At Last (Time for Love, #5)

by Miranda P. Charles

  “Well, what I’ve been hearing from the others is that they’re surprised that Zach and I have settled down,” Jeff said. “I guess we’ve built such a reputation for constantly changing girlfriends that we’ve shocked even those who’ve known us for years. Apparently, Liana’s and Annette’s parents are all for their daughters going for you. I guess they don’t want to miss their chance of strengthening our family’s ties with them through marriage.”

  Greg snorted. “Well, tough luck. I’m not interested in getting married.”

  Zach shook his head. “I don’t understand that attitude.”

  “What? You’re channelling Gran now, are you? What’s wrong with that attitude?”

  “Nothing, I guess,” Zach replied. “Where does it come from, anyway? Mum and Dad had a happy marriage. So did our grandparents. And it isn’t like you’ve had your heart severely broken before. I get wanting to play the field until you meet the right woman. But not interested in getting married? At all?”

  “I didn’t say at all. I just don’t have any desire to get tied down. I can’t even make myself stay interested in the same girl after a month. How do you expect me to stick with one for the rest of my life?”

  “Are you sleeping with anyone at the Sanctuary, though?” Jeff prodded.

  “Nah. Liana and Annette are both tempting, but it would be too awkward to have sex with one and reject the other while they’re both here as our guests.” If there was one thing Greg was envious of with his brothers’ relationship status, it was the fact that their sexual needs were being clearly satisfied. As for him, he was getting more and more frustrated by the day.

  “Can’t see you holding off sex for too long, bro. You’re not the type,” Zach said. “Besides, they’re literally throwing themselves at you and I don’t see how you can continue to resist.”

  “Are you telling me that if you had that kind of attention, you wouldn’t be able to say no?” he asked Zach.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I can. Easily. Because I’m in love with Bec and I’m married to her. But you’re neither in love nor married.”

  “I think you’ll end up in bed with Liana, Greg,” Jeff said. “Annette will be leaving earlier than her, since Liana’s extended her stay. Fat chance of you declining her generous invitation of casual sex when Annette is gone.”

  Greg raised his brows. “Wanna bet?”

  Jeff and Zach looked at each other in surprise.

  “I don’t really care if you do or you don’t sleep with Liana,” Jeff said. “But I’m surprised by this show of confidence.”

  “I’m sure, because it’s not Liana I want.”

  “Who do you want, then?” Zach pressed.

  Greg smiled mysteriously.

  “Interesting,” Jeff mused. “Let’s see. Who are the other possibilities? There’s Annette, of course.”

  Greg snorted.

  “And Gemma,” Zach supplied. “But let’s not go there because we’ll strangle you ourselves if you dare touch her.”

  “Whoa. What?” Greg asked, surprised by the comment.

  “Unless you have feelings for Gemma, Greg, you’re not touching her,” Zach said, sounding all big-brotherly, like Ash had been a while ago with Lucas.

  “Why not? Not that I plan to sleep with her. But... why not?”

  Zach stared at him like he should know. Jeff had the same expression.

  He sighed. “I know you don’t want me to get in trouble with your girls. I get it.”

  “So, do you like Gemma?” Jeff asked.

  “I like Gemma as a person, as a friend, as a woman. She’s very pretty.”

  “Do you have feelings for her?” Zach asked.

  He was quiet for a couple of seconds, considering what he should divulge to his brothers. “I’m attracted to her physically.”

  “But you don’t want commitment, Greg. So you better nip it in the bud,” Zach said quietly. “She’s not into no-strings.”

  He exhaled loudly. “I know. I don’t want to mess her around either.”

  “Good. Glad that’s clear. Not that we want to butt into your personal life. It would just be complicated if you went for Gemma. We all consider her part of the family, including Gran.”

  “Yes. I know that, too. So what should I do?” Truthfully, he didn’t know how to handle his sexual longing for her.

  “What should you do?” Jeff asked incredulously. “Go have sex with someone else. If you don’t want the drama with Liana and Annette, then go back to Sydney for a day to relieve your itch, or get whoever it is to come here.”

  He nodded, unable to verbalise why Jeff’s suggestions didn’t resonate with him. Maybe he was doomed to self-pleasure while he was at the Sanctuary. Because no one else would do, apart from Gemma. Ah, hell.

  *****

  Greg and his brothers caught up with the group just as they arrived at a natural clearing.

  “Oh my God, look at that,” he heard Gemma exclaim, making him smile.

  Up ahead was a long zip-line, with two very tall supporting structures on both ends. It was part of a high-wire-and-ropes course which had been set up recently for the use of more adventurous guests.

  “All right, everyone,” Robert said, facing the group. “This is what we came here for. Are you all ready for some flying fox fun?”

  Everybody cheered.

  “Can we do the full course?” Lucas asked.

  “Yes, but not today. Unfortunately, rain is forecast a few hours from now and we don’t want anyone getting stuck in the middle of the course when the weather turns. We want you safe and comfortable back in the hotel before the first drops fall. If you’re keen on tackling the full course, please let me or any of the staff know so we can schedule a time for you. But for today, you’ll at least get to experience the flying fox as many times as possible before we have to head back. So please line up here so we can get you ready.”

  People dutifully followed Robert’s instructions, chatting excitedly amongst themselves.

  Greg left the group to say hello to one of the staff, who’d stationed himself at a spot where he could take photographs for souvenirs. Zach and Jeff also approached different personnel, engaging them in conversation. They always made it a point to personally talk to their employees as much as they could, and let them know how much their family appreciated them.

  He was walking back to the queue of people waiting for their turn at the zip-line when he noticed Gemma, Sarah and Rebecca huddled by the drinks station positioned near a row of tall bushes. Taking a shorter route behind the shrubs, he went to them, feeling quite thirsty himself.

  “I think Ben really likes you,” he heard Sarah say, making him slow down and walk cautiously.

  He shook his head at himself. He wasn’t going to eavesdrop. That was rude.

  “I’m leaning towards Greg,” Gemma said, making him freeze on the spot.

  “Why Greg?” Rebecca asked. “I thought you said he’s more trouble than he’s worth.”

  Greg held his breath, trying to be as quiet as a mouse.

  “He’s more trouble than he’s worth if I’m looking for my happily-ever-after guy,” Gemma answered. “But since this is just for fun, I can’t see why I shouldn’t consider Greg, especially since I think he’s the hottest of them all.”

  He grinned. Gemma thought he was hot.

  “Are you ready to engage in a catfight with Liana and Annette?” Sarah teased.

  “Hrmph! I still can’t believe those two,” Gemma said with distaste. “I think it would be worth dragging Greg into my room and keeping him there all night just to see their reaction.”

  “Gemma!” Sarah and Rebecca cried, laughing at their friend.

  Greg swallowed, his whole body heating up. Was he dreaming what he was hearing? Was Gemma up for more than a fun kiss?

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I can’t believe the thoughts you’re entertaining, Gem. What a transformation.”

  Gemma giggled at Rebecca’s comment. Maybe there was s
ome truth to the belief floating around that being in the Carmichael Sanctuary stripped people of their pretenses and inhibitions—and let them express their deepest desires.

  “Hey, Gem,” Lucas called as he approached. “Are you gonna try out the flying fox?”

  “Yes. We’re just waiting for the others to go first.”

  “Come. I’ll talk you through it,” Lucas said, holding out his hand to her.

  “Talk me through it?” she asked, accepting Lucas’ hand and walking with him to where Robert was fitting helmets on those next in line.

  “Yeah. Are you scared?”

  “No. I’m excited.”

  “Oh, good. Actually, I just want to make sure that the other guys don’t have the opportunity to talk in your ear and sell themselves to you,” Lucas said in an exaggerated whisper.

  She chuckled. “You really want to win, don’t you? I did hear from Connor and Amanda how ultra-competitive you are.”

  “Hey, it would ruin my reputation as Mr. Fuck King if you pick someone else to kiss on New Year’s Eve.”

  “And it would ruin my reputation if I choose you,” she joked.

  Lucas laughed. “Don’t worry. Whatever happens in the Sanctuary stays in the Sanctuary, even if I get lucky enough to convince you to give me much more than a kiss.”

  “You’re funny, Lucas,” she said dryly.

  “Well, you’re the most beautiful out of the single women here. Why wouldn’t I want to seduce you?”

  She smirked, not taking Lucas’ words seriously.

  “You think I’m joking, right?” Lucas said. “I mean it, Gem. I’m putting it out there that I want to sleep with you.”

  She stared at him. “You’re direct.”

  He grinned. “Is it working?”

  She smiled, flattered. “You obviously haven’t heard of my reputation. Unfortunately, I don’t do one-night stands.”

  “Okay. How about multiple nights then?”

  She couldn’t help but laugh. She was enjoying this banter with Lucas. It was freeing—and fun.

  “Why are you against one-night stands?” Lucas asked.

  “I’m not against it. I don’t have a moral judgement on it. It’s just not for me. My body only responds when my heart is engaged,” she said candidly.

  “Ah. So you’re one of those people who save all their energy for the one, huh?”

  She shrugged.

  “Shame. I’m great in bed, you know,” he said with a put-on salacious smile.

  She chuckled. “I’ve no doubt, or you wouldn’t have the title you have.”

  “Well, just because you say no now doesn’t mean I’m giving up,” Lucas said with a wink. “You really are the most desirable out of all the single women here.”

  She rolled her eyes, not believing him one bit. “You mean I’m the only one left to choose from. Ellen’s interested in one of your friends, and Liana and Annette are both after Greg.”

  “Ah, Liana and Annette,” Lucas said with a laugh. “I do admire them fighting tooth and nail for Greg.”

  “One of them, or both, is bound to get disappointed,” she commented, already feeling some sympathy for whoever would get hurt.

  “But that’s life, isn’t it?” Lucas asked. “If we don’t go for what we want, that’s disappointment in itself. So you might as well throw everything you have at the object of your desire, so you can maximise your chances of getting it. Because you will either have the pain from failing or the regret of not trying.”

  She gaped at him, surprised by his words. “Wow. That’s deep, Lucas.”

  “Is it working?” he asked in a deep, seductive voice.

  She laughed, punching him playfully on the arm. “No.”

  But the conversation brought something else to Gemma. All these years she felt like she’d been missing out on something significant. She was reluctant to admit it before, but there was no point denying it now. She’d been too afraid of making another mistake, afraid of getting hurt again.

  But she was starting to feel differently. She was feeling more... adventurous... brave. Perhaps it was from being around people who’d achieved so much in life because they’d taken lots of risks. And Lucas’ words and flirtatious actions were an added boost to this newfound boldness.

  *****

  Gemma took off her helmet, a wide grin still plastered on her face.

  “That was fantastic! Thank you!” she said to the guy who unharnessed her from the zip-line. “Is there time for me to go for another round?”

  “I think so,” the man said. “Probably one more.”

  “Yay!” she said excitedly, then got off the platform by climbing down the ladder.

  “I can look at that smiling face all day,” a voice said when she got to the ground.

  Her heart galloped, and her lips curved even more. “It was great! I’m doing it again!” she said to Greg.

  Greg laughed. “Come on, then, before we get told to head back to the hotel.”

  “What’s the rest of the course like?” she asked as they walked back to the other end.

  “Well, some parts will test your strength and endurance, and some are just plain exhilarating, like this one.”

  “I wonder what time they’re scheduling people for tomorrow for the full course.”

  “I can take you anytime you want,” Greg said.

  “Really?” she asked.

  “Yeah. Do you want to do it tomorrow? Early morning or late afternoon would be best, as it will be too hot in the middle of the day.”

  “Won’t we need one of the professionals to go with us to take us through the whole thing?”

  “Yes, at least one of them. But I’m also fully trained on this course. I was here last year when it was first opened, and I did the safety training with the guys.”

  “Oh, cool! Should we ask others to join us?”

  “Do you want to?”

  “Not really,” she admitted.

  “Great! Just you and me, then. What time?”

  “Um, in the morning, say seven thirty, if that’s okay with you?”

  “Perfect.”

  Gemma smiled—or rather, she continued grinning. She hadn’t really stopped since she stepped off that high platform. And perhaps she wouldn’t for the rest of the day.

  *****

  Gemma almost licked her lips when she saw Greg. Fortunately, she stopped herself in time.

  Gosh, he looked so hot wearing a loose short-sleeved shirt which showed off those biceps of his. If she were going to be stranded hanging upside down several metres off the ground in some contraption, she was glad Greg would be there to rescue her.

  “Morning, beautiful,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.

  “Morning,” she said, aware that the word came out breathless.

  “Ready?”

  She nodded eagerly.

  Greg escorted her to a waiting car.

  “We’re not walking?” she asked in surprise.

  “No,” he said, getting into the back with her. “We’ll save our energy for the course. We’ll need it.”

  “Hi, Robert!” she said to the outdoors director, who was in the driver’s seat.

  “Good morning, ma’am, sir,” he said in a bright tone.

  “Good morning, Robert,” Greg said. “Do you know if anyone else is going to join us at the course this morning?”

  “It’s only the two of you this morning, sir. There’s a big group that’s doing it this afternoon, though.”

  “Oh, good,” Gemma said. “I’m glad I won’t be holding too many people up if I have to move at a snail’s pace. Hope you guys are patient.”

  Greg chuckled. “Have you done one before?”

  “Once, a few years ago. Man, that was hard. My arms got so tired and I had to quit about three-quarters of the way through. I’ve been wanting to redeem myself ever since. How hard is this one, by the way?”

  “Hm, same level as the good ones, I’d say.”

  “Oh, no. Very challenging, in
other words,” she said worriedly.

  “We’ll see how you go. We can bypass some of the ones that require upper-body strength if your arms get too tired.”

  “Okay,” she said, grinning at him. This wasn’t a date, but she’d like to pretend it was.

  *****

  Gemma positioned her hands above the knot on the rope, as instructed by Robert. She prayed she’d have the strength to hang on once she pushed herself off the platform.

  They’d been tackling the adventure course for almost two hours now. Admittedly, they had to go slow, because she was already exhausted. She didn’t want to give up, though. There were only three more challenges to go before they finished, with the last one being the long zip-line she’d enjoyed so much yesterday.

  “When you’re ready, do a little run to the end of the platform, then swing to the other side,” Robert said. “Then grab that rope ladder when you get there. You’ll have to climb a little bit to reach the next safety line—which is that yellow cable. Then unbuckle yourself from this one and clamp your safety belt to the yellow thing. Then continue moving up, so you can get to the platform where Mr. Greg is standing.”

  She nodded. She’d watched Greg do it, but she was glad Robert was repeating everything to her. Her brain was slowing down from her tiredness.

  “If I slip while changing safety lines, it won’t hurt if I fall down to that net below, will it?” she asked, eyeing the height of the fall which awaited her if she failed to hang on.

  “You’ll be fine,” Robert assured her.

  She looked at Greg, who gave her an encouraging smile. He’d been so patient with her, and she felt utterly safe with him by her side. With a deep breath, she jumped off the platform and swung to join him.

  That was the fun part. But by now her arm muscles were burning so much. With the rope ladder sagging with her weight, she needed more strength than she had left to keep going.

  “Climb up a bit so you can change safety lines, Gem,” Greg said from above her.

  She tried, but her arms were like lead. “My arms are so tired, Greg,” she said, using all the energy she had just to hang on.

  “You can do it.”

  She made several attempts, but didn’t get far. So she rested for a bit. But that seemed to make it worse. Now her arms didn’t want to move at all.