Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty-Eight

J udd glanced at the large green sign telling him exactly how far it was to his destination, mentally counting down the kilometres as he had ever since he'd left Sydney's CBD, the monotonous activity keeping his mind focussed on the job ahead rather than mentally rehearsing what he'd say to Abby when he saw her.

The last week had been hell.

By turning down her dream job at Finesse she'd made her feelings more than clear. After ignoring his initial calls, he realised there was nothing he could do to broach the gap between them and made a conscious decision to leave her alone.

At least work proved to be fulfilling. Despite his early doubts about working for a magazine, Finesse was a class act, more than living up to its reputation as one of Australia's top magazines. He'd thrived on every challenge so far, throwing himself headlong into long hours, anything to take his mind off Abby. Unfortunately, work inevitably reminded him of her, and he would've given anything to share their mutual professional success together.

Perhaps after today, he'd get that chance?

Patting the inside pocket of his jacket for the hundredth time that morning, he sure hoped so.

As the car sped along the few remaining kilometres, he drummed his fingers against the steering wheel, trying to forget the last time he'd seen her.

Forget ? Who was he trying to kid? Every time he closed his eyes the image of their last encounter would materialise, flashing across his mind in a hazy kaleidoscope of painful memories.

Her coolness, her stricken expression when he'd confirmed he hadn't signed a contract, her pain when she revealed how much she'd cared for him in the past…

That had been the hardest to take, that she'd loved him all those years ago and he hadn't had a clue.

What he wouldn't give for an ounce of her love now…

Shaking his head, he turned into a gravel drive and pulled around the back of the secluded farmhouse. He killed the engine and scanned the grounds with a practiced eye, searching for a location for the perfect shot, trying not to admit he was searching for the perfect woman.

And Abby was, in every way. It had taken him longer to figure out than most.

Now he had to prove it to her.

Patting his pocket again and reassured by its contents, he stepped from the car and strode towards the farmhouse, knowing that whatever happened, he'd given it his best shot.