Winning the Game

by Leesa Bow

  “Dustin,” Penny rouses.

  “It’s fine. I was your age once.” I never had friends to go out and party with at his age. Yet I’m good at pretending to understand other people.

  Penny shakes her head at Dustin before giving me an exasperated look. “What can I get you to eat?”

  “Oh, I’m happy with a piece of fruit.” I look toward the kitchen window, searching for Rhett. “Do you know if Rhett’s awake?”

  “Rhett’s been in the fields since six. He’s an early riser like his father. And not like this one.” She tilts her head toward Dustin.

  “More to life than working, Ma.” He takes a bite of his toast, thickly spread with Vegemite.

  “Hung over?” I smile at him. “Used to work for me as well.”

  “I can cook you eggs and bacon,” Penny offers.

  “Actually, I think I’d like some toast, like Dustin. I could use a pick-me-up.”

  Dustin smiles at me. “You get drunk last night, too?”

  “Something like that.” I wink at him, taking on the Williams boys’ trait, and his grin spreads to a smile.

  I finish a second piece of toast and the wire door swings open. I glance up at a sweaty Rhett striding into the kitchen. He removes his hat and ruffles his damp blond hair before he notices me.

  “Good morning,” I say, trying not to let him affect me. It’s a struggle, because I know what he looks like beneath the black t-shirt stretched tight across his broad chest. His golden skin glistens, and I can’t help staring at the way his arm muscles contract with the smallest movement.

  “Well, the princess awakes.” He walks toward me. I’m not sure what he’s up to. There’s a certain gleam in his eye. I stiffen when his hand lands on top of my head and messes my hair. “Good morning to you, too.” Unsure what to do, I quickly finger comb my hair back into place.

  Dustin grins at me. Like his brother he’s looking at me as though he can see straight through me. “Your girl’s eating Vegemite and toast. She needs some recovery food as well.”

  I blush, unsure whether Dustin knows Rhett spent the night in my room. But Rhett doesn’t take the bait. “She’s going to need it if she’s to help me pick today.”

  “Pick?” I repeat.

  “The Valencia oranges and mandarins. Eat up, Boss. Time waits for no one.”

  “Rhett.” Penny raises her voice. “Honestly, you boys have no manners.”

  “I’m not a boy, Mum.” He gives her a cheeky grin.

  “Then stop acting like one.” She turns to me. “May I get you something else to eat? He can’t expect you to work on just toast.”

  “I’ll make her a coffee. Know exactly how she likes it.”

  My heart flutters, and I have to stop looking further into the meaning of his words.

  “Besides, she can eat some of the fruit we pick.”

  RHETT

  Tori is holding on to the top of the ladder with one hand, and stretching as far as possible with the other, reaching for an orange. “I’m liking the view,” I say, looking up at her rear. She picks the fruit then tosses it at my head. And misses. “Hey.” In a swift action I swipe it from the dirt, wiping it clean so not to waste it. Another trait I inherited from my father. “You want to share it with me?”

  “You mean you’re going to give me a break? We’ve only been at this for two solid hours.”

  I smile, hearing her tone. Her feistiness is sexy. Not as much as—I stop all thoughts of Tori in my bed. It took all my strength to leave her sleeping this morning. After waking with an erection that could crack a brick, I crept to the bathroom and doused myself in cold water. I couldn’t remember ever sleeping with a girl and feeling satisfied and not fucking. For the life of me I wanted to, but she’s far from ready, and for now lying beside her is enough. Christ, what will my team mates think? And I’m bloody glad none are here to make a comment.

  Mainly because I want Tori to myself. I don’t want to share her with anyone.

  Tori descends the ladder, and my gaze is stuck on her arse, swaying in tight jeans. She jumps from the second rung and turns in one action. Her tits bounce as she lands, and then I’m thinking about her boobs, barely covered in her pink, skimpy nightdress. I reach out and hold her by the shoulders as though I’m helping her regain balance, but it’s more that I can no longer keep my hands off her. Tori tilts her head back and surprisingly doesn’t pull away. Her eyes flick across my face, searching. “I haven’t said thank you for letting me sleep with you last night,” I say, looking for a reason to explain why I’m still holding her.

  Long, dark lashes flutter. “It’s fine. It’s fine. I mean, I feel bad for taking your bed.” She winces a little. “I don’t mind sleeping in a single bed, honestly.”

  I lean down and kiss her lips, once and only lightly. Her hands go to my chest as though she’s ready to stop me. “A thank you kiss,” I say, as though she needs to know. I let go of her and she steps back, putting a comfortable space between us.

  She nods. “I kind of liked it.” Her arms wrap around her middle like she’s cold, except there’s beads of sweat on her forehead because it’s late spring. “When I finally fell asleep, it’s the best I’ve slept in ages.”

  “Did you know you snort in your sleep?” I tease.

  “I do not.” She hits my arm, disbelief crossing her face.

  “Um, yeah you do.” I chuckle. “You looked so relaxed, making those noises out of your cute nose.” I flick her nose and she groans, a little embarrassed.

  “Stop it.” She attempts to swat me again and I grab her hand, spin her around and pin her back to my front. Both her hands are trapped in mine against her body.

  “And you talk.” This close to Tori I hear her gasp. “I’d like to know what you were dreaming about.”

  “No, you don’t.” She says it like it’s a violation of her thoughts. Guilt and lust mixed equally.

  “Now I do, because if it was the least bit about me—”

  “Rhett,” she reprimands. “Stop. Please.”

  Her tone of voice says I’m breaking down her barriers. “Why?” I whisper, close to her ear. “We have a mutual attraction to each other. We’re alone …”

  “But I’m here,” she objects, and attempts to wiggle against my hold.

  “No one can see us,” I reassure her. “No one has to know anything. And I’m not going to pretend there’s nothing going on between us. Not out here. Not when no one’s around to tell us otherwise.”

  “It’s unethical …” Her voice trails away.

  “Please. You have to do better than that, Mother Theresa. Tell me you’re not attracted to me and I’ll let you go.” Tori shoots me a look and I expect her to push me away.

  Her eyes close, and then open. This time there’s lust and urgency behind their honey hues. I lower my lips but she tilts her head to the side, offering me her neck. She’s not struggling. She wants more. It’s enough, so I caress and suck the delicate skin of her nook. Gently lowering her to the grass between the orange trees, I trap her with the weight of my arm across her chest. Her eyes search my face, her expression flashing from wanting to uncertainty. I hold her gaze as my lips kiss a path to her cleavage. Honey eyes watch me curiously, and I’m turned on, with a need to push boundaries.

  My gaze breaks to stare at her beautiful, round breasts, and my heart quickens, thudding against my ribs. A slight sound escapes her, affirming my instinct. Even with her clothes on I imagine her naked. Blood shoots south, leaving me giddy. I feel her soft curves through my clothes; my skin is alight with heat radiating from her. I’m consumed by her floral scent, her light, salty taste, and everything Tori. My hands are under her t-shirt, massaging the warm skin of her breasts. I want all of her so much it robs me of oxygen, despite being in excellent physical shape. Lost in her, and what to do next, my instinct is to show her the best way I know how.

  “Rhett. Ease up,” she whispers.

  “You want me to stop?” I murmur, not meeting her eyes.


  She doesn’t answer, so I release her breast from her bra and take it in my mouth. She moans, squirms, and I’m fighting to hold back. I suck her nipple, my tongue toying with it, then I push my erection into her lower body. She responds by lifting one thigh and thrusts her hips. I lift my head and stare at her beautiful flushed face.

  She shakes her head. “We can’t.”

  “I know. But we can have some fun. Relax and let me do this for you.” My hand goes to the zip of her jeans. “May I?” Her eyes flicker across my face. “You won’t have to keep quiet. No one will hear us from here.” I smile at her. “Why do you think I brought you to the farthest paddock?”

  Her nod is slight but I catch it. I’m quick, and have her unbuttoned and zip down in a flat second. I push my hand inside her jeans and under the elastic of her pants. It’s a tight squeeze but I manoeuvre my fingers until I find her wet opening. Holy fuck. I push two fingers inside her and she gasps loudly. “You’ve been thinking dirty things about me,” I tease.

  “Shut up,” she breathes.

  “Let go, Tori,” I whisper, then I take her other breast with my mouth, sucking and nipping, working my fingers inside her until she’s bucking against my hand.

  I pull away to look at her face the moment before she comes. She’s so beautiful to watch, her eyes glazing over, perfect lips slightly apart as she gasps for air, colour staining her cheeks.

  When her breathing slows I withdraw my fingers. Tori closes her eyes and tilts her head sideways, away from me, like it’s dawned on her what just happened between us. I push up and hold out my other hand to help her stand. Her gaze flashes to the bulge in my jeans. “It’s okay. It’ll go down before we reach the house.”

  “We’re going back?”

  “Yeah. Mum will be expecting us for lunch, and if we don’t go now, I’m going to want to feast on you some more.” She doesn’t say anything, and I sense her clamming up. She offers me her hand and I haul her to her feet. I pull her into my chest. “Thank you.”

  “Shouldn’t I be the one thanking you?” Tori says while adjusting her jeans.

  I chuckle. “For not pushing me away.”

  “I don’t think I can any longer,” she whispers.

  With one finger I lift her chin until our eyes meet. “Good.” I take a gentler approach and pick out loose pieces of grass from her hair as she zips up her fly. “So we have an understanding then?”

  “What? That you can make me orgasm in half the time I can myself?”

  I laugh at her surly tone. “Well, that too, but no. You accept there’s something between us, something we can continue to pursue after I’m done with this damn contract.”

  Tori starts toward the house. “You’re reminding me of all the reasons we can’t be doing this.”

  I grab her hand and pivot her toward me. “No. I’m reminding you that whatever happens on the show it won’t affect us. I want you. And I’m willing to wait.”

  “You want me to weaken and give in. It’s only lust, Rhett, and it doesn’t prove anything except what we’re doing is wrong.”

  “Wrong?” I struggle to keep my voice down. “Everything feels right when I’m with you.”

  Her honey eyes soften. “I want to believe it.”

  I pull her into my arms again because there’s nothing like holding Tori tight. “I want you to more.”

  Bill sent a standard text to the team saying no one is allowed to contact you for a month. Not sure what’s going on but wanted to check on you, mate. Here if you need.

  The text from Hunter sparks anger. Bill may be doing the contractual right thing by Contest, but he has given my team mates no explanation.

  Long story. I will be re-signed! Call when you get home from Bali.

  My phone lands on the bed with a thump. My stomach clenches, my hand settles over my abs, now distended from one of my mother’s lunches. I need to get my mind off the bullshit, so I decide to take Tori with me as I go about some farm duties.

  First I inspect the younger fruit trees, the ones I planted a few years back, and then I check on the apricot seedlings. Satisfaction swells, knowing these little plants we nurture will grow into one of the country’s highest grade organic fruits. Tori grabs my arm when several ducks waddle toward us.

  “They’re tame,” I reassure her. “They wander around and eat the pests.”

  “Oh.” She lets go and steps forward, holding out her hand.

  “Unless you have a slug or an insect in your hand they won’t be interested.”

  Tori snaps her hand back as though the very thought revolts her. I laugh. I’m surprised she’s still got her walls down, chatting like we’ve known each other for years. It feels so bloody right holding her hand as we stroll through the fields, something I never thought to do with a girl before.

  “Can I ask you something?” she asks.

  “Fire away.”

  “What did you say to your brother yesterday?”

  “When he was rude to you?” She nods. “Not a hell of a lot. Basically to stop acting like a little shit and show some respect. He’s not only hurting Mum, he’s hurting himself. And if he didn’t apologise to you I’d kick his arse until it’s blue.”

  Tori smiles. “You’re lucky to have such a close family.”

  I stop walking. “Yeah.” I bend to pick up a long piece of wild grass and strip it with my fingers.

  “I mean, I’m sorry your Dad has gone. How long ago did your father pass?”

  “Nine years,” I say without looking at her.

  “How did he die?”

  I walk ahead, unsure whether I want to discuss this with her. When I glance back, Tori looks uncertain, and I know what I need to do. I take her hand and lead her to the old tractor shed. Stopping outside I hesitate for a moment before sliding open the wrought-iron door. I stare at the red vehicle that took my father’s life. It’s twice Tori’s height. I walk a full circle around the tractor like I’ve done a thousand times before.

  Over the years I’ve come here to feel closer to my father. “Dad would’ve liked you.” I spin to her, still standing at the door. “It crushed him.” Running my hand over the metal covering the back wheel brings on an onslaught of memory. “By the time Mum called for help and they got him to the hospital, he’d lost too much blood. It was too late.”

  “You weren’t here?” Tori says, louder than a whisper.

  “No. It was my first year living in Adelaide. My father’s the one who pushed me to follow my dream. Mum wouldn’t allow me to come home even after the accident. She said he’d want me to stay. Coming home wouldn’t bring him back.”

  “I’m sorry,” she croaks.

  I nod, and for a few seconds neither of us speaks. Then I do something out of character. I climb up into the cabin and hold out my hand. “Want to come for a ride?”

  Tori moves to the side of the tractor. She looks so small beside the large tyres. Fragile. And I’m filled with a need to protect her.

  “Are we allowed?”

  I laugh once and nod. “I own more than half this farm so I’d say we’re good.” I lean over to take her hand and heave her up into the seat beside me. “Ready?”

  Her eyes are as round as the oranges on the trees. “I guess.”

  I start the engine, and when I put it into gear the tractor jumps forward. Tori gives a little squeal.

  “Hold on, Boss. I got you. And this will be a ride you’ll never forget.”

  TORI

  After Rhett’s testosterone levels normalise he parks the tractor in the shed and we head toward the house. Dustin and Jase are waiting for him, Jase tossing a football in the air ready to have a kick with him. I leave them and take the opportunity to shower, ensuring all grass seeds are out of my hair. After lunch I leave Rhett alone with his family and relax in his room. I need to put some space between us, gather my thoughts, and give him some valuable time with Penny and his brothers. After making notes on his family and checking emails, I wander back out to the kitchen.

&nb
sp; “Your kitchen smells heavenly,” I say to Penny, and pull out a chair beside her.

  Penny laughs. “I’m not sure what heaven smells like, dear, but I hope it’s something familiar, like my kitchen.” She holds out a potato peeler. “Care to help?”

  “Sure. My cooking skills are terrible but I can peel potatoes.”

  She places some newspaper in front of me. “Place the peelings here. I give some scraps to the geese but not potato peelings.”

  “What are you cooking?”

  “I’m making some salads. Nothing special. The boys love potato chips cooked on the BBQ. Rhett is outside cooking it now. As soon as you’re done you can take those out to him.”

  “Oh.” Shit. “What are you cooking in here? It reminds me of something fruity or caramelised or something.”

  “An apple pie and an apricot pie.” Penny gives a sideward glance. “Something wrong.”

  “With your pies, no. It’s just the meat. I’m a vegetarian.” I bite my lip.

  Penny stops grating the carrots and stares at me. “You don’t eat any meat?”

  I shake my head. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. When you left the bacon pieces from the quiche on your plate last night I thought maybe you didn’t eat bacon. I’m a little annoyed Rhett never mentioned it.”

  “He probably doesn’t know. We haven’t actually eaten together, gone out to a restaurant or anything.” Because we’re not dating.

  “He’s never taken you anywhere?” Her soft features harden a little.

  “There’s no obligation,” I reiterate. “He’s a client, that’s all.”

  Penny slides the grated carrot into a large glass bowl on the sink and mixes it with the diced cabbage and grated cheese. “I think there’s more to you two than you want to believe. He has a hard time showing his true feelings. I know him. He cares a lot more than he’s letting on.”

  Penny has her back to me so I can’t see her face. Maybe it’s easier to speak this way. “Rhett’s in a contract. He can’t be in a relationship with anyone except the contestants. I’m here to make sure he doesn’t break his contract, especially if he wants to be re-signed by the Blackbirds.” I sound convincing, even to my own ears.