Laura's Light (11 page)

To put himself directly into the line of fire for the gossips to feed on.

She could never be that strong.

What did it mean for her? Why was she here? She believed it was her Trevor wanted to connect with. She certainly hoped that it
was
her. If one thing was clear in Laura’s mind, it was the fact that she was still attracted to the man—his body, his soul, his bravery—and to hell with the baggage.

Now all she had to do was get a moment with him in private. But at the moment he was surrounded by reporters. They had microphones shoved in his face, were hurling questions at him. She had to do something to help.

“Brodie, JT, Mitchell—don’t just sit there! Go save Trevor from the circling sharks. Caitlin, go sing or something, please? We need to give him a chance to catch his breath.”

“Sure thing, Mum. C’mon, boys, let’s circle the wagons around Trev.”

“Yep, I’m all over it, Laura. I’ll go hit the stage. Any requests?”

“Thank you, Caitlin. Just sing anything. Your angelic voice would distract the devil himself.”

It was good to have friends, and it was good she didn’t mind barking orders, Laura thought as she watched her plan take effect. The men ran interference with the reporters, then as Caitlin’s melodic voice filled the room, everyone returned to their seats. The food was being delivered. And better still, Trevor was heading her way. She wanted to stand and throw herself into his arms, but she waited.

Now she was afraid. She was letting fear hold her back.

It was wrong—if Trevor could be brave, so could she.

So Laura let herself go. As Trevor reached their table, she stood and flung her arms around his neck. She stood on tiptoes to reach his lips and crushed them under her own. Not caring that they were in full view of the restaurant, that her son was probably watching in horror. Laura didn’t care about anything but letting Trevor, who now had his arms wrapped around her, understand that she was proud of him. That she wanted him, no matter what.

That their connection was still alive.

“Trevor, I understand. I’m sorry for not giving you a chance to explain, I’m sorry for running off. I misunderstood, panicked. If only we had talked it over… All this time I thought you had just wanted a one-night stand, and you really
were
trying to protect me, not just let me down gently. I’m such a fool.”

“Shh… Honey, let’s sit down. I think we may even be upstaging Caitlin right now. Not that I care. I’m just so relieved to feel you in my arms again. Rookie was right—you do still have a thing for me!”

Laura did not understand what Trevor meant about her son. But she didn’t care. She sat back in her seat, dragging Trevor down next to her. She clasped his hand, not willing to let go of him just yet as her heart flip-flopped in her chest. Laura heard Mitchell snicker next to her, and she smiled.

“Nice way to get your message across, Mum. By tomorrow every paper in Sydney will have a photo of you and Trevor lip-locked. And Mum, I couldn’t be happier.”

Laura grasped her son’s hand in her free one. Eating any of the food in front of her was last on her to-do list. She was holding the hands of people special to her—men on either side of her chair that she was proud to be associated with. Her son, whom she loved with every ounce of her being, and a man she believed she could love very easily, if she didn’t already.

Happier than she had ever felt, Laura sat back and enjoyed the moment, enjoyed the music. Caitlin’s singing about love touched her deeply because Laura could relate to the meaning and sentiment of the song—love might bring pain but it also brought so much happiness.

“I have to go, Laura.”

“What? Go where?” Laura stuttered, panicky, having been jolted from her romantic dreaming at the sound of Trevor’s voice.

“I need to check the auctions, make some money. Get this night over so I can have you all to myself.”

“Get to work, Trevor. Make money, loads of it. I’m so proud of you right now I may burst. I’m thinking of ways that I can show you how proud I am, but we will need privacy…a lot of privacy.”

Laura loved the way Trevor squirmed in his seat as she whispered in his ear. The hunger in his demanding kiss left her in no doubt that he had understood her praise and promise.

Watching Trevor control the rest of the night’s events—effortlessly and with humour, intelligent conversation and relevant anecdotes—made Laura hot. She was so hot for him it was a wonder no one had picked up on the heat emanating from her body. It was clear that she wasn’t the only woman in the room who was interested in Trevor. But Laura had observed with interest and a huge amount of relief that he never encouraged or flirted with any of the very forward and tactile females.

“Comes with the territory,” Mandy said. “These men attract women like honey attracts bears. All those mama bears want their honey, but don’t worry—our honeys are very good at repelling bears.” Mandy giggled. “Oh no, not again! If I don’t stop with the giggling I’ll wet myself—this baby is sitting right on my bladder. Gosh, Laura, I’m starting to worry that the bub is going to take after JT and be huge. I’m terrified. Just take a look at JT’s big head. Imagine that squeezing out your womb!”

Laura looked to where Mandy was pointing—at her fiancé, JT—and couldn’t stop the shudder as she imagined what Mandy had described.

“You can rest assured that your baby is going to be much smaller than that, Mandy. You’ll do fine. Just remember, there are drugs now to help you cope with childbirth.”

“Yeah, I know, Laura. Got them all ordered, just in case.” Mandy winked. “Between you and me, I think JT will need every one of them! Looks like the men have finished. Thank goodness. I can’t wait to put my feet up. Good luck with Trevor—I think you guys make a great couple.”

“Thanks, Mandy. So do I. We just need to get to know each other before we jump to any more conclusions.”

* * * *

Laura felt a tingle up her spine—an excitement of what was to come—as she watched Trevor wrap up the night’s festivities. The auctions had been a huge success. She had bid on a few items, and been the top bidder for two—a jewellery piece donated by Mandy and a hamper full of champagne, strawberries and chocolates. Laura could think of a few ways to use those chocolates and strawberries, and Trevor starred in all of her ideas. Laura had also quickly made a donation to the night, when she’d realised what was happening, offering a spring clean of a house or office to the highest bidder.

Laura saw a woman approaching and knew immediately that it was Trevor’s mother. The family resemblance was unmistakeable. Laura smiled in the woman’s direction, hoping to get off on the right foot. She wasn’t at all prepared for the attack.

“Do you think that was very appropriate behaviour, attacking my son like that? No wonder Trevor is acting so selfishly at the moment—talking all this rubbish about being sick and bringing such embarrassing attention to his family, upsetting his father. And you… Such a mature-looking woman, when my son is obviously so much younger. It’s disgusting. Frank is fuming—gone straight to the car. But I just couldn’t let you get away with it. It is obviously all your doing, this…this…horrid night.”

Laura was astounded at the woman’s nerve, the audacity to speak to her in such a way. This person had let Trevor down, and—to Laura’s horror—was still doing it. How could Mrs Hughes not understand the monumental gesture Trevor had just made, all to help strangers, people he had not even met? Yet his own mother had still turned away from him. It was a shame, but Laura would not be intimidated.

“Think what you want, Mrs Hughes. I don’t care what you or your husband may think, believe or feel. All I care about is that your son is the bravest, most thoughtful and caring man I’ve ever met. I nearly lost him once, but I don’t intend to let that happen again. I will support him in his fight to overcome this illness that has affected him for so long. Unlike you—shame on you. I am a mother and I would never leave my son to battle any pain or illness alone. I am shocked that any mother could. So don’t you go tainting this wonderful evening with your snide comments.”

Laura was really on a roll—she was so angry that this woman, this sad excuse for a mother could even comment on what had been such a successful night. She couldn’t bear for Trevor to hear any of this negativity. Laura could understand, clearly, why Trevor felt he had disappointed his loved ones, but it was they who were the disappointments not Trevor.

“If you can’t say anything in support of Trevor, Mrs Hughes, I really think you should just leave. Let him be. He doesn’t need to hear your bitterness.”

“Well, I never… What a rude woman, attacking me this way. A mother, you say? Pffft…probably left a tribe of unwanted kids with a stranger just so you can flirt with my son. I think he needs to hear how you’ve spoken to me…”

“Your son
has
. Hello, Mother.”

Laura’s heart nearly stopped when she heard Trevor’s voice behind her. She worried over what he might have heard. Would he be disappointed with her that she had clearly distressed his mother? The way the woman was behaving, anyone would think Laura had physically attacked her.
Again, me and my big mouth—when will I learn to just keep it shut? But then again, why should I? The woman had it coming.

If Trevor was really upset, Laura supposed she could apologise, but she would feel sick doing it. Trevor deserved to be loved and held in high regard. Not to be belittled by those who should be his greatest supporters.

Chapter Sixteen

Trevor had actually managed to forget his parents had insisted upon attending tonight. He hadn’t warned them or told them what the fundraiser was for, and had been convinced that they would not be pleased. Hearing the way his mum had got stuck into Laura made him see red. The hide of her to blame Laura for what he was doing, what he had admitted to publicly! It certainly wasn’t Laura who had let him down in life, and his little ray of sunshine had really had his back.

He could see where Rookie had got his protective streak—definitely from Laura. Trevor had felt a deep gratitude for the way Laura had taken his mother to task for her lack of support. His heart had filled with joy just knowing that Laura felt enough for him to speak up, and to compliment him, call him brave. Trevor could have exploded with the happiness she’d instilled in him with her outspoken words. But he was not going to sit by and let his mother threaten her, belittle her or make up lies to cause Laura pain.
No bloody way.

“Mother, I had the misfortune to hear every word that was spoken…”

“Did you hear her rudeness, the way she spoke to your mother?”

“No, Mother. I heard you attack Laura, and I heard your disparaging remarks about my life and the decisions I’ve made. You have never been there for me, so let’s not pretend it’s any other way. Go to Dad, make sure he is okay. He needs you. Laura and I have places to be.”

Mrs Hughes gave a gasp of shock as Trevor took Laura by the hand, turned and led her to the back of the restaurant, putting as much distance as he could between his mother and Laura.

“I’m so sorry you had to deal with that, Laura. My parents have their own problems. I’m leaning towards the idea that they both have some sort of mental instability themselves. Dad is always down, and Mum has to fret over him every minute. There was never really any time or energy left for me. In fact, the only way I got any praise from her was if I did something that made my father happy, and I didn’t achieve that very often, I’m here to tell you.”

“Oh Trevor, you have nothing to apologise for…and anyway, I’m quite capable of looking after myself when it comes to other women. You obviously have never been involved in a parent-school committee.”

Laura’s teasing had a calming effect on Trevor—she was fine, able to deal with his mother. He really needed to start giving her more credit. Laura was one in a million. Trevor felt as though maybe he had won the jackpot.

“Can I take you home, Laura? I know you came with your son, but would you let me do the honour of escorting you home?”

“That depends on which home you will take me to. I rather hoped it might be yours, Trevor.”

“Honey, that would be more than I could wish for. We need to talk, though, so you have to promise not to ravish me until we’ve finished.” Trevor could not believe that he was joking, making light of their budding relationship, but it felt good.

“I don’t make promises I’m not sure I can keep. Maybe you’ll have to tie my hands together or something.”

Laura’s cheeks flamed with colour as she realised the implications of what she had said, and Trevor loved that pink tinge. She was delightful in her embarrassment and he jumped at the chance to string it along.

“Hmm, bondage, Laura? Who would have thought you would be into that type of thing? But hey, I’m a modern guy—I’ll give anything a go. Tying you up and having you at my mercy—now that sounds like a hardship I could endure.”

“Modern and a comedian—who knew?” Laura laughed. “Trevor, you can tie me up as long as you remember I get reciprocal rights.” A sexy wickedness was so clear in her voice that it sent Trevor’s libido into overdrive. “I just have to find Mitchell and let him know I may not be home tonight.”

“You tell that son of yours that you may not be home for
days
, honey. I have a feeling it will take a while for me to get through some of the plans I have dreamed up for you. The things that I need to do to you.”

Trevor was delighted to see Laura blush deepen as she headed off to find her son and make her goodbyes. He knew he was grinning from ear to ear but couldn’t begin to hide the happiness he was feeling.

“So tonight’s been a huge success all round, then, judging by that smile on your dial.” A familiar chuckle followed the accurate statement.

“Yep, Brodie. It has. And I feel all the better for it, and not just the Laura situation—which for the record is fucking gold—but the other stuff. The fact I feel like I’m making a contribution to society. Making a difference.”