1.14 Brotherly love

Jake wanted to know how Kirsten was feeling lately. After her attack and Andrew’s revelation about his feelings for her, Jake wasn’t sure how she was handling all this. “Hay sis, how are you doing?”

“I’m doing ok, Jakey.”

“Have you spoken to Andy?”

“Yes.”

“And...what happened?”

“He admitted to me how he felt and that’s it.”

“Kirsten, the guy told you he was in love with you and what did you say back. I mean he is my best mate and you are my sister.”

Kirsten wasn’t sure if talking to Jake was the best idea but she did love her brother and even though they argued more than most siblings she did trust him. 
“Andy was very sweet when he told me how he felt but I’m not sure. It’s just I’ve never thought of him in that way. I mean he is a lovely guy but...” 

Jake interrupted her and said, “But nothing, he could be just what you need and think about it for a sec. He has known you for two years and he knows everything about you and thinking back when you...” He stopped for a moment and then continued, “Andy was so angry and he wanted to kill that guy. I just should have seen it before.”

“Jakey, I know he is your best mate but seriously think about it. He is just...I don’t know. I think I need a break from guys for awhile. I didn’t want to hurt him so I said I would think about it. He is training at the army base a lot so he’s hardly at home and if we did date when would we get alone time plus neither of us have money...”

Jake couldn't believe what his sister had just said and raised his voice slightly towards her, “Is that what is stopping you dating him money?”

Kirsten was upset and trying to explain to her brother wasn't easy, “See I knew you wouldn't understand. It’s not about the money but let’s face it money does help. Say it worked out; tell me would you still be living with us, could we afford our own place as a couple. Also what about the sleeping arrangements; I mean there is only enough room for bunk beds and a single bed and it’s all in the open with a bathroom being the only place to get changed. So tell me Jakey how would you feel hearing you best mate and your sister making love.”

Jake smiled at Kirsten and replied, “So you like him?”

Kirsten looked shocked and asked, “What I never said that.”

“You did, when you said two words making love. You have always talked about men and sex; I have never heard you refer to sex as making love. Sis I think your view is starting to change.”

In a firm tone demanded, “You take that back right now Jakey.”

“No, I think my sis finally likes someone and he’s my best mate. All I need now is you to admit it to yourself.”

“Listen right now to me; I am not in love with Andrew Morgan.”

Jake got up and before leaving said to Kirsten, “You may not be in love with him but the way you are acting and by what you have said, I think your view of Andy is starting to change. If you gave him and you a chance it might just work. Just ask yourself one question what are you really afraid of?”

Kirsten just sat there after Jake left thinking about what he had just said to her. What was she afraid of? The last time she was in a relationship, well if she was honest she couldn't remember the last time she called someone her boyfriend. The last boyfriend her parents met they strongly disapproved of. She hadn't even considered a relationship the last few years. The last couple of weeks had been hard after that guy; she couldn’t even bring herself to say his name. She couldn't process what could have happened if her brother and the others hadn't come back when they did and to think that for a brief second she thought he was the one.

Now Andrew was really interested in her and had even declared his love for her what was she supposed to say back?

She had told him she would think about it but would it really be a bad idea? Was this the guy Estevan had said was her Mr Right.? If he was the one was she really ready for that step, the relationship step? Kirsten kept thinking that maybe she was over reacting and she should give them a try but then she thought about if it didn’t work out where would that leave her brother and his best mate?

Kirsten couldn’t think straight and needed more time but Andrew had given her time. It had been a few days since he give her that wonderful massage and laid his heart on the line. He hadn’t asked her about the decision yet but he would want to know soon and what would she tell him? Yes I’ll go out with you and watch him be over the moon or would she say No and break his heart?

Either way it had to be the right decision not just for Andrew but for her as well.

1.13 Romance is in the air

Advisory: Some coarse language

Matt walked in the door and he saw Hazel standing there, "You look guilty, Matt."

"I just need the bathroom."

"Really?" Hazel got closer to Matt and said, "You smell of alcohol and...Perfume. Well I guess we don't need to talk then. You are just like the other guys in this town...out for what you can get." Hazel stormed off leaving Matt feeling pissed off. 'Why did she have to be here? Great now she thinks I sleep around.'

Hazel was reading when Matt came into the room and sat next to her. Hazel didn't even look at him but said, "Well at least you smell better."

"Look it's not what you think."

"All men say that."

"Let me explain, please."

Hazel looked at him and replied, "What's there to explain we are not together. You don't have to justify your actions to me. I just hope the bitch was worth it."

Matt was angry and wanted to retaliate but decided to leave the house. He ended up at the park shooting hoops trying to let go of his anger.

"You look pissed." Jake stated as he watched Matt on the court.

"What gave it away?"

"Well if that ball was a head, you would have bashed it in by now. So what's happened?"

"I got drunk and stupid."

"What you mean is you got drunk and got laid."

"It wasn't how I thought it would be and I regret it."

"First time is a bit crap mate but why regret it. Was she a dog?"

"Jake, no she wasn't a dog. She was pretty but..."

"But nothing. What's the problem then?"

"Hazel smelt me when I came in and now she thinks I'm a womanizer."

"I wouldn't worry about it she will get over it."

"Maybe it's time I moved on from here."

"Don't be stupid, Matt. You can't run every time things get difficult."

"It seems a good plan to me."

"Let's be honest here. I love woman and lots of them. Maybe one day I will settle down but until then I'm out for what I can get. You however are different. I've watched woman look you up and down including my sister. What do you do? Nothing. You aren't interested in that but what you want is a relationship. I've seen the way Hazel looks at you and by the way you are acting you want her too. She is jealous that you were with another woman. Hazel will get over it because you never cheated on her. Stick around and work out how you will get your date."

Hazel was getting agitated at the thought of any woman wrapped around Mathew’s body. She couldn’t believe how angry and upset she was at him sleeping with a woman. Hazel tried telling herself that he had done nothing wrong after all they weren’t even an item but they had almost shared a kiss. There was something about Mathew that appealed to her and if she was honest with herself she was jealous. Could they ever get passed her jealousy?

While she was thinking about all that could have happened, Matt walked in demanding they talked. “Don’t you tell me, we are going to talk.” “Listen, I know you don’t want to talk but you are going to listen to me.”

“Don’t you tell...”

“Hazel shut up. What I did last night...I don’t regret. The only thing I regret is...that it wasn't with you. With everything that has been going over the last few weeks, we should have talked sooner.”

“Mathew you wanted it to be me?”

In his softly spoken voice said, “I'm not seeing her again and Jake is right, I'm not the womaniser type. Look what I'm trying to say is, would you go on a date with me?"

“I don’t know. I mean you had that one night thing only last night and how do I know she won’t knock...” 
“You think she will come here? If she does...well I will put her straight it was a one off and that’s it. Come on Haz, what’s your answer? I promise we will have a nice time.” 
Putting his arms around her. Hazel looked into his eyes and thought how she couldn't resist and replied, “On one condition. I get that kiss we missed out on.” 
Matt smiled and said, “It’s a deal.” 

1.12 Big mistake

Advisory: Nude scenes and adult situations 

Matt still hadn't spoken to Hazel about that night and since Kirsten was in a state he didn't think it was the right time. He headed to Lucky dive as he needed a drink. He ordered a drink when a girl approached the bar. "Do you want company?" He looked at her and thought why not.

"What's your name?"

"Debbie and you?"

"Matt. Would you like a drink?"

"Now tell me, Matt are you single?"

"Single." He then grabbed his drink and downed it in one. Ordering another drink as he kept talking to Debbie and she poured on her moves and Matt was lapping it up. In the back of his mind he was thinking 'I shouldn't be doing this but I can't help myself.'

When she offered to go back to her place he followed her to the taxi. In the cab they were all over each other. 

Matt removed his top but when he saw that she stripped off her clothes his hormones took over, he picked her up putting her against the wall. She started kissing him hard and fast wrapping her legs around him. He felt her breasts against his bare chest and it sent his hormones racing even more. This rush was exhilarating and he wanted more. He couldn't get his trousers off quick enough but he was also nervous. How would he not show that this was his first time.

"You were doing well just now, are you ok?" Matt didn't know what to say or do. Debbie put her arms around him and starting kissing him before he could say anything. She pushed him slightly as they kissed forcing them to fall on her bed.

'She is pushing herself on me shit what do I do. I need to do something or she will know.'

He pulled himself up while still holding onto her he started to explore her body by kissing her breast. He couldn't believe how good it felt.

Kirsten needed to get out of the house. A new spa had opened up and she wanted to go. Kirsten asked Hazel to go but she couldn't go as she had to work. After a bit of persuasion from Hazel; Kirsten went on her own.

When she entered the room she was pleased to see the masseuse was a female. After changing into a towel she lay on the table and as she was getting the massage she felt all her troubles melt away. She kept thinking about Andrew and the revelation that he had these feelings and had never told her. Speaking to the masseuse "Your hitting the spot right there. I could stay here all day."

"Thank you." Kirsten jumped up from the table.

"Andrew, what the hell...How did you get in."

"Does it matter? We need to talk."

Backing away, Kirsten firmly said, "Now! Can't it wait?"

Andrew staying still replied, "I need to explain about yesterday. What Mr Davis said, well he was right. I'm crazy about you."

"Why did you never say anything?"

"Every time I tried you had a new man on your arm. I tried to forget you and sleeping around it worked for awhile. Then Matt came to live with us and seeing you throw yourself at him, all I could think was why won't she do that to me. Then that bastard hurt you and I wanted to kill him but Estevan pulled me off telling me to make sure you were ok. I came near you and you look so frightened. It was like you thought I would harm you and all I wanted to do was tell you that you would be ok."

"Did Jake know?"

"I couldn't tell him. When Mr Davis told you about my feelings you looked horrified and then you have ignored me."

Kirsten relaxed and responded, "Andrew I really don't know what to say. I mean you are good looking but I've never thought of you that way. I mean most guys I've seen and I'm not talking about my dates, show off their bodies but you don't."

"Then you should turn up at the gym more often." Kirsten smiled when he said that and then he added, "See you are beautiful when you smile."

Matt woke up and saw Debbie lying beside him. He couldn't stop smiling but suddenly he was racked with guilt, 'What have I done. Shit I didn't want a one night stand. If Hazel finds out she will never talk to me.'

He decided he needed to get out of there before she woke up. He grabbed his clothes got dressed and left before she had a chance to ask questions.

1.11 Found out

Two weeks later

Jake was still in training at the fire station but Kirsten missed her brother. She felt she couldn't rely on anyone but him. Hazel was there as much as she could be but she only wanted Jake. When Matt or Andrew offered to keep her company she knew deep down they meant well and wouldn't hurt her but she wasn't sure if she could trust them.  

Since the incident she refused to leave the house and when Kirsten was left alone the images of being forced on the bed and almost raped haunted her.

It was getting to the point that staying home was getting too much. She made some food and went to the room to eat when she saw Andrew watching TV.

Andrew saw the fear in her eyes as she sat as far away from him as possible. He hated to see her like this and he so desperately wanted to put his arms around her and tell everything would be fine and she had nothing to fear with him.

"How are you doing today?" 

"Umm ok. How are you?" Kirsten returned the small talk.

"The training at the army base is killing me. Just glad to have a few days off. I have to go out for a bit is there anything I can get you?"

"Where are you going?"

"Mr Davis my granddad's solicitor wants to see me again. I will only be an hour or so but Hazel should be back in half an hour. I have no idea where Matt is."

"I don't want to be on my own. Can I come with you?" Andrew was in shock over the last two years Kirsten never went anywhere alone with him before. Part of him was pleased but the other half of him was angry that she was so withdrawn.

"I don't mind but it will be boring." Kirsten went to get changed. When she came back, Andrew was stunned to see her dressed so conservative.

"Mr Morgan, please take a seat. Miss Decker it is nice to see you again. Can I get you anything."

"No thank you." Kirsten replied .

"Andrew I'm sorry to pull you in again. Before I go into business I have to ask, are you and Miss Decker dating?"

Andrew couldn't believe what Mr Davis had just said and Kirsten who was still fragile got up and looked out the window but before Andrew could answer Kirsten got in first, "No we are not."

"I'm sorry if I offended you both but you just looked like a couple. I mean seeing Andrew bring you here Miss Decker, I just thought he'd finally admitted how he felt about you."

Andrew blurted out nervously, "Mr Davis, what are you on about? You heard Kirsten we are not dating. I really don't know where you would get this idea." Now Andrew was feeling uncomfortable he never wanted Kirsten to find out this way. Kirsten now facing Mr Davis spoke, "As Andrew said where would you get an idea like that?"

"Miss Decker, Kirsten please take a seat again and I will explain." Kirsten took her seat while Andrew was getting anxious. "When you and Jake moved in with Andrew and Hazel, I saw the way Andrew looked at you and I'll admit I didn't think much of it at first but over time the way he looks at you and acts around you it's just obvious. When you brought home a boyfriend back last year I think, Andrew's face said it all and I knew then. I just assumed when you walked in together he finally told you."

Kirsten looked at Andrew and said, "Is this true?"

"Sort of..."

Kirsten stood up from her seat in shock, "What?"

Andrew looked at her but felt backed into a corner. This was never the way he had intended to tell her. The last thing he wanted was to upset her even more and judging by her reaction she was not pleased and any minute now his dream of telling her, being with her were going to be crushed by her saying no. Andrew was about to speak when Kirsten continued, "Were you ever going...do you know what it doesn't matter." Then Kirsten ran from the room. 

Andrew looked pissed off at Mr Davis but didn't say anything and went after Kirsten.

Mr Davis called his secretary and said, "Ms John, please can you bring me Mr Wright's file. I think we need to start moving over all assets from the estate to Mr Andrew Morgan."

Andrew got back to the house but Kirsten was nowhere in sight, "Guys have you seen Kirsten."

Jake asked firmly, "Why?"

Andrew was looking nervous and Jake started to approach him, "Andrew what's happened?"

"Umm she didn't want to be on her own so she came to the solicitors with me. Mr Davis saw her and told her something and she ran off and I can't find her."

Jake who was now really close asked, "What did he say?"

"He asked her if we were dating."

"Kirsten wouldn't run off just for that Andrew."

"I can't believe he knew..."

Jake now shouted, "Andrew. What did he say?"

"He told Kirsten that I was in love with her." Andrew fell into the sofa and Jake sat next to him.

"Is it true?"

"Yes. I never wanted her to know like this and now she hates me because she ran off." 

Suddenly he heard a voice behind him, "I haven't run off. I just don't want to talk to you for awhile." Kirsten then left leaving Andrew burying his head and everyone else stunned.

1.10 Don't let it ruin your life

Kirsten finally had the place to herself. She was excited about Darren coming over she'd never met a man quite like him before. Her instinct was telling her that he could be the one her Mr right. One thing was sure she couldn't wait and find out. There was a knock at the door and Kirsten had butterflies in her stomach when she opened the door and saw Darren standing there.

"Hay there. You look...beautiful."

Kirsten was blushing but replied, "Thanks. Go through." Darren got closer to her and asked, "You know seen as we have the place to ourselves, why not umm...have dessert if you know what I mean."

Estevan was not impressed Matt was late, "What time do you call this?"

"Sorry we were shooting hoops. Uncle Estevan this is Jake and Andrew."

"Hi boys, take a seat. Mathew tell me what happened."

"I told you this asshole approached me, knew my name and then told me to give you a message something about deals and then gave me these black eyes. Uncle Estevan what is going on?"

Estevan made his answer simple without going into detail, "I've made choices that some would not agree with. I've had many reasons as to why I did what I did. Unfortunately you leaving home meant you became an easy target but I will sort it out."

Matt maybe young but he wasn't stupid either, "You mean drugs don't you. And this is the reason for my black eyes."

Estevan was taken aback that Matt was blunt with him, "I under estimated you. Yes you are right but I'm done with it. This just a loose end I need to tie up."

"And Dad?"

"He was never part of it. I kept that promise to your Aunt Heather."

"Let's see the place you are staying at."

They walked home talking about family mostly. Matt asked after everyone especially his cousin Art. They approached the beginning of the boardwalk which wasn't far from the house. As Matt pointed out the house to Estevan they heard a scream coming from the house. Jake ran towards the house because it was Kirsten's voice followed by the others.

Kirsten was screaming at Darren, "Get off me."

"I don't think so. Where's your boyfriend, Matt?"

"He's not my boyfriend. Now get off." Darren had pinned her to the bed and his grip was getting tighter. Kirsten started to cry with the pain as the grip tightened around her wrists.

"Scream all you like but we are going to have some fun. After all this is what you like isn't it?"

Kirsten was now in pain and terrified, "Please get off me." Darren was getting more angry at her and was about to undo his trousers when Jake grabbed him and threw him on the floor. He was about to beat the guy up when he heard Kirsten crying and running away in the other room.

He was now torn go after his sister or get this guy. Andrew was full of rage and told him to go and look after Kirsten. Darren got up and went for Andrew but he got in first. 

He punched Darren sending him flying but Andrew wasn't done he wanted this guy to pay for what he did. 

Estevan grabbed him and quietly said, "I know your secret Andrew now go and see if she's ok and I'll deal with him. This is the guy causing trouble." He put Andrew down and he walked away angry.

"Matt go with your friends. Darren and I have business to discuss." He dragged him outside and threw him to the wall. "How dare you go after Matt?"

"Fuck you." Darren spat as a grin came across his face.

Estevan grabbed him, "You shouldn't be laughing, Darren. You hurt an innocent young girl as well. You are one sick guy. I think its lunch time."

"Yeah well I'll skip lunch if you don't mind."

"I wasn't asking, Darren. Did I forget to mention you are the lunch?"

Kirsten just cuddled into her brother, "Sis its ok. You are safe now."

Andrew was by her side, "Is there anything I can get you?"

"I just want Jakey."

Holding her he replied, "I'm here sis."

Andrew was enraged and walked out of the room where he banged his fist on the wall. Matt followed him and quietly said, "Kirsten is fine."

Through gritted teeth he replied, "Look at the state of her. I don't think she will ever recover." Estevan walked back in and stated, "It's all sorted."

Andrew was angry, "Where is that bastard?"

Estevan firmly said, "Look I've dealt with the situation and he won't be hurting anyone anymore."

Estevan went to the room where Jake and Kirsten were sitting together. He crouched down by Kirsten and asked, "Are you ok?" Kirsten just looked at him and nodded.

"Listen to me. He won't hurt you again I promise. Just so you know your Mr Right is out there and he's closer than you think so don't give up and let that excuse of a guy ruin your life. I'll stay a day or two to make sure you guys are alright."

Kirsten finally spoke, "Thank you." Hazel ran to Kirsten side and told her that she got a phone call from Matt who told her what happened. "Come on Kirst you need to rest and I'll stay with you."

When they got upstairs Kirsten went and changed in her PJ's and laying on Hazel's bed said, "Matt's Uncle said something strange. He told me Mr Right is closer than you think. What does he mean?"

Hazel looked puzzled but said, "I honestly don't know Kirst but what I know is you need to rest."