by Jessica Gray
“Facebook group?” Reese asked. She definitely needed to ask Terrence, she was so behind with all these new gadgets.
“Yeah, a place to exchange latest info, find travel mates, or sell your car when traveling across Australia. There’s plenty of people hanging out and someone is always either looking to offer a ride, or needs a ride to somewhere.”
“Great. How do I get on there?”
Austin quickly scribbled the name of the Facebook group on a piece of paper and then bid her a good day, heading after the blonde. She turned back to the man behind the counter and saw that he was pointing to a room just behind him. “There are computers in there. You’re welcome to use one of them. It’s free with the consumption in the bar.”
“Thanks.” Reese took the slip of paper and headed towards the closest computer. She logged in and had no difficulty finding the Facebook group. Austin hadn’t promised too much. She noticed many threads about basically all places in Australia. Reese scrolled through the posts for a few minutes until she came across a post by someone called Nik Miller.
Her heart beat faster at the idea of getting lucky and finding a travel companion who wouldn’t turn out to be a mass murderer. The post mentioned he was heading to Cairns the next morning and offered a ride for anyone interested. She replied to the post and sent him a PM. Unsure what to do next, she clicked on his profile to find out more about the man she might spend the next two weeks with, but it was blocked to non-friends and didn’t show a picture.
With a sigh, she closed the computer and waved to the man behind the counter to order a cappuccino before she headed out to do some more sightseeing. He’ll get my message and by tomorrow, I’m headed eastwards to Cairns.
She returned to her hotel, grabbed her beach stuff, and put her swimsuit on underneath her clothes. First on her mind was someplace where she could catch some rays. If there was even a slight chance she might be leaving Broome tomorrow, today was her last possibility to see the famous Cable Beach.
At home, she would have checked her smartphone a million times throughout the afternoon to check her Facebook notifications, but with the abhorrent roaming costs, she controlled her impulses and decided to wait until she returned to the Wi-Fi in the hotel.
Half an hour later, Reese walked upon the pure white sand, set against a backdrop of stunning red ochre cliffs and fringed by the pristine turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The most beautiful beach she’d ever seen seemed to stretch forever. Well, for fourteen miles to be exact. Nothing but a long, flat beach with gentle rolling waves, and some scattered people here and there.
The turquoise blue water beckoned her, and as she set her stuff down and stripped down to her bathing suit, she smiled and let the worries of how she was going to get to Cairns drift away.
***
Nik woke up that same morning with a debilitating headache. After popping two Advil, he decided to head for the beach. The cool water and the exercise would help to get rid of his hangover. He loved swimming in the ocean, and after pushing his muscles until he was tired, he exited the beach and returned to his camper for a quick shower before driving into town for lunch.
His phone was beeping when he entered the camper and he opened the messages to see someone had answered his offer for a ride to Cairns. He responded back, letting them know that he’d be available to chat later in the afternoon through Facebook.
After lunch, he set up shop in one of the many internet cafes. He’d let Reese know he’d be available all afternoon if the man wanted to chat about traveling together.
Nik ordered a large cup of coffee and a brownie with ice cream, flirting with the cute blonde waitress. She willingly explained she was here on a Work and Travel Visa and apart from the awesome landscapes, she loved the guys in Australia. Her smile was a blatant invitation for more and for a minute, he pondered the idea to hook up with her after her shift. Maybe later. First, I’ll have to get my travel organized.
He politely declined her offer and settled down with a big map, making plans for leaving in the morning. Twenty minutes later, he received notification about a new message on his Facebook account. Reese Paxton. His potential travel mate.
Reese: Glad you got my message. Thanks for answering. I understand you’re driving to Cairns?
Nik: Yes. In the morning. Is that where you want to go, man?
Reese: Sure is. But I’m not a man.
Whoa.
A woman?
No way!
Nik paused for a minute, his fingers poised over the keyboard as he digested the information. He’d never given any thought about women looking for a ride. Girls didn’t do this, did they? At least not the kind he usually hung out with.
His first impulse was to tell her this wouldn’t work out.
Women were nothing but trouble and very complicated. Twenty-five hundred miles alone with a high-maintenance nightmare lady might well become the worst experience of his life, making his grandfather’s wrath seem like a piece of cake.
Or…
It could provide a nice way to spend the next few weeks, no strings attached. He was in exile, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have some fun. A little casual sex might be just what he needed. Too bad he didn’t know what she looked like.
Reese: Hello Nik. Are you still there?
For a moment, the picture of his sister Daphne flashed through his mind. He still felt guilty for not being there when she needed him most. Fuck his damn conscience. Now he’d help another damsel in distress, just to get rid of the guilt.
But he’d clarify who was in charge right here and now. If she was okay with it, fine. If not, her problem.
Nik: Sorry, I got distracted. I’m leaving first thing tomorrow morning. Meet me at 8 a.m. sharp in front of the YMCA if you want a ride.
Reese: Sure. No problem. Anything else?
He’d half expected some protest, but apparently she was a lot tougher than he’d given her credit for and he almost regretted being so harsh. At least she can take orders. Good to know.
Nik: No. We can talk about everything tomorrow. But you can’t take more than one suitcase.
Reese: Have only one. Thanks a million. I really need to get to Cairns before the start of the World Kiteboarding Championships in two weeks. Do you think we will be there by then?
She wanted to see the competition? Fine with him, it was his primary reason for traveling to Cairns right now. He almost told her, but thought it was wiser to keep quiet. The less she knew about him, the better.
Nik: Not a problem. We’ll take the Gibb River Road. Gives us enough time for sightseeing.
Reese: Fine see you tomorrow then.
Nik: See ya.
He logged off and was left to wonder about himself. And her. She hadn’t asked any questions or raised objections. Maybe that travel companion thing wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Chapter 6
Reese logged out of Facebook and smiled from ear to ear. Yep. She had secured her ride to Cairns. The man seemed a bit grumpy, but she laid the blame on the medium. It wasn’t easy to convey politeness and friendliness via chatting.
She opened Skype and called her brother. This turn of events was so exciting, she needed to share her news with him.
“Terrence, you’re not going to believe it, but I found a travel companion.”
“What? Sis, I thought you were going to fly to Cairns.”
“Well, I thought about it, but I was looking forward to the journey. I met this guy through a Facebook group dedicated to people traveling across Australia. He’s heading out in the morning and we’ll be in Cairns by the time Chase competes.”
“A guy? Reese, you’re going to travel with a stranger?” His voice grew louder with each word.
“Well, sort of. I mean, I haven’t met him yet, but tomorrow morning will fix that.”
“Reese…”
“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me. He seemed very nice and at the YMCA they already knew him.” She crossed her fingers an
d hoped Terrence would buy the small fib.
“Oh yeah? What route is this guy planning to take?” Terrence asked.
“He said something about Gibb River.”
“What?” He nearly shouted. “Reese, that road is only accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle. And the river crossings? Are you sure the road is even opened this time of year?”
Reese paled. Four wheel drive for twenty-five hundred miles? Nah, not even in Australia. Terrence was trying to scare her. “He was pretty confident his rig could handle the journey. We’re leaving in the morning.”
“Reese, are you sure about this?” Terrence asked, concern evident in his voice.
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“I’m going to worry about you.”
“Don’t. Concentrate on your audition so you can give me some good news next time I call.”
“I will. Promise to be careful and check in with me as often as you can.”
“Okay. Love you.”
Reese closed Skype and closed her eyes, pressing her fingers against her temples. She could do this. She could take care of herself.
She’d foolishly allowed Terrence to do all of the planning for their trip, allowing herself to wallow in pity and the depression Alec’s betrayal had left behind. No way. She’d not let a man drag her down anymore. Or tell her what to do.
No man!
She was strong and capable. Perfectly able to make her own decisions. Prepared.
Half laughing and half groaning, she dropped her face in her hands.
And she would read signs.
Reese blushed at the memory of the stranger at the beach. He’d saved her from the stingers and shown her how badly prepared she actually was.
She straightened her spine. It wasn’t at all her style to be anything less than perfectly organized and prepared. And for the next leg of her trip, she’d be perfectly prepared. No one would have to save her – or laugh at her – again.
She surfed the Internet for as much information as she could about Gibb River Road and the rest of the journey to Cairns. During her research, she blushed, groaned, paled. Four hundred and ten miles of dirt track through the wild heart of the Australian Outback.
On several websites and forums, the trip along the “Gibb” was touted as one of the last true adventures. Due to the early season, Nik and she could account themselves lucky if they even met other travelers. But the most difficult part would be the river crossings, which required a big four-wheel drive with a so-called snorkel.
Steeled with her newly acquired knowledge, she made a list of questions to ask Nik. Her final decision about traveling with him would depend entirely on the off-road capabilities of his rig.
Just as the sun was going down, she walked the few blocks to the city beach and sat down on the sand, tucking her chin in against her knees as she watched the moon start to rise over the water.
She had longed to get away from reality for a little while and forget about her messed up life. This vacation was her attempt to forget and make a fresh start.
She blushed about how stupid she’d been where Alec was concerned. In hindsight, she saw all the signs, the clues…
They’d been dating for almost six months when she’d walked in on her boyfriend in bed with another woman. His legal wife.
Reese shuddered with guilt and rage. It had been the most humiliating moment of her life. Instead of being the one to be rightfully angry, she’d rushed from the room with tail tucked and shame written all over her face. Her boyfriend turned out to be married.
She believed in fidelity and playing a part in his adultery had shaken her to the core. For weeks, she felt dirty. A dirt that couldn’t be washed away by a simple shower. Slowly the guilt had transformed into anger. At him, but also at herself for being too naïve and trusting to read the signs.
Thank god her brothers hadn’t known about him. She could imagine how they’d team up to punch the life out of this asshole. Not that he didn’t deserve it.
Her younger sister Allison was the only one who’d even known Alec existed. She’d voiced her concerns several times, but Reese hadn’t wanted to listen. And Allison had been too occupied with her pregnancy, Russell, and building their new house to insist.
Of course, Alec had called her numerous times to explain that things weren’t as they seemed. He was getting ready to divorce his wife, blah, blah, blah….
Reese had finally quit taking his calls, not wanting to hear another excuse from the lying lips of this deceiving snake.
When her twin brother had suggested this trip to Australia, she knew he’d picked up on her heartache, he just hadn’t known the depth and extent of it. And she hoped he never would. At first, they’d planned this trip together, but towards the end, she’d simply let Terrence finish making their arrangements and tell her where to be and when.
Now here she was. Alone. Her brother wasn’t coming. She looked out over the ocean, miserable and feeling sorry for herself. She couldn’t even find a decent man to drool over, because the only guy who’d evoked a spark of interest in her was the stranger at the beach.
Another asshole.
Another man who was arrogant and full of himself. The absolute opposite of a man she should be attracted to.
Her life was a complete disaster.
Chapter 7
Reese checked out of the hotel early the next morning and headed down to the YMCA to meet her travel companion. He’d given her a detailed description of his camper van and she had no trouble spotting it.
It was by far the largest vehicle on the street, and as she approached it, she noticed the oversized tires, beefed up suspension and knew this rig would have no trouble handling the Gibb River Road. At least that part of her worries was cleared up.
She only hoped this Nik was a competent driver. Looking at the huge vehicle, she doubted she could drive it without some difficulty. Reese walked around the back, headed towards the door to the camper portion of the vehicle when it suddenly opened and out stepped a man with slightly messy, longish hair and very broad shoulders.
His back was turned to her, but somehow, he seemed familiar. As he turned to face her, Reese felt the color drain from her face, only to rush back again with brute force.
It was him.
Him!
The asshole from the beach.
No way in hell.
To give him credit, he appeared to be as equally shocked as she was and for several long moments, neither of them said a word. He broke the silence first, coming towards her and extending his hand in greeting. “Hi. I’m Nik and you must be Reese.”
Reese looked at his hand and then back up to his face. There was that arrogant, cocky grin again, and she would like nothing more than turn around on her heels and run away.
Still wobbly, she shook his hand and whispered, “Hi.” His potent physical presence and the touch of his hand sent a rush of heat through her female parts. Her legs threatened to cave in and her heart raced. Oh no. She couldn’t possibly spend two weeks with him in the same camper. No way. If a handshake had that effect on her, how could she trust herself in his presence?
Stop it. You need this guy to take you to Cairns.
There really wasn’t any other option. All of those hippies were sticking around to see some stupid full moon and get wasted. No one else was traveling right now. And the flights were fully booked for the next two weeks.
Reese straightened her shoulders and tried her best to give Nik a friendly smile, when he said, “What a surprise. The woman who doesn’t read warning signs.”
Every cell of her body growled at his arrogant behavior, but this guy was messing with the wrong person. With four brothers, she wasn’t a woman to take bullshit. From anyone. Reese straightened up to her full five-feet-seven and put her hands on her hips. She already had a sharp reply on her lips, when his grin broadened.
Nik pushed open the door to the camper and invited her inside. “Come on in, Reese. I’ll give you the penny tour.”
Reese stepped into the camper and then stopped in horror. The camper was a disaster area. Unwashed dishes littered every available space in the small kitchen and on the dining table. Piles of clothing were dropped here and there, as if he’d left them lying exactly where he’d taken them off.
Papers lie in piles upon piles, and the trashcan was overflowing. Everywhere she looked was chaos. Reese cringed and swallowed convulsively several times as she tried to find something to say.
Her professional mind went into high gear, making plans and lists or what needed to be done to whip this place into shape. She already imagined boxes and containers to keep everything neatly packed up and safely stored for the drive.
She stopped that train of thought. I’m here on vacation. And I wouldn’t work for him anyway. Early on in her career, she’d made it a point to do premium work for premium prices and only work for people who could afford her high fees without batting an eye. And looking at the state of his temporary home and his unkempt appearance, it was obvious he didn’t fall into that category. Never mind how expensive his rig looked.
But still, as disorganized as he was – not shaven, with tousled hair – her attraction to him grew with every breath she took, inhaling his intoxicating masculine scent. Her mind took a deviation and images of her naked beneath him, his hands…
Stop. Stop. Stop.
There was no way she could stay with him in this little tin can. Not only was it a mess, but also was it small and Nik’s presence seemed to consume the place. She’d rather die than deal with his arrogance inside the tiny space. But she needed to get to Cairns.
“So, I’m ready to get going if you are,” Nik announced.
Reese looked at him with wide eyes and then around the camper again. God, I wish Terrence was here. It would have been so much fun to make this trip with him. As twins, Reese and Terrence had always shared a special bond, and traveling with Nik wouldn’t compare. No way at all.
“You’ll have the top bunk there, and I’m in the back. Just toss your stuff anywhere and we’ll get going.”