Free Fearless Maverick by Robyn Grady

Libby set her bag aside. ‘You enjoy your stays in Malaysia?’
                 ‘I
don’t usually see much outside of Sepang. That’s the town and district where
the race is held each year. It’s a hop from the international airport to the
circuit.’
                 Alex
sat back while a waiter, who had already seen to the placement of Libby’s linen
napkin, now laid a starched white square on the gentleman’s lap. As Libby took
in the surrounds and her compelling company, a thought struck her. This was the
first time she’d been with Alex in public and she sensed others in the room
absorbing and reacting to his appealing air of authority too.
                 Was
it that some people in the restaurant, including the waiter, recognised Alex
out of his racing gear? Or was it as she suspected? That no matter where he
might be, Alex Wolfe radiated a presence that commanded attention. Even
deference.
                 As
the waiter moved off, Alex continued. ‘I plan to visit Malaysia purely for a
vacation one day.’
                 ‘Ever
get tired of living out of a suitcase?’ she asked, feeling the beat of her
pulse increase at the way his big tanned hand brushed the white tablecloth. His
eyes searched hers and he considered her words.
                 ‘That’s
an interesting question coming from one who would know about such things.’
                 A
wistful feeling drifted through her. She didn’t think often of those days,
travelling the world over for her sport. Better to concentrate on the blessings
she’d kept and new opportunities she’d created. But she could easily admit, ‘I
loved the travel. Around Australia as much as around the world.’
                 His
grey eyes glittered. ‘Your favourite port?’
                 ‘Brazil
is awesome. Malibu for the nostalgia. But … Maui.’ Remembering the thrill of
riding those two and a half metre barrels, she smiled. ‘Yeah. Definitely Maui.’
                 ‘Sounds
as if you were Australia’s answer to Gidget .’
                 She
smiled at the connection. ‘A lot of people don’t realise the girl from that old
movie and series was based on a real person.’
                 ‘The
first female world champion?’
                 ‘ Gidget was written in the fifties.’
Libby still owned the copy she’d picked up at a second-hand store the summer
she’d turned thirteen. ‘The first female championship wasn’t until 1964. Won by
a Sydneyite,’ she noted with pride. ‘She was awarded two hundred and fifty
dollars, a new surfboard and several packets of cigarettes.’
                 He
laughed, an easy sound that made Libby feel as if they’d known each other for
years. ‘The things you learn on a date with your physio.’
                 Libby’s
smile fell at the same time her heart rolled over. This wasn’t a date . This was lunch with a client. A
handsome client with incredibly strong features and soft grey eyes that seemed
to be inviting her in.
                 Shifting
in her chair, Libby collected her food menu, although she suddenly felt so
flustered she couldn’t concentrate on the words.
                 Alex
collected his menu too, and after a time commented, ‘I rang my brother.’
                 Her
gaze shot up and menu went down. ‘Jacob?’
                 ‘Think
I told you we haven’t seen each other since he left all those years ago.’
                 ‘That
must have been hard. Your oldest brother leaving without a word.’
                 ‘I
don’t think he had any option.’
                 When
he beckoned the waiter over, Libby leaned forward. Elbows on the table, she
laced her fingers and rested her chin on the bridge. After that day in his
amazing garage when she’d learned Alex knew of her surfing