The Cowboy From Down Under (Cowboys After Dark: Book 2)

by Maggie Carpenter

  “I can see how upset you are,” he said softly. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “It’s strange how close we’ve become so quickly,” she said quietly. “I haven’t been through anything like this. I say goodbye to people all the time, but this is…it’s just weird.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me and other women,” he promised. “If that’s-”

  “No, I wasn’t thinking about that, not really,” she interrupted, “and I don’t have any claim on you. I mean, if you met someone, or have someone-”

  “Stop right there,” he said firmly. “Just so we’re clear, my feelings for you are very real and very strong. A few months apart isn’t going to change that, and I’m not a guy who chases sheilas as a hobby. Got it?”

  “Thank you so much for saying that,” she sighed, turning to face him. “I won’t forget it.”

  “You’d better not, or I’ll have to fly off to wherever you are and smack your butt,” he warned.

  The threat made her laugh, and as they turned into the airport, though she was still heavy of heart, the threat of tears was abating. Driving into the parking garage, he found a parking space, and pulled her suitcase from the car.

  “You’re sure you have everything?” he asked.

  Emma had a camera bag over one shoulder, the laptop over the other, and a large handbag.

  “I certainly hope so,” she sighed.

  “Here, you’re too bundled up. Give me the laptop,” he ordered.

  “I’m used to it, but thanks,” she said, gratefully handing to him.

  “I know you’re used to it, but you may as well make use of me while you can,” he grinned, as they headed towards the terminal.

  Falling in step beside him, her mind began to race.

  God, what am I doing? Should I be leaving? Do I even have a choice?

  “I’m not sure if I can take a guest into the private lounge,” she remarked as they entered the building, trying to ignore the buzzing in her brain.

  “You don’t have to worry,” he assured her, and a short time later, as they reached the top of the escalator and approached the reception desk of the Qantas First Class Lounge, the young receptionist broke into a large smile.

  “Hello Mr. Palmer,” she beamed. “Are you on your way back to the States?”

  “Hi Molly, not this time. Just keeping my lady company today,” he replied. “Make sure the flight crew take extra special care of her.”

  My lady, he said my lady.

  Emma felt her heart swell, and quashed the abrupt onset of a new wave of emotion.

  “I’ll make sure of it,” the young woman replied.

  “I guess you’re here a lot,” Emma whispered.

  “I do run a tour business,” he winked.

  “Oh, yes, that’s right,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

  “Your bags will be safe there,” he said, pointing to an area next to the receptionist. “Molly will watch it for you, won’t you Molly?’

  “Of course, Mr. Palmer,” she smiled.

  “Come on, I’ll take you on a walkthrough,” Derrick declared, that should help take your mind off things.

  The lounge was modern and luxurious, with everything from a full restaurant overlooking the runways, to a spa that offered massages. It sparkled, and it appeared every whim was catered to. Finding a comfortable spot to sit, Derrick ordered them some tea, but they’d barely finished when her flight was called.

  “We just got here,” she complained.

  “You know how it is with international flights, they always want you boarding early,” he remarked.

  “Thank you, for so much, and for…” she began, but she’d barely said the words when her throat constricted, and she couldn’t trust herself to continue.

  “Hey, you don’t have to thank me for anything,” he said gently, pulling her against him and stroking her hair. “Have a safe flight, and ring me the minute you’re back in your place. I don’t care what time it is. You promise?”

  She nodded, feeling the tears trickle down her face.

  Fighting his own emotion, he hugged her tightly, then taking her hand he walked her back to the reception area, picked up her camera and laptop bag, and walked with her to security.

  “Will they let you through?” she asked.

  “They usually do,” he replied, pulling out his credentials.

  To his relief the supervisor was one Derrick knew, and he was gestured forward. There were only a few first class passengers at the gate, and she was about to fall into line when she suddenly turned and dropped her head on his chest.

  “I’m sorry,” she sniffled. “I don’t get like this. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  Not knowing what to say, he stood still, rubbing her back, fighting his own welling emotion.

  “Okay, I’m fine now,” she declared, straightening up and squaring her shoulders, and if I don’t get on the plane right now I’ll totally fall apart and make more of a fool of myself than I already have. “I’ll call you as soon as I’m home,” she added quickly. “Bye.”

  She kissed his cheek and hurried forward, handing the flight attendant at the gate her boarding pass. Afraid to turn around and look back, she moved down the wide gangway, her laptop and camera hanging off her shoulders. Seat 1A was waiting for her, and flopping down, she began to make herself comfortable.

  The flight attendants were bustling around, taking care of the passengers as they boarded, but she had no interest in anything they offered; she didn’t want a drink, or a newspaper, or a magazine.

  I want Derrick, I want to feel his arms around me, I want to be back in the cabin with him.

  As a fresh wave of tears threatened, she decided to start work, eliminating the pictures she knew wouldn’t make the cut. Opening her laptop she plugged in the camera, and began moving through the images. The photos were in chronological order, and as the flame tree appeared it reminded her of the quirky comments he’d made about the tree becoming redder when it was hot, and in spite of her breaking heart, the memory made her grin.

  Forgetting about the elimination process, she simply stared at the pictures, each one touching her heart, and finally unable to fight them any longer, she allowed the tears to flow.

  These are all wonderful moments, and I’ll treasure every last one of them…always.

  The rickety barn where he’d first spanked her was followed by the huge rocks on his property, and then the photograph of ‘the crew’ as she’d called them.

  Bonny and Bounder were rolling in the dirt, the horses were alert with their ears pricked, and kneeling, glancing up at her, was Derrick; the camera had caught the glint in his eye, the glint that had made her melt.

  Gazing at him, her heart began to thump, and she felt herself breaking into a sweat.

  Maybe the opportunity is here.

  Jennifer’s wise words seemed to reverberate in her head, and as a chill sent goosebumps exploding across her skin, a deep panic seized her.

  SHIT…the opportunity isn’t the stupid tour! Jennifer was right, the opportunity is the chance of a life with Derrick. What am I doing? I have to get out of here.

  Hurriedly closing her laptop, and stuffing her camera back in its bag, she grabbed her carry on, jumped to her feet, and raced for the door. The economy class passengers were still milling in, and she struggled past them, determined to escape. She could hear the flight attendants calling her name but she didn’t care; she didn’t care about anything except getting back to Derrick.

  Running off the gangway into the waiting area she paused, trying to catch her breath, her eyes urgently scanning the area, desperately praying that by some miracle he was still there.

  “Forget something?”

  Spinning around she found him behind her, and bags falling around her, she dropped into his enveloping arms.

  “Yes, you, I forgot you,” she stammered, clinging to him. “Do you think you can put up with me for a bit longer?”

  “I ca
n put up with you for as long as you want,” he whispered.

  EPILOGUE

  Retrieving her onboard luggage wasn’t an issue. Hoping Emma would change her mind, Derrick had asked Molly to contact baggage control and have them hold Emma’s suitcase until the last minute. By the time they returned to the First Class Lounge to officially cancel her flight, it was waiting for them.

  “So, Miss Harrison, is there anything special you’d like to do here in Sydney before we head back?” he asked, as they headed through the terminal to the car.

  “There is,” she smiled. “Could we stay at the hotel tonight?”

  “Sure,” he nodded. “I have a flat in town, but if you want to stay at the hotel, that’s fine. Any special reason?”

  “Yes, I want to swim in that pool with you, after it closes.”

  “Is that right?” Derrick grinned, as they climbed into the car. “It seems to me there’s a little matter that was never dealt with at that pool.”

  “But that’s in the past, surely,” she protested.

  “It may be in the past, but it is unfinished business, or don’t you agree?”

  She stared at him, not sure what to say. He was backing the car out of the parking space, and butterflies were fluttering madly in her stomach.

  “Good, that’s settled then,” he declared. “A swim and a spanking, or will it be a spanking and swim?”

  Much later that night, wet from cavorting in the water, her bottom reddened by a hairbrush that he’d retrieved from a vanity in the locker room, she was laying next to him on a double lounger, staring up at the stars through the skylight rooftop.

  “Poor Ben, he’ll have a fit when I tell him,” she sighed.

  “I did have an idea,” Derrick said quietly.

  “About what? I have no desire to be on the road for six months,” she declared decisively.

  “Not about the Jimmy Valentine tour, about the Emma Harrison HBO special,” he replied.

  “What about it?”

  “You could do it here, or rather, in Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef is there, and the outback up there is ripper. We could use my tour company to make all the arrangements, and I would be there, to make sure you behave yourself.”

  Lifting herself up on an elbow, she stared down at him.

  “Derrick, you’re a genius, that’s absolutely…what’s that word? Bonzer, that’s absolutely bonzer.”

  “You’re bonzer,” he said softly. “You know, Em, there’s one thing that hasn’t been said, that must be, and I’m not waiting another minute.”

  “What?” she frowned.

  “I love you, I’m in love with you, very much.”

  Feeling a heavy lump in her throat, she leaned down and kissed him.

  “I’ve never said those words,” she breathed. “Not ever. I don’t know why it’s so scary, but..I do, I love you, oh my gosh, I do.”

  Feeling the heavy lump move into happy tears, she rested back on his chest, his arms encircled her, and for the first time in her life, she was at peace.

  MAGGIE CARPENTER REVIEWS

  THE COWBOY’S RULES

  Review: Cole

  This books was like all my favorite things in one. What was not to like?!?! Strong hot man meets lady who desperately need to be taken in hand all with a horse show/ranch back drop. More please!!!!

  THE ROCK STAR AND THE COWGIRL

  Review: JoJo Bear

  I'm a Maggie Carpenter fan, and I snatched this one up as soon as I saw it. NO disappointments here. Don't want to give any spoilers, but a naughty "good" girl gets what she deserves and so does a very naughty bad girl. Plenty of hot sex, hot spankings and lots of romance.

  THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR

  Review: Desiree Holt

  As one who usually reads and writes heavy BDSM books, I found Maggie Carpenter's treatment light and refreshing. Simon, thank heavens, is NOT your usual stuffy, it's-all-about-me billionaires, but a human with doubts and insecurities along with his self confidence. And Belle Somers, well, you just want to give her a hug.

  The story is entertaining but the strength is in the characters. The author makes them come alive for you and they stay with you long after you turn the last page. A fun read I recommend for anyone who wants to escape with a glass of wine and a good book.

  THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR - ACT II

  Review: Paige Matthews

  This is another wonderful read by Ms. Carpenter and I full believe readers will love Simon as much as I did. I am eagerly waiting for the third act of their story and anticipating Simon's revenge. :) Want to find out what I am talking about? Pick up this read and find out!

  THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR - ACT III

  Review: Emily Tilton

  I’m going to level with you. I read D/s erotic romance for the D/s sex. Ms. Carpenter puts a great deal of plot and character around her D/s sex, and that stuff is solid, but I need to be honest and say that that’s not why I’m reading a book by Maggie Carpenter. I’m reading a book by Maggie Carpenter because she writes the transition from sweet romance to D/s better than almost anyone else I know. She doesn’t disappoint here: Belle (sweet submissive) and her sister Lucinda (brat) both go on D/s journeys with Simon (cultured billionaire) and Joseph (rough and tumble chauffeur) that provide plenty of hotness—especially (for my own taste) when Simon begins Belle’s training. If you like young women under tables servicing the men they call “Sir,” you’ll love this book.

  THE SPANKING PSYCHIATRIST

  Review: CF

  Of all the dominant-submissive books I've read, this one is by far the most clever and the most captivating. The story is strong. It's not just words wrapped around spanking scenes. It's so believable, you can feel the emotions of the characters. And you'll never expect the ending! Dr. Montgomery is simply irresistible, too. If I could find his office, I'd make an appointment.

  Visit the author at:

  www.maggiecarpenter.com

  www.MaggieCarpenter.com/blog

  www.facebook.com/MaggieCarpenterWriter

  www.twitter.com/magcarpenter2

  PREVIOUS MAGGIE CARPENTER NOVELS

  The Romantic Dominant

  The Cowboy’s Rules (Cowboys After Dark: Book One)

  The Rock Star and The Cowgirl

  The British Billionaire Bachelor

  The British Billionaire Bachelor Act II

  The British Billionaire Bachelor Act III

  The Spanking Psychiatrist

  The Billionaire’s Daughter

  Covert Cravings

  Malibu Heat

  Déjà Vu

  An Eternal Flame - (Déjà Vu–Book Two)

  Elizabeth’s Education

  The Inheritance - (Elizabeth’s Education–Book Two)

  UPCOMING BOOKS

  Managing Marilyn

  Elizabeth’s Education - Book Three