"So, he's moved on. Good for him."
Darcy watched a series of emotions cross her face, ending with relief and content.
"No wonder he didn’t call for an explanation," she murmured.
"You don't regret it."
"We started out so real, but somewhere along the way we lost it. I think I lost a bit of myself too." Her thick lashes lifted. "I don't regret anything though, I just hated the way it ended. You were right, I was going to marry him for the wrong reasons. I would have regretted it."
"Honestly, I think Lachie was going to marry you for the wrong reasons too." Darcy gently took Meghan's right hand in both of his. He noted how small and fragile it looked in his large rough ones.
"Harriet must hate me so much."
"No. She could never hate you. I think she understands."
Meghan smiled. "He's lucky to have a family like you."
He realised just how lonely she was now without them. She had no one except Jodie in her life. No wonder she had been so eager to marry Lachie and become part of his family. He couldn’t imagine not having his relatives close by. Meghan didn’t have that. No one else alive remembered her childhood or her parents the way she did.
"Harriet misses you. You can call her anytime. She thinks of you as a daughter."
His arms twitched at the flicker of hope in Meghan’s eyes. He wanted to hold her and tell her everything would be okay.
He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the waitress bringing their drinks.
"How long are you in Townsville for?" Meghan asked after they had ordered their meals.
Darcy wanted to prolong his trip as long as possible. "At least until tomorrow. Mum gave me a list so I guess I'm going shopping this afternoon."
"You’re welcome to stay at my house. I've got plenty of room," she suggested. "Jodie and I are going to see a band play in town tonight. You want to come?"
Darcy looked sceptical. "Do they play country music?"
"Not exactly, but it's good. I actually think you’d like it."
"Okay, sounds good, as long as I won't be cramping your style." She could have told him Britney Spears was playing and he still would have said yes. All he wanted was an opportunity to spend more time with her. He didn’t care what they did.
"You won’t be. I’ll call Jodie to tell her you’re joining us. She’s bringing her new boyfriend so I would’ve been the third wheel. This way you can be my date." She blushed. "I mean, well, you know."
He smiled, pleased to see her reaction. "I'd love to be your date."
Darcy enjoyed their all-too-brief lunch, and before long they were back in front of the vet surgery.
"So, I'll see you later." She turned to say goodbye.
"I'm really looking forward to it." He stepped closer, touching distance. She moved into his hug. When she looked up at him, her eyes glowed with affection. Slowly he moved his head closer, the need to kiss her overpowering him.
He was so close he could feel her warm breath on his face.
"Excuse me." A middle-aged man with a cat cage waited impatiently pointing to the door which they were blocking.
"Sorry." Darcy released Meghan and stepped aside. His hands fell to his thighs, feeling empty without her warmth.
Meghan was leaning against the wall. She opened her mouth but before she could speak he put his finger against her lips. He didn't want to hear any regret or apology.
"I'll see you tonight," he whispered, a hint of possibility in his voice.
Chapter 15
Friday nights are always pretty busy on Flinders Street," Meghan explained as they rode in the back seat of the taxi that evening. "Thanks for coming. I know it’s not really your scene."
Darcy was all too aware of Meghan's bare knee against his. Her tight, black skirt had ridden halfway up her thigh in the twenty-minute car ride from her house to the city centre. Her pale shoulders were bare apart from thin straps of her purple top. The temptation to touch her skin and feel her warmth was almost too much to bare.
"It'll be fun." He grinned at her.
She pulled her hair away from her neck and exposed a rapidly beating pulse. He felt his own heartbeat hammer in time to it. He licked his lips, wanting nothing more than to run them over her long neck and taste her skin.
"They’re a really good band, I promise."
He paid for the taxi when it stopped in front of the pub. She tried to give him money, but he refused. "You're letting me sleep on your couch, it's the least I can do."
Darcy led the way into the crowded bar, his warm hand placed gently on her lower back, guiding her through the throng of people. At the bar they ordered rum and cokes as they watched the band set up.
Jodie, swaggered over with a young, blond man with tattoos and a vacant expression.
"Hello." She smiled at Darcy before turning to Meghan with a wink.
"Hi, Jodie, how are you?" He shouted over the chatter of people.
"I was quite shocked that you were in Townsville and willing to come for the show. What brought you to town?"
"I just decided to stop by and check on you girls." Darcy wished he had better social skills for this kind of situation. He should have made more of an effort over the years rather than confining himself to the property.
"Well, it is good to see you. Oh, this is Ashton." The scruffy blond man offered a half-hearted handshake.
"Well, we’re going to dance, so I’ll catch you two later," Jodie said as the musicians warmed up. "By the way, you look good." Her eyes flitted between both him and Meghan and he couldn’t quite figure out what she meant by the comment.
Meghan let the music flow through her body and swayed to the beat. Darcy swayed his hips to the beat confidently, not afraid to look silly. She admired his sexy swagger. Dressed in smart jeans and a striped, collared shirt, he looked gorgeous. She noticed she was not the only one lusting after him. A group of girls across the room were trying to catch his eye.
Her stomach hardened at the thought of Darcy being with someone else. No man had ever sent her pulse racing like this. No one had touched her heart or stirred her senses till she could think of nothing else but how much she wanted him.
One taste of his lips, one touch of his skin was all she needed to know if this was just a romantic fantasy. Her heart was telling her he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Experimentally she started moving her hips more and stood a little closer to Darcy so their bodies touched slightly. His body responded. His hands hovered near her hips. His jaw was tense, and his eyelashes lowered.
A jostling of people next to him broke the spell and Darcy turned back to his drink. He took a mouthful before replacing it and glanced back to Meghan. She stood on tiptoes and leaned against him to speak into his ear.
"Wanna get out of here?"
He took a second to think about it before nodding and motioned for her to lead the way. Humidity slammed into them like a rainstorm as they walked out of the noisy pub. Groups of twenty-year-olds lined the street talking to each other. Meghan pointed down a dimly lit road. "This one leads to the Marina." She started down the pathway.
"Are you sure? I thought you liked that band."
"I do, but I was getting claustrophobic in there with all those people." She would prefer his company tonight. Alone.
"Yeah," he agreed as he walked beside her, hands in his pockets. "I’m getting too old for that."
"We’re not that old. We just prefer country entertainment." She bumped against him playfully.
ANZAC Park lay ahead of them, and they paused to watch the rounded concrete fountain as its water went through a cycle of rainbow colours. Above them, the stars twinkled beside the moon. Not quite as bright as on the plains, but a reminder that there were no clouds carrying rain.
The marina was full of yachts and catamarans. They watched the boats gently rock. The water lapped against them. The noise barely a whisper in the still night.
"I’m really glad you’re here."
She wanted to kiss him. To see what it was like. People kissed all the time. It didn’t need to change anything. Her body moved towards him as though it didn’t need her approval. Before she could get too close, Darcy placed his hands on her shoulders stopping her.
"We shouldn’t." His face was tense, and he grimaced slightly.
"I know," she murmured staring at his chest, berating herself for being so brazen.
"I mean I want to. God. I really want to." He sighed.
"Me too," she whispered back. Even Meghan could hear the pleading in her own voice.
His fingers gently stroked the sensitive skin on her shoulders, sending shivers rippling through her body. She closed her eyes to the sensation. Knowing it was all she could have.
"Fuck it," he said, a moment before his lips claimed hers.
He wanted to take it slowly. If this was the only kiss they ever shared it had to be memorable. He slipped his arms around her and her skin was soft and smooth beneath his palms. Her curves nestled against him. The perfect companion for his body. She was soft and warm and womanly, and his desire grew so fierce he could barely breathe. His lips moved over her mouth slowly, back and forth. She tasted like strawberry and smelled of fruity soap. He wanted to taste her body to see if it all tasted like fruit, or something even better.
Meghan moaned softly and tightened her grip around his hips, pushing herself against his groin. Helpless and unbearably aroused, his plan for restraint was forgotten as his kisses were fuelled by a fierce hunger. He ravaged her soft mouth with his tongue but she responded, matching his need, clinging to him.
He’d never felt such desire before. It was like a dream, yet so real. The intoxicating sweetness of her mouth and the warmth radiating off her body left him in an utter state of wantonness. Her hands started groping at his clothes and pulled his shirt free from his jeans. Her small hands crept up his chest, tugging the shirt up with them. He swallowed a moan as her fingers brushed his nipples and almost pushed him over the edge.
A bird chirped overhead reminding them they were in a public place. He broke away and bent to kiss her hands. Her eyelids were heavy, and she was panting. He held her close as he regained his composure.
He brushed her hair from her face. "Let’s get a taxi."
"Okay." Her voice was husky with need. "Take me home."
Darcy’s hands itched to touch her. His body burned with desire. But he didn’t dare even hold her hand, knowing that once he started, he wouldn’t be able to stop. He had never felt more vulnerable in his life. The barriers he had so carefully built around himself were just a pile of dust now. His thoughts were entirely centred on Meghan. His senses were heightened to everything about her. Her sweet smell. Her slightest move. He could even hear every breath she took. His own breathing fell into the same rhythm so it seemed they were breathing as one. His stolen gazes would take in just a portion of her. Her slender legs moving from side to side, jostled by the movement of the car. Her hands clutched tightly in her lap. Her hair, damp from the humid evening, sticking against her neck. Her chest, rising and falling with each breath.
By the time the taxi pulled up in front of her house he was a mass of pent-up desire on the verge of release. He pushed notes into the driver’s hand and scrambled out of the vehicle. She was unlocking the front door. He caught up to her as she crossed the threshold and he closed the door behind him.
He leaned against the wall opposite as he watched her.
"Meghan." Darcy finally broke the silence. "I can't stay away from you anymore."
She took a sharp breath and bit her lip. "I don't want you to." She took a careful step towards him. "I want you, Darcy." Her voice was deep and full of longing.
One step closer and their shirts brushed, her nipples hardening against him. Her head fell to the side exposing the side of her neck, offering it to him.
He accepted it without hesitation. His warm breath gently caressing her sensitive skin. His lips pressing gentle kisses on her as his hands glided up her arms and pulled her closer to him. She raised herself onto tiptoes and pressed her hungry lips against his. It was a kiss beyond wonderful, deep and ardent, breathtaking in its sensual promise. But it was not enough. His fingers threaded through her loose hair, the other hand at her back pressing her closer towards his body. Their lips and tongues explored each other hungrily. She ran her hands up his hips and back feeling his hard muscles. He kissed her again, lifting her up off the floor this time. Meghan wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her down the hall. When he found her bedroom, he knew this was the point of no return. Once they crossed the threshold they would be altering the course of their lives.
She kissed away his apprehension. This was exactly what he wanted to be doing. Consequences be damned.
He laid her down on the pale sheets, noting the contrast against her dark hair as it tumbled around her. "You are so beautiful."
He was fascinated by her blush. He wondered if it was because she rarely received compliments or because he’d given it.
She reached for the buttons on his shirt, and he obliged by tearing it off and throwing it behind him. With his chest exposed to her seductive scrutiny, he felt himself harden even more. It was almost unbearable now. He wanted to take it slow, to enjoy every sensation, but his lust was barely contained, and he didn’t think he could hold back much longer.
She raised herself and tugged at her top, exposing skin that never saw the sun. He kissed her lightly just below her ribs, and she giggled.
"Are you ticklish?"
"Just a little bit. Sometimes." She grinned. "Are you?"
Before he could answer, she patted her fingers lightly over his sides. He squirmed and tickled her back until he was forced onto his back and she straddled him. She caught his hands and held them above his head. Then with deft fingers removed her shirt uncovering her plump breasts. His eyes widened as he took in their brown peaks. He moved his hands to cover their weight and she leaned into him. Her lips claimed his. Her tongue explored his mouth with quick flicks.
Her greedy hands moved between them and easily freed him from his jeans, sliding them from his body. She stood and shimmied out of her skirt and underwear. Darcy let out an audible gasp as he took in her naked body. She was the most stunning woman he had ever seen.
He sat on the edge of the bed and reached for her hand. She gave it to him and he gently kissed her knuckles. "It’s been a while since I’ve been with a woman," he admitted, vulnerable in every way.
"I know," she replied stepping closer and stroking his head. "I’ll try to be gentle."
He smiled slyly at her comment. "No, don’t do that."
She licked her lips and pushed him back against the bed. Kissing his chest and abdomen as she went lower. He moaned loudly as her mouth circled him and had to reign himself in. When he felt ready to burst, he pulled her up and she straddled him again, taking him deep inside her and rocking against him. It didn’t take long until they were both panting and breathless. Together they tumbled over the edge, clinging to each other as they came down.
"Wow." He sighed as he pulled her back against him, spooning her from behind.
"Oh yeah." She snuggled into him.
Darcy fell into a fitful slumber his arms wrapped around Meghan with no desire to ever let her go.
Chapter 16
Moonlight streamed through the windows and the air conditioner hummed; it was the only thing that broke the silence of the night. When Darcy opened his eyes the first thing he saw was Meghan's peaceful face, her eyes closed, still fast asleep. Her head rested on his shoulder, her arm was draped across his abdomen.
Darcy reached down with his free hand and pulled the sheet further up over them so she wouldn't get cold. She was so beautiful and so sexy even in her sleep. Last night had not only been incredible but magical. He had never felt so connected
to a woman. Last night had felt like their souls connected.
He wondered if it had been as powerful for her. How could it not have been? Then Lachie slipped into his thoughts, not of guilt but of worry. How did his performance compare to his brother's? Lachie had more experience and was more experimental than him. He knew sex wasn’t everything, but he understood that it was a vital part of a relationship. Lachie was ahead of him when it came to women.
How would Lachie react if he found out they had slept together? It felt so right, so natural for him to be with her. How could it be wrong? Surely Lachie would understand in time. Wouldn't he?
Meghan's hand brushed teasingly across his chest.
"Hi." Her voice was husky from sleep.
Darcy looked down and grinned at her happy, satisfied smile. All thoughts of Lachie evaporated, his attention and thoughts solely on the gorgeous woman in his arms.
Darcy entwined his fingers with Meghan’s and kissed her hand.
She raised herself up on her elbow and looked Darcy in the eye.
"No regrets?" Her voice quivered slightly.
"Hell no… no regrets at all," he replied and kissed away her worries.
She placed her soft hand against his stubbly cheek. "I want this to be the beginning of something, Darcy. Tell me how you feel and please don't play with my heart."
Relief swept over him like a wave. He hadn't misinterpreted her affections, she felt this too. "I've never lied to you, Meghan, but I have lied to myself. I told myself I could suppress my feelings for you. That I didn't love you." He stroked her hair tenderly. "I'm real glad you didn't marry Lachie. I’m so bloody in love with you."
Her eyes watered. "I'm in love with you too. There could never be anyone else."
His arms enveloped her and their mouths came together again. They made love slowly and passionately, proving their powerful feelings for each other over and over again as the moon descended and the sun took its place.
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