“I will grind you to powder beneath my foot.”
“You have a cute foot. I like your pink socks.”
“Simon…” Her jaw clenched.
“Later, baby.” Straightening a little, he said, “Just a bit of everything, thanks.”
It was a wonder her head didn’t explode. The fire in her eyes spat, but give the woman credit, she was good at hiding it. Right before his eyes she took a deep breath, threw those shutters down over the fury, smiled sweetly and turned around. Within minutes she handed him a heaping plate of food.
He grinned widely as he took the plate.
She smiled back just as sweetly, then, out of sight of everyone, reached out and gave the inside of his thigh a hard pinch.
He almost dropped the plate. Holy shit, he’d have a bruise there for a week. He narrowed his eyes at her, she just dropped her gaze demurely and turned back to face the front.
Jesus, the woman had attitude when she wanted it. Just made him burn for her more.
Grinning, he started eating.
“Are you mad?” Ryder pointed the fork at him. “The fat fart hasn’t been in to yet to decide where she wants to sit.”
“She’s not a fat fart,” Scott growled.
“She’s not a skinny one, that’s for damned sure.”
“Everyone lift your plates,” Kirk said. “Here she comes.”
Sure enough, Tilly appeared in the doorway. She looked around the group, her nose in the air as she sniffed the food and surveyed her subjects. Only then did she come into the lounge, her tail slowly going from side to side.
Patiently, everyone waited as she walked across their laps, sniffing and discarding each of them as unworthy seats for her fat little arse. Jumping up onto the sofa, she trod on Simon’s lap, narrowly missing his family jewels, and sedately promenaded across the women’s laps. When she got to the end, she turned around and repeated it.
“For crying out loud, Tilly,” Ryder said. “Decide, will you?”
“Don’t rush her,” Scott said immediately. “You’ll upset her.”
“We wouldn’t want that, would we?”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
“It’s sickening the way you give in to that cat.”
“I heard how you slept without a pillow because Jezebel had yours.”
“I’m not talking about me, numb nuts. Don’t change the subject.”
A soft laugh came from the woman sitting between his legs, the dulcet tone catching his attention. Or it would have done if Tilly hadn’t stopped on his lap, eyeballed him with the air of a queen deciding if he was worthy, then obviously deciding he was, she settled herself.
“Thank God.” Ryder lowered his plate.
Elissa turned her head to glance sideways at Tilly, who leaned forward to sniff her hair. The long braid she had the silky curls confined in didn’t allow Tilly to nuzzle into it, so with a disgruntled air, the cat laid her head on her paws, heaved a very put-upon sigh and closed her eyes.
Seeing the fat tabby curled on his lap, her warmth through his jeans, had Simon thinking about old Arthur with his one eye, tattered ears, and determination to do it all on his own. Did the poor old thing realise yet that his Mum wasn’t coming back, that he was alone in the world except for Simon?
A hand touched his arm and he looked down into Ash’s gentle eyes from where she sat beside him. “You’ll get Arthur, Simon, I know you will.”
“I will.” He nodded. “Yeah.”
“I’ll help you catch him tomorrow.”
“He’d likely scratch you.” No wonder Scott loved his gentle fiancée so much, she was a caring soul. “I’ll be fine, Ash. I’ll get Arthur sooner or later.”
“The nights are getting colder,” she echoed Ryder’s earlier words.
“I know. Don’t fret, I’ll get him.”
“Okay. But I can help.”
“If I need you, I’ll call, okay?” At her troubled gaze, he smiled reassuringly. “You worry about your wedding and getting Scott to the altar without embarrassing us all, and I’ll worry about Arthur.”
“Hey,” Scott said. “I’m right here.”
Ash gave his head a loving pat. “I know, darling.”
“Jesus,” said Ryder. “His eyes have gone all dreamy. Any second he’ll start purring.”
“Jealous?” Scott asked.
Ryder grinned wolfishly. “Wanna go there?”
“No,” Dee said immediately. “We don’t.”
“I’d just be bragging, babe.”
“Not if you want to do more than purr in the future.”
“But, babe-” Ryder eyed the fork wagging in front of his nose. “Okay.”
“Whipped.” Del made the cracking sound of a whip while flicking her wrist as though wielding one. “Ryder, man-whore of Gully’s Fall and beyond, every mother’s nightmare - or wet dream, go figure - tamed!”
“You need taming,” Ryder shot back. “One day you’ll get your come uppence.”
“Yeah, you wish. Nobody tames me, boy. I’m my own woman.”
“Every woman can be tamed.” Ryder eyed Dee’s fork which had once again appeared before his nose. “Or not.”
Del made the same gesture.
“Children,” Molly said. “Are we watching the movie or fighting?”
“Depends what the movie is,” Del replied.
“The latest Halloween movie.”
“Yes!” Del wriggled on the spot. “Thank God you have better taste than Simon.”
“Thank Kirk, he chose it.”
Kirk grinned. “I am the best.”
Simon flipped him the bird.
Molly pressed the play button and the movie started.
Relaxed back on the sofa, eating delicious food, Tilly purring on his lap, the woman he wanted sitting between his legs, and his friends around, Simon was so content it was a wonder he wasn’t purring himself. This was the life. People might argue it, might seek more excitement, seek more glory, fame or money, but this was what he wanted, what he chose. Simple life, simple pleasures.
Disposable plates and cutlery were stuffed into the waiting plastic bag and left beside the coffee table as everyone finished eating and got more immersed in the movie, Kirk turning off the light to make the room darker and add to the atmosphere of anticipation and tension.
Slowly but surely Elissa relaxed back against the sofa, and as she became more caught up in the movie, her arm slid around one of Simon’s legs, her hand spreading out on his jean-clad shin. When something particularly gory or unexpected happened, her hand tightened on his jeans until her fingers held the tough material bunched in her hand.
Sweet. And man, he did like the fact that even though the horror wasn’t real, she was unconsciously clinging to him. Made all that possessive, protective shit just well up inside him.
When one particular scene had everyone in the room jumping, Tilly got off in a huff and stalked over to Scott, flopping down on her back beside him to demand a tummy rub, which he obligingly did without taking his gaze from the TV screen.
Roused from the movie by the cat getting off his lap, Simon felt Elissa press back against the sofa. Instinctively he leaned forward, resting his forearms on her shoulders. It surprised the shit out of him when she leaned her cheek against his arm, her gaze riveted to the TV. Inside he chuckled. The woman wasn’t even aware of what she’d just done.
Bending down, he whispered into her ear, “All right?”
“Yeah.” She didn’t remove her gaze from the TV.
More than content to let her snuggle back into him, Simon watched the reminder of the movie without moving.
When it finally finished, Kirk got up and flicked on the light, everyone blinking at the sudden brightness. Kirk looked at Simon, his gaze flicked down to where Elissa was just starting to straighten up, and his eyes crinkled at the corners in amusement.
Almost at the same time, Elissa seemed to remember where she was, jerking away from him sharply.
Damn, he missed
the warmth of her against him already, the feel of her hand gripping his jeans.
Everyone started getting up, Dee yawning. “Geez, I need my bed.”
Ryder leered.
“To sleep.”
He just leered more.
“I’m not forgetting you owe me money.”
“I’ll work it off in bed.”
“I want cold, hard cash.”
“Never going to happen, babe.” Pushing upright, he caught her hand and pulled her up against him. “But that’s not going to interfere in bedtime.”
“You think?”
He pinched her bottom, making her squeal then curse. “I know.”
While everyone was watching the byplay between Ryder and Dee, Elissa started to get to her feet. Hampered by the coffee table, she got to her knees and reached out to brace herself, one hand landing on the table, the other on Simon’s thigh.
She froze before glancing at him, her hand lifting slightly.
Taking pity on her, Simon pushed lithely to his feet, snagging her hand and yanking her up with him.
Off balance, she fell against him, her hands braced on his chest.
Holy crap, he felt the heat from that small palm burn right through his t-shirt into his skin. Being burned never felt so good.
Elissa refused to look at him, just muttered ‘Thanks’ and pushed away, turning to grab the plastic bag.
By unspoken agreement everyone started tossing in the empty drink tins and plastic cups, Scott taking it from Elissa and tying the bag off.
“I love doing the dishes on movie night.” He grinned. “I even volunteer for it.”
“So chivalrous.” Del stretched and scratched her belly under the long-sleeved t-shirt she wore.
“I know. Ash is so lucky to have me.” Scott dropped a kiss on Ash’s head, ruffled her hair.
Molly made a move. “Much as I’d love to sit and chat, I have an early morning coming up.”
“Not for much longer.” Coming up behind her, Kirk reached out to rest his hands on her belly. “Kitten and the bump start maternity leave next week.”
“About time,” Simon said. “I had visions of Molly giving birth behind the bread rack.”
Molly grinned. “I’d much prefer the cupcake rack.”
“Oohh, are cupcakes the craving of the day?”
“Oddly enough, no. Its raw carrots. My palms were starting to turn orange so I had to squash that craving down.”
“I was starting to think I’d come home to a carrot.” Kirk kissed the top of her head before resting his chin on it. “She’s onto lettuce cravings now.”
“Healthy cravings?” Del rolled her eyes. “That’s just sick, Molly. Sick.”
Molly started to reply, only to yawn loudly, her hand in front of her mouth. Sheepishly, she blinked at her friends. “Sorry. I really need to find my bed.”
That was the trigger to start everyone moving.
Elissa took the bag from Scott. “I’ll drop this in the bin, you see everyone off.” When he started to object, she added, “Its paper and plastic, Scott. I swear I will not break under the load.” Before he could say anything more, she darted from the room.
Oh yeah.
Seeing his opportunity, Simon moved past Scott. “I’ll go.”
“Go where?” Scott began, right before his eyes widened a little. “Oh. Yeah.” A familiar gleam entered the dark grey eyes. “Oh yeah.”
Already at the entry to the hall, Simon pointed at Scott. “Don’t start.” Then he crossed into the kitchen, ignoring the murmur of voices behind him.
Nope, his friend weren’t stupid, they knew by now that something was going on between him and Elissa, he just had to convince her that there was…right after he sorted out a few things.
Chapter 8
Avoiding Simon just wasn’t easy. She was mad at him, uneasy, and she could swear she felt the imprint of his legs against her upper arms. Not to mention his forearms resting on her shoulders and - oh geez, had she really leaned her cheek against his arm? How pathetic was she?
Lying in bed, she stared at the ceiling. Okay, so she was avoiding him. She’d taken one peek at his face and known he’d come looking for her, and damn it, she’d bolted like a rabbit. Thrown the rubbish bag in the bin then hightailed it around the house to meet everyone on the front veranda. Seen them all off - including Simon, who just looked so steadily at her that her toes curled in the pink socks he’d professed to like.
Standing beside Ash, she’d felt grateful for her friend’s hand that had come to rest on her back, knew without looking that she was silently supporting her.
Simon had climbed into his panel van after bidding everyone a goodnight, taken another long look at her and left.
That look hadn’t been good. In fact, it had seared itself into her mind. He wasn’t finished with her, that much she knew. On one hand, it gave her a sick, erotic thrill, but on the other hand…well, he wasn’t happy with her so maybe he’d give up.
Give up what? Damn it.
Rolling onto her side, she stared at the window, the moonlight filtering through the curtains to cast dappled light through the dim room.
There was nothing to give up.
Now, if anyone had a bone to pick it was her. How dare he do what he’d done in the lounge, making sure her good manners dictated she accept him behind her, get his food? Suffer his nearness.
Yeah, like his nearness was suffering. His warmth, his clean, masculine scent, that big, strong body. Yeah, real suffering. Made her burn a little inside, and not in a bad way. In a good way. In a very decadent, good - good grief!
Restless, she tossed onto her other side.
Exhausted with her thoughts chasing through her mind, she actually overslept the next morning, staggering into the kitchen to find Scott reading the paper with a slice of toast in one hand and Tilly sitting on his lap.
Ash looked up from where she was writing a list of some kind. “You slept well.” She took a closer look at Elissa’s face. “Or not.”
Tucking the strands of loose, messy hair behind her ear, Elissa shuffled to the sink, placing a glass under the tap and filling it with water which she chugged down. Placing it back on the sink, she gazed blearily out into the backyard. “Not.”
Immediately Ash was beside her, hand on her back, concern on her face. “What’s wrong?”
“What?” She blinked. “Nothing. Honestly.” Turning, she saw Scott watching her with equal concern.
Tilly didn’t even look. The cat didn’t give a rat’s arse how she felt. You had to love that attitude. She needed some of that attitude. Maybe she could take lessons from Tilly.
“I’m fine.” Folding her arms over the silky dressing gown she wore, she managed a smile. “So, what’s on the plan today for you two?”
Taking the hint, Scott placed the paper on the table. “Ash and I are going downtown to run a few errands, then off to Mum who’s making chocolate cake, so we’re having morning tea with her at the same time. Then we’re going over some things she wants me to bring back here from my old room.” His gaze turned to Ash. “You know she doesn’t mind that old stuff staying there, right?”
“Scott, its stuff from when you were a kid. This is your home. You bring it here or you get rid of it. You can’t use your old bedroom as a dumping ground for all those things you don’t want to part with from your childhood.” Moving up beside him, she dropped a kiss on top of his head before sitting on the other side of the table with a cup of hot tea. “I bet you don’t even know what you’ve got in all those boxes.”
Elissa caught Scott’s look. “Hey, don’t give me the poignant look. I just do what I’m told.”
“No help from you, then.”
“That’s about it.”
“Huh.” He took a bite of toast. “Coming with us?”
Looking at the two of them together, the list Ash had of errands they had to run together, the job Scott had in front of him, Elissa thought it sounded pretty much like it would be a couple’s
time, emphasis on the ‘couple’. They mightn’t mind but she’d feel like a third wheel just tagging along. Besides, she wasn’t so sure she’d be good company right then, being so tired and lethargic from almost no sleep the night before. She definitely didn’t want to have Ash worrying about her when she should be focussed on other things.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll beg off this morning. I think my insomnia is catching me up.”
“You can nap at Mum’s, she won’t mind.” Scott tickled Tilly under the chin.
“Good grief. Won’t that look good? ‘Mum, this is Elissa. Can she borrow your bed?’”
“She’ll tuck you in.”
Elissa laughed. “Thanks, but no. Anyway, I have a few things I need to sort out back in the city so I might borrow the phone, is that okay? My mobile isn’t working.”
“No worries.”
“I’ll pay you back when the bill arrives, I promise.”
“Like that’s going to worry me.”
“It’ll worry me.”
“Then you’re the only one.” Scott leisurely stretched, careful to keep his arm around Tilly who meowed, disgruntled. “Poor baby. Daddy’s sorry to disturb you.”
Good grief. Grinning, Elissa switched her attention to Ash to find her friend watching her in concern.
“Is everything okay back at your home?”
“Fine. Just fine.” Elissa hesitated. “Well, I quit.”
“Quit?” Ash’s eyes widened. “You quit what?”
“Working with Calum and my parents. I did it a little while ago, in fact, before I came here.”
“What? When? How?”
“Long story, I’ll tell you later. So I guess I’m kind of going to have to look for a job at some stage.”
“Look for a-” Ash’s face brightened. “You can look for a job here!”
“I doubt there’s much here,” Elissa replied, amused.
“You’d be surprised. You’re here for a month, anything can pop up. There is Molly’s maternity leave position at the bakery. They’ll be looking for someone.”
Scott looked at Ash. “Really? Working in a bakery after singing?”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Well, nothing. It’s a good job.” Scott switched his gaze to Elissa. “It is. It’s a good job. All that cake.”
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