs filled my hands. Her boobs weren’t huge, but they filled my grasping hands. They bounced in my palms, her nipples hard and swollen, the flesh quivering under my assault.

Her skirt fell away as I unclipped the buttons on the side. She quickly pushed my shorts down and dragged me to the big soft bouncy bed.

I was soon embedded deep into her sex, our pubic hair matted together by her aromatic juices. The sloppy wet slap of our flesh collided as I slammed her down into the mattress, her fingers clawing frenetically at my flayed shoulders. Her skin filled my mouth as I sucked and nuzzled, bit and kissed. It was fast, fiery, passionate and over in minutes.

We were left panting wildly as we tried to breathe. She glanced at her clock. “Shit, I have to go.”

She bounded out of bed and headed for the shower. A change of clothes, and she was out the door. I showered myself, and changed back into my gear. I rang my uncle to tell him I wasn’t coming back that night, then wandered down the street. I wasn’t dressed for a restaurant, so I found a McDonald’s and ordered a burger. There was a big screen TV on the wall, and low and behold, there was a shot of Belle being interviewed just before going into the banquet. She was being bombarded with questions about who the mystery man was. She quietly informed them that I was her new coach and was going to be working with her.

The next bit was funny. When the TV One reporter asked, “Do you usually go around kissing your coaches?”

She grinned cheekily and replied, “Only if they are really good looking, and sexy as hell.”

With that, she turned away and walked into the banquet room. The reporters showed images of us in the car-park, kissing by my car. “We wait with bated breath,” the reported finished.

I finished my meal and wandered back to her hotel. Now I had a problem. I didn’t have a key, and had no way of getting in.

I hung around the lobby for a while, but the security guards had their eyes on me and there was no way they were letting me anywhere near the elevators.

I had no option but to wait it out. Thankfully, Belle came out early and called me on the phone.

The next morning, I dragged her out of bed early. “No, sweets, let’s just lie in. I don’t have to be on the course for promotional stuff till eleven.”

I gave her a smile and started making breakfast. She wandered out and helped. The old banter returned, and we actually started to enjoy each other’s company for the first time in a very long time. We finished breakfast quickly and I asked. “Would you like to go and hit some balls?”

She looked a little confused, “What do you mean?”

“Belle, you called me a while ago and begged for y help. I watched you yesterday, and I think I know what’s wrong. I think I can fix it.”

“Where would we go?”

“Waikanae. They have a driving range, and at this time of the morning, there will hardly be anyone there.”

She sniggered softly mumbling. “Okay show me what you got.”

We drove easily out to the course. I brought a few buckets of balls and we set up. I let her drive a few balls to get warmed up and she asked snidely. “Well?”

I walked up behind her, wrapped my arms around her. Put my hands on hers and lifted back the club. Closing my eyes I travelled back in time to that very first time we played together. We swung slowly through the ball. Then again, and again.

I stepped back to watch. Still not right I made a few further adjustments and watched in awe as that beautiful symmetry returned. That ethereal thing of beauty manifested itself right in front of me.

By the time we were through the third bucket time was running out. “Does that feel better?” I asked.

Her smile was all the answer I needed.

At the clubhouse, we were greeted by her parents. Thomas looked completely nonplussed when he saw me. He tried to swallow his displeasure as he reached out grudgingly with his hand. “Hello Carl, surprised to see you here.”

“I thought I would come up and support Belle.”

Elise slipped into my arms for a hug. “Well, we are so pleased you did. It is so nice to see you again my dear. Are you going inside?”

I chuckled. “No, sorry, I will be with the main gallery.”

Belle stared at me angrily. “Just stay here, I will fix that. I’m not having my coach out with the plebs.”

She stormed off before I could respond. Thomas gave me a smirk. “Coach, huh, well, well, well. Wonders never cease.”

“Look, Sir, I’m sorry if me being here makes you uncomfortable. I just wanted to come and support her.”

“For heaven’s sake, son. I am damn happy to see you here. I don’t know why you are the only one who can get through to her, but it works, and I am bloody happy you are here. Let’s hope you are her good luck charm.”

I nodded, but was interrupted by Belle who returned with my VIP pass.

Before we could say much, she was dragged away by event organisers. She had interviews and photo sessions with her sponsors, celebrities and, of course, the obligatory politicians.

Elise, Thomas and I went off to get a drink before the day got under way. It was orientation day. The players got to play the course as a group, accompanied by celebs and such like.

Belle was in the leading group and was accompanied by several officials.

Her first shot was immaculate. It wasn’t that long but it was straight up the middle. Her swing

We followed for the whole round, and it was nice to see although she wasn’t able to keep the swing consistent. She at least managed to find it regularly enough. When she was in that zone, she looked unstoppable.

Belle shot a very good round. She looked confident and the old cockiness returned. She joked with the other players, she was on top of the world. We exchanged glances several times during the round, always that sweet cheeky smile.

I did see her talking in-depth with her caddie. We met several times and I saw her point me out to him.

Afterwards, there were the usual photos and interviews. Thomas, Elise and I stood off to the side watching. It was during her interview with the TV One crew that she waved for me to go over. I shook my head sternly.

She was clever enough to see I didn’t want that. They had to be settled for a chat with her Mum and Dad.

As the interviews raged on Elise asked me. “Why didn’t you let her show you off to the world?”

Because I’m not into all that celebrity stuff

She sniggered. “I am glad to hear you say that. She sometimes surrounds herself with people who I like to refer to as cling-ons. They don’t help, they just suck what they can from her. It is nice to see a normal boy in her life, somebody who loves her for herself.”

Before I could respond, she dragged me into a tight embrace. We had been standing cuddled together for a few minutes when Thomas walked up. “Excuse me, young man, but that is my wife you have in your arms.”

“Oh stop it, Thomas, don’t be silly,” Elise growled playfully.

She gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Come on, let’s go inside and find a seat before they’re all taken.”

There was lots of finger pointing and hushed whispers. The gossip had started.

Belle wandered in later, addressing me with a grumpy protest. “Carl, why didn’t you stay for the interview?”

I shrugged. “Not my scene, Belle, you know that.”

She winced remorsefully. “Sorry, Babe, I just wanted the world to know that my form wasn’t a miracle, just good advice.”

We settled into our conversation, had some food and a few drinks. Belle got dragged away constantly, but it was nice to see her so ebullient and effusive.

I did feel a little embarrassed when we all went up to our rooms at the hotel. Thomas and Elise were staying on the same floor.

Belle laughed at my blushes as we said our goodnight in the hall.

Our lovemaking was passionate, Belle loving and warm. She was so unlike any other girl I had ever been with. Nothing was out of bounds, and she was adventurous and devastatingly sensual.

The tournament was amazing. Belle played out of her skin. Even with the pack hot on her heels, she was at the very peak of her game. Even on the final day when the wind picked up, she played like it was her destiny to win. It was unquestionable that any other fate was possible.

When she held the cup aloft in front of a screaming horde of supporters and fans, it gave me a feeling of great pride. I actually enjoyed bathing a little in her reflected glory.

After the ceremony, she invited her mum and dad onto the rostrum to say thanks. Explaining to the crowd she would never have made it without their assistance. I saw her gaze down at me, but I shook my head violently. She realised that I would just be embarrassed, so kept it to offering me thanks for the sound coaching.

I was due to fly out the next day. While we laid in bed, I asked, “So where to now?”

“My next tournament is Brisbane in two weeks. I was going to take a couple of weeks off, put my feet up for a while.”

“In Auckland?” I asked, trying not to sound disappointed.

“No, I sold my Auckland place. I am going to stay with mum and dad.”

“When were you going to fly down?”

“When I get back from Brisbane. I have some promotional stuff here in Wellington for a couple of days, then I was going to fly down. You could stay with me, you know.”

“No, I have work to do, people relying on me. It would be nice to catch up while you’re there, though.”

She scowled. “Catch up… Christ Carl, I was hoping we would stay together, I was hoping you would want me there.”

“Of course I do, I just didn’t want to sound presumptive.”

“God, you infuriate me.” She gave me a glowering stare and said slowly emphasising each word individually, “I would like to stay with you if I am allowed, that is?”

“I would love that, but I do have work most days.”

I was in the office when she waltzed in, looking like she fell off the cover of Sports Illustrated. Glancing around my office, the converted garage. She took in all the plans, my awards hanging on the walls and the models I had created. Spinning to take it all in she gushed. “Wow, look at you, Mr. big time architect and business owner.”

I jumped up from behind my desk and we joined in a big hug. “So this is what you do all day,” she murmured, glancing around the room again. Drawn to some of the house models I had built. She knelt down to look at my latest one. “Wow, babe, this is really nice. God, who is this for?”

I shrugged as she peeked up at me. “Nobody yet. It is a design I am working on. I hope somebody will fall in love with the design and get me to build it for them.”

She lifted off the roof to peer inside at the layout. “It would need to be somewhere with sweeping views,” she sighed.

I nodded approvingly. “Yeah, I always pictured it high up on the cliffs out Ruby Bay, or maybe Atawhai.”

With a glint in her eye, she breathed. “Oh yes, Ruby Bay, that would be amazing.”

“Yep, I just need a millionaire to walk in and say, build me this.”

She grinned cheekily. “All right then, that’s settled. Build me this.”

I chuckled dismissively. “Yeah right, as if.”

She gave me a stern glare. “What, you don’t think I could afford it?”

Back pedalling quickly, I spluttered, “No, that’s not what I meant. I just assumed you were joking.”

Fixing me with a deadly stare she said, “Carl, I’m serious. I have been looking at houses all over Nelson. I want to be close to mum and dad. I hated Auckland. Dad has been harassing real estate agents all over town hunting for the right place. I love that design.”

I leaned back against my desk. Unable to believe what was happening, I rasped. “Are you being straight up?”

“Yes, absolutely. Ask Dad if you don’t believe me. I sold my Auckland place months ago.”

“I don’t have consents or anything, this is just a concept plan. Building is not straight forward, and you would need a property that would suit.”

She nodded as she listened to me outlining all the pitfalls. In the end she said, “I have to go. I’m meeting Mum and Dad for lunch. Would you like to come with?”

“No, not today. I was just about to go out to site for a meeting with roofers.”

“Dinner tonight then, at Mum and Dad’s.”

“Belle, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Your dad and I haven’t exactly been getting along.”

“Baloney, he is just protective of me. He has said nothing but wonderful things about you. Okay, he did say he thinks you need to grow up and move into the twenty first century, but hey. We all think that.”

She gave me a quick kiss and vanished.

The day passed easily enough. The builds were all on track. I was getting ready to head off to Belle’s parents’ place when Thomas’s BMW pulled up into my driveway.

He, Elise and Belle all clambered out and walked up to my office door. “Hello,” I said nervously. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Thomas shook my hand and walked inside. “We have come to see some grand design that Belle has been blathering on about all afternoon.”

Belle walked in beside him and walked directly over to the model. “This is it, Daddy. What do you think?”

Elise appeared by their sides and she sucked in a large gasp. “Oh, my word. Carl. That is divine, oh heaven’s it is lovely.”

Thomas nodded his approval. “Very nice.” He lifted the roof off and Belle started going on about the rooms and the flow. Elise added bits about how her furniture would fit right in. Colours, decorations, it was like it was fully built already.

“All right, Carl. How much to build it? Give us the bad news.”

“Well, I don’t have precise costings yet. Remember, this is just a concept plan. It would depend on some of the options, cladding, roofing, but somewhere in the $800,000 region.”

He looked at Belle and they both nodded. “All right. I have seen enough. Let’s go to dinner.”

Belle and I jumped into the back and he zoomed off. Strangely, he turned right at the end of the street and we were suddenly heading out of town. I gave Belle a confused frown. She just cuddled up beside me.

We kept heading west, out through Richmond and on the road out to Motueka, Tasman. He turned off at the Tasman Ruby Bay intersection. We arrived at a raw block of land atop the Ruby Bay hills. There was another car there. I recognised the name emblazoned across it: a realtor. Walking up quickly she introduced herself.

I was starting to get an understanding. She showed us around the block. It was nearly two acres in size, with panoramic views all across the bay. You could almost make out Durville Island in the distance.

I left them to talk to the agent. I wandered off to assess the site. Where would you build it, where would the driveway go, power, sewerage, sheds. I started to build a plan, picture it sitting here on the crest of the knoll. Using my phone, I clicked of numerous shots from all angles.

As I was taking the last few shots, Thomas appeared at my side. “Well, would it work?”

I nodded. “Yes, I think it would be perfect. How much?”

He flinched. “They’re asking seven fifty, but they’re dreaming. I’m thinking of offering six hundred.”

“This is for you and Elise then?”

“No, this is all Belle’s idea. I’m just trying to get her a good deal.”

“It might pay to talk to the district council first. I know there are lots of hurdles to jump through.”

“You leave that to me. All I need you to do is focus on building it.” His voice didn’t sound harsh, but I got the feeling I had just been put in my place.

We ended up at the Golden Bear for dinner: a nice country pub that sat right on the Mapua wharf.

As we waited for our food to be delivered, Thomas said. “Okay, let’s get serious. Are we doing this or not?” He glanced around the group and Belle gushed. “Oh, hell yes. I have never wanted anything more in my life.”

Elise added. “It would be so nice having you close to home again, but, Belle, Honey. It is a lot of money. You have to be sure.”

“Mum, it is perfect.”

Thomas interjected, “Carl, can you throw together some drawings, what it would look like in the flesh?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m pretty busy, but I think I could have something for you in couple of weeks.”

He grimaced. “Weeks? I was hoping for a couple of days.”

“Sorry Sir, I am busy. I have a string of clients already waiting for stuff.”

“As soon as you can then, aye? I want to get this moving. I will put in a formal offer tomorrow.”

The table erupted in conversation about the build. When we got back to my place. Belle jumped out with me. She kissed her parents good night and we went inside. “I take it you would like to stay the night?” I joked.

“If you’ll have me?”

“Oh god, I’m going to have you all right.”

As always, our lovemaking was torrid. She dropped off to sleep quickly, but I laid there wide awake. My mind spinning at a million miles an hour. I could picture the house on the block. I already had drawings saved on my computer. I prised myself sneakily from Belle’s grasp and snuck out to the office.

Plugging in my phone I downloaded the photos from the site visit. I transposed the house drawings onto the site. Rotating it slowly, I built up the full site drawings. I even made up some new ones looking out from the lounge area, and the deck.

I was pretty pleased with myself. I thought they looked pretty good. I printed off a whole raft of different angles, showing the house at its best.

I put them in a folder and checked my phone. Shit, it was nearly six in the morning.

I snuck back into bed and Belle melted around me, her hot breath cascading over my naked skin. Damn, she was sexy; even in her sleep she was gorgeous.

It was the alarm clock that dragged me into the land of the living. My eyes didn’t want to open, but the constant ringing necessitated I wake.

Belle got up with me, although she was harder to wake than me. As we had a quick breakfast, she sighed. “All I could think about last night was the house. I dreamed about it.”

I nodded as I slurped up my muesli. “Yes, I gave it some thought as well.”

She changed tack. “Could you run me over to Mum and Dad’s place on your way to work. My car is there.”

I reached over, picked up the file and mentioned, “You might want to show him these while you’re there.”

She opened the file, saw the drawings and screeched, “Oh my god. When the hell did you do this?”

“Last night. I couldn’t sleep.”

She jumped onto my lap, sending the cutlery flying. “God, you are amazing. You said it would take ages.” Her lips shut down any chance of a reply, her tongue worming its way into my muesli covered mouth. Her hands caressed my face, tangled and ruffled my hair. Her arse wriggled and she squirmed on my lap, building a very solid erection.

Teasing bitch, she knew I couldn’t resist. She swung around, sitting astride me, her arms wrapped around my head. “You don’t have to go yet, do you?” To make her point she wriggled some more, grinding her naked pussy over my stretched jeans.

Her eyes stared into mine as her hand dropped down between us and unzipped my fly. “Surely you have a minute to spare for a horny maiden in distress.”

Her sweltering pussy enveloped my raging cock and she moved back and forth slowly at first but building quickly into a passionate grinding fuck.

It meant another shower and she joined me, which meant it was a long shower. Damn, I was already late. Now I was going to be later still.

The next week flew by. It was full of site drawings for power and sewerage. Consent applications, because Thomas’s offer was based on gaining building consent first.

Every night Belle spent in my bed. It was Sunday when she convinced me to take a day off and go out for a round of golf. It started off fine, we had some fun and there was lots of banter, but as we got around the course, it got serious. “Carl, would you come with me to Jakarta?”

“What, no. I can’t leave at the moment. You’ve seen how busy I am, and now I have your house to build.”

Her expression turned to a coy pouting plea. “Babe, I could really use you. You’re the only one I can trust. Surely we could get somebody to take over from you. It’s only for seven days and you’d be back.”

“No, it’s not that simple. You think I can just click my fingers and pluck somebody out of thin air to do my design work, oversee the construction?”

“Babe, surely there must be agencies that supply contractors, temps? You could still do your design work over there. God, all we’re talking about is a bloody supervisor. Carl, look what we achieved at Paraparaumu. We’re a great team, just having you by my side, it made all the difference.”

“We didn’t achieve anything, you did. It was all you.”

“No,” she snapped. “It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you. I know it sounds silly, but I like having you by my side. I’m so much better when you’re with me.”

“Belle, you were a winner before you met me. You have all the tools, you just need to believe in yourself. I saw this wonderful confident woman at Paraparam, you just need to let her take control.”

I could see her mind whirling as she tried to find words. “Carl, can’t you understand. I need you. I love you. There has to be a way to make it work. I know you don’t want to hear this, but what if I pay you,” she blurted out. “Whatever you make from your business I will pay you.”

“Fuck off Belle, what is it with you, you think money can fix anything. I’m not your employee. Find some other clown to stroke your ego. I’m busy.”

Her face reddened and she looked like a boiler about to explode. “Stroke my ego. You fucking prick. I have a million people willing to do that. I wanted you by my side to help me, guide me.”

“Look, Belle, you obviously have no respect for what I do. I actually have a business to run, and it’s damn successful at the moment. I’m not following you around like some fucking toy dog. I’m not going to play second fiddle for you. I’m not going to drop everything, and run after you, just to give your ego the occasional boost

“What is wrong with you, Carl? You’ve seen what a great team we are. I tried to get you on stage with me. I don’t want you to be hidden. That was your doing, not mine. I’m proud to say you’re my partner, my coach.”

“Yeah, well I’m busy with a real job. I don’t want to be your lackey.”

“Oh, fuck you.” She snarled loud enough for the whole course to hear. She slammed her club back into her bag and stormed off with steam billowing from her collar.

I looked back at the tee and there was a crowd gathered waiting to tee off. I picked up my ball and walked off. Fuck her. She destroyed a really fun day.

I wandered back along the track, leading back to the clubhouse. There’s a seat on the seventh hole that is on the brow of a hill and looks out over Tasman Bay. I sat down and just took in a huge breath. It was a glorious day, the sky was a radiant blue, there was nothing but light puffy cirrus clouds wafting across the horizon.

I sat for half an hour, trying to get my head straight. When I got to the car-park she was gone. God knows how. It would have taken an hour or more to get a taxi.

I drove back home fuming silently.

It was two days before I heard anything. Thomas had been so gung ho, not hearing from him every five minutes was unusual. I had just returned from one of the building sites. Parked in my drive was Thomas’ BMW. As I pulled up, he climbed out. “Carl, I think we need to clear the air. God knows what goes on between you and Belle, but she is distraught. Christ son, we need to sort it out.”

I unlocked the door and showed him in. We sat at the kitchen table, him sitting with his hands clasped tightly together, his piercing eyes staring at me. “All right, Carl. Tell me, what happened this time?”

I shrugged with an indifferent wave of my hands. “I don’t know. She got pissy when I said I wouldn’t go to Jakarta with her. Then she just blew up and walked off.”

He nodded, his thumbs twirling. “Can we be honest with each other for once?”

“Yeah, certainly. I have always been honest with you, Sir.”

“Oh, cut the ‘sir’ crap. Tell me why can’t you go with her?”

“Look around, Sir, I am busy. Damn busy. I have more work than I can deal with at the moment. I work fourteen to fifteen hours every day. I have another ten clients screaming out for designs. I don’t have time to go off and play Belle’s assistant, her bloody flunky, her drudge. I’m not going to stand by just so I can hold her hand whenever she’s feeling down.”

He glowered, his angry glare boring in deeply. “You know yesterday she broke into the top twenty. She is now the nineteenth best female player in the world. She makes more money every single minute than you make in a month. She was offering you a chance to be part of that, to stand by her side, be part of a world beating team.”

“I have my own team. An award winning team no less. Don’t you understand? I’m busy. I have a real job, and what’s more I’m bloody good at it. I could use a secretary. Maybe she could come and work for me.”

Moving his hands behind his head, he leaned back in the chair, his eyes still fixed on mine. “Why not put this on the back burner. It will still be here in five years. Let Belle blossom. I think she could be number one.”

“I think so, as well, but she doesn’t need me for that.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I don’t think she does either, Carl my boy. The problem is, she thinks she does.”

“Tough, as I said, she could always come and work for me.”

“So you would rather she slaved away here for you earning a pittance when she could be the number one female golfer in the world and earning millions. Is that fair?”

“Rule number one, Sir. Life’s not fair. I said no, and I meant it. I have my own dreams, my own dragons to slay. Her dreams, are no more important than mine.”

He stood slowly. “My daughter is a very beautiful young woman, she’s smart, talented and she will make it without you, Carl. You’re acting like a damn fool.”

“I can’t just walk away at the moment. This business is just now taking off. I built this, from nothing, and if I walk away now, I will lose everything I put into it. Everything.”

He turned at the doorway. “Carl, the problem is, you don’t need this. I gave you a plan a long time ago. This is a good little business, but you could be so much more than this. You could be standing beside the best golf player in the world, be a part of her team, and if you had let me help you, earning a hell of a lot more than your business returns.”

“Yeah, well, I’m building my own dreams. This business rides on the back of my designs. You may not appreciate it, but this business is mine. I built it myself. I didn’t get money from my parents. I built this myself.”

His searing eyes never flinched. He held my glare with an icy cold disdain as I added. I am not going to be her dependant, relying on her generosity for pocket money. I’m not living off my girlfriend. Walking around with my hand out.”

“She said she offered to pay you.”

“Listen, Sir, I’m not working for her.”

“But you would have her work for you?”

“Yeah, if she wanted to.”

“Fuck, I give up. You’re an idiot. You’re living in the dark ages. Women are allowed careers. Times have changed, son. Women are no longer chained to the kitchen sink. I am bloody proud of her, and what she has achieved.”

“Yeah, and what happens if we had kids? What happens then? Do I sit at home and look after them while she parades around the world every day? No sir, that’s not happening.”

He drove away and I was left with an empty feeling in my stomach. It was a knot and it was tightening, screwing so painfully I had to grab the table for support.

I tried to pour myself into my job, anything to get her out of my mind, but it was difficult. I received phone call after phone call from the District Council over the building consent for Belle’s new home.

I tried to keep it pleasant, not make a fuss, but when I received a call from a builder, who was looking for some dimensions for beams and stuff. I had enough. I called Thomas. “Why are there builders chasing information for Belle’s Ruby Bay house?”

“Sorry Carl, I should have told you. We need more information. They can’t finalise their quotes without it.”

“Quotes? What quotes? I already got the quotes. There’s nothing outstanding. That was part of my deal. I am going to oversee the construction. I use my own team of builders.”

“Look, Carl, I think I can get Belle a better deal. I have been shopping around and I think we can get a cheaper price.”

“Like hell you can. We spoke about this. This is my project. If you don’t like what I organised, then I am withdrawing my services, including my plans.” I could feel my blood pressure boiling. The smug bastard. I pictured him sitting there with a stunned look on his face. “You’ve never paid for them, Thomas. They’re my property. Either you let me run the project my way, or you stop any use of those plans.”

“Now look here, Carl. You gave us those plans.”

“Yes, I did, on the understanding that it would be my project. I would manage all aspects of the design and construction.”

“Well, I think I can get a cheaper price elsewhere. Your design is wonderful, but you are not the only one who has contacts in the industry. I think with what happened between you and Belle, it would be best if you weren’t involved.”

“If that’s the way you feel. That’s okay. But hear me now. You cannot use those plans. They are mine and if the finished article looks anything like my concept plans, you will find yourself back in court.”

Disdain dripped menacingly from his voice. “Fine, you want to be paid. How much for the architectural work?”

“Nothing, because this deal was an all-in deal. I am withdrawing those plans. I offered you a damn good deal. I would manage the whole process. There was no need for you to even be involved.”

I could hear his breathing shorten. “Fine, we will get our own architect. You can piss off back under your rock.”

My plans were very specific and were drawn up to make the most of the environmental elements; north facing for maximum heating during winter, windows aligned to maximise the cooling summer breeze. It was all carefully thought out to reduce costs.

It was several weeks later when I got the shock of my life. There was a sharp rap on the front door one evening. When I swung it open there stood Elise, Belle’s mum. “Um, hello, Mrs. Bennet what can I do for you?”

“Carl, I just wanted to talk, Love. There seems to be so much animosity in the air at the moment. Belle is bawling her eyes out, Thomas is like a bear with a saw tooth. I was hoping that perhaps you and I could sit down over a cup of coffee and iron things out.”

I stepped back. “Come on in.”

We sat at the breakfast counter, sipping the coffee. “Carl, I know you care for Belle. In fact, I think you are head over heels in love with her.”

I nodded, afraid to speak, realising I would find it hard to keep the waver at bay.

“Why did you withdraw your consent for us to use the house plans?”

“Because your husband cut me out of the picture. You all knew that was to be my project from whoa to go.”

“Yes, perhaps Thomas approached it poorly. I’m sorry you felt rejected, but with what happened between you and Belle, we thought it might have been easier for everyone concerned if we gave you an opportunity to back out and keep face. We thought you might prefer not to be involved.”

Mrs. Bennet, those designs are mine. I drew them up before Belle saw them. They weren’t designed specifically for her. I was happy for her to have them at no cost. In fact, I was proud and happy that she wanted to use them. But it was going to be my project. For heaven’s sake, I was doing the project management, which I was also going to be doing for nothing, there’s no way Thomas could get a better deal.”

“You never said that, Carl. I’m sure if Thomas knew that he would never have gone elsewhere.”

“Yeah, well all anybody had to do was ask. With my design work, and the project management aspect. That’s over fifty thousand dollars. I was giving that free of charge.”

She reached for my hand, stroking the back gently in a motherly sort of way. “I’m sorry, Carl. I never wanted things to get nasty. Belle asks after you every day. She loves you so much, you must know that.”

“It certainly doesn’t feel that way. She never even said goodbye. Nothing, not even a text.”

“Honey, she is headstrong. She is like her father, she gets all fired up and angry and then there’s no reasoning with her.

“Sorry, Mrs. Bennet, but your theory holds no water. I f she loved me. She would have at least said goodbye.

She grimaced, her face contorting. “Honey, that’s just Belle. She is stubborn.”

“Well good luck to her.

“I don’t believe that for one minute. You care Carl, you don’t fool me for a minute. If we could put that aside for a moment and talk about the house? What do I have to do to make it right? How can I fix this?”

“You can’t. I’m sorry it worked out this way, but Thomas has made it abundantly clear where I stand. Those designs are mine and I will be marketing them as such. If Thomas uses my plans we will end up in court.”

“Please don’t do that, Carl, I beg, please can we find an amicable solution?”

“I’m not doing this to be malicious or spiteful, Elise. I am just protecting my intellectual property.”

We finished our coffee in silence. At the end she stood up, hugged me tightly, kissed me on the cheek and whispered, “I really am sorry for the way things worked out. This just feels wrong. We were going to be family. Please Carl, can’t you soften your approach? Belle has already bought the property.

“No, I know it is hard but those designs are mine. There are lots of good architects around. If you need a referral, I can arrange that.”

“Deary me Carl, you seem so bitter, you must really love that girl. Again, I am sorry. I would have loved for you to be part of our family. I’m sorry we let you down, I’m sad that you feel so let down. Please reconsider.”

She left and I kicked the shoe bucket screaming. “Fuck!”

The information requests dried up. Life moved on. Belle seemed to be on an upward curve. She flew into the top ten, then into the top five. Her face was plastered everywhere. Magazines, newspapers, TV, billboards, if it could carry advertising her face was on it.

I got a boost, as well. The plans I designed for her were picked up by a family who were building a house out in the Maitai Valley. It was equally as good a setting as Belle’s site. We started construction within months of signing. It was going to be a big winner for me. The design was picked up by several magazines and industry newsletters. The design was hailed as ground-breaking and a novel use of natural materials.

My personal profile grew, my business prospered. I had to take on staff. I employed Joy as my office assistant. She was cute, effusive and good at her job. She was perfect for me.

I tried to push Belle’s memory from my life. I wanted her expunged. It was however much more difficult. Every time I turned on the TV, or picked up a newspaper, there was her picture. Every time I saw her pictured with some celeb or pretty boy it tugged at my heartstrings. It took months before I came to the realisation that stalking her like that was just causing me grief.

The house in the Maitai Valley was finished. It got rave reviews and was featured not just in NZ but many papers around the world. I received many accolades, and of course, with the acclaim came money. It meant hiring another architect, and a couple of project managers. Things were looking up.

As part of my growing business, I followed the local real estate market closely, searching for interesting bare blocks of land to build new homes on.

While browsing the real estate pages of the Saturday press, I was shocked to see Belle’s Ruby bay block come up for auction. I was not only shocked, but immediately interested. I wanted it. God damn, I wanted it so badly.

I drove out there and surveyed it again. Again, I was shocked that they hadn’t done a single thing to it. That was an added bonus. It meant there would be no extra prep work.

I rang the agent, trying my best to hide my excitement, and asked what they thought it would go for. She seemed to think in today’s market, it might go for close to a million.

I ruminated, checked my bank balance, ruminated some more and decided, regardless of how much it would stretch my feeble finances, I would bid on it. I wanted it badly.

Using a broker, I placed my bid. My absolute maximum bid was going to be eight-fifty. Win lose or draw.

On the auction day, I followed it closely on my phone. The broker acting on my behalf attended the auction and started the bidding low. making his bids in small increments, he dragged it out as long as he could. It turned out the agent was miles off. We won the bid at

It didn’t fill me with happiness. In fact, I was sad for Belle.

With the block secured, I now needed plans. I couldn’t repeat using the existing plans. I had made a guarantee to the Atawhai clients that it was a one off. I set to work. Hours and hours I sweated over those drawings, but eventually I came up with something novel. Using all my skills, I designed what I hoped would become a modern masterpiece. It was something that, when I looked at sketched out, made me tremble. I realised it was good, perfect for the site and it included all of the necessary elements. It would be carbon neutral. The running costs would be infinitesimal, and above everything else, it looked stunning. The roof-line followed the contours of the hills; it nestled in low so as not to stand out too much.

The hard part would be building it. Now that I was servicing a mortgage on the land, I needed to move quickly. I knew I could never convince the bank that it would be my own home. I got the loan based on the fact it would be a spec-home. Which I would build and sell quickly.

The planning consents went through and construction started immediately. I was on site every day, making sure everything went smoothly and there were no hiccups.

Another thing happened: Joy. She was a very attractive young woman and having her in the office every day was a highlight. She was bright and bubbly. She may have been tiny at five foot three, but what she lacked in height she made up for with personality. She really lifted the whole team.

She had a certain quality that sucked you in. She had the most gorgeous eyes, deep, like pools of melted chocolate. I think she may have had a mixed ethnicity, her skin had that glorious warm glow.

We had fun; she was like that, always joking and laughing, playing tricks on each other.

It was the Christmas party where things changed. We didn’t have a lot of money to spend, so I opted for a barbecue. We went down to Tahunanui beach and set up for the day. There was more than enough food and drinks. We swam, ate, drank and generally enjoyed the day. The others all left, but Joy stayed to help me pack up. As we did, she asked, “Would you like a last drink before we go?”

That’s how we ended up lying among the sand dunes, sheltering from a breeze that picked up. She snuggled up on the leeward side of me, getting out of the wind. Her thin cotton dress was no match for the bite of the northwester.

The heat of her sexy taut little body radiated through that flimsy material and her head resting on my shoulder stirred emotions I tried desperately to restrain. An office romance was something I didn’t want.

Her lips though found their way onto my naked neck, soft gentle nibbles, her tongue tasting the salty brine from my earlier swim. Her hand slipped up under my T-shirt and I felt her sliding sexily across my abdomen, stroking, caressing, her touch so light it was torture.

I turned to say stop, but her mouth closed over mine and the kiss that exploded was beyond intense; it was ferocious, hungry, devouring and animalistic.

I rolled her onto her back, my weight crushing her into the sand, her bikini bottoms no defence against my rampant member. I was inside her, enveloped in the hot moist confines of her convulsing pussy. “Oh god,” she squealed. “Don’t stop.”

‘Stop?’ God, that was the furthest thing from my mind. My hips rose and fell quickly, her legs wrapped tightly around my waist as she tried to get more of me inside her. It was fierce, raw, brutal sexuality exploding in a passionate crescendo.

So started our romance. She was the tonic I needed for a broken heart, she was the glue that stuck it back together. Life suddenly didn’t seem so dark, there was light.

We went out to the movies; she loved to hike. I tried to teach her to play golf, but after a hilarious afternoon of watching her dig up my favourite fairways, we both decided she was never going to be a golfer.

She uncovered my relationship with Belle by accident. There were some fairly incriminating emails on my computer. Which she stumbled upon while searching for a client’s information. It was one of those moments I wished had never happened. When she questioned, me I tried to hide the facts.

“Carl, you still love her, don’t you?” Her words cut me like a flashing blade, my old wounds opened and the raw flesh was exposed.

“No, don’t be ridiculous. That was ages ago.”

“Don’t lie to me. I can see it in your eyes. You do, don’t you? You still love her.”

“Joy, she is history, she is consigned to a time in my life that is long gone.”

“But if she walked in here tomorrow, you would die for her, dive in front of a bullet to save her.”

“Okay, okay, yes, I still have feelings for her, but I have moved on.”

She hugged me. “I don’t think you have, but I hope one day you will feel about me, the way you feel for her.”

It wasn’t the end of our relationship, but it certainly cooled. Fuck, Belle, even although she wasn’t in my life, was finding ways to screw me over.

I finished the house and it was every bit as spectacular as I expected it to be. It was amazing, but even with careful management I used up every cent of my contingency. We stayed on budget, but only just. Now I had a million-dollar mortgage.

It was hard. I wanted to keep it, but it was becoming more obvious with every passing day that I couldn’t afford it. Not yet anyway. It broke my heart the day that realisation seeped into my weeping brain. The real estate agent almost had a fit when she walked into the property. She gushed and cooed. She was in love. When I set the price at one point seven million, she didn’t even flinch.

“Carl, it’s not enough, you could get more. I think I could sell it tomorrow at that price. Why not go to auction?”

“Because I hate the idea of selling. I want it gone as soon as possible.”

She gave me a little hug. “Okay, but if you don’t mind, let me work it at two million. If I can’t get that I will eat my hat.”

True to her word, the house sold within a month. I was now the next millionaire, but it didn’t take away the pain.

Fucking Belle, even then she got the last laugh. Reading the weekend newspaper there was an article. A peek into the celebrity world of Belle Bennet, the new owner. There were pictures of most rooms, but the picture of Belle and her parents was the galling part for me. The bitch had outsmarted me, at least that’s how it felt. Call it juvenile, but it felt like she had worked me over. That she sold the property knowing I would buy it, finish the build and sell.

The article also carried an interview with her about how she was going to base herself out of Nelson from now on so she could be close to her parents.

I tried to put it behind me, to move on with my life. I had new designs, that I wanted to build. The sale of the property and resultant media coverage did me one favour. I was now the architect of the moment, I was suddenly the people’s choice, and I had more work than I could handle. My goal, though, was to win. I found another property in Ruby Bay. It might have even been better than the first. The fact it sat above Belle’s place and would hold pride of place was the icing on the cake. It wasn’t really for sale, but I found out through contacts that the owners were contemplating selling it. I approached them personally, and we settled on seven hundred thousand. Larger than the original, it did have some negatives. Cresting the cliffs, it was going to have to withstand all the winds.

The design I developed, was low and sleek, all of the rooms having sweeping views of the bay. The roofline sloped down into the wind, and the deck was sheltered by clear glass panels.

The construction brought about lots of interest and there was the usual coverage. I got my photo on the front page. Award winning architect builds new dream house.

Joy, rather than being impressed, became angry. She loved the house design, but she saw through me like I was paper thin. “You’re not building this because the site interests you, or that it fits. Or even that you love it. You’re just trying to get one over on your ex. You are a sick puppy, Carl.”

It sort of spelled the end of our relationship. I was very sad the day she handed me her resignation. It wasn’t just from the job, she was resigning from my life.

I moved into my new house, sold my old one, and I suppose I should have been happy as a pig in shit. Somehow though, the house just made me sad. It was big, too big for me. I was lost in it. I swam in it. It never felt like home, it felt like I lived in a show home, which is what it was.

Yes, I won an award with it. Yes, it got me lots of publicity and my little business took another leap forward. The problem is I didn’t exactly hate it, but it never ever felt like my home. It never gave me pleasure. Not real pleasure. I was living there to prove a point to Thomas, to Belle. I was surreptitiously saying, “Suck this, bitch.”

It was one day while shopping in the little supermarket at Mapua I bumped into Belle. The first time in over a year. I suppose it was bound to happen. We were, after all, neighbours. That aside, it was still a shock. We stood either side of the freezer, both reaching in for something. Her eye caught mine and she grinned. “Well, well, well. Hello, Carl.”

Seeing her again made my heart skip a beat. It felt weird seeing her again. “Hi, Belle, how have you been?” Be still, you beating heart, stay cool, don’t make a fool of yourself.

“Good, I’m taking a couple of months off to enjoy my first summer in the house.”

“Sounds great. How are you finding living in it?”

She gave a wistful sigh. “I love it. I suppose I should say thank you. It is better than the original.”

Trying to bite back my feeling of anger, I tried to sound deep and philosophical. “As they say, everything happens for a reason. Glad you’re enjoying it.”

There was no animosity or malice in her answer, unlike me she seemed totally unfazed “Carl, I love it, and mum adores it. I can’t keep her away. We put a pool in, and she turns up for a swim all the bloody time.”

Why didn’t she feel the resentment, like me? “Good, nice to know,” I replied curtly.

She cheekily asked, “How’s your golf game going?”

“Pretty good, almost down to scratch.”

“Wow, pretty good.”

“Yeah, I’m happy with it. I don’t get out as often as I would like, but hey, that’s how it goes.”

I saw her biting her bottom lip in a nervous, uncomfortable manner. “Do you have a partner… significant other? Is there somebody in your life?”

“No, just me and Gumbo, my little terrier. What about you?”

With a shake of her long glossy tresses, she said, “Nope, you know me. Nothing but golf.”

“Well, nice to see you again,” I said, turning away. “Might see you around.”

She pouted sadly. “Yes, I suppose so.” As I walked off, I got no further than a couple of paces before she threw out, “Would you like to go out for a round of golf sometime? I go out most days.”

I laughed knowingly. “Yeah, I heard. Apparently, the subscriptions are up by three hundred percent at Tasman.”

She sniggered. “Yeah, it’s hard to have a casual game. They tried to drag me into the pennants team. I didn’t think that was fair.”

“Yeah, I got an invite as well.”

She looked shocked. “You did? Wow, holy shit, you must’ve improved.”

Her barb did bite a little, but I replied, “No, I think it more reflects the ability, or lack thereof, from the other members.”

She giggled mischievously. “I would love to see whether you have improved. I know things sort of imploded on us, but I would love to try and at least be friends. Otherwise, it’s going to make these supermarket meetings difficult.”

“Do you really think it’s a good idea?”

Her sad expression deepened, as she pushed her trolley up besides mine. “What could it hurt? It’s just a game of golf.”

“Belle, I’m not so sure. Why stir all that shit up? It hasn’t worked in the past.”

“Carl, surely we can be friends, God, I’m not asking for a date. We shared so much, and I would love to have you as my friend. I mean, shit, we may end up on the same team, if we both play Pennants.”

Could we do it? Could we be just friends? With a deep reluctant sigh, I replied, “Yeah, all right, what about next weekend? I have a couple of days off.”

“Could we go somewhere else? Tasman is pretty crowded these days.”

“Yeah, what about over at Mot?”

She nodded. “Guess I better get some practise in.”

“Not to beat me.”

I watched with a fluttering heart as she walked away. God, she still managed to get my pulse racing.

That night at home, I dug out as many balls as I could and headed out back to my driving range. The one treat I gave myself when I built the place was that the grassed area out the back that was long enough for a driving range.

Over the next few days, I smacked somewhere near a thousand balls down my range. Was I any better? Yes, I think I was. My drive was at its peak.

The Sunday game raced towards me, and I got nervous. I almost prayed for rain. Unfortunately, the day dawned sunny and bright.

As I packed the car, my phone beeped. Being bright and sunny, I didn’t recognise the number. “Hi, Carl here.”

There was a little giggle, then Belle’s velvety voice. “Hi Carl, are we going to save the planet some carbon, and drive over together?”

Surprised, I panicked. “Yeah, if you want.”

“Christ, if it’s too big a deal I’ll drive myself.”

“No, sorry, I just wasn’t expecting it. I’ll pick you up.”

“Cool, see you in ten.”

Driving up to the house was interesting. It still hurt a little that after everything she still ended up with it. Rather than go in, I honked the horn and she came out wearing a micro mini-skirt and a tight-fitting pink T-shirt that proved beyond the shadow of a doubt she was braless.

I helped her load in the clubs. “Do you want to come in and see what I did with the place?”

“No thanks, Belle. I’ve seen inside.”

She shrugged. “Okay. Just thought you might like to see what I did, my tastes.”

As we drove over the coast road, she blurted out, “I thought you might have updated your car. The old Golf must be nearly worn out now.”

“No, she gets me around. It’s just a car.”

We drove on, and with every passing mile, the silence became more awkward. What started off being a bad idea was getting worse. Belle blurted out, “I suppose you think you can beat me, now you play off scratch.”

“No, you’re what, number four in the world, and I’m supposed to beat you? Yeah, right.”

“We could have a little bet.”

“A bet huh, and what would that be? I remember the first time you hustled me.”

“What say the loser cooks dinner?”

I glanced across at her and she had that cheeky little grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Cooks dinner, aye. Yeah, all right, you’re on, but you have to give me five shots.”

“No way!” she shrieked. “Fuck, you cheeky bastard. Five shots, that’s too many.”

“Oh come on, you’re a professional golfer. You play every day. I play once a month, at best.”

She pouted, bit her lip. “I’ll give you three shots, but that’s it.”

“Okay, three shots and you play from the men’s marker.”

She pretended to be annoyed. “Okay, deal.” She reached over and we shook hands. The feel of her warm hand in mine felt good. It brought back instant memories of days gone by. The shake held for a long time, I felt her thumb massaging the back of my hand.

We unloaded the clubs, picked up our cards and headed for the first tee.

I waved for her to start. She had a couple of practise swings and I was shocked. Her swing had gone again. Replaced by the most repugnant thing I had ever seen. It was angular, squared off and downright ugly.

She finished her practise swing and drove a pretty good drive. It was straight, with just a little fade. About 230 yards.

I set up and took a couple of swings to warm up. Standing over the ball I tried to breathe deep and swallow the anxiety. Did I really think I could beat her…?

Crack, the ball flew from the middle like a tracer bullet. It flew long and straight about 255 yards at least. It skipped on easily on the morning dew.

As I picked up my tee, Belle said, “Wow, that was a hell of a shot. You have been practising.”

“Nah, just lucky.”

As we walked on, I had to ask. “What happened to your swing?”

She grimaced. “What’s wrong with my swing? It might not be pretty, but it works. I know it, and it works for me.”

“You think that’s working for you,” I hissed. “Jesus, if you say so.”

She found her ball on the edge of the fairway, she was left with a shot of about 190. She pulled out her recovery five wood and nailed a drive that took her to the edge of the green.

“Five wood, wow. I remember when you would have nailed that with a seven iron.”

“Yeah, that’s true, but by using the five wood, it means I can just swing through, no pressure. It’s called being professional.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Using an eight nine iron, I landed my shot on the green, leaving a nice easy putt for one under.

By the time we were on the fifth hole, I was three shots up and out driving her the whole way. I could see her getting flustered. The banter had dried up and she was trying too hard. Way too hard.

I decided to make the most of it. As she was setting up for the drive I called out. “If you can outdrive me here, I’ll give you a hundred bucks.”

She turned and snarled, “Shut up, Carl, stop trying to wind me up.”

“Yeah, it was crazy to think you could out drive me with that butt ugly swing. You’re never going to win that competition. What you cooking for dinner, girl?”

“I said shut up!” she snarled. She swung hard and it was vicious. Yeah, she got some distance but the slice was wicked. I kept my eye on the ball but it was well and truly in the rough.

Eyeing me with an evil stare she snapped. “Fuck you.”

I felt buoyed and confident as I stood over the ball. Crack, another beautiful drive, maybe the longest drive of the day. Maybe the best drive I had ever hit.

We walked off and I had a smile that wouldn’t fade. Belle was upset. I could see it on her face. I had managed to get under her skin. I couldn’t believe how much this meant to her. For some reason, and I don’t know why, but it made me smile. “Yeah, feel the pain bitch,” I thought to myself.

We played on and as I watched the anguish on her face grow, it started to play on my conscience. I watched her hack her ball out of the long grass from behind a tree. Her second shot was still short of my drive.

I nailed my approach shot and I could see I had an easy putt for a birdie.

Belle fell apart. Her approach shot was crap, well over hit. Her putt was choked and she had to two-putt to finish.

As we walked to the next tee, I could see the tears in her eyes. There was no banter, no conversation. She was furious with herself. Her confidence totally shattered.

Why the hell wasn’t I enjoying this more? Fuck it was what I wanted, to see her in pain, see her struggle. She hurt me and I wanted to hurt her. Now I had it firmly within my grasp and I could squeeze harder. Damn it. Looking at her wiping away a little tear, I swallowed hard. I set up for the next hole, a short par three. I pulled out my nine iron and purposefully played a sliced shot that landed me in the big bunker. I added a “Bugger,” for good measure.

That error seemed to lift her. It ignited a little flame, a ray of hope. She played a nice seven Iron onto the green and sank her putt for a birdie. I purposefully stuffed up my sand wedge and she had two shots back.

Her step was lighter and she seemed brighter. By the halfway stage I had let enough shots go that she was almost caught up.

As she won the last hole, she got to drive first. “You don’t like my swing, huh?”

“Nope, gotta say it is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. The other girls must be laughing their tits off.”

“They’re not laughing that hard. I have been getting good finishes.”

“Maybe, but you’re not winning, and you never will. You’ve lost a good fifty yards off the tee. Okay, your approach shots are better, but your drives. Well, what can I say, they suck.”

She set up her tee and drove straight up the middle again. Yeah, it was reliable, but it was short. I out drove her without really trying, just to drive home the point. Her putting was wobbly, but I put that down to the pressure, she was feeling the pinch. She did not want to lose to me. It was obvious this meant more to her than it did to me. Right then I decided to let her win. What the hell, I didn’t care. The knowledge that I could win was all I needed.

I slowly let her off the hook. I tried not to make it too obvious, but I think she picked up on it. By the eighteenth her game flowed, and her putting was back. She beat me by one shot.

We stopped in at the clubhouse and she was recognised by the barman, who shouted us the drinks for a photo of him and Belle together. We carried our drinks out onto the deck. As we sat down, she spat out acerbically, “Why did you let me win?”

I shrugged. “It seemed to mean more to you than me. I didn’t care.”

“So you could have beat me?”

“Yes, easily.”

“Fuck.” She looked completely defeated. “Carl, I’m in a hole. You’re right about my drive. I hate it, but mine deserted me, I couldn’t get it right. I tried to remember what you said, but the harder I tried, the worse it got. This style I’m using isn’t working. Yeah, I finish on the leader board, but I will never win a damn thing. My confidence is shot.”

“Belle, why is it so difficult? From the very first time I saw you I was at a loss for words. You were poetry in motion, an absolute thing of beauty.”

“Yeah, but as soon as the pressure goes on, I tighten up and lose it.”

We finished our drinks and I said, “Okay, what do you want for dinner? I will have to stop at the supermarket.”

“Huh, I don’t want anything I didn’t earn. I know you threw that game.”

I tried to hide my snide grin. “What do you want to do then? We could stop somewhere, and I will buy dinner.”

She hissed snarkily, “Like hell, if we stop, I’m paying.”

“But I lost.”

“No, you bloody didn’t, ignore the cards.”

We stopped at the pub in the middle of town and had our dinner. We talked about my business and how it grew. We talked about her place, and how much she loved it. “It’s just too big for me. I feel lost in it sometimes. When mum comes over, or friends drop in, it’s great. But when I’m there by myself, it just feels cavernous.”

“Yeah, I feel the same,” I replied.

As we approached the turn off, she asked, “Can I have a look around your place?”

As we pulled up outside, she whistled, just like her father. I smiled to myself. “Holy shit, Carl, this is nice.”

I showed her around and we walked out through the back patio and she saw the driving range. “Oh, you have got to be kidding. Christ, you bloody cheat.”

We walked out to the tee area and she smiled. Turning to walk back inside she punched me on the arm. “Bloody cheat.”

“Do you want me to drive you home?”

“Nah, I can walk from here,” she said. “Thanks for a great day, and for letting me win. I can’t explain why it meant that much to me. Stupid pride, I suppose, but I have to say, you played really well.”

“Thanks, Belle, that actually means a lot to me.”

We had a hug and she strolled lazily down the driveway. “I’ll come back tomorrow for my clubs.”

“I’ll leave them around the back. I’ll be at work.”

Arriving home the next day, I opened the door and heard the crack. I peered out my rear window to find Belle on the driving range. She was smashing balls everywhere. She was obviously trying to find her swing. It wasn’t working.

With my heart in my mouth, I walked up behind her. “Not like that.”

She turned, startled. I grabbed her hips and shimmied her up to the ball. “Okay, feet a little more apart.”

She followed my instructions as she rested the club face against the ball. She went to raise the club and I stopped her.

Wriggling in closer, I reached around and put my hands over hers. I drew our hands back until she was in position, held it for a second and then we swung slowly through the line of the ball. We did it time and again until she had it fixed in her memory. After fifteen minutes or so, I stepped back and left her to it. Smack, powerful and straight. The ball flew straight and true. I dropped another ball and she repeated it.

We ran out of balls and had to walk down the range to retrieve them. As we walked, she sighed. “How can you see that? Nobody else can. Christ, I have paid thousands to coaches. None of them can get me to this space.”

“Belle, I told you yesterday. That first day when we met, the vision of you swinging that driver was immediately imprinted, burnt into my brain. That image will be with me forever. It truly was, and I repeat was, a thing of beauty.”

She gave me that cute cheeky grin that always managed to melt my heart. “Thank you.”

Whether my little speech inspired her or not I don’t know but, she continued until her arms ached.

I left her to it and went inside to make something for dinner. I watched her from the corner of my eye as she rubbed her shoulders. Dinner was quick and easy: cold chicken and a ready-made salad from the supermarket. I threw it on the table and called out, “I did officially lose on Sunday, so I made dinner if you want to share.”

She walked in tentatively, her confidence somehow evaporating. We sat at the large Rimu table and I poured out a glass of wine.

“Wow, Carl, I have to say, this place is incredible. Your views are better than mine. And this house, it’s palatial.”

“I’ll give you the tour after dinner, if you’re interested.”

She nodded, her mouth full of chicken.

I showed her around the house, she stopped in front of the spa pool in the private courtyard from the master bedroom. She rubbed her shoulder as she gazed at it.

I walked to the closet and pulled out a couple of big fluffy towels and threw them to her. She caught them with ease, gave me a quizzical glare. “What are these for?”

“I can see your shoulder’s sore. Jump in, have a soak. It might help.”

She sniggered teasingly. “I don’t have a bathing suit.”

“So, skinny dip. I’m going out to do the dishes and clean up.”

I walked out leaving her cuddling the fluffy towels to her face.

I finished the dishes, cleaned down the table and was resting with my second beer before she surfaced, her gorgeous silky hair flowing, glistening in the late evening sun. “God, that was nice. I was going to install one, but dad talked me out of it.”

“How’s the shoulder?”

She gave it a rub. “Sore. I guess it’s the change in swing. I need to try and get used to it again.”

“How did it feel, the swing I mean?”

She grinned warmly. “Like coming home after a long sabbatical. You’re right, I knew it, I guess I just needed somebody to convince me.”

I jumped up and got her a beer; she always liked to share mine. She accepted it with a smile as I plonked down on the sofa beside her.

As we sipped our drinks she said, “Thank you for being honest with me.”

“No problem.”

“How come you haven’t got somebody here sharing this incredible house with you?”

“I’ve had a few relationships, but I guess I never met the right girl. You set the bar pretty high. Your shoes are hard to fill.”

She blushed, not something that happened easily, let me tell you. “So what about you? Every time I open a magazine, I see you on some stud’s arm.”

She winced a little and gave me a challenging glare. I felt stupid for sounding so jealous. “I’ve never hidden the fact I like sex. Yes, I have dated a few guys, but just because I’m photographed with some guy, doesn’t mean I slept with him.”

“Hey, chill. I wasn’t judging, just saying you’ve had plenty of admirers.”

“Yeah, it gets lonely on tour. I hate to eat alone, I like company. If that means I let some guy think he’s getting lucky, then so be it.” She gave me a teasing coquettish smile. “Some do, but not all.”

We finished our beers and she sighed. “I better go, Mum and Dad are coming over.”

I walked her to the door. She turned slowly and with a hint of a smile asked. “Would you mind if I come over and use the driving range for a few days?”

“No, feel free. I’ll leave the keys to the house under the back door mat. I’ll leave some towels out, as well.”

She leaned in and gave me a sweet little peck on the cheek. “Thanks, babe.” With that she was gone, her gorgeous sexy figure sauntering sexily down my drive. Her perky arse cheeks swaying seductively.

As she disappeared from sight, I sucked in a deep breath. Damn, she was sexy. The fact that she still made my heart flutter, my palms clammy and my mouth go dry, just proved that I was never really over her. Probably never would be.

I had to work late the next day; it was after dark when I arrived home. The house was locked, but there were wet towels on the spa deck. When I opened the fridge to get something for dinner, I found a plate wrapped in foil: a steak and potato salad.

The next few days were a repeat. Wet towels and freshly made salad., She sure as hell was making use of my driving range. It was busy workwise and the next weekend rolled around before I was able to get some time off. Saturday morning, found me relaxing with the newspaper, when there was a knock on the door. “Hey, Carl, do you mind if I use the driving range?”

I waved her in. “Where are your clubs?”

She sniggered. “I leave them here, they’re in the little shed with your lawnmower.”

I laughed. “Go for it, I need a laugh.”

She poked her tongue out and replied. “The laughs on you, smart arse. You couldn’t beat me now if you tried.”

I watched as she drove some balls down the range. It was noticeable for me that her back shoulder had dropped. I walked slowly up behind her and reached over and grabbed her hands. “I think I could beat you. Look, Belle, you keep dropping your back shoulder.” I placed my hand on her shoulder and pulled it back against me, raising it a little to straighten her stance.

I placed my hands on hers and we went through the swing repeatedly. Her body felt hot and sensuous pressed against me, and when she pushed her cute tushy back against me and wriggled, I felt my dick throb and swell.

I stepped back and she looked back over her shoulder despairingly. “Why did you move?”

“I want to watch your swing.” I tried to hide my desire. Damn, she pressed my buttons.

She swung, driving the ball effortlessly, but straight away her shoulder dropped. I jumped up and growled, “Christ, I just told you.”

She winced. “Sorry.”

I moved in close behind her and reached around to grip the club with her. Instantly I felt her arse wriggle and nestle back into my crotch. I realised too late that she did it on purpose. We stood there, our feet stuck in quicksand, her body writhing back against me, my hands on hers as we clasped the club.

There was no movement apart from the gentle grinding of that delicious arse. I had to move, I had to or it would be too late.

I raised the club. “Remember, keep the shoulders straight.”

We swung through the line a few times. This time when I stepped back, she swung smoothly with that elegant feline grace I remembered so well. “Good, very good.”

I went back inside, leaving her to it. She came in a little while later. “Do you still think you could beat me?”

I shrugged, wondering where this was headed. “Yeah, I think I could.”

She smirked. “I believe you think so, but the question is, could you? I don’t think so.”

“So, your point is?”

“The other day we played and you let me win. I know you thought you were doing the right thing, but that hurt. I don’t need or want your sympathy. If you thought you could beat me, I want you to at least try.”

“So, you want to play for real, an actual game?”

She nodded. “Yes, but there will need to be a prize for the winner.”

“Okay, if you beat me, I’ll mow your lawns for a month.”

She sneered. “I already have a gardener.”

“Then what are you proposing?”

“Loser has to pay for our date?”

“Date?”

“Yes, I want you to take me out on a date. A proper date, and the loser pays.”

“Belle, do you really think that’s a good idea? We just got to a good space as friends. We always seem to end up wanting to kill each other”

“No, we don’t know that. It failed last time because of your stupid ego. Now, we have both grown a little, learned things about each other. For heaven’s sake, it’s just a date.”

“Yeah, okay. Bring it on, but no crying when it’s over.”

She left me staring after her again. She seemed to walk in and out of my life, turn it on its head. I walked out to the range, dragged out my driver and slammed a few. Could I beat her? It would be nice to wipe that smug expression off her face. I could have won the last time, but I sensed how important it was to her. Cheeky bitch had the gall to talk about my ego; fuck, she was worse. Why did she get so upset when she realised I was going to win? Women, impossible to understand.

As we headed off, Belle looked confused when I turned right, heading towards Nelson. “Where are we going?”

“Maitai Valley. Thought we might try Waahi Taakaro.”

She gave me a questioning scowl. “A favourite of yours, is it?”

She obviously thought I was trying to trick her. “Actually, I have never played it before. What about you?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Good, it will be new for both of us.”

It turned out to be a good choice. There weren’t many players on the course, and it was beautiful.

I let Belle tee off first. I could see by the way she set up and the time she took that this was serious. She wanted to win. She played a sensational shot. Tracer bullets fly slower.

As she bent over to pick up her tee, she lifted her leg and I couldn’t help but stare. God, she had spectacular legs.

I set up and tried to calm my nerves, take my time. Sucking in a big breath I swung hard and my drive was equally as good. With the roll on, I actually beat her.

Where her game was better than mine was the approach shots. Hers were precise, where mine were looser. We traded shot for shot, but I began to feel the pressure. I tensed up, nerves got to me and I began to make errors, silly things. I tried harder and it hurt.

By the tenth hole, I was four shots behind and struggling. Not with the course, but with myself. I wanted to win.

Belle, on the other hand, soared, her confidence at an all-time high. Shot after shot she nailed and I fell further behind. She joked, “Shit, I wish we had money on this.”

“Fuck you,” I spat out.

Resignation seeped in as we neared the end. I swallowed the huge ball of ego shattering disgust stuck in my throat. Belle wanted to talk and chat, I ignored her. I walked off, leaving her on her own. As she sank her final putt, she gazed at me with a big winning smile spread across her face. “So, where are we going for dinner?”

Her smug attitude annoyed me. “I don’t know.”

She replied, “I suppose we should have brought clothes, to save driving home to change.”

She thought she was so clever, smug bitch. I shouldn’t have been angry. I should have been happy that her drive was functioning again.

Pride, nobody likes to lose.

No venue establishment had been named, there was no destination decided on. As we drove into town, we pulled up at a roundabout to give way, and I saw the big Burger King sign on the other side. I smiled inwardly as I swerved and pulled in.

Surprised she snorted. “Oh no, you fucking don’t. Carl, you’re not serious.”

I smirked. “You never gave me any limits, you just said loser had to pay for the date.”

I walked around and opened her car door for her. “Madam, your dinner awaits.”

She shook her head in dismay. “You tight bastard, still If this is the best you can do, then fine.”

She gripped my hand as I helped her out.

We stood in line as she scanned the menu. After ordering, we found a corner table. “Did losing to me piss you off that much?”

I flinched. “No, it was more your big headed attitude. Smug bitch.”

She grinned an evil grin as she took a huge bite from her burger. As she munched it down, she said, “You know, this is all right. Good choice.”

I laughed. “Actually, I agree. Why did you want to go on a date anyway?”

Taking a big slurp from her coke, she looked at me thoughtfully. “Truthfully, I have missed you. This last week or so didn’t just open up old wounds, it made me acutely aware of how much I miss you.”

I nodded. “I miss you, as well. I just don’t see how we can make it work.”

“Carl, come with me. I have to go back on tour in a week. I have a tournament in Hong Kong. I need you. Don’t you see, my game has improved so much. A week ago, you beat me easily without even trying. Today, I know you were frustrated, but you couldn’t do it.”

“Belle, I have a business to run. I’m doing well. I have picked up jobs from all over the country. I can’t just pack up and go.”

She took another huge bite of her burger and had to wipe away the mayonnaise from her mouth. “Can’t, or won’t?”

“Combination of both, I suppose,” I replied.

“Why is it so hard for you to let go? I would love to have you standing by my side, helping, guiding, encouraging. Bloody hell, tons of the other girls have their partners on tour with them. Why is it so hard for you?”

“Yeah, I’m sure you would. Belle, you are a superstar. The world is your oyster. If I go with you, I will be nothing more than the bloke who holds your clubs, or opens your car door. I don’t want to be that guy, standing in the shadows, forgotten, overlooked.”

She sighed. “So you would rather let me fail than stand beside me? Not behind me, I don’t want you in the shadows.”

“Where else is there for me? You are the star of the show. I would only be there as your assistant, your aide. Call me what you want, but that’s the truth of it.”

“God damn it, you frustrate me. If I had the chance to sit at your table as you received all those awards for your incredible designs, I would have been proud, honoured, elated. To sit there and hold your hand. I would love to support you. Why can’t you do the same for me?”

“I’m happy, Belle. I love to see you winning, playing well. It’s not like I wish you ill.”

A little tear formed in the corner of her eye, she wiped it away. “I would love to have you in my corner, standing beside me. If you were there, I think I could actually be number one.”

“You can be number one. You don’t need me.”

“Maybe I could, maybe I couldn’t, but I want you there.”

“Yeah, and what about all the Craig’s you have spread around the world? What about them? Do I have to wonder which guys you’ve bonked?”

“That is bullshit, you have hardly been celibate while I was away. You don’t see me complaining about who you slept with. I mean, is the reason that girl behind the counter is giving you the eye because you slept with her?”

Shocked, I glanced at the girl behind the counter, she was cute, very attractive in a boyish way. I sniggered derisively. “Belle, she’s not staring at me. She’s staring at you.”

She frowned turned and looked. The girl sort of batted her eyes and Belle giggled before whispering. “Oh shit, she is pretty though, and if you’re not going to share my bed I might go and chat her up.”

My smile disappeared as I tried to figure out if she was joking. “Relax, mister. It’s you I want.”

We finished our meal and the conversation slowly returned. We edged around the tricky bits, kept it light.

As we drove home, she leaned back in her seat and peered across at me. “Would you at least consider it? Think about it, babe, life could be a holiday, think how much fun we could have. We could tour the world, conquer new heights, scale mountains.”

“I don’t know, Belle, I love my job, that company is my baby. I built it from nothing.”

“I know that, and I’m not asking you to give it up, just take a sabbatical. We will be home regularly. I love my new home, Mum and Dad are here. We could come home after every tournament. All you need is a caretaker manager.”

“It would have to be somebody I trust.” God, was I actually thinking about this…?

She nodded. “Yes, somebody who understands business, somebody who cares.” She blinked, like a light bulb went on. “Carl, oh my god. What about Dad? He has been like a bear with a sore head lately. Mum says he’s bored. He might get a real charge out of looking after your baby.”

She looked happy. I was horrified. “Oh, fuck off. Your father hates me.” I almost choked on my maniacal laughter. “Jesus Christ, Belle, if he knew we were together now he would have the armed defenders out looking for me, with an order to shoot on sight.”

She tittered lightly, before replying. “You’ve got him all wrong, Carl. You have impressed him. He thinks you’re a bloody genius. He raves about your designs. I tell you what, he would love your new house. I was hoping you would let me bring him up for a guided tour.”

“It’s you who has it wrong, Belle. He might like my designs, but he told me exactly what he thought of me. Let’s see if I can remember some of the words he used: ‘Childish, stupid, moronic, insecure.’ The list goes on.”

“That’s because you wouldn’t come with me. He thinks you’re one of these chauvinistic, sexist guys who become insecure because their wife earns more, or is more famous.”

I shrugged. “That’s the way I was raised, I like the idea of being the rock, to stand on my own. I don’t like to have to rely on other people.

“You would never be that. I want a partner, a lover, a rock I can lean on, tell me off when my head gets too big. Carl, I love you. I don’t want you to give up your life, I just want you to become part of mine.”

As we drove up the hill, the sun glistened and shimmered off the waters of the bay. It was a beautiful evening. “Okay, it’s time for a decision. Are we sleeping in my bed or yours?” she asked.

I laughed loudly. “Smug bitch, as if that’s all you have to do. Snap your fingers and I fall into your bed.”

She gave me a very self-assured glare. “Sounds like it’s mine then.”

I had forgotten how much I loved the house, and Belle’s decorative style really made a difference. It was warm, minimalistic, but each painting or piece of art stood out. It was perfect.

Our lovemaking was loving, slow and tender. Her kiss

She was right, it was like coming home. We lay together, her head resting on my shoulder, my arm holding her tight. “God, I love you, Belle.”

She sniggered. “I know, but I love you more.”

Sleep came easy, I felt at peace, like the universe had shifted.

I woke early, with no curtains on the windows, the morning sun poked its annoying head in, covering the bed in sparkling light. Belle woke about the same time, and we laid there, our bodies snuggled together. I sat bolt upright, shocked when I heard voices.

“Are you still in bed sleepy head?” her mum called out. “Belle, get up, we have croissants.”

She looked at me with a sorrowful look. “Sorry, babe, I forgot they were coming today.”

“Shit, perhaps I could sneak out the back way.”

“No way.” She looked horrified. “Carl, we have nothing to be embarrassed about. We are adults.”

“Belle, your father is going to have a fit.”

“No, babe, he will be shocked, no question, but I think I know him better than you.”

She pulled on some clothes and rushed out to greet them. I heard Thomas’s voice. It was hard to miss. “Why is Carl’s car parked outside?”

She dressed quickly and rushed out to them.

“Shush, Dad. He has been helping me with my game.”

“Oh no, god almighty, Belle. Will you never learn?”

Belle snapped quickly. “Dad, shut up.”

Elise jumped in as well. “Thomas, be quiet. This is none of our business.” There was some rustling before I heard Elise say. “We do have enough, if he wants to share with us.”

I flopped back on the bed pulling the blankets over my head. The last thing I needed or wanted was to talk to Thomas. I didn’t hear Belle come in, but with one swish the blankets were gone and I was left lying there naked. “Come on, get up.” She chided.

I obviously didn’t look convinced, because she reached down and grabbed my hand. “Come on, babe.”

Reluctantly, I allowed her to pull me out of bed and I threw on my clothes from yesterday. Christ, I was going to be doing another walk of shame.

Elise rushed up when I emerged into the kitchen. “Carl, it is lovely to see you again.”

“Hi, Mrs. Bennet. Nice to see you as well. You look wonderful.”

“Oh stop it, you’ll make me blush, and it’s Elise. No more Mrs, please.”

Thomas walked over as well, although I could see Belle’s hand in his back, pushing. “Hello, Carl.”

“Good morning, Sir.”

I saw him bristle at the sir. He hated it and I knew it, but it was also meant as a sign of respect.

Belle jumped in and said, “Let’s eat, I’ll make some coffee.”

“Tea for me, please.”

She sniggered. “Yeah, I remember.”

We sat down at the table and Thomas sat opposite me. “So, Carl, can I ask what you are doing here?”

“Having breakfast.” Yeah, it was glib, but his attitude annoyed me.

“Smart arse,” he growled. “I hope you’re not going to carry out another search and destroy mission on my daughter’s life.”

“I have never tried to hurt Belle,” I bit back.

“Could have fooled me,” he snarled.

Elise jumped in loudly. “Stop it. The pair of you. Thomas I will say this once and once only. Shut up.”

He snatched his cup from Belle’s hand.

Elise said. “Carl, the house is amazing. You did an incredible job. It so fabulous. We both feel envious.”

Belle gushed out, “Mum, you have to see Carl’s house. You won’t believe it.”

Thomas snapped, “We saw the photos in the paper. Made quite a splash.”

Elise asked quietly as she gave Thomas an angry glare. “Could we have a look? I would love to see it, in the flesh.”

I nodded. “Sure, it’s just up the road. We could walk up there after breakfast.”

“So what’s this about helping Belle with her game?” Thomas grunted.

“Dad, Carl has helped me find my swing again.”

“What is wrong with the one you have? It works, look how far you’ve come.”

“Dad, I have reached the ceiling with my game at the moment. I want to be number one. I want it badly. Carl knows me, he always manages to find my best game. Dad, I am driving another fifty yards every time at the moment. Fifty yards, that’s huge for me. If I really believe I can nail that I can be number one.”

“But it has never worked for you, it always lets you down. Why change something that’s not broken?”

“Dad, every girl on the tour out drives me at the moment. With Carl’s help, I can get back on level ground.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know, Belle, I think you’re playing with fire. Remember, this man has let you down every single time.”

“Dad! Stop it. I let Carl down, he didn’t let me down.”

It was Elise who brought us back. “Can we please just enjoy breakfast? There is no need for all this angst.”

Belle blurted out. “Carl has a driving range at his place.”

Thomas choked a little on his croissant. “What?”

“Yeah, Dad, and it’s great.”

He shook his head.

Conversation dried up a little as we finished up. I got up and did the cleaning up. Elise asked, “Can we go for a look at your house, Carl?”

Belle jumped up. “Yes, let’s go.” Elise and Thomas walked out and Belle walked out beside me. Her hand slipped into mine as we walked.

Elise turned around and saw us hand in hand and a broad smile warmed her face.

Belle broke into a skip as we neared the house and ran up and unlocked.

I heard Elise gasp as we walked in. “Oh my god, Carl, it’s beautiful.” Belle grabbed her hand and led her up the hallway.

That left Thomas and I walking around the living area. He cast his eyes around, taking in the huge vaulted ceilings, the huge sliding doors. “Where the hell is this damn driving range?” he blustered.

I led him out the back. He stood on the tee and looked down the range. Off to the left, the vista opened up and the bay glistened. “Jesus, Carl. This is very nice. You have done well.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

He gave me a deep scowl. “For fuck’s sake, Carl. My name is Thomas.”

I swallowed hard. “Okay, Thomas, but it doesn’t feel right. My mother would not be happy.”

“Carl, we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but if you honestly want to help Belle, I will be your biggest supporter.”

“I love Belle. Always have. I’m not sure about the future. There’s lots to be thought about, but believe me, I would never knowingly or willingly hurt your daughter.”

I must have touched a nerve. He reached out his hand and we shook hands.

Elise and Belle strolled out, catching us. Thomas looked a little unnerved. To cover it, he said, “Okay then. Let me see this new swing.”

“It’s not new, it’s her old swing, that gloriously poetic thing of beauty she once possessed.”

He gave me a strange look as Belle went over and grabbed her driver.

She dropped down a couple of balls and set up. She looked confident and moved easily. Just like that, she unfurled an enormous fluid drive that flew down into the net at the end of the range.

“Jesus,” Thomas said. “I forgot how good you were.” His hand grabbed my arm and he squeezed hard. “You did this?”

Belle walked over. “Yes, Dad, god knows how, but he found it buried beneath all the bad advice and poor coaching I have had.”

“God that is a thing of beauty.” He shook his head. “And you can repeat that?”

She nodded in response. “I just need you to convince Carl to come with me on tour. Just in case.”

He glared at me. “Are you going?”

“I can’t, I have this business to run. I can’t just drop everything and run off.”

With his brow furrowed he asked, “What’s standing in your way?”

“I don’t have anybody to look after it. I have a team of designers and project managers to look after.”

“Damn it, man, find a manager.”

Belle jumped in, hearing her father’s voice raising. “Dad, do you really want to help? I mean seriously.”

Confusion swept his face. “Yes, of course. Do you want me to find somebody?”

“No Dad, I suggested to Carl that you could manage it for him while we are away. I mean, we could probably get home once a month or so and Carl could take over again.”

Elise laughed loudly, interjecting, “Oh thank god. That would be perfect, he has been driving me crazy since he stopped going into the firm.”

He gave her a scowl. “I don’t know anything about building or architecture.”

Swallowing my concerns, I replied. “You know business, you know how to manage. There is a strong team at the office, they just need organising. I mean, I guess I would only be a phone call away.”

He nodded silently as he contemplated. “Carl, I would like to help, but you have put a lot of work into building up that business. It galls me to say it, but you impressed me. You built that yourself, turned down plenty of advice as well, I bet. I would hate to wreck it.”

“Thomas, I have a strong team and I have faith in them. If they think you’re in the wrong then don’t worry, they will tell me.”

He laughed. “So you don’t trust me then?”

“Yes, I do, actually. I’m just saying there is a safety net.”

The conversation suddenly got very animated and excited as they talked about all the things that would need to be put in place.

Thomas and Elise looked at each other. “Right, let’s go somewhere, get something to eat and have a drink.”

We sealed the deal at the Golden Bear.

The date she was due to fly out was rapidly approaching and I caught her at the computer organising flights. She was about to press add to cart, when I grabbed her hand. “Hang on, I’ll get my card.”

She gave me a piercing glower. “Not this macho shit again. I’m paying.”

“Belle, I can afford to pay my way. If I’m going as your partner then I’m paying.”

“But you’re not. You are now officially my coach. As such I will be paying. Got it?”

With a reluctant sigh, I grumbled. “Yeah, but I want to lay an official complaint with management.”

She laughed, stood slipped into my arms and gave me a kiss. “Perhaps we could have a mediation session in bed later?”

Flying into Hong Kong was an eye opener. For a little old small town country boy, it was huge.

We walked in on orientation day for the players, and as I suspected, Belle was swamped by reporters and organisers. I was left standing, watching it all unfold.

I muttered a soft fuck. I had gone from being the owner and manager of my own company to somebody nobody even cared was there or not.

I wandered out of the reception room and found my way to the bar. I was quietly sipping a whiskey when Belle walked up behind me. “What are you doing hiding in here? I wanted to introduce you to everybody.”

“Huh, you didn’t even know I was gone.”

Pouting she sighed. “I’m sorry, babe, but from time to time it will be like that.”

“Yeah, I got it, don’t worry I’ll carry your bags up to the room, just give me the keys.”

“Christ, Carl, cut me some slack. I was going to introduce you, if you hadn’t fucked off in a huff.”

Just then, the tournament organiser came scurrying in to talk to Belle. She managed to slow him down enough to get a word in. “Mr Lee, this is my new coach, Carl.”

He bowed, held out his hand. “Hello Mr. Carl, I will organise VIP passes for you immediately.”

After he got the information he was searching for, he ran off. “Coach, am I?” I muttered.

She scowled, sucked in a deep breath. “Okay, Carl, what do you want me to introduce you as? You seemed uncomfortable when I suggested I tell the world about our relationship.”

I threw back my whiskey. “I don’t know, Belle, I just feel out of place here, like a spare prick at a wedding.”

“That’ll change tomorrow when we get out on the course. Come on, we’ll go and catch up with Billie, my caddie. He’s good fun.”

Feeling a bit left out, and ignored, I slipped in a totally uncalled for comment, that I wish like hell I could take back. “Have you slept with him as well?”

“What? Fuck off, Carl. Billie is married, and happily, too I might add. Please don’t be like that. This is a fresh start. You know, his wife Sharon comes with us sometimes.”

We met Billie, and he was indeed good fun. We had a few drinks and as other players wandered in, Belle introduced me as her partner and coach.

The coach bit raised a few eyebrows. There were a couple of comments about her last coach.

Belle seemed nervous as the evening dragged on, and we escaped up to our hotel room. I had never seen her like this, she was anxious, rattled. “Carl, I hope this is right. What if I have fucked up?”

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her hard. “Belle, it is the right thing to do. If you really want to be number one, then tomorrow is your chance to show it.”

She nodded, sucked in a huge breath and whispered hoarsely. “Thank you, I have never felt so nervous. I don’t want to let you down.”

“You couldn’t if you tried, just be yourself, do your best. If it isn’t good enough, then we will have to just take it on the chin.”

The next day was practise day. Belle got out on the course and once she had the clubs in her hand, all the nervousness evaporated and the cocky confidence surfaced. The real Belle shone.

After official practice, we went out to the driving range and hit a few balls. I adjusted her stance a little, made sure she kept her back-shoulder high and she managed an extra couple of yards.