An Aussie Christmas Angel by Clare Revell Read Free Book Online Page B

would date you again. And again. And again.”
    Her heart somersaulted within the tight confines of her chest, before it settled into a repetitive rhythm of ‘it’s not fair.’ Before she could stop herself the words escaped her lips. “It’s so unfair.”
    “What is?”
    “I finally find someone who likes me, whom I like, too, and he lives twelve thousand miles away.”
    John smiled wryly. “Typical huh?”
    “Oh, yeah.”
    He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad I met you. My only regret is not asking you out sooner.”
    “Me too. But we had tonight.”
    He smiled at her. “And memories.”
     
    ****
     
    John carried his bag and case into the hall. He smiled at Jo, and wondered if she felt as sad as he did at the prospect of him leaving.
    “Have you got everything?” she asked.
    “Yeah.”
    “We can always send stuff on.” She looked at his bags. “Just hope that your case makes it this time.”
    “I got all the important stuff in here.” John patted his hand luggage. “Including a change of clothes.”
    “That’s good.”
    An awkward, heavy silence no one wanted to break descended. Then Jo held out a hand. “Well, have a good flight.”
    John took her hand, electrical current surging through him straight to his heart, lighting it up like the Christmas tree in the lounge. “Aren’t you coming to the airport?”
    “No.”
    The breath caught in his throat and his head reeled as if he’d been hit with a mallet. Surely he’d heard wrong? After last night he’d thought… “You’re…you’re not coming?”
    “I’m going to church. I’m doing the coffee after the service.”
    His heart sank. “Oh, the mission starts today, doesn’t it?”
    She nodded. “Yeah. Anyway, I’d better go so I’m not late. It was really good to have met you.”
    “And you.”
    “Maybe we’ll meet again one day.” She let go of his hand, grabbed her handbag and hurried to the door.
    John stood there dumbfounded, unable to take his eyes off her retreating figure. So that was it? Had he got the signals confused?
    I thought she liked me, Lord. Just like I like her. Was I wrong?
    Perhaps this had just been a vacation romance. Is that why Jo wasn’t going to see him off?
    Or is it just she doesn’t want to say goodbye? He didn’t want to say goodbye to her. He’d far rather it be ‘til we meet again, not goodbye.
    Pip came out of the kitchen, keys in hand. “Was that Jo?”
    “Yeah, she just left for church.” He shoved his disappointment to one side and picked up his rucksack and case. “Shall we?”
    The drive to the airport seemed to take years. When they arrived, Pippa stopped just outside the departure lounge, in the drop off bay. She pulled his bags from the boot. “Here you go.”
    John shook her hand. “Thank you for having put me up the last few days. You guys were a real blessing.”
    “You’re welcome. And it worked both ways.”
    The smile on his lips belied the way his traitorous heart was breaking within him. “Thank Jo as well, for me.”
    Not looking back, John picked up his bags and headed into the departure section. He walked slowly across the concourse and checked in. Despite the fact he had plenty of time, he headed straight through security. He sat by the gate, flicking through the photos he’d taken. A lump formed in his throat as he looked at the ones of Jo.
    The boarding call came over the tannoy, and John slid his camera back into his hand luggage. He forced himself to take every step to the gate and handed over his boarding pass. Whatever else he may see on his trip, it couldn’t hold a torch to what he was leaving behind in Sydney.
    The plane barreled down the runway, filling him with an overwhelming sense of loneliness and grief. Why put her here where I can do nothing about it? I like her, really like her, but we don’t stand a chance. Why give me a glimpse of something I can never have? To use her words, it’s not fair.
    He closed his eyes as the plane ascended out over