Decisive Moments: Australian Sports Stars, #1

By Iris Blobel

Can their new love survive the return of his past?

 

With his first year as a pro footballer behind him, ruckman Tyson Gaspaldi meets Katie while on a holiday in a small coastal town. Everything about her intrigues him, and he wants nothing more than to spend some time with her. Once she finds out how he earns his money, though, she hesitates to take whatever it is between them any further.

 

Katie Cassidy is still overwhelmed by the recent loss of her sister, but a chance encounter with Tyson stirs emotions and a love for life inside her again. However, when Tyson's ex-girlfriend blindsides both of them, all of Katie's childhood demons return and she pushes him away.

Will they be able to deal with the ghosts of their pasts and move forward for a chance of a life together?

 

Can their new love survive the return of his past?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Iris Blobel
• Release date: Dec 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215508411

Iris Blobel

Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys. For more information, join her on FB https://bit.ly/3CGtIk8

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Iris Blobel

Copyright © 2021 Iris Blobel

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

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Blurb

Can their new love survive the return of his past?

With his first year as a pro footballer behind him, ruckman Tyson Gaspaldi meets Katie while on a holiday in a small coastal town. Everything about her intrigues him, and he wants nothing more than to spend some time with her. Once she finds out how he earns his money, though, she hesitates to take whatever it is between them any further.

Katie Cassidy is still overwhelmed by the recent loss of her sister, but a chance encounter with Tyson stirs emotions and a love for life inside her again. However, when Tyson’s ex-girlfriend blindsides both of them, all of Katie’s childhood demons return and she pushes him away.

Will they be able to deal with the ghosts of their pasts and move forward for a chance of a life together?

one

Tyson Gaspaldi parked his car, grabbed his surfboard from the boot, and walked across the recreational area to the foreshore. The cold breeze off the ocean went right through him, but it didn’t stop him in his resolve. A sense of contentment seeped through him as he glanced across the nearly empty beach. He liked the idea of being one of only a few out in the water. He loved the surf, the dunes, and the tang of sea air. The stunning blue of the Pacific Ocean was inviting, the sea was perfect with waves breaking cleanly and directly onto the beach. A fishing boat to the left headed towards the harbour, while to the right a small number of people walking briskly along the beach braved the early morning chill. He made a mental note to bring his dad to the foreshore during the afternoon.

With one quick move, he zipped up his wetsuit, jumped into the water, and paddled out to sea. Then he surfed as many waves as possible until the swell died down. Happy with his efforts, he emerged from the sea and shook the water out of his hair. As he walked back towards his car, he struggled with his surfboard against the gentle breeze and had to put it down to get a better grip on it with his hands. A woman sitting only a few metres away from him caught his attention. Even in the small distance he saw that her body trembled with subtle sobs. He hesitated, aware she most likely wanted to be alone and kept walking. Blowing out a huff, he stopped anyway as pity and helplessness grew within him. Another glance towards her, his mind told him to leave her be, yet his manners told him to be kind and do the R U Ok thing. Still unsure whether it was right or not, he walked towards her. After all, the worst that could happen was for her to push him away.

Hey. He kept his voice as close to a whisper so he wouldn’t startle her.

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and turned to him. Shading her eyes with the other hand, she echoed his greeting. Hey.

The confusion of why he’d approached her was still whirling through his mind, and he glanced across the ocean for a beat to focus. Something about her held him captive. The thin long-sleeved shirt hugged her curves nicely, and so did the cargo pants she wore. She smoothed a loose strand of her curly light brown hair behind her ear as their eyes met. The beautiful green colour of her eyes shone through brightly despite her tears. He wasn’t able to walk away, but studied her for a second or two, noticing the tight lines around her lips. She had a beautiful mouth and he had an urge to touch her lips as she slightly bit them, caress them if it were to make her feel better.

He let out a soft snort. Not that long ago he burnt his fingers when a girl left him, and since then he had sworn off the opposite sex. Yet, something about the woman in front of him drew him in and intrigued him.

Scratching the back of his neck, he crouched down next to her. Are you okay?

Her mouth curved into a tentative smile and with some exaggeration she replied, Yes, I am.

He frowned, sensing sarcasm in each of these three words. I suppose I deserve that. Stupid question. I’m sorry.

Her gorgeous smile did all sorts of things to his insides. Yes, it was. Yet, she didn’t offer more.

After a brief, but silent moment, he offered her his hand. Tyson.

She ignored it, though. Nice meeting you, Tyson.

He chuckled. This is the part where you’re supposed to tell me your name.

Her sigh was enigmatic as she stared into the distance. Aware of the fine line he was treading here, he contemplated leaving. Yet, a pull towards her, something irresistible, and, yes, some curiosity as to why she sat here early in the morning with a sadness written all over her face didn’t let go of him. The urge to get to know her was growing by the minute. The fact that something was hurting her was obvious by the tears, and everything inside tugged at him to help.

Apologies, I didn’t mean to come on to you. It’s just that I’m not able to walk past a girl who’s upset. Never have been.

Does that happen often? she asked as she turned back to him.

Actually, no. He choked back a snort. Only with my little niece.

A hesitant smile spread across her face. How old is she?

He raised an eyebrow. My niece? Turned four just a few days ago.

She stared at him wistfully as he waited for her next question. Yet, it never came. I’m kind of getting cold here. To emphasise his comment, he rubbed his arms with his hands. Could I invite you for a coffee or tea?

No, but thank you for the offer. And thank you for caring.

Will you be here again tomorrow?

Another one of her indecipherable sighs escaped her lips, and she shrugged slightly. Not sure.

He nodded as he stood, disappointed at her reply and surrendering to her unspoken wish to be left alone.

It’s Katie. She stood as well, brushing the sand off her pants.

His heart hammered in his chest. Nice meeting you, Katie.

He rushed back to the car, suddenly filled with renewed joy to have joined his parents for a holiday to this coastal town in New South Wales and filled with an energy of looking forward to the next day.

It’d been his mother’s idea to accompany her and his father to this beautiful place nestled in a small cove along the New South Wales coast. His dad had suffered a heart attack only a few weeks earlier, and he needed some time to rest, relax, and recover. It was the perfect spot and with the football season finished for the year, it was also perfect timing. Tyson liked it here. They had discovered their surrounds the previous day during a short walk. The main streets were close to the boat jetties and along the river. The surf beach, the most appealing part of town to him, was across the bridge, past the oyster farms, and on the other side of the peninsula.

Still with a smile on his face, he pushed the car keys and opened the boot to pack his surfboard inside when his phone buzzed. A message from his friend Oliver showed up on the display.

How’s the holiday with your mum and dad?

Ty rolled his eyes. His friends and football mates had teased him that at the age of twenty-eight, he still took his parents on holidays, but Ty couldn’t care less. His father’s health was crucial to him, and with the football pre-season not starting for a little while longer, he relished his time out of the spotlight. It’d been his first year as a pro footballer in the Australian Football League with a Melbourne club, and out of the twenty-two home and away games, he’d been on the field during most of the meets. His centre position as ruckman had given him plenty of opportunities to be part of the game— except when Toby McIntosh had knocked him out, giving him a nice concussion for two weeks.

Initially hesitating, he finally replied, Great surf. Great weather. Possibly great woman.

He might not see Katie again, but he’d be here for a few more days and was hopeful to cross paths with her again in this small town. An air of mystery had surrounded her, and he was eager to find out more. And with a grin he wasn’t able to wipe off his face, he returned to the rental house.

♥ ♥ ♥

Katie Cassidy stared after Tyson. Her heart was still racing, screaming at her to follow him, find out more about him, enjoy his company a little longer. It’d been a short conversation, but, good grief, his smile had stirred her and had sent a rush of warmth through her. She shook her head at her body’s crazy reaction and with one final hiccupping sob, she picked up her jacket from the sand and walked across the dunes towards the parking lot. For the first time since Paige’s death, a sense of delight spread within her. It had only been a couple of minutes that she’d talked to Tyson, a stranger, but she liked him. She liked how he’d cared enough to stop and check on her. And with some surprise she admitted to herself how attracted she’d been to him.

Wiping the last tears from her face, she recalled those chocolate brown eyes beneath his thick lashes and the straight brow line. But it’d been his smile that’d been contagious. His teeth were even and white, in a nice contrast with his olive skin. Anticipation rushed through her as she contemplated returning the next day. In her mind, she imagined touching his body. He’d been so damn sexy in his wet suit, unzipped down to just below the navel, revealing a muscular chest and powerful shoulders. She’d certainly been attracted to his tall, athletic physique. And she liked the way his dark, damp hair had curled around his face. Katie walked towards her car across the street when her mother’s voice caught her attention.

Here you are, love.

Katie turned and smiled. Mum? What are you doing here?

Her mother placed her hand on Katie’s shoulder. Caring for my little girl.

She appreciated her mum’s words. I needed a little time out, I suppose.

I had a feeling you’d be coming down to the beach. Her mum dropped a kiss on Katie’s forehead.

Taking a deep breath, she leaned into her mother’s embrace, relishing the comfort. I miss her so much, Mum.

Her voice nearly broke, tears trickled down her face once more as her chest tightened. The grief inside ate at her, the pain, emotionally and physically, so hard to cope with, yet, for the first time since her sister’s death, an emotion other than mourning spread within her. Something different. Sadness had suffocated all other emotions for the last months, but today something different had surfaced. Still unsure whether it was good or whether she was even ready for it, she didn’t believe a timeline existed to grieve a person.

We all miss her, darling, but she wouldn’t want us to stop living. Her life’s come to an end, and you will need to live your life with twice as much enthusiasm, with four eyes, with two hearts and—

Without her, she finished her mother’s sentence.

Her mother gave a slow nod. Have you been working this week?

Katie pursed her lips before she answered. Yes, I have, but I took today off. Only today.

You need to keep this job, love.

She inhaled deeply. I know.

Her administration job at the local shopping centre was nothing much on the career ladder, but it paid the rent and the groceries each week. Her boss had been very considerate since her sister’s sudden death, and helped her to juggle her time off as well as catching up with her night classes in marketing.

Her mother turned Katie in her arms. How about a little walk along the beach?

I’d like that.

As they headed towards the dunes, her mum reminisced, You two loved the beach. Some weekends, you’d sneak out of the house to come here in the early hours. I was always worried, but your dad would say— She imitated her husband’s deep voice. They’ll be all right. The girls have the sea in their blood. And added with a soft laugh, But I always saw that bit of relief on his face when you two returned. You can’t be too careful near the water.

Katie joined her mother in her amusement. We’d watch the boys surf.

I liked my idea of you two building little sandcastles better.

Katie released a snort. Mum, we were teenagers.

Her mother shrugged. I was in denial. Sue me.

Side by side, they walked along the shore, both comfortable with the silence, liking the fresh breeze off the water.

They stopped to watch a few dolphins in the distance. I feel close to her when I’m here.

Looping her arm into Katie’s, her mother replied, Yes, the sea was and still is your bond.

♥ ♥ ♥

When Tyson checked the sky the next morning, the clouds had increased and threatened with rain. But a cloudy sky wouldn’t stop him from going to the beach. He’d left his surfboard at the guest house. He had only one reason for making his way to the shore. One special reason.

Katie.

Each of Ty’s steps was faster than the one before. He wasn’t in a hurry, but his stride had a purpose. A mix of curiosity and eagerness struggled within him. As soon as he reached the top of the dune, he spotted her. His heart beat quicker than usual, but not from his fast step. His body’s reaction at the mere sight of her surprised him, especially as he had tried hard to stay away from women. He’d been burnt before and now he only wanted to focus on his career. He dragged a hand through his hair, because the girl in front of him made quite a mess of his intentions. Just as much as she’d messed up his sleep the previous night by being on the edge of his thoughts the whole time. All he had been able to think of was to see her again.

No surfing today? she asked with a smile on her face as he approached.

He scratched the back of his neck. I was hoping you’d have a coffee with me this morning.

Her hesitant smile disappeared, and she stared into the distance, tucking her hands deep into her pockets. Was that a nod he’d seen? Uncertain, he waited and followed her gaze to the water.

Do you always invite strange girls for a drink? she asked suddenly, and he turned to meet her eyes.

She was beautiful. Not like the models in magazines. Not like