“Get dressed,” he said. “We need to get back. Cal will be wondering where we are.”
“If there’s something you want to know, all you have to do is ask,” she said.
“No.” He shook his head.
“I’ll tell you anything.”
That was the problem. Did he really want to know all the details of her relationship with a man she loved enough to marry? Did he want her making comparisons between the two of them? He ought to be happy for the time they had together and just leave it at that. Brody certainly couldn’t offer her the kind of life that Sam Whitman could.
“I’m fine,” he said, forcing a smile. “You’re right. I’m just cranky.” He walked across the room and stood in front of her.
“Don’t act like such a dickhead,” she muttered, sending him a sulky look.
Brody laughed, taking a step back. “Well, there you go again. I see you’re learning the lingo. You could tell me not to be such a drongo.”
“That, too.” She drew a deep breath. “What is that?”
“A dimwit,” he said. “An idiot for not appreciating you. A fool for taking my bad mood out on you.” He held out his hand and when she placed her fingers in his, he gently pulled her to her feet. “So, what are we going to do with our day today?”
“I have to work in the stables. I was gone all yesterday.”
“I’ll help you finish.”
“I bought a swimsuit, so we could hang out in the hot tub. And I bought some new underwear. I might even model it for you.”
“I’m feeling my mood getting much lighter,” he said. “What color?”
“Is your mood?”
“No. What color is the underwear?”
“Black,” she said.
He wrapped his hands around her waist drawing her body against his. “I like black underwear.”
“Every man likes black underwear.”
He bent down and brushed a kiss across her lips. “You know, we could stay here a little longer. At least we have some privacy.”
A tiny smile curled the corners of her mouth. “For a little while,” she suggested. “But only if we go back to bed.”
With a low growl, he pushed her backward until they both tumbled onto the narrow bunk. “Maybe if I have a bit more sleep I won’t be so cranky.”
He felt her hand on the front of his jeans. “I know exactly how to make you feel better.”
“Then I’ll put myself in your capable hands—or hand.”
6
THE MIDDAY SUN shone in a cloudless sky. Payton stood on the fence at the edge of the paddock and watched as Callum demonstrated the fine art of campdrafting. He’d declared a holiday from all work in honor of the queen’s birthday—June 8. Brody had explained that it wasn’t Queen Elizabeth’s real birthday, but no one seemed to care about that small technicality. A holiday was a day off, something they all needed.
The stockmen had decided a barbecue was in order and had set up an afternoon of lighthearted competition between station employees followed by a sumptuous meal. They’d begun with a brief course on one of Australia’s original sports, showing Gemma and Payton how campdrafting worked.
A calf was let out of a pen into the paddock and the rider carefully herded the calf around a series of obstacles, barrels and posts. Each rider was timed and the fastest to get the calf through the obstacle course would win a cherry pie that Mary had baked for the event.
Gemma and Payton watched from behind the fence, cheering on each stockman and wildly applauding their efforts against Brody and Callum. Though Payton had only known Gemma for a week, it was easy to like her. She was witty and audacious, yet very levelheaded, someone Payton could turn to for advice. They’d taken to meeting up midafternoon for tea with Mary, the three of them enjoying freshly baked biscuits and a cuppa, as Gemma had called it.
To the surprise of everyone, Teague had turned up halfway through the competition with Hayley Fraser in tow. At first, she’d caused quite a stir among the men. Payton had informed Gemma that, according to Brody, Hayley was a popular television star in Australia and a huge celebrity. But the extra attention seemed to only make Hayley more uncomfortable and she chose to stand alone while she watched Teague compete with his brothers.
“She looks miserable,” Payton said to Gemma. “I’m going to go talk to her.”
“Callum certainly hasn’t done much to make her feel welcome,” Gemma commented. “Men can be so thickheaded.”
Payton grabbed Gemma’s arm. “Come on, let’s go teach those boys a little bit about hospitality.”
They walked over to Hayley and stood on either side of her, their arms braced on the top bar of the fence. “You know what I love about this,” Gemma chirped in her charming Irish accent. “I love the chaps. A man wearing chaps just sets my imagination to working overtime.”
“Why is that?” Payton asked, playing along.
“I just can’t help but think about what those things would look like without the jeans underneath.” She glanced over at Payton and pulled a silly face. Payton burst out laughing and Hayley couldn’t help herself. A giggle erupted from her throat and she bit her bottom lip to stop herself.
“I was thinking exactly the same thing,” Hayley said. “Why do I find those things so sexy?”
“It’s the leather,” Gemma said. “It’s so…”
“Dangerous?” Payton asked.
“Smooth,” Hayley said.
“Naughty,” Gemma added. “I mean, I can understand how a man would enjoy lacy underwear on a woman. For me, a man in leather just gets me all tingly.”
The trio stood and silently watched as Teague maneuvered a calf through the maze of posts and barrels, the rest of the stockmen shouting directions from across the paddock.
“Thanks,” Hayley said.
Payton turned to face her. “For what?”
“For making it easier. I know how Brody and Callum feel about me and I don’t think they were too chuffed to see me turn up here.”
“Whatever is going on in their heads has nothing to do with us,” Gemma assured her.
“Sistahs before mistahs,” Payton said decisively. They both looked at her as if she’d suddenly begun speaking Armenian. “Sisters before misters. Girlfriends should come before boyfriends.”
“Oh,” Gemma said. “Yes. I completely agree.”
“Do you ride?” Gemma asked Hayley.
“Like the wind,” she said with a grin. “What about you?”
“No. If they did this on bicycles I might give it a go. But horses scare the bleedin’ bloomers off me. And I don’t care for the way they smell either.” She sighed. “Still, I wish I knew how to ride. Callum seems to be more comfortable on a horse than on his feet.”
“I could teach you,” Payton said.
“Me, too,” Hayley offered.
Gemma smiled. “Callum offered, but I didn’t want to look like a muppet in front of him, so I begged off. But as long as I’m here, I wouldn’t mind trying.”
“It’s a date then,” Hayley said. “Payton can bring you out to the shack. I’ll organize a lunch and then we can ride back together.”
The idea of making plans together seemed to solidify their new friendship and as they watched the boys, they chatted amiably.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” Gemma asked, nodding in the direction of the three Quinn brothers. The men sat on their horses, staring across the paddock.
“Maybe they think we’re plotting against them,” Payton said.
Brody was the first to approach. He smiled as he drew his horse to a stop. “Ladies,” he said, tipping his hat. “Are you having a lovely time?”
Payton smiled seductively. “Absolutely,” she said.
“What are you doing over here all on your own?”
“Discussing our love of chaps,” Gemma said. “With or without jeans. If I might be so bold, which do you prefer?”
Her question took him by surprise and he grinned. “That’s be
tween me and my horse.” He turned to Payton. “Would you ladies like to give it a go? I’m sure the boys would love to see you jump into the competition. And there are prizes to be had for the winners.”
“I’ll try,” Payton said.
“Me, too.” Hayley crawled over the fence and started in Teague’s direction.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to sit this one out,” Gemma said.
“Come on,” Brody insisted. “Callum will ride with you. You can steer and he’ll work the pedals.”
Gemma grinned. “All right.”
Payton helped her over the fence and they strode across the paddock, Brody riding beside them. When they got to the boys, Brody suggested that they all compete in pairs to make the game more equitable. The girls would hold the reins while the boys held the girls and used the stirrups.
As the eldest, Callum went first, settling Gemma on the saddle in front of him and wrapping his arm around her waist while his other hand gripped the saddle horn. Brody and Payton watched from a spot at the fence as Davey released a calf from the pen.
He stood behind her, his chin resting on her shoulder, his hand on her hip. “So what were you girls really talking about?” he asked, his voice soft against her ear.
“Sex,” she said.
“Really?”
“That’s all girls talk about when they’re together. We were comparing the three of you.”
“And how did I fare?” he asked.
“Oh, I spoke very highly of you,” Payton teased.
His hand slowly moved forward on her hip until it was pressed flat on her lower abdomen, right above the waistband of her jeans. “Did you tell them how good I am at making you moan?” His fingertips drifted a bit lower.
“Stop,” Payton said. “Everyone is watching.”
“No one is watching,” Brody countered.
She closed her eyes and moaned softly. How was it possible that he could set her nerves on fire with a simple touch? They were both fully dressed, standing amidst a group of people, and all she could think about was his hand dipping into her pants.
“How far will you go, Payton? Can I make you come just by talking to you?”
“Don’t even try,” she said.
“I’ll wager I can. Dare me.”
“Brody, I—” He shoved his hand a bit farther beneath her waistband and she sucked in a sharp breath. “All right. You probably could. But that doesn’t mean I want you to. Not here.”
“Where?” he murmured.
“Your room.”
“Hey!” Brody called. “We’re going to grab some more coldies. Who wants one?” He took the time to count the takers then turned to Payton. “Come on, you can give me a hand.”
They started off toward the house without attracting any attention. When they reached the porch, Brody pressed his finger to his lips, then poked his head inside the door. Though the smell of fresh-baked bread drifted out, Mary was elsewhere. He took Payton’s hand and dragged her through the kitchen, then up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
When they were both inside his room, Brody slammed the door behind them and began to unbutton her jeans. Payton fumbled with the belt holding his chaps, but let go when he bent over to pull off her shoes. Her jeans and panties followed and by the time he stood, he was completely aroused, his erection pressing against the faded denim.
Getting him undressed was too much effort and in the end, she unbuckled his belt and pulled his jeans down around his hips. He picked her up and carried her to the bed.
In one exquisite movement, he slid inside her, her body ready for him, so wet with desire. From the moment he moved, Payton felt herself dancing near the edge. This wasn’t a slow, easy seduction but a desperate attempt to possess each other.
She clutched at his shoulders, her mouth pressed against his throat. “Oh,” she cried. “Oh, yes.”
“Tell me you want it,” he said, his voice raw with passion.
“I do,” Payton said, her own desperation growing.
She felt her orgasm building, fueled by the almost violent nature of their bodies arching against each other. Every thrust became magnificent torture, pushing her closer to the edge and then drawing her back again. Payton let her mind drift, focusing on the spot where they were joined.
And then, she was there, her release shattering reality. Wave after wave of pleasure coursed through her and she felt him surrender to his own orgasm. He kept moving inside her until he couldn’t move anymore. Then Brody rolled onto his back, carrying her with him.
The entire encounter had only lasted a few minutes, but Payton had never experienced anything quite so powerful. She’d wanted him so much that her desire had overwhelmed all rational thought. He owned her body and he was quickly taking possession of her soul.
“We’re bad,” he whispered.
“I know,” Payton said. “I think it was the chaps.”
Brody laughed out loud, wrapping his arm around her neck and rolling her onto her side. He faced her, his hand lazily trailing through her hair. “So all I have to do to get you into bed is wear leather?”
“I think you already know the answer to that question.”
“Tell me anyway.”
“You just have to touch me,” Payton said softly. “That’s all it takes.”
He smiled boyishly, then stole another kiss. “I’ll remember that.” Pausing, he ran his finger along her jaw and met her gaze. “There is one thing. We haven’t been using protection, and at the shack you said—”
“It’s all right. There won’t be any surprises.”
“Good,” he said. “I mean, not that surprises are always bad, but I’m not sure we’re ready for that.”
Sam had been obsessed about birth control, insisting that Payton find a method that would protect them both without fail. They’d been engaged and they’d always planned to have children, so Payton wondered why he’d been so adamant. Sam had acted as if an unplanned pregnancy would’ve been a disaster. Why hadn’t she ever questioned him making such a decision about her body?
“Payton?”
She blinked, startled from her thoughts. What had brought Sam to mind? She hadn’t thought of him in…days.
Brody was staring at her, a frown on his face. “What’s wrong?”
Payton shook her head. “Nothing. We should probably get back outside. The boys will want their beers.”
Brody levered to his feet, then held out his hand. He patiently helped her dress, patting her backside once she was completely clothed again. But as he turned for the door, Payton noticed a purple mark on his neck.
“Oh, no,” she said, reaching up for his chin and tipping his head up. “Did I do that?”
“What?”
She laughed. “I think I gave you a hickey.”
“What’s that?” Brody asked.
She pulled him over to the mirror above his dresser and pointed to the spot on his neck.
“A love bite,” he said, examining it closely. “I haven’t had one of those since I was a teenager.”
“Sorry.”
He shrugged. “I like it. I like knowing I can make you do such things to me.”
She stared at his reflection in the mirror and smiled. “I think we’re both in trouble,” she said.
He nodded. “I think you might be right.”
“BRODY!”
They both turned to see a horse approaching at a fast gallop. Davey pulled the horse to a stop, nearly running into Brody. “What the hell are you about?” Brody shouted.
“Callum,” he said, gasping for breath.
“What’s wrong? Is he all right?”
“Yeah. Yeah, he’s fine. He needs you back at the house. Right now. He said just you, not Payton. Just you. He made that very clear.”
Brody frowned. “Well, I’m not going to leave Payton out here on her own,” he said.
“No, I’m to help her out,” Davey said. “Go ahead. I’ll carry on.”
Brody regarded the young kid suspicio
usly. Why was it so important for Payton to stay behind? What the hell was Callum up to? He maneuvered his horse next to Payton’s, then reached out and placed his hand on her cheek. “I’ll be back in a bit.” Brody leaned over and dropped a kiss on her lips. “Don’t let Davey boss you around.”
She smiled. “I won’t. I’ll see you later.”
Brody kicked his horse into a gallop and headed toward the house. This had damn well better be an emergency. The ride back to the homestead was almost fifteen minutes. As he rode, Brody’s thoughts rewound over the past few days. He and Payton had settled into a life of sorts.
She’d managed to charm Davey into working the stables for the day while she worked the station with Brody. They enjoyed the long ride together and Payton had been fascinated with discovering new plants and animals in the outback. She’d nearly fallen off her horse when she’d spotted her first kangaroo.
He liked having her with him, and Callum hadn’t seemed to mind that they’d paired up. After greasing two of the windmills, they’d eaten some lunch, then set off to ride the fence lines. Payton had quickly learned how to handle herself on a stock pony, eagerly taking tips from Brody when he offered.
Still, her fascination with station life worried him. Was she happy here or was she just avoiding her real life with Sam Whitman? He needed answers, yet he couldn’t bring himself to ask the question. Was she married? And if she was, did it make a difference anymore? He wasn’t sure that it did for him. Not now.
Brody had been considering his options, specifically another surgery on his knee. He was still covered under the team’s insurance and he really didn’t have anything to lose, except a month or two off his feet and at least a year spent in rehab. He cursed softly. The more time he spent with Payton, the more confused he became about his future.
He’d always trusted his gut instinct when it came to any decision, and his gut had never steered him wrong—until the accident. The rain had made the roads slick and he’d already been late for practice, caught up in an argument with Nessa. He hadn’t been paying attention and had taken a turn far too fast. As he went down, his only thought had been that he ought to have trusted his gut and taken the Land Rover to work.
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