Christmas Down Under: Six Sexy New Zealand & Australian Christmas Romances

by Rosalind James

  By the time he had kissed her lips, her face, and then slowly slid his lips down her neck to that sweet spot he had noticed in the shadow of her collarbone, she was arching against him. Dominic lowered his hand to slip it inside her bikini top and cupped her breast in his palm. He held the full mound gently and rubbed his thumb across the rigid peak, smiling as she murmured with pleasure against his neck. He lifted his head and looked down at her, her eyes were wide; she looked more alive than he had ever seen her. Passion filled her eyes and a slow smile tilted those lips that had been against his neck a few seconds ago. He leaned on one elbow as he circled her nipple with soft, lazy strokes before he bent and took it into his mouth. Her skin was salty as he licked and sucked each breast. Her fingers drifted down his back and pulled at the waist of his board shorts and rational thought fled as his cock hardened.

  The sharp bark of a dog brought him to his senses and he pulled back and straightened her top.

  He rolled over and sat up and looped his hands around his knees. Luckily the dog had run ahead and the couple walking along the beach was still a couple of hundred metres away. Jilly sat up and brushed the sand from her shoulders.

  He stared out to sea, breathing deeply as the couple walked along the beach towards them.

  Not a word was spoken.

  ##

  Jilly folded her arms across her chest. Her heart was beating at the rate of knots and she flicked a glance at Dominic. He was staring out to sea; his jaw hard. His gaze steely. So many sensations ran through her; it was more than the physical. Somehow she knew that they had connected on a deeper level than sheer physical need. If it hadn’t been for the dog barking, he would have been inside her by now. She craved his touch and shivered as he shifted his position and put more distance between them.

  The dog bounded up to them, a huge black thing with floppy ears and loose jowls. She laughed as it nuzzled into her neck, the same place that Dominic’s lips had been only minutes before. She jumped to her feet as the dog played around them, and she knew the exact second that Dominic turned to look at her, even though she wasn’t watching him. She felt his eyes on her like a brand. It was crazy but she did.

  The couple whistled to their dog and waved to Dominic and Jilly as they walked away.

  “Do you want to go back in the surf on my board or go back to the cottage?”

  She tried to read what was in his voice and subdue the restlessness that was in her. It was hard to quell, that deep ache low in her belly and the tingling between her thighs made it hard to think logically.

  She tried to lighten the mood. “How about some plum pudding for breakfast? It is Boxing Day.”

  His smile was distant and the warm feeling in her shriveled. He’d started it and she’d made a fool of herself. Dominic stood and together they picked up their boards and headed back toward the cottages.

  Her heart was still thudding in slow, heavy beats and the blood was zinging around her body. Her nerve endings were skittering all over the place as confusion filled her. But when they reached the road, Dominic turned to face her.

  “Sorry the surfing was such a fiasco. We’ll try again another morning, okay?” He hitched the board up higher and nodded at her. “Have a good day; I have to go to Coffs Harbour. Anything you need?”

  Jilly shook her head. “No, thank you.”

  She watched him as he walked away, before she turned and went back to her place. This holiday was not working out how she’d planned. It was time to forget about Dominic, and start to relax and have the rest she’d planned. It had been a long time since she’d made out on a beach, but the frustration that filled her had more to do with Dominic’s hot and cold moods than any unfulfilled sexual needs.

  ##

  The day passed slowly. No matter how much Jilly tried to push him from her mind, Dominic wouldn’t leave her thoughts. She’d come here for the quiet and today, she got it—in bucket loads. She read and dozed and took herself off for a long walk down to Valla Beach after lunch. Burned off the chocolate, the strawberry milk and the beer. The cottage up the road stayed quiet and empty and there was no sign of Dominic’s silver car.

  When she came back from her walk, she settled gingerly in the hammock chair with a cold drink and her Kindle. She looked around nervously as she plumped up the cushions. No wind this afternoon. She pushed her foot onto the floor and rocked the chair gently as she began to read.

  “Who the hell are you?”

  Jilly dropped her Kindle with a start and slid out of the hammock as a woman clumped up the wooden steps. She strode along the verandah towards her, arms swinging wildly by her sides. It was hard to pick her age; her skin was tanned a deep nut brown and her face was set in a ferocious glare. Her hair was looped up in some sort of old fashioned beehive bun and she wore a pair of men’s board shorts and a bikini top and her feet were bare and encrusted with dirt. One hand pointed at Jilly, in the other was a small garden spade which she was now waving around.

  Before Jilly could reply, she was hit with another spray of angry words. “What the hell are you doing in my brother’s house?”

  Jilly straightened and took a step back as the garden spade came perilously close to her head. The woman’s dark eyes were fixed intently on her.

  “I’m Jilly Henderson and I’m renting this house for the Christmas break.”

  “Says who?” The woman stepped closer.

  “Says me. And I believe you are trespassing.” Jilly lifted her chin as anger replaced fear. “Unless you can be civil, perhaps you should leave.”

  “No. I’ve come to weed the garden.” She took a step back and pointed to the overgrown garden bed along the front fence.

  Jilly’s eyes narrowed. “Was it you who mowed the lawn yesterday.”

  “Yes, and I suppose it was your car that was in the way.” Even though her face was unfriendly the woman had lowered her voice. “I washed my feet before I moved it.

  Well at least that let Dominic off the hook. He had been telling her the truth all along.

  “Was it you who left me the flowers? On the kitchen table?”

  “No. I didn’t leave them for you. They were for my brother.”

  “Your brother?”

  “Yes, Derek. I guess he was the one who organized the rental. I’m sorry for intruding. I’ll leave the garden till you move out. How long are you here?”

  “Another three days.”

  “Okay. Sorry to bother you, Jilly. I’m Margaret.” She gave a shrill laugh as she went back down the steps and opened the gate. “They call me mad Margie but don’t believe a word they say.”

  Jilly watched as Margaret strode along the road until she disappeared around the corner. This was the strangest vacation she had ever taken.

  Maybe Vanuatu would have been more peaceful.

  Although there’d be no Dominic there.

  ##

  She showered early and dressed with care, blow-drying her hair into loose curls, wondering if—hoping— Dominic might come over for another sunset chat. She peered into the oval, cracked mirror above the small vanity in the outside toilet. Her skin had a healthy glow and the dark circles beneath her eyes had faded. Despite the unexpected and interesting events over the past couple of days, she was finally managing to relax.

  The evening was cool; not a breath of wind disturbed the air tonight. Jilly sat on the steps of the verandah and enjoyed the peaceful setting as the sun set over the she-oaks. A rain bird called mournfully from the bush and then all was quiet. Dominic’s house was in darkness and she thought back to the interlude on the beach this morning. They’d both made a mistake, not giving any thought to the conversation when they’d both agreed that work flings were definitely a no go zone. Hopefully, they’d both put it behind them and forget about the kiss at the beach when they were back in the office.

  Gradually the dark crept in and Jilly stood slowly, ignoring the regret that filled her. A soft southerly wind puffed in off the ocean and her sarong wound around her legs as the
breeze lifted it.

  She shook her head. Sheer pleasure had filled her when Dominic had put his lips on hers and she wasn’t going to regret one second of it. For the first time in many months she felt alive and if he was happy to spend some time with her, she’d welcome him into her life. They were two grownups and surely they could handle some time together out of work. The way Dominic had kissed her—and touched her this morning, she knew he was interested. If it hadn’t been for that dog…

  It was lonely here by herself and she would enjoy his company again. Opening the fridge, she carried some salad makings inside and sat at the table listening for his car.

  But nothing. Finally she changed into her PJs and climbed into bed. She hadn’t even heard his car come back when she fell asleep just before midnight. The only sound was the soft sighing of the waves as they washed up on the beach through the trees.

  When Jilly woke with a start it was pitch dark. She lay there for a moment listening and wondering what had woken her. She shivered; there was a chill in the room. Goose bumps rose on her bare skin and the hair on the back of her neck lifted. Her mouth dried as the other side of the bed dipped and she rolled toward the centre of the bed.

  She tensed as a hand crept onto her hip.

  “Dominic?” Her throat was dry and the words came out raspy and sleepy.

  “Heh heh.” The same soft chuckle she had heard on the verandah turned her blood to ice.

  Pulling all her courage together, she swallowed and reached over. Taking a deep breath and trying to stay calm she placed her hand on the warm fingers that still rested lightly against her hip.

  “Who are you?” She pulled the shaky words from that nervous place in her chest at the same time she pushed her fingernails into the hand now holding her firmly. The man chuckled again and the bed dipped again as he rolled away. Jilly rolled over in one fluid movement and was on her feet, reaching for the light before she could even draw a breath. She clicked the switch, bathing the room in bright white light, and she looked around for something to use as a weapon.

  There was no one in the room with her and the door was still shut. Drawing in a shaky breath, she walked around to the other side of the bed and bent down, looking underneath.

  Nobody. Nothing. The only thing in the room was a chill that raised the goose bumps on her arms. Jilly grabbed a blanket off the bed and backed into the chair in the corner, her eyes fixed on the door in front of her.

  ***

  Dominic came in late, his thoughts churning. Kissing Jilly at the beach had been a stupid thing to do; it had been her sympathy and wide eyes that had weakened him to her charms. God, if it hadn’t been for that slobbery dog he probably would have ripped her white bikini off and made love to her on the sand. His hard and fast rule of non-involvement at work would have been broken irrevocably because he knew once he had a taste of making love to Jilly, there was no way he’d be able to hold back. He had to work with her and he was not going to get involved with someone at the office.

  Mr Iceberg he would stay. He knew the nickname the girls had given him and it suited him just fine. But the feel of Jilly’s breasts in his hands and the taste of her salty skin on his lips had stayed with him all day. Not trusting himself to keep his hands off her, he’d gone for a long drive, telling himself he was simply checking out the surf up the coast.

  A stupid move; he’d got caught in the Boxing Day traffic and had been held up on the highway till well after dark. The other cottage was in darkness and he guessed Jilly was asleep when he finally drove past, resisting the temptation to call in and check on her.

  Three more days; he’d keep his distance and when they were back in Sydney, nothing would be changed and there’d be no messy holiday romance to get over.

  That’s what his head told him anyway; his heart was saying something different as the blood hammered though his body. He’d had a hard on for most of the week. Another cold shower was in order.

  After he parked the car, he pushed open his own front door in disgust and threw the keys onto the table. He went to bed and tossed and turned until a restless sleep over took him.

  Chapter Eleven

  December 27

  In the early dawn, the southerly wind strengthened and the bathroom door clicked on and off its latch until Dominic couldn’t put up with it any longer. He yawned and sat on the edge of the bed rubbing his eyes.

  “Tired, bro?”

  The familiar voice hit Dominic in the gut. He dropped his hands and slowly lifted his head. Derro was lounging back in the chair beside the bed, smiling at him, his tanned face crinkled around the eyes so like his own.

  Fuck. Dominic rubbed his eyes again.

  His cousin, his dead cousin, sat in the chair dressed in his familiar faded denims and favourite Metallica T-shirt. They’d gone to that concert in Sydney for Domini’s eighteenth birthday. Derro took a bite from the apple he was holding. The sweet smell of the juice drifted over to Dominic along with the loud crunch.

  “Don’t stress. It’s cool.” Crunch, as he bit the apple again.

  “Derro?” Dominic’s voice was a ragged whisper. “Shit, I’m dreaming, aren’t I?”

  “Nup, no dream. It’s me, man.”

  The familiar grin tore at Dominic’s chest and he took a deep breath. “Really?”

  The cheeky nod he knew so well confirmed it.

  “Yeah. I’ve been keeping an eye out for you and you’re sure stuffing things up.”

  “What? Where?”

  “Are you really happy being a suit, Dom?” Derro stood and walked around the table and pegged the apple core into the bin.

  Do ghosts eat apples? Or am I dreaming? Dominic stood and resisted pinching himself. He looked down at the bed. He wasn’t lying there asleep. He was awake and talking to his dead cousin. “Shit, Derro. Why did you have to go and drown? Do you know how much I missed you?”

  “It was my time, Dom. But I had to come back and sort you out before I can move on. Couldn’t let you stuff up too.”

  “What happened?”

  Derro’s face split into a wide grin. “Caught the best wave of my life, man. A six foot left hander on the point. Perfect tube, but I didn’t pull out in time.”

  Dominic shook his head, still unable to believe what he was seeing and hearing.

  “So enough about me. I’m fine. I’m here to give you a bit of advice.”

  Dominic stared at his cousin. “Advice?” He cleared his throat and the words rasped out.

  “Don’t let her go. Don’t let that stupid career, and figures and money drive your life. Jilly’s the one for you, mate. I used Margie’s email to set up the rental. That was interesting.” He walked to the window and turned back to Dominic. “I’ve done my best to throw you together, but it’s up to you now. You have to decide what you want.”

  Dominic knew what he wanted and it had nothing to do with suits and the trading floor. Derro smiled at him as he read his expression; he knew him well and always had.

  “Good.” Derro turned back to Dominic. “Want to go for a surf later? I’ll be out there with you if you go.”

  Dominic’s throat ached and he blinked as a sheen of moisture misted his eyes. “I wish.”

  “Look out for Margie, mate. Tell her I’m okay. She’s still doin’ it tough too.” Derro walked over and grabbed him in a tight man hug. “Have a good life, Dom.” Gradually the pressure of his arms lessened and Dominic opened his eyes. The room was empty and he looked around.

  “What the fuck?” he muttered as he flopped onto the bed and put his hands over his eyes. He leaned back onto the soft pillow and closed his eyes as the wind rattled around the house.

  A persistent banging at the door woke him a couple of hours later. The dream of Derro had been so real; he still carried the same sense of loss in his chest that he’d experienced when Derro had left him.

  Maudlin. That’s what he was. Dreaming of the past. Time to go back to the city and his real life. Dominic rolled out of bed and had the door
open before he was properly awake. Jilly stood there, her face pale and dark shadows beneath her eyes.

  “Hi, come on in.”

  She stepped past him without speaking, and stood there looking at him, before she brushed a shaky hand over her face. She was dressed in a cute pair of pyjamas and he raised his eyebrows.

  “You are going to think I am so crazy, but this really strange thing happened to me last night.” Her voice was soft and her green eyes wide as she stared up at him

  “You’re not Robinson Crusoe.” Calm settled over Dominic as he looked her. Derro—or his dream—whatever it had been, had given him a choice. He put his hands on her shoulders, surprised to feel her trembling. “So shush, and listen to me. I’m sorry I was such a prick yesterday and took off and left but you scare me.”

  “Scared? Tell me about it.”

  “What’s wrong?” Her skin was silky against his fingertips as he ran them down her arms.

  “I was frightened last night, too.”

  Dominic groaned and he narrowed his eyes. “Don’t tell me you had a dream too?”

  “No, I had a flesh and blood visitor. I thought it was you, until he chuckled. And then he disappeared.” Jilly’s eyes were wide. “I was so scared I spent the rest of the night sitting up in a chair. I don’t know what it was but there was definitely someone in the house.”

  “Just give me a moment.” Dominic crossed to the kitchen and lifted the top of the bin. He shook his head as disbelief ran through him; a fresh apple core lying at the bottom of the plastic-lined bin. Maybe he’d put it there without remembering?

  He turned back to Jilly and took her arm gently before leading her over to the bed. “You do look tired. Do you want to go back to bed? Get some sleep?” He grinned at her as her eyes locked with his. Enough of the stuffed shirt businessman. Dominic, the wild surfer without any worries, had come roaring back.