by Gower, Hazel
Kylie knew she wasn’t one for attention. She hated being in the spotlight. Even when she sold some paintings or the gallery had a showing, she refused to turn up. She didn’t think she could ever be with someone like that.
“Ha. You know me, James. I hate the spotlight. I can’t think of anything worse.” She pulled him to her and hugged him. “I feel sorry for those people.” She looked into his eyes, hoping he understood. “Don’t worry. He’s new meat. That’s all. You know you’re hot stuff. Women always fall at your feet. Besides, you never date just one woman at a time.” She kissed his cheek. “Don’t worry. He won’t take all the women.” She hoped he would take only one—her.
After James left, Kylie fed Buddha, and then she went to bed, where she could let her dreams of her hunky man, Markus, run wild.
Chapter 2
Markus hadn’t slept much since meeting Kylie. His brain had been infused with too much inspiration. This morning he was stretching on the beach early, waiting for her to arrive. He prayed she didn’t bail on him because he didn’t want to look like a stalker when he hunted her down.
Determined she would give him a chance, he went over his game plan. Markus knew, thanks to the lady last night, that he would need to take things slow. The only problem with slow was that he didn’t have months to woo and convince her that he was the man for her. He could try to stretch the two months to three, but then he’d have to head back to the real world and work.
He’d decided to tell her his last name to see if he got any reaction while he figured out his next move. A chocolate Labrador came bounding up, jumping all over him. Patting the dog, he looked around for the owner and saw Kylie running toward them, yelling for the dog to come back to her.
“I’m so sorry. He never jumps all over people.” She smiled at him as she patted her legs. “Buddha, come here.”
He laughed as the dog stayed by his side panting happily.
“Argh! What a traitor.”
Smiling down at her, he put his hand out, bracing for impact. “I didn’t get to introduce myself properly yesterday. I’m Markus Pegios. I’m renting a house on Emerald Street for a couple of months.” He relaxed when Kylie showed no recognition of his name. “I’m new around here and could use some friends.”
She hesitantly held his hand, and tingles shot up his body, his cock becoming rock hard. Moving so it wouldn’t be so obvious, he kept hold of the offered hand and started walking. “How far do you walk each morning?”
Kylie tugged, trying to get her hand back, but he wasn’t giving it up. Her small, warm hand fit perfectly into his. “I walk for about an hour on the weekends and half an hour on weekdays.”
He nodded, and they fell into an easy flow, throwing the ball, walking, and talking. The hour flew by, and the best part was, by the end, she was the one holding his hand.
They ended back where they started. She sat down on the sand, and he joined her as she watched the waves. “It’s funny that the sound of crashing waves is so peaceful. You would think anything that involved the word crashing would be the opposite.”
He nodded, too busy staring at her as she remained still, listening to the ocean. She was beautiful with her eyes closed, head leaning back, and her lips curled up in a contented smile.
He glanced around and noticed there were few people in the water. Some scattered here and there and others sunbathing on the beach, but for the most part, the beach was quiet.
“What are you doing with the rest of your day? I’m assuming you help teach tonight’s dancing lesson? What else do you plan to do today?”
She opened her eyes as she turned to him and licked her lips. Markus’ eyes homed in, watching as her little pink tongue crept out to lick her bottom lip followed by the top. He bit his tongue to stop a groan from slipping out.
“Sunday is my lazy day. I do try to get some work done, depending on my mood.”
He grinned, as this was the first time she’d mentioned anything about her work. “What type of work do you do?” His eyes remained glued to her lips, imagining what they would taste like while wondering if it was too soon to kiss her.
She bit her lip before she answered. “I’m an artist. I paint. That’s not what pays most of the bills, though. I work as a checkout chick part-time, and that, with the dancing and what I sell… Well, I live quite nicely. I own my house and have a little bit left of my inheritance.” She got a serious look in her eyes. “I’d much rather have my parents though,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry about your parents.” Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her to him. He didn’t know what else to say. Markus reflected that he was lucky to have both his parents, brothers, and sister alive and well.
Breathing in her scent, he stroked her hair. She let out a loud sigh, leaning into his touch. Reluctantly he let her go.
She got up, brushing the sand off. “I love your accent. Where are you from?”
He didn’t want to tell her too much and scare her away. “I’m from Greece. I’m here to have a rest as my job is very demanding.”
She raised her eyebrow at his vague answer.
“I’m here for two months, and then I’ll go back to my work.” He knew she wanted to know more, but right now, he wasn’t ready, so instead, he changed the subject. “Would you like to go to the Reptile Park with me? I’d love to see some of the sights.”
Kylie seemed to work out he was diverting her from asking more questions about his job. He smiled when she shrugged. “Okay. How about I be your guide?” She turned startled eyes on him, as if shocked by what she’d said.
Grinning, he didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. “That would be great. So the Reptile Park today, and when you have time, you can show me around some more. We can discuss what free time you have each morning while we walk.”
He watched as she turned bright red, and her eyes grew wider.
“How about I walk home with you? Then I’ll know where to pick you up.”
Kylie nodded, calling her dog to her. The big lug bounded over to them dripping wet, stopping only to shake the water all over them.
He smiled as her eyes grew bright, and her face lit up as she laughed. As she scolded the dog, her laugh got louder when she looked at him. Glancing down at himself, he noticed he was the one who got most of the sand and water.
Chuckling, he pulled her to him and couldn’t resist. His lips brushed hers, and his hands trailed down her back. Slowly his tongue slipped out, and he traced over where her tongue had been only minutes before. She tasted better than he imagined, a combination of chocolate and mint.
Her dog shook his wet coat again, and Kylie pulled away, giggling. Markus wished his running shorts weren’t so tight because there was no way he could hide how he felt. They walked in silence to her house.
* * * *
Kylie sat on her bed, looking at her closet. What do you wear to the Reptile Park with your fantasy man? Her mind kept going back to the kiss. He had tasted like coffee and mint, which wasn’t what she expected with his fresh outdoor smell. The kiss had been mind-blowing, so much so that the whole walk back to her house she hadn’t known what to say. Her body tingled all over from his touch. Kylie’s shower had been cold and lonely.
She reached for her phone and called one of her girlfriends, Gemma. “I’m stuck. Help!”
“Well, hello to you too. What have I been up to, you ask? Why nothing much. Haven’t seen or heard from my friend in over a week, and she calls me up out of the blue asking for help.”
“Sorry, I know I’m a bad friend, but I’ve been kinda busy. I‘ve met my inspiration. And that inspiration has asked me to go with him to the Reptile Park. He’s also invited himself on my morning walks. What do I—”
Before she could finish, she was met with, “What? Why have you waited this long to tell me? When did this happen? How?”
Kylie hadn’t said anything to Gemma before because she knew her friend would make a big deal out of it. It also didn’t help that James and Ge
mma hated each other, and now that she thought about it, she and Gemma were probably the only two women in the whole of Caves Beach who were single and hadn’t slept with James.
“Gemma, don’t worry. You didn’t miss anything really. I’ve been stalking him all week. Sorta. I’ve been making sure I’m at the beach every morning as he stretches and goes for a run, and yesterday he was late. I was lying down, chucking Buddha’s ball, and I hit him. He came up to me, introduced himself as Markus, and I swear as soon as he touched me, I felt tingles all over my body.” She shivered as she remembered his touch. “Markus invited me to go to the Reptile Park with him. The problem is I don’t have a clue what to wear.”
Gemma squealed on the other end of the line. “Oh! I’ll be there in five.” Without another word, Gemma hung up.
Great, now she’d probably have to introduce her to Markus, or she’d never hear the end of it. Falling back on her bed, she groaned. A few minutes passed before her doorbell rang.
Gemma pushed past Kylie when she opened the door. “Oh my God! You’re still in a towel. When is he going to be here?”
Kylie stared at Gemma as she grabbed her hand, dragging Kylie to her bedroom.
Gemma bounced with excitement. Her red hair in its ponytail swished from side to side, and her blue eyes were bright. She wouldn’t let Kylie get a word in. “I’ve waited years for you to start dating again or just become interested in men.” Gemma paused and patted Kylie’s arm. “I know losing your parents was hard, and your sister being a total bitch didn’t help matters, but the last two years have been dull without you.”
Kylie laughed as her friend jumped up and down.
“Yay, this Saturday, after you help dickhead with his classes, we’re going out partying.” Gemma started to rummage through Kylie’s closet, mumbling, “Look at me. I’m so excited. I need to focus on you and getting you through today.”
Kylie watched as Gemma chucked clothes at her, making her try on everything until she’d finally had enough. “Okay, Gemma, I’m happy with this set.” She looked at herself in the mirror at the black singlet top and denim shorts, which she’d teamed with black gladiator sandals. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and put lip gloss on.
Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her pounding heart. She glanced at her watch and sighed in relief. “He might not even come. He should’ve been here by now.”
Gemma glanced around at the mess she’d just made, shrugged, and then turned back to her. “He’ll be here. I’ve got a good feeling about this with everything you’ve told me. I want every detail, too, when we go shopping on Tuesday.” Gemma looked into Kylie’s now-empty closet. “I know that’s one of your days off. You, my friend, are in desperate need of a new wardrobe.”
Studying the pile sprawled across her room, Kylie saw almost all the clothes were either faded or tattered. She tried to remember the last time she’d bought a new outfit. It must have been some time before her parents died.
She knew they wouldn’t have wanted her to put her life on hold for as long as she had. They would have wanted her to have fun and embrace what she’d been given. Feeling lighter than she had in years, she slowly took a deep breath and let go of her past, promising herself she would try and live life to the fullest again.
Glancing back at her friend, she nodded. “All right. I hate to admit this, but you’re right. No more moping about. Tuesday will be our shopping day.”
Gemma jumped up and down. “This is going to be so much fun. I love shopping, and I get to spend someone else’s money. That’s even better.”
A loud knock sounded on her door, and she shot a glare at Gemma. “Be good.” Gemma gave a huff as she followed behind.
Kylie opened the door, and her breath caught at the sight before her. Markus was so handsome, and all he had on were jean shorts and a plain black shirt with sunglasses sticking out of his shirt pocket.
Gemma whispered, “Holy shit.”
Markus had been staring intently and took a step back, startled as he glanced at Gemma.
“Come in, Markus. Gemma was just leaving, weren’t you?”
Gemma nodded, but her eyes never left Markus as she slowly grabbed the bag she’d dumped by the door and walked out, mouthing, “Call me.”
Kylie should have felt bad not introducing her friend, but she wasn’t ready yet to share Markus. After all, she’d only just met him herself.
* * * *
Kylie was having so much fun. Markus was so easy to be around, telling her about his parents, brothers, and sister. She loved how he spoke of his family and touched her at every opportunity.
“Let’s get lunch so we can see the show at two o’clock. I didn’t see a restaurant on the brochure, so I’m guessing there’s only that little place as we came in.”
Smiling at him, she nodded. “Sure, let’s head over to the kiosk now.” They strolled hand in hand, basking in the hot day.
Kylie enjoyed her time so much she had stopped noticing all the women who eyed Markus, though her annoyance came back when the two ladies at the small kiosk practically fought to serve him.
He didn’t seem to notice, turning to grin at her. “Omorphoula, what do you want?”
She had no idea what he’d called her, but it sounded good. Reaching for her wallet, she ordered a chicken sandwich, and as the girl behind the counter went to take her money, Markus frowned and grabbed her hand.
“I’m paying. Don’t take her money.” He shoved a fifty-dollar bill at the lady, adding that he would have the same.
A giggle slipped from Kylie’s lips as the woman behind the counter glared at her with pure envy. He got their food, pulled her close with a fake growl, and pretended to be mad.
“What are you giggling about?”
“You. Surely you’re not that oblivious to the women constantly checking you out. I also noticed that, when you’re annoyed, your accent becomes really thick, making you harder to resist.”
She let out a groan as she realized what she’d just said. Maneuvering herself out of his arms, she rushed to a table. She’d started to sit when Markus spun her to face him. He dropped the food bag on the table, placed his mouth over hers, and their tongues met. When he’d finished kissing her, he pulled slightly away, resting his forehead against hers.
“Stop running from me.”
His mouth feathered over hers, and his hands crept down her back where he gripped her butt and moved her closer to him. Kylie let her tongue slip out so she could trace his lips, and Markus’ tongue slipped out to meet hers. His taste filled her mouth. Wrapping her arms around him, she held him close until they heard an announcement over the speaker. “The snakes and spiders show will start in half an hour.”
Remembering where she was, she sighed and pulled away. “Come on. Let’s eat our lunch so we can go see the show.”
He gave her a strained smile, muttering something in his own language before taking a seat.
“I think I’m going to have to learn Greek.”
* * * *
Markus wondered if blue balls was a real condition because, if so, he was definitely suffering from it now. He watched as the cause of his pain finished the last bite of her sandwich and stood up, and he smiled as she held out her hand. It seemed his plan was working as she was reaching for his touch.
“Are you coming? I’m a slow walker, and we’ve got just over five minutes to get to the show.”
Holding hands, they arrived just in time. Once the show was finished, they visited the spider and snake exhibit, seeing many of the poisonous spiders and snakes that were talked about in the show.
He turned to Kylie as they walked to the exit. “Australia has so many deadly animals. After seeing that show, I will definitely be checking my shoes before I put my feet in them. I also think I will skip my bushwalks I’ve been doing in the afternoon. The redback spiders worry me, as the other day I killed one and didn’t even know that it was deadly poisonous.” He shook his head. “Here I was thinking this would be a nice, safe
place to live.”
Kylie paused at his car and grinned over at him as she stood by the passenger door. “I wouldn’t go to that extreme, and if you’re scared, I’ll come on your afternoon walks in the bush to protect you.”
He unlocked the car and got in. She followed, and as they sat in the car, she reached over and held his hand, giggling. “How about we stop at your house before you drop me at mine, and I can check your shoes for spiders and your bed for snakes.” She patted his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. It’s okay to be scared.”
Markus shot her a glare and sat up taller in the car seat, straightening his shoulders. “I said worried, not scared.”
He started the car as her giggle turned into a laugh. “You sure did look scared when the ranger let me hold the blue tongue lizard. I think that’s the fastest and first time you’ve moved from me since I met you.”
He muttered between clenched teeth, “You held a poisonous reptile.”
Kylie grinned and nodded.
On the drive home, she chatted away about the places she’d love to take him, and he learned that she only worked mornings until lunch on Monday and Wednesday, but on Thursday, she worked a full eight-hour workday.
As they turned into her driveway, her mobile phone rang. She ignored it, but then it rang again.
“Answer it. That’s the second time it’s rung.”
“Are you sure?” He gave a nod and watched her rummage through her bag for it and then shove it against her ear. “Hello.”
He strained to hear who it was but knew almost instantly. “No takeout food before practice. Mmm, out. Um, no one, I’m just out. Fine, James, I’ll see you at five. Yep, bye.”
He gritted his teeth when she didn’t identify him and hung up. She smiled as she turned back to him. Kylie talked about him not noticing the women looking at him all the time, but she had no idea her friend was interested in her. If Markus went off the stares he’d received last night, and those James directed at Kylie, he would guess the guy was in love with her. “Am I intruding?”
Her nose scrunched up, and her eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”