Before

by Nicola Marsh

  He grinned. “I love how you Aussies say arse for ass.”

  “And I love how you Yanks say cookie for biscuit, jelly for jam, and drop scone for pikelet.”

  “Touché.” Reid cocked his thumb and forefinger and fired at me. “That’s another thing I like. Your bluntness.” He pointed at my slouching against a wooden post. “You’re all so laid back.”

  Bet Reid wouldn’t say that if he knew how frigging tense I was because of his sister.

  “It’s the heat,” I said. “Hard to muster up the energy to do much of anything at the end of a long day.”

  Unless Jess came by my shack at dusk again…then I’d be raring to go.

  “Know the feeling,” Reid muttered, sounding less than impressed. “I put in long hours at the campaign office. Not much time for anything after that.”

  “So you don’t have time to cruise Melrose and attend Hollywood premiers?”

  He snorted. “You’ve been watching too much cable. I work. That’s it.”

  “Doesn’t sound like you enjoy it much?”

  “I do but…” He swiped a hand over his face. “I’ve wanted to be in the senate for as long as I can remember. A governor toured my home town when I was about fourteen and I’ve wanted to make a difference ever since.”

  I sensed a major ‘but’ coming.

  “I like the thought of having enough power to evoke changes but the long hours and lack of social life for a guy my age is a killer.”

  Ah, so that’s what the Yank’s problem was. He needed to get laid.

  I knew the feeling.

  “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-three.” Reid winced. “Listen to me, sounding like a sad ass. What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  Reid jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the kitchen. “You planning on cooking here for the rest of your life?”

  “Nah. This is just a stop gap.”

  “Until?”

  Until I figured out what the hell I wanted to do with my life. But a guy who had no qualifications and had spent the last four years moving around had limited options.

  “Until I decide where I want to live and what I want to do.” It was the closest thing to the truth and more than I could’ve imagined sharing with a guy I’d met a week ago.

  But there was something about Reid Harper that encouraged me to let my guard down. He was one of the good guys. And despite our massive socio-economic differences, I could’ve imagined us being mates.

  “What’s to decide?” He pinned me with a speculative stare. “Jess tells me you’ve prepared all the meals since we’ve been here and they’re fucking fantastic.”

  I didn’t know whether to be happy or appalled Jess had been talking about me with her brother. But the very fact he was sitting here making idle chatter meant she hadn’t told him everything about me.

  “Thanks.” I shrugged. “But it’s something I do to earn a living, not a lifelong ambition.”

  Reid’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve never done a formal apprenticeship?”

  “Nope.”

  He made a little scoffing sound of disbelief. “Well, let me tell you. As someone who eats a lot of takeout because of my long work hours, and who spends the rest of the time at fancy dinners with contributors and campaign workers, your food on a scale of one to ten is a well deserving eight.”

  Embarrassment made me squirm. I wasn’t used to praise let alone the admiration of someone like Reid. He had to be bullshitting me. But why?

  “That’s why I asked if you were trained, because…” Reid hesitated, as if unsure of my reception to his next words.

  Considering I now thought he was full of shit, I didn’t blame him. But I was curious.

  “Because?”

  “Feel free to tell me to butt the hell out of your life, but I’m heading to Sydney for work at the end of next week and one of my boss’s campaign investors I have to meet with runs a restaurant there.”

  I had no idea where he was going with this. “That’s great. It’s a tough competitive market down there.”

  “He’s Michelin starred, apparently. Great reputation.” Reid hesitated again, before shooting me a speculative glance. “I could have a chat to him if you like. About an apprenticeship?”

  Speechless, I stared at this guy I barely knew, willing to go out on a limb for me. My eyes must’ve bugged as big as saucers because he laughed.

  “It’s not that big a deal, but I really do think you’ve got talent and it’d be a shame for outback station workers to be the only beneficiaries of your food.”

  I wanted to thank him. Wanted to slug him on the jaw for putting ideas into my head I’d never contemplated and making me hope. Because what he’d just proposed? Could set me up for life.

  If I got a trade behind me, became a real chef, I could go anywhere and be respected for my profession, rather than slumming it in dirty outback sheds dishing up the same old, same old to a bunch of unappreciative workers who ate for sustenance and energy rather than taste.

  “I don’t know what to say…” I stuck my hand out. “Thanks, mate.”

  Reid shook my hand. “Don’t thank me yet, because it may not happen. But I reckon someone as good as you deserves a chance to shine.”

  We fell into a companionable silence as I absorbed the impact of possibly working under a Michelin-starred chef. I wouldn’t get my hopes up but damn, it was hard not to.

  “By the way, Doreen’s going to Brisbane while I’m in Sydney, so that means Jess will be on her own here. Seeing as you’re about the same age, do you mind keeping an eye on her?” Reid gestured at the landscape. “Maybe show her around, that kind of thing?”

  Oh no. Hell no.

  Because what sprang to mind when Reid said ‘that kind of thing?’ didn’t involve playing tour guide. It involved me and Jess naked and writhing and sweaty.

  Reid continued, oblivious to the fact I hadn’t answered. “It’ll be good for her to kick back for a while. See a bit of the countryside. She works too hard.”

  “Looks like that runs in the family.”

  Reid grinned. “Jess is the brainiac. I just use my big mouth to get by.”

  “So it’s just the two of you?”

  “Yeah. Our dad ditched us when I was seven. Mom raised us.” His mouth softened into a smile. “Mom’s loud and flamboyant and the bubbliest person you’d ever meet.”

  Which went a long way to explaining why her daughter was the opposite. If anyone knew our childhood shaped us, I did. No prizes for guessing why Jess was quiet, aloof and reserved.

  “You seem like a pretty cool family,” I said, sounding way too wistful.

  “What about your family?”

  Thankfully, Mrs. Gee called out for me at that moment, saving me from having to hedge around the truth rather than give Reid my sorry arse tale.

  “Duty calls.” I stood.

  “Sure.” Reid stood too. “I’ll definitely put in a good word for you in Sydney.”

  “Thanks.” I shook Reid’s hand again before I headed into the kitchen, pondering how funny life could be. After the B&S ball I’d been restless. Edgy. Lost.

  Now I had a possible job opportunity and a woman driving me to distraction.

  A woman I had to look after next week apparently, with her brother’s blessing. A brother who was doing me a massive favor.

  This could get complicated.

  Chapter Eleven

  JESS

  I’d taken enough photos to overload my cell in an effort to stop ogling Jack as he took us on an outback tour. But it was hopeless. I couldn’t keep pretending like he didn’t exist and if I didn’t join in the conversation soon, Reid would think something was wrong. And it was. Majorly wrong. Because I couldn’t stop thinking about the last time Jack had spoken to me, the way he’d touched me…

  “How big is this place?” Reid shaded his eyes and peered through the windshield.

  “About eighteen thousand hectares,” Jack said, expertly steering
the four-wheel-drive around potholes. “Equivalent to forty-five thousand acres.”

  “Shit. That’s bigger than Craye Canyon.”

  I pretended to enjoy the geography lesson from the back seat. I preferred it back here. Much easier staring at the back of Jack’s head than being next to him. Though the few times our gazes had locked in the rearview mirror? Bad enough.

  I hadn’t seen him much over the last week. He’d been avoiding me, which was just fine. I didn’t want to see him, not after his parting comment the last time we’d seen each other.

  He wanted me naked, in his bed, begging for more.

  Combined with the visual I’d copped when he’d stepped out of that shower?

  Sensory overload. Every time I closed my eyes, that’s all I could see. We were in his bed, doing…things I wish I knew about.

  I hated how inadequate he made me feel. Like he’d seen stuff and done stuff I could only dream about. It made me feel perpetually off-kilter and likely to do something crazy: as crazy as daring him to step out of that outdoor shower.

  “The homestead’s about one thousand feet above sea level, so that’s why we get great views.” Jack pointed to his right. “If you squint and take a look out there, you’ll see the Great Barrier Reef.”

  I craned my neck, and could just glimpse a sliver of blue ocean.

  “Careful you don’t strain yourself rubbernecking,” Jack said, his teasing drawl making me bristle.

  Yep, even an offhand remark designed to make me laugh made me feel gauche instead.

  Reid laughed. “Sis doesn’t get to see ocean very often.”

  “Make that never, dufus,” I said, wishing I could elbow my brother, hard. He wasn’t helping me feel anything other than a small town girl way out of my depth.

  “I’m guessing there isn’t too much water in Nevada where you come from.” This time, Jack’s tone had softened, almost as if he sensed my discomfort and I flashed him a grateful grin when he glanced at me in the mirror.

  “About the closest I’ve got in the last six months is a day trip to Hoover Dam with a couple of study buddies…” I trailed off, remembering Dave had been on that trip.

  Dave, my friend. Who I’d trusted. Until he’d tried to put his penis inside me.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Damn, trust Jack to pick up on that too. How did he do that when he hardly knew me?

  “The bumpy roads are giving me bit of motion sickness.”

  Reid passed me a bottle. “Here, have some water.”

  “Do you want me to stop?” Jack’s steady gaze bore into me. He didn’t buy my lie for a second.

  “No, I’ll be fine.”

  As long as I blocked out Dave and didn’t feel like hugging Jack one minute, slugging him the next.

  “There’s a cattle round-up happening ahead.” Jack pulled the four-wheel-drive over and killed the engine. “Watch.”

  Grateful Jack had let me off the hook, I gawked as several highly trained kelpie dogs, along with station hands on horseback, rounded up a massive herd of cattle in what seemed like less time than it took me to get dressed in the morning.

  “Wow, that was amazing,” I said, practically bouncing up and down on the back seat in excitement.

  “I’m just going to take a few long range photos,” Reid said, opening the passenger door and stepping out.

  Leaving me alone with Jack.

  “Feeling better, I see.” He rested his arm along the back of the seat and half turned to face me. “Just for the record? You may have your brother fooled but I want to know the story behind those study buddies.”

  I clamped my lips tight and eyeballed him.

  He chuckled. “I’ve got a great technique for loosening lips.”

  “I just bet you have,” I snapped, hating when he smirked. “Too bad I’m not interested.”

  “Pity.” He stared at my mouth. “I would’ve had a great time getting you to talk.”

  Thankfully, Reid got back into the car, ensuring smart-assed Jack had to shut his big mouth.

  A mouth I wanted to kiss as badly as he wanted to kiss mine apparently.

  And as we drove through the open savannah forest back to Cooweer Homestead, all I could think about was the two of us left to our own devices for the week ahead.

  Chapter Twelve

  JACK

  Mrs. Gee gave me the afternoon off for good behavior apparently. Not only had I wowed the guests with my culinary efforts, I’d earned some serious brownie points from my biggest critic.

  She’d hovered over me the first few days when I’d been experimenting with her favorite recipes, giving advice when needed. I’d learned more about cooking in the last two weeks than I had in the previous twelve months when I’d cooked for sheep shearers, cane cutters and the occasional travelers’ outpost.

  If Reid Harper came through for me with that offer of an apprenticeship in Sydney, I’d be indebted to him and Mrs. Gee. If it weren’t for her, I never would’ve had the opportunity to try cooking fancy stuff let alone have someone like Reid taste it, enjoy it and want to recommend it.

  Reid had headed off this morning, along with Doreen. Leaving the homestead to run as per usual. Stockmen taking care of the cattle, Bluey the station manager in charge of the everyday running, Gladys ensuring the household ran smoothly, Mrs. Gee and I doing the cooking.

  And one pest of a houseguest who I couldn’t stop thinking about.

  If I had a rare afternoon off, I’d usually go for a horse ride. I liked the rush of galloping that would clear my head. And the solitude. But looked like I might have a hanger-on today.

  “You going for a ride?” Jess propped in the doorway of the stable, looking way too tempting for someone who should be off limits.

  Not that there was anything particularly sexy about her faded skinny jeans and red T-shirt, but it was the way she wore them. Comfortable in her own skin. Classy. And way out of my league.

  “Yeah.” I cinched the girth, checked the stirrups.

  “Want some company?”

  “Not really.”

  Rude? Hell yeah. But the last thing I needed right now was to be accompanied by the woman I wanted to get my hands on.

  “Why? Afraid I’ll show you up?” She sauntered into the stable, a determined glint in her eyes. Big, beautiful brown eyes that were fixed on me. “I didn’t pick you for a coward.”

  Was she talking about the ride or something else? Like the fact every time we were within two feet of each other, we sparked, and I ran.

  “What are you, twelve? Trying to use reverse psychology on me?” I patted the gelding’s neck as the horse skittered slightly when Jess approached.

  “God, you’re full of yourself,” she said, wrinkling her pert nose like she’d just stepped in a pile of horse shit. “How about we forget the fact I saw your dick and get past it so we can hang out without any crap?”

  She actually blushed when she said dick and I laughed. She was adorable. And I wanted her real bad.

  “What if I don’t want to get past it?” I threw it out there as a deliberate taunt, knowing she’d bolt if I harped on it. “What if I want you to remember it in vivid detail?”

  I expected her to tell me to fuck off. I expected her to turn tail and run. I didn’t expect her to take a step forward, invading my personal space, as she placed a hand on my chest.

  “What if my memory’s not that good and I need a reminder?” She stared up at me from beneath long lashes, her bravado making me want to kiss the smirk from her lips all the more.

  “Already told you, swing by the shack at dusk any day.”

  “Maybe I will.” She patted my chest in a strangely intimate gesture that made me want to haul her into my arms, back her into one of the empty stalls and demonstrate what a roll in the hay meant. “But for now, I’ll settle for a ride.”

  I had two options. Blow her off—damn, bad analogy—or suck it up like a man. Another shitty analogy.

  It wasn’t her fault I wanted to get in
to her panties. Besides, Reid had asked me to look after her, show her some sights, that kind of thing. How would it look if Reid returned, asked Jess what she’d done and she said nothing because I’d been a bad-tempered prick?

  “Fine,” I said, sounding like a sulky brat. “I assume you can ride?”

  “You’ll see how well shortly, when I whip your ass in a race.” She cocked her hip in challenge and damn if I didn’t want to bend her over my knee and whip her arse for real.

  “Confident, much?” I muttered, secretly pleased she could ride. Last thing I felt like doing was babysitting a newbie in the saddle.

  “So which horse should I saddle up?” She wandered over to the stalls and that’s when a new predicament struck.

  The workmen were out on their mounts, one of the usual homestead rides was in foal, the other mare was due for shoeing and I had the gelding. Which left Doreen’s stallion that no one touched on threat of castration.

  “Sorry, I forgot, there’s no spare mount at the moment,” I said, feeling worse now than I had a few minutes ago when I’d refused her just to be churlish.

  She tut-tutted. “You’ll go to any lengths to avoid spending time with me.”

  “I’m not bullshitting you—”

  “What about I ride pillion with you?”

  Hell no. Having her taut little body pressed against me from behind, her arms wrapped around me, her crotch against my arse? A thousand times no.

  “That wouldn’t be fair on old Dundee.” I patted the gelding’s rump and he stood there, placid and expectant, contemplating the two idiotic humans with a slight turn of his head.

  “He looks as strong as a draft horse,” she said, stroking Dundee’s neck with smooth, repetitive movement, making me wish she’d touch me like that.

  My cock hardened. Not helping.

  As if sensing the real reason behind my reluctance, she pinned me with a sassy stare. “Pity. Might be kinda nice for a shy, college girl like me to head home with tales of riding real close to a rugged, handsome Aussie.”

  I snorted and Dundee joined in. “Yeah, like flattery will make me change my mind.”

  Though her mention of college did spark my memory, something I’d wanted to ask her about since that tour I’d taken her and Reid on.

  “Did some guy in college do a number on you?”

  Her smile faded and I could’ve sworn she paled. “I don’t know what you mean by doing a number?”