by Mandy Magro
Kirsty watched Robbie bound up the front steps of the cottage with Hank and Joy in tow. On some level, he was right. Maybe she had to make the first move, try to talk to Aden. He obviously still cared about her if he’d been asking about her every day.
Chapter 24
THE shutter fired rapidly as Kirsty pressed the button. The star-spangled sky was gradually lightening as twilight gave way to dawn and golden rays began to seep above the horizon. She held her breath as she clutched her camera, her skin tingling with anticipation as she captured exquisite imagery of the earth coming to life for another day. She was spellbound. The early-morning dew sparkled like diamonds on the vivid green grass and the rising sun pressed its glow against trees, livestock and buildings, creating lengthening shadows. The land was a living, breathing being, with a depth to it that no human could ever match.
Kirsty stopped for a few seconds, breathing it in. She’d now been back home for a week and was still not over the novelty of being in her own home, free from chemotherapy, and surrounded by the countryside she loved. This was why she had crawled out of bed at four a.m. It was just what the doctor ordered. Daybreak’s natural light was ideal for shooting photos, and her whole body pulsed with enthusiasm, her senses on high alert, her photographer’s eye scanning every detail of the landscape in search of the perfect shot.
Caught up in the moment, she knelt to follow a large flock of raucous galahs with her lens, leaning at an awkward angle that found her gently falling backwards into the long grass. She focused her concentration on the sea of pink above her as the birds flew off into the distance, squawking as if in excited conversation. The contrast between the birds’ pink hues and the lightening sky was striking.
The distant whinny of a horse grabbed her attention and she rolled onto her belly, resting on her elbows for support, her heart skipping a few beats as she spotted where the whinny had come from. Taking a deep, controlled breath and holding the camera firmly in position, she followed the path of Robbie’s horse, Star, with Aden on his back. In the privacy of her grass hidey-hole, her heart leapt at the sight of Aden’s familiar handsome face. She ached to run to him, to fall to her knees and beg him for his understanding. But she couldn’t. She was too afraid of what he might say to her.
She tried to keep still while capturing the moments between man and horse. Aden was speaking firmly to Star, and Star’s body language showed he was listening intently to Aden’s every command. The respect between the two was clear and it was touching to observe. Aden had a way with horses. It was one of the many reasons she loved him.
Hesitantly, and feeling slightly naughty, she adjusted the zoom on the camera so she could see every inch of his gorgeous features while clicking away. His face was shadowed slightly beneath his wide-brimmed hat but she could still make out his chiselled jaw with a few days’ growth, the scar above his full lips, the dimples in his cheeks, which deepened as he smiled at Star. His shaggy dark hair hung about his face in an unruly fashion, and his strongly built body strained against the thin material of his shirt. It was almost too much for Kirsty.
Gasping involuntarily, she clamped her hand over her mouth to quieten herself. Aden briefly glanced in her direction, before directing his concentration back to Star. Kirsty dropped the camera away from her face, breathless. Had he seen her? She hoped not. God, she would look like a right peeping Tom.
She rolled over and lay on her back on the grass again, removing the camera from around her neck. Trying to still her mind, she viewed the images on the screen, her smile broadening with every shot. Aden was very photogenic. There was a charisma about him that brought a deeper element to the photos, and his rough-and-ready look created a certain country charm. Wouldn’t it be a dream come true if she could exhibit some of these in her very own gallery one day? But would Aden ever agree to her using the photos in the first place?
Satisfied with her two-hour-long shoot, she lay completely flat and let her body relax into the ground, the soft morning sunlight pleasingly caressing her skin. Star’s hoofs sent reverberations through the earth. Lying in the sunlight caused goosebumps to rise over her entire body from the simple pleasure of the activity. It was one of the many things she had been warned not to do by her doctors because her skin was so sensitive to sunlight after the chemotherapy, but to hell with the rules, just for today. She wanted to pretend her life was back to normal.
Her thoughts turned to Kulsoom, who was finally heading back home the following week. Kulsoom had been her rock, her confidante. And Uncle Harry had been so understanding of Kulsoom needing to be here with her. Bless him. It was going to break Kirsty’s heart to see her aunty leave. She understood there wasn’t a choice – Kulsoom’s life was back down south with Uncle Harry, and Kulsoom had already stayed much longer than expected. But it was still going to be hard without her. For now, Kirsty let herself float through an imaginary paradise, in a life where nothing could harm or hurt her. And right here, lying in the middle of a field on her beloved Flame Tree Hill, was the perfect place to do it.
Aden stood before her, a long-stemmed red rose in his strong hands, the sunlight glowing brilliantly behind him. She raised her arm over her eyes, squinting to see his face. What was he doing here? He smiled at her as she lay in the grass, confidence and passion radiating from him, sending anticipatory shivers racing within her. She went to speak but he held his finger to his lips as he eased himself down on the grass beside her.
Lying on his side, propped up on his elbow, he gazed at her, the longing he held for her evident, consuming her, sending waves of heat washing over her body. He slowly leant forward and brushed his lips across hers, lingering for the briefest of moments as he let his warm breath sweep over her parted lips. Kirsty didn’t know why he was here, or what he was doing, but she didn’t want him to stop. Was this his show of forgiveness? She moaned softly, the desire for him overwhelming. She needed him right now, needed to feel his touch. Forgotten was the fact they were no longer together, that they hadn’t spoken in weeks. The ardour of the moment removed any hesitations.
He pulled back and gently smiled at her. ‘Are you sure this is what you want?’
She nodded as she reached for him, pulling him into her embrace, her lips urgently searching for his as he moved his hands tenderly over her face. He met her kiss with fervour, teasing her as he ran his tongue over her lips then ever so slowly pushed it into her mouth, circling her own tongue, making her imagine what it would be like to feel him slowly caressing her place of ecstasy, his warm mouth sending her into pulsating pleasure.
Aden let his hands slide away from her as he sat up and unbuttoned his jeans. She joined him in his task, slowly undoing his shirt buttons as he laid soft kisses on her neck, his woody cologne mixed with the scent of leather. Her breath was escaping her in short, sharp gasps and her heart was hammering hard against her chest, making her dizzy with longing. She needed to feel him inside her, now.
Aden, his tanned chest bared and his jeans off, gently began to remove Kirsty’s clothes. The shame of her pale and sickly body was not a concern any more – the only thing on her mind was making love to Aden. It was a beautiful freedom. Finally, the intimacy she had longed for was happening; her dreams were coming true.
Both of them now naked, Aden leisurely ran his eyes over her body. ‘You’re beautiful. I love you so much, Kirsty,’ he whispered while gently pressing against her body so she was lying back on the grass. She stared at the blue skies above them, at the feathery white clouds floating casually about, the radiance of it all magnified by the enchantment of the moment.
Aden picked up the red rose, holding her gaze as he ran the soft petals down her neck and over her breasts, continuing on until the rosebud met with the warmth between her legs. Aden tenderly caressed her with it, running the petals seductively over her, the sensation like smooth velvet against her skin, pushing her to the brink as he circled his fingers around her most sensitive spot. She bit her lip, moaning as she arched her back in pleasure
, yearning for him to stop teasing her – and yet wanting it to continue. He smiled playfully, leaving her tingling warmth behind and running the rose down each leg, pausing along the way so he could trace the path with his tongue.
Once he reached her feet he gently moved on top of her, kissing her, slowing down to pleasure her in ways she had never been pleasured before. She called out his name, begging him to slide inside her, pleading to him to reach the summit of ecstasy along with her, for she was close, so damn close.
‘Wait, beautiful. Not long now. I want to taste every inch of you.’ He leant in to caress her erect nipples with his mouth, sending a pleasurable tingle shooting through her as he gradually travelled downwards, his lips sliding sensuously against her skin, circling her belly button with his tongue before slowly bringing his mouth to rest between her legs, sending her spiralling into absolute ecstasy with every mind-blowing stroke of his tongue.
She couldn’t take any more. She grabbed for him, her nails digging into his back as she drew his body into her. Aden rubbed his manhood over her wetness, the exquisite sensation making her struggle for breath. She took him into her hand, his firmness showing how much he wanted her.
‘I want you, now!’
Fixing his chocolate-brown eyes on hers, he slowly slid himself into her, his breath quickening as he shivered in satisfaction. She swayed her hips in unison with his, riding the wave of ecstasy that was growing within her. And then she could ride it no longer. They clutched at one another, shuddering, calling each other’s names as they fell over the edge together.
Kirsty buried her face into Aden’s chest. ‘I love you,’ she mumbled over and over as hot tears stung her eyes. She knew it was over now and she didn’t want this to end.
‘I love you too, but I have to go.’ Aden pulled himself free.
She grabbed for him, trying to pull him back, begging him. ‘No, Aden, you can’t leave me! Please, stay with me. I know I said that I wanted to break up, but I was lying. And I’m sorry about the accident. I wish I could have swapped places with your sister.’
Aden stood, pulling his jeans on. ‘It’s too late to go back, Kirsty. The past is the past. We’ve got to move on or it will just make it harder on both of us.’ He picked up the rose and passed it to her. ‘Goodbye, Kirsty. I’ll always love you.’
Kirsty sobbed as she watched him shrug on his shirt and walk away, his silhouette disappearing into the bright haze of sunshine. He didn’t once look back. She rolled onto her side and hugged her knees into her chest, the rose clutched in her shaking hands, sobs racking her body, the excruciating heartache choking her as she cried out his name. How could he leave her here like this, all alone? Didn’t he care about her? Didn’t he love her enough to stay with her, to forgive her?
‘Kirsty! Wake up! Kirsty! Come on, wake up. You’re having a nightmare.’ Aden’s worried voice swam into her consciousness, stirring her from her sleepy haze.
She sat bolt upright, her mind floating somewhere between reality and fantasy as she fumbled to make sure all her clothes were on. Dazed, she sat staring at Aden, crouched beside her. She was unable to speak, haunted by the awkward feeling that he could read her mind. Star stood beside Aden, nonchalantly chewing on a mouthful of grass, his head slightly tipped to one side, as though wondering why she had been lying on the ground, screaming frantically in her sleep.
Aden reached out and gently wiped Kirsty’s face, causing her to jump. The roughness of his thumb brushing at the skin under her eyes created a sensation that was almost electric. They locked eyes, the intensity between them undeniable. But this was no dream. Kirsty cleared her throat, feeling self-conscious. Aden looked terribly concerned, and it melted her heart.
‘Are you okay?’ he asked. ‘You’re crying. It must have been a horrible dream. You were screaming out something but I couldn’t make out what you were saying.’ His brows furrowed. ‘And what were you doing asleep out here in the first place?’
Kirsty blushed, wiping at her eyes. How bloody embarrassing. ‘Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry if I freaked you out. I was out here before dawn taking photos then I thought I’d just shut my eyes for a few minutes.’
Aden exhaled noisily and then sat down beside her, clutching at his chest. ‘Shit, Kirsty! You had me panicking when I heard you. I thought something terrible had happened to you. Thank Christ you’re okay.’
‘Thanks for coming to my rescue,’ Kirsty replied, blushing while removing twigs and grass from her clothes. She was saddened by the fact he no longer called her K. But what did she expect? She should just be thankful that he was finally talking to her.
Aden looked at her, a hesitant smile highlighting his dimples. ‘Congrats on finishing your chemo. Any news on the results yet? Robbie’s been filling me in on your progress while you’ve been in hospital.’
‘Nah, not yet. I’m having the final round of tests in a few weeks’ time, then we’ll know the outcome.’
‘Geez it’s taking a while. How are you feeling?’
‘I’m doing all right. I feel better than I’ve felt for five months.’ Kirsty’s smile wavered as she contemplated saying what was in her heart. She exhaled slowly, knowing she had to at least try to explain how she felt. ‘I miss you, Aden. I’m so sorry about everything. Please, I have to know how you’re feeling about what I did, about the accident.’
Aden sat in silence for a few moments, picking at a long piece of grass, and then twirling it around his fingers. ‘I miss you too, Kirsty, but it’s not as simple as that. What you told me at the hospital isn’t something that will blow away with the wind; it was some heavy-duty stuff. Trust me; I’ve done a lot of soul-searching since then, and there’s a heck of a lot we need to talk about.’ Aden took his hat off and swished the gathering flies away from their faces. ‘So, tell me, when are you going to come and see my new place? I can’t wait to show it off to you. You’ll love it, I reckon. And it might be a good chance for us both to sit down and talk about things. I’m sorry I haven’t come to see you earlier, but I needed time to weigh everything up. What you told me was huge, life-changing. I hope you can understand.’
Kirsty smiled gratefully. ‘I understand. I’m just so relieved you’re talking to me right now. I thought you’d never speak to me again.’
Aden smiled. ‘That would never happen. I care too much for you to cut you out of my life completely. We do have a lot to talk about, though. I think we need to throw everything out in the open, lay all our cards on the table. I have a fair few questions for you. But now’s not the time or the place – I only have an hour until I have to be at my first job for the day.’
‘I’ll call over next weekend, if that’s okay? I might bring Cash. How long do you reckon it’ll take to get to your place?’
‘Follow the back gullies and it would be about a half-hour ride, give or take a few minutes. I’ve got a shitload of odd jobs to do about the place on the weekend so I’ll be around both days. Feel free to pop in any time.’
Kirsty smiled. ‘I’ll bring some pumpkin scones. You provide the jam and cream and it’s a deal.’
‘Deal,’ Aden replied, smiling.
With the tension easing they sat in companionable silence for a few moments, watching Star as he ripped up clumps of grass to chew on, his tail busily swishing away the flies. What a marvellous morning, Kirsty thought, filled with new hope. They were finally on speaking terms. But how must she have looked rolling around in the grass, shouting, with tears pouring down her face? If only Aden knew what she’d been dreaming about.
Chapter 25
RON lifted the last of Kulsoom’s suitcases into the back of Lynette’s four-wheel drive, heaving and stumbling a little to the side. ‘Holy crap, Kulsoom! What have you got in here, the kitchen sink?’ he asked, chuckling, as he regained his footing, dropped the bag in with a thump and shut the boot.
The late afternoon sunlight was fading as the fiery golden orb of the sun gradually inched its way down behind the distant mountains, painting the sky a dust
y pink. Kirsty sat on the front verandah of the homestead, slowly moving her legs to and fro in the swing chair, bracing herself for Kulsoom leaving.
‘Oh dear, you’ve caught me out, Ron!’ said Kulsoom. ‘I tried to fit in your dishwasher and washing machine too, but the suitcase refused to zip up so I had to put them back.’ Kulsoom threw her hands up in the air, mock humiliation written all over her mischievous face.
Kirsty joined her mother as she walked down the front steps. Her emotions had been building all day and she was fighting to stay in control of them. If it was possible, she had grown even closer to Kulsoom over the last few months. Their personal battles with breast cancer had united them. Kulsoom’s dry humour always made her smile, and this time it momentarily distracted Kirsty from the inevitability of having to say goodbye. She watched as her dad and Robbie said their farewells, giving Kulsoom a quick hug before shoving their hands deep in their jeans pockets and cracking a few little jokes, like don’t flush the loo while you’re sitting on it on the plane or you might just get sucked right out, making Kulsoom, Lynette and Kirsty roll their eyes.
Lynette gave Kirsty a peck on the cheek. ‘See you soon, love. I’ll be back from the airport around ten but you make sure you don’t wait up for me. You look exhausted and need to get some sleep – mother’s orders.’
‘I promise I’ll be a good girl and be in bed by nine,’ Kirsty replied.
Kulsoom put her handbag on the front seat of the Prado then turned to give Kirsty a cuddle, whispering in her ear as she did so. ‘Don’t give up the fight, my love. You’re stronger than this bloody cancer and I know you’re going to beat it. The results will prove it to you. You just wait and see.’ Kulsoom had gone to Cairns with Lynette and Kirsty the day before for Kirsty’s final tests. Now they just had to wait for the results.