by Chris Taylor
Faster and faster, he plunged in and out of her and she moaned and gasped in rhythm with his strokes. Higher and higher she climbed, her orgasm just within reach. Nearing the precipice, she tensed and gasped and cried out as she toppled over the edge. Her breathing was harsh in the silence as she slowly drifted back to earth.
Colt stared down at her, his expression unreadable, although she glimpsed satisfaction in his eyes. She’d barely managed to catch her breath when he began to move again. This time, his strokes were short and fast and moments later, he yelled out in triumph.
He collapsed against her and Morgan took his weight, relishing the feel of his spent body against hers. The moment didn’t last nearly long enough. He lifted his head and then came up on his elbows before rolling over on his side. He reached for her and drew her against him and she sighed.
A torrent of confusing emotions flooded through her. There were a million reasons why what they’d just done was a completely terrible idea, but right here, right now with the storm abated and only the sound of gentle rain falling outside, she’d never felt more content.
* * *
Colt woke well before his usual time, and for a moment, lay still in the bed and tried to get his bearings. As the sun peeked over the horizon, he recognized the furniture of his spare room. He glanced sideways and saw Morgan, still asleep beside him.
Memories of the night before flooded over him. Feelings of peace and contentment were immediately replaced by guilt. He’d slept with her. Despite all his inward arguments and the logic of staying the hell away – he’d gone and slept with her.
What the hell had he been thinking? She deserved so much better than that, better than him. She deserved to get all she wanted out of life and none of those wants coincided with his.
Still, he didn’t regret what had happened. Sex between them had always been magical and last night had been even better. It was like their lovemaking had gained a maturity it hadn’t had before. Not that it changed the way things were or the fact they weren’t right for each other. Too bad he hadn’t listened to the voice of reason the night before. It was too late for regrets. He only hoped Morgan would feel the same way.
With another glance in her direction, he forced himself to slide out of bed. It would be less complicated for both of them if he were gone by the time she woke. Collecting his boxers and the used condom from the floor, he padded quietly out of the room and headed straight for the shower.
The water was hot and steamy and Colt was grateful for its punishing sting. Rinsing the soap off his body, he wondered for the hundredth time what he’d say to her when he saw her again. Whether it was before work or after, he’d have to face her and talk about what had happened and they’d have to agree on where they went from here.
His head insisted nothing had changed; his priorities remained the same. It was far safer to avoid the possibility of a long-term relationship altogether; to avoid the hurt that would ultimately follow. So far, that premise had served him well.
But that was before Morgan O’Brien had arrived back in his life. She turned his world upside down. She smiled and the day seemed brighter. Her laughter filled a room. She made him want to be a better person; to look out for her, protect her and keep her safe. But could he give her what she wanted? A lifetime of love and happiness?
And what if he did marry? Would he spend every day analyzing their relationship, putting it under the microscope, wanting to spot the very moment things began to drift off course? Would it be like that? Would he drive himself, and any wife he had, absolutely mad?
By the time he was finished with the conditioner, he still hadn’t made up his mind. The arguments circled around inside his head until he wanted to shout long and loud. He stepped out of the shower with the beginning of a headache pounding behind his eyes. What a great way to start the day. He couldn’t wait to get to work.
* * *
To Colt’s consternation, Morgan was already in the kitchen when he emerged, dressed, from his room. She had her back to him and was busy at the stove and didn’t immediately notice him. He took the time to appreciate the sight of her in a pair of cutoff denim shorts and a shirt that ended just below her bra. A wide swathe of tanned flesh was bared to his gaze.
Memories of her smooth, soft skin bombarded him and his body tightened reflexively. Her butt was cupped gently by the denim and he remembered his palm holding her just the same way. Her hair was in a ponytail that swung jauntily to and fro, making her look younger than her thirty years.
The smell of brewing coffee teased his nostrils. As if on cue, toast popped out of the toaster. She turned to him and offered him a smile filled with sunshine and his gut somersaulted. He wanted to steal himself against the rush of feeling that flooded through him, but he was awfully afraid it was too late. He was falling for her and falling fast and he wasn’t at all sure he had what it took to resist – or if he even wanted to try – and that was the scariest thing of all.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Dear Diary,
I went down to the post office this morning and the lady behind the counter greeted me as if she’d known me forever. She even called me Rex. Admittedly, I wore his hat and sunglasses and of course, another set of his clothes. Slowly but surely, my plan is working. The next test is the bank. Once I’ve convinced the tellers of my identity, I shall be set.
* * *
Morgan sipped her coffee and scanned the contents of the morning paper that had been delivered to Colt’s door. He’d already left for work and the house was still and silent. She missed his company and the camaraderie they shared.
She’d deliberately chosen to act normal around him, despite what had happened the night before. She could tell he was relieved when she didn’t draw attention to the fact they’d slept with each other. Instead, the two of them had enjoyed a few pleasant moments over toast and cereal and eggs.
He mentioned again his parents’ upcoming anniversary celebration and then surprised her by asking her if she wanted to go. She’d stared at him across the breakfast table, too taken aback to speak. He’d filled the sudden silence with an uncomfortable chuckle that was immediately followed by a rush of words.
“It probably doesn’t sound as exciting as a night out in the city, but my brothers and sisters will be there and my cousin, Chase, and his wife. You haven’t met Josie, but she’s pretty good value. She’s a child psychologist. I’m sure you’ll get on well. And of course, there’ll be plenty of country music. It’s Country Music Festival time in Tamworth. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mom’s conned one or two buskers from Peel Street to give impromptu performances. I can’t remember if you like country music. It’s not my favorite thing, but Mom and Dad like it and—”
“It’s all right, Colt. I’d love to come,” she interrupted, smiling gently.
He stopped mid-sentence and stared at her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course I’m sure. I haven’t seen your family for a long time. It would be nice to catch up. And as for Chase – I’m pleased to hear he’s found a wife. I seem to remember he ran with a wild pack there for a while. Even so, he was very popular among the female college students.”
She softened her words with another smile and Colt nodded in agreement. “Yes, you aren’t the only one surprised to discover he’s put down roots. Mom and Dad despaired of him ever settling down.”
“And yet he has,” she said lightly, not wanting to make a big deal of it. She knew Colt’s feelings on the subject of marriage and it was strange to talk about the taming of his cousin without transferring it to him. Sharing a magical night together didn’t change anything, no matter how much she wished things were different.
Sneaking a peek at him over her coffee mug, Morgan was relieved to note Colt’s expression was merely thoughtful, not closed and defensive. She wished she had a clue what was going on in his head and then was pleased she didn’t. Some things were best left unknown – at least for now. She wanted to cherish the memories they’d made l
ast night and bask in their warm glow while she could. There had been plenty of time after he left for work to analyze and dissect and examine what had happened… And accept that nothing had changed.
The buzz of her phone interrupted her thoughts and she set aside the paper to answer it. She glanced at the screen and smiled. It was Georgie Whitely.
“Georgie! How are you? It’s good to hear from you!”
“I thought you must have fallen off the face of the earth!” Georgie replied with a laugh. “I emailed you a couple of days ago, but I didn’t hear back.”
Morgan felt a shaft of guilt. She hadn’t called any of her friends since she’d left. It was probably because her life had been off kilter from the moment she’d arrived. With all that had happened in such a short time, it wasn’t any wonder her head was in a spin.
“How are things in the country?” Georgie added.
“They’re fine. At least, not too bad,” Morgan amended.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
With a sigh, Morgan filled her in on what had been happening, all the while sitting through her friend’s oohs and ahhs and curious questions, in particular when it came to the mention of Colt.
“I see,” Georgie replied when Morgan mentioned she was staying with her ex-boyfriend from way back. “Is he still single?”
Heat crept up Morgan’s neck and she was relieved Georgie couldn’t see her discomfort.
“So, is he?” Georgie’s gentle chiding reminded her she still hadn’t given her friend an answer.
“Yes, he’s still single,” she managed.
“Cute, or has he gone to fat?”
Morgan choked. An image of Colt as he’d been the night before in all his lean, naked glory flooded her mind. “No, I think you could say he’s… He’s managed to keep himself quite fit, considering.”
“Well, it has been ten years,” Georgie replied sagely. “Time has a way of adding a few pounds.”
“You can say that again,” Morgan chuckled.
Georgie scoffed in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right? You look fabulous! I didn’t know you in college, but I can’t imagine you looked any hotter than what you do now.”
Morgan laughed. “You’re so sweet, Georgina Whitely. Cameron Dawson’s a lucky man.”
“And doesn’t he know it,” Georgie quipped.
A comfortable silence fell between them. Georgie broke it with another question. “So, when are you coming back to Sydney?”
“I have another ten days of leave. Dad said he hoped to make it home before I have to go back. I’m going to stay for as long as I can, or at least until he returns. It’s been way too long since I saw him. I want to satisfy myself that he’s all right.”
“I understand. From what you’ve told me, things have been a little weird. I can’t believe he has a long lost brother, and an identical twin at that! The very thought blows my mind!”
“You’re telling me. If Uncle Leslie didn’t looked so much like Dad, I don’t think I would have believed him. It was a real shock.”
“I can well imagine. Still, it sounds like you’re coming to terms with it,” Georgie said.
“Yes, you’re right, and the more I get to know my uncle, the more I like him. He’s had a difficult life, but he’s come through it and seems to have himself together. He’s a really nice man. I’m glad he’s found Dad. They can make some new memories together, make up for lost time.”
“It must be difficult for him to accept how well your father fared from birth.”
“Maybe you’re right. Dad’s led a very comfortable life.”
“Is your uncle resentful of that?” Georgie’s voice was full of curiosity.
Morgan paused to consider the question. “No, not that I can tell. He speaks quite openly of his unfortunate past, even of his time in jail. He doesn’t seem to blame my dad for what happened in the past. He’s staying in my father’s house and has the run of the place. He seems right at home. I think he’s just happy to finally know the truth about his past and to connect with his twin.”
“It’s a nice story, isn’t it?” Georgie asked.
“Yes,” Morgan replied. “I’m so pleased they discovered each other in time. The truth could so easily have died with both sets of parents without either brother being any the wiser.”
“Yes, it’s like you said: The more I think about it, the more amazing it feels. Twin boys separated at birth. One twin kept by his biological parents; the brothers reunited more than fifty years later. It sounds like something out of a Hollywood blockbuster.” Georgie laughed.
Morgan smiled in agreement. It felt good to see the light side of the whole thing. For days, she’d been surviving in some kind of funk, worried about her father, confused about what had gone on; the death of Rusty, the lies her dad had told. They were so out of character.
But he’d finally replied to her emails and had explained most of the weirdness away. She still had to ask her dad about the laptop and the missing statues, but with the knowledge he’d soon be home, those things didn’t seem to matter so much.
The sound of a baby crying interrupted her musings and she smiled into the phone. “It sounds like your son needs attention.”
“Darn!” Georgie replied. “He’s only been down an hour. That’s not long enough, I’m afraid.”
The crying increased in intensity and Morgan chuckled, even as she suppressed a stab of yearning.
“I’m going to have to go, Morgan. James refuses to be ignored.”
“Give him a kiss from me, won’t you?” Morgan replied and after an assurance from Georgie that she would, Morgan ended the call.
Setting her phone back down on the table, she reached for the newspaper once again. Her hand paused midway and she reached for her iPad instead. She’d already checked her emails and there hadn’t been anything new from her dad, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t email him. She’d ask him about the laptop and the figurines. She was curious, that’s all. There was nothing wrong with that.
* * *
Leslie read the email that had just come in from Rex’s daughter. From her tone, she appeared to be less stressed over his sudden decision to go traveling across the outback, but she was still asking questions.
He cursed again at the thought of the laptop. He’d been working on it right before she’d knocked. He’d been startled to find her outside the door and had forgotten to hide it.
Then there were the statues. He should have known they’d hold special significance and their disappearance would be noticed. But he’d needed cash and they’d seemed like the easiest things to hock. They’d fetched a pretty penny, too. He looked forward to selling the rest.
But Morgan had noticed two of them were missing and now she wanted to know why. He didn’t know what he could tell her, what excuse she might buy. He didn’t know what she did for a living, but it was clear she was bright and perceptive. He’d have to watch himself if he didn’t want to slip up.
Leslie re-read her email. He’d take some time to consider his reply. He didn’t want to respond in haste and regret his word choice. He had to say something that would appease her; something that would keep her suspicions at bay. Any more stupid mistakes could cost him dearly and bring his well-laid plans crashing down.
He’d have to return to the sewer he’d crawled out of, never to be seen again.
That was simply not an option.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Morgan applied a second coat of cherry-colored lipstick and stepped back to assess the results in the mirror. Her honey-blond hair hung loose and shiny after a wash and blow dry and for once, the long waves fell neatly into place. She didn’t normally wear a lot of makeup, but tonight, she’d applied eye shadow and eyeliner with care. She looked good. She looked relaxed and confident. Too bad she didn’t feel that way.
She’d woken that morning nervous about meeting up with Colt’s family again. She didn’t know what he’d told them about the reasons for their parting. She only hope
d he’d said nothing about the baby. His parents had been nice to her all those years ago and had seemed to like her well enough. She couldn’t help but wonder if they still felt the same way.
The chime of a new email hitting her inbox snagged her attention. Turning away from the mirror, she scooped up her iPad from where it lay on her bed. It had been five days since her father’s last email. She wasn’t as concerned as she would have been had he not assured her he was okay the last time, but still, he wasn’t exactly young and he was traveling in isolated and unfamiliar country all alone. She was still concerned about him traveling without his laptop, having to deal with Internet cafes and unfamiliar technology, and would be pleased when he arrived back home.
Flipping her iPad open, she entered her passcode and then scanned through her mail. Her heart skipped a beat. There was a new email from her dad. She opened the message and eagerly read over the words he’d written.
Hi Morgan,
Good to hear from you. Glad you’re spending time with your uncle. He’s a good bloke. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.
I forgot to tell you I left my laptop behind. It was stupid of me, I know. I was halfway to Broken Hill before I remembered and by then, it was too late to turn back. But it all worked out. Some travelers in one of the caravan parks told me about Internet cafés. I’d never heard of such things, but they explained it all and it wasn’t too complicated.
So, I’ve become a little more tech savvy and I’ve been forced into the twenty-first century. The only downside is having to find the café. They’re not as thick on the ground as I was led to believe – at least, that’s the way it’s been for me. It’s the reason my contact with you is so sporadic. Some towns offer such a service, but there are just as many out here that don’t.
You asked about your mother’s Royal Doulton figurines… I’m really sorry, Morgan. I should have told you. I know how much those statues mean to you. The truth is, I dropped them. First one and less than a week later, the other. I was admiring them one night while I watched the television. They simply slipped from my hands and shattered. I picked up the broken pieces, but there was nothing I could do. The first time it happened, I was shocked and saddened. It was like a part of your mother had been destroyed. I never imagined it could happen a second time…