by Brooke Moss
“Okay, fine.” Jake conceded. “You’ve convinced me. I’ll take you back.”
He stepped away, his arm slipping from her shoulders just enough for his free hand to reach hers on the car door handle. As his dark brown eyes gazed down into hers, he lifted the handle and tugged the door open slightly.
“Thank you,” she murmured, captivated by his gaze and the warmth of his body against hers.
She waited. She didn’t want to be the one to make the first move, but he was there, so close to her. Kyra was frightened this might be her only opportunity. She couldn’t bear to miss out.
Her full lips pressed against his before her heart could thump out another beat. His mouth was sweet, like the caramel from their dessert mixed with the rum from his drink. She tasted him as his arms wrapped around her. His hands skimmed over the emerald-lace of her short-sleeved blouse down to the tight black material of her pants. Her hands followed suit, sliding over the soft fabric of his black shirt before slipping around his neck.
His tongue was persistent, demanding entrance into her mouth before she was ready to let go of savoring the sweetness of his lips. But she let him in to explore, let his tongue caress hers as their mouths continued their passionate dance.
Jake pulled away suddenly. His hands still clung to the curves of her body.
“Wow, Shine,” he panted, “that was…”
As his voice trailed off, Kyra knew she could finish his sentence for him. It was delicious. Satisfying even. Maybe even addictive, but…
There shouldn’t have been any buts…but, had it felt quite right?
She smiled sweetly up at him. “I guess we should go do our duty?”
“What?” Jake frowned down at her for a moment as though processing, his gaze still partially starry-eyed, before he nodded in understanding. “Right. Let’s head back.”
He held the door for her, continuing on the gentlemanly streak and she climbed in.
*
“You’re not coming in?”
Dylan heard the surprise in Kyra’s voice even over the bubbly pop music thumping. He and many of the other attendees outside the Merchant Marine Science Center glanced over at the black Holden Commodore in the long drive. Even in the dim glow of the fairy lights, Dylan knew it was Jake’s car. It was as perfectly detailed as its owner. He couldn’t understand why Jake would enter the compound with the music blaring, so everyone would notice and then refuse to join the gathering?
Kyra slammed the passenger-side door, her beautiful face contorted in agitation and then perplexity. Dylan glanced at Max. His gracious boss was already making his way quietly through the crowd. He moved effortlessly and unhurriedly in his blue button-down and beige chinos, a kind smile lightened his chiseled features as he headed toward the car.
The engine revved loudly then Jake reversed the sedan speedily back out onto the dark, quiet road. Pausing, Max shared a look of concern with Dylan, his hand stroking the greying hair at his temple before he changed course and casually made his way over to Kyra. Dylan nodded to Brian, with whom he’d been speaking, and headed in the same direction.
Dylan felt the curious glances of the staff, volunteers and visitors following him. The weekly dinner had finished nearly an hour ago. Most remained to have a few drinks, socialize and catch up on any new gossip. Whether intentionally or spontaneously, Jake provided them with plenty in regards to his relationship with Kyra.
As Dylan neared Max and Kyra, he caught the end of their hushed conversation through the garbled murmur of the crowd and the rhythmic beat of the cheerful music.
“I’m okay, Max. Jake must have changed his mind. He’s just…being antisocial.”
Max looked exhausted, his blue-grey eyes darkening. “I hope that’s all it is. He needs a purpose. I’d thought working here might give him one, but…” Max shrugged tiredly and looked up at Dylan, his expression softening with relief. “Dylan here made a mean steak tonight as usual. Got plenty of compliments.”
“And I missed out.” Kyra grinned, but Dylan could see it took her effort.
Max shook his head, even though a jovial smirk curved his lips. “That you did, Kyra and you’ll have to wait another whole week before getting the chance again.”
Although concern still overrode his feelings, Dylan offered them both a friendly smile. “I reckon Kyra’s the lucky one tonight. Eating at a fancy restaurant, easily tops my brilliant barbequing skills.”
Kyra’s grin weakened. “Yeah, but the atmosphere wasn’t the same.”
“Nor was the company.” Dylan placed a hand on Max’s shoulder supportively.
His chest ached at how quickly his boss became more serious.
“We’ve got a good family,” Max agreed, glancing over at the jubilant guests. “I’m ever grateful to have found such an incredible group of people who share my passion.”
Dylan wished Max could say the same for his son. It pained him to see his good friend injured by Jake’s antics. Max glanced his way and then laughed sharply.
“Ignore me. I didn’t mean to lead this conversation down Serious Street.” He took a step toward the inquisitive crowd mingling closer to the buildings. “I guess I should keep doing the rounds, share my precious time. You know how popular I am.” He gave a jokey grin and headed away.
Dylan watched as Max began a conversation with another small group of people, mostly volunteers, who were seated in lawn chairs furthest away from the music. As the group shared a laugh, Dylan relaxed and turned his attention back to Kyra.
Long dark lashes shielded her fascinating hazel eyes, eyes which seemed to grow more troubled as he caught their gaze. She tunneled her fingers through her lopsided bob, sweeping the strawberry blonde hair from her face as she pressed her luscious pink lips together in a tight line.
Dylan’s chest tightened at the sight of her unhappiness. “Jake had better have been on his best behavior tonight.”
Kyra nodded confidently. “He was.”
“Didn’t want to join the fun though?” Dylan gestured around at the people and then stuck his hands in the pockets of his midnight blue jeans.
As Kyra walked toward the accommodation building, Dylan strolled along beside her.
“Maybe he had somewhere better to be?” She was careful not to look at him.
Dylan wondered if her matter-of-fact tone was to convince him or herself.
“Where are you heading now?” He watched her closely as they stepped up onto the ground floor porch.
She gave him a shrug and his heart clenched. He could see she was hurting, but was trying to hide it. Still, she wouldn’t look at him.
“Why don’t we grab a couple of drinks, sit out the back and enjoy the night a while?”
She shrugged again, her shoulders moving up and down with her breath. “I’m tired,” she began, her voice sounded a little hoarse as she rubbed a hand across her eyes.
Unable to contain himself, Dylan reached out, grabbed her hand and held it in his, forcing Kyra’s beautiful hazel eyes – moistened and reddened now – to stare up at him.
“I know it’s not just that,” he told her, his hand still holding hers securely.
Her lips quivered and she took a deep breath, sighing it out loudly. “I’m fine.” It was less than convincing.
He smiled down at her reassuringly. “You will be, once we’ve enjoyed the night air for a little while.”
Kyra frowned at him, her gaze seemed to glint with inner turmoil, then she nodded decisively. “Out the back.”
He nodded his head in agreement. “Out the back.”
After arranging the lawn chairs so they faced the darkened wilderness behind the fenced line at the back of the property, Dylan and Kyra relaxed into them and clinked the necks of their beer bottles in cheers. Although the beat of the lively music was still evident behind them, they were far enough away from the jubilant crowd and their capers that they could hear the calming sounds of nature on the warm night air. The chirping of the crickets seemed to compete
with the hum of the distant music and garbled chatter, while the soft croaking of a frog emanated from the enormous water tanks to their right.
Breathing deeply, Dylan inhaled the sharp, but pleasant smell of eucalyptus from the gum trees at the boundary and beyond, which wafted around them on a breeze slightly cooler than the humid night.
“I never get sick of this,” he said on a sigh before glancing over at Kyra.
She took a sip of her beer and then gazed skyward. “Or them.”
Looking up at the entrancing darkness of the moonlit sky, Dylan felt his chest swell in awe. Living out in the bushland and away from the bright lights of the city meant they had the privilege of seeing billions of stars not usually visible. It was as though someone had dusted the sky with gold and silver glitter. They sparkled down at the Earth, twinkling greetings to passing satellites that glowed radiantly as they traveled on by.
“I know what you mean. They ground me and remind me life and the universe is bigger than all of us. We should love, appreciate and respect what we have, what life has given us.”
The words left Dylan’s lips before he had a chance to think them through. He hadn’t meant to get so deep and bare his soul because they were alone together, but being with Kyra seemed to bring it out of him. He shot a look at her, anxiety quickening his pulse.
“Sorry. Clearly, I’m an emotional drinker.” He chuckled nervously and then forced the beer bottle to his lips before he could say anything even more humiliating.
“No. Don’t be.” Kyra shook her head at him. “I understand. I think that’s why I’m so passionate about preserving our turtles. I know we are miniscule in the scheme of things. You know, in the lifespan of the world, the universe? But, I value what I have and I want to make a difference, if I can.”
Dylan froze, beer to his lips and eyes wide. It wasn’t so much that he hadn’t expected her to understand what he’d meant – he knew she was exceptionally intelligent. Or that he hadn’t known her passion for wildlife conservation ran so deep – as it was just one of the many things that enticed him to her. No, it was the fact her true feelings were so similar in concept to his own and insightfully accurate that it all seemed quite serendipitous.
He felt the heat of her gaze as she watched him. Lowering the beer, Dylan turned and met her heartfelt stare.
Kyra nibbled at her lower lip. “Guess we’ve got the emotional drinker thing in common. Sorry. I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”
He swallowed. “No,” Dylan said the word and knew it was a lie. He hadn’t realized he could love her any more than he already did, but her words had touched him deeply. “No,” he said again. “It’s okay.”
She dropped her gaze from his and then returned her attention to the sky. “I’m grateful for you, Dylan. I need you to know.” Her voice was quiet and cautious.
He offered her a small nod, but couldn’t manage a word.
Appearing to take his answer as acceptance, she continued. “I know we have a connection, you understand me. I mean, really understand me.” She paused, breathing deeply, her eyes closing for just a second. “What I want to say is…I’m lucky to have met you, to have you in my life. I really care about our friendship, about you.” She glanced in his direction, but her eyes shied away from his. “I never want to lose that, Dylan. I can’t.”
He forced another nod. “Of course.”
Although a warm contentment filled him as she’d begun, by the time she’d finished, a consuming dread hung heavy in his gut. Her words had hit him hard. She didn’t want to jeopardize their special friendship, he understood that. It was obvious she needed his support now more than ever after her turbulent evening with Jake, but knowing that didn’t lessen the pain. His heart ached, though he knew she was right. What they had now was better, safer. Yet, he couldn’t help longing for more.
“I care about you, too,” he told her as her gaze finally met his again. “And you need to know, you’ll never lose me.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Kyra watched the foamy, blue waves crash ashore on the long stretch of golden sand of Mon Repos beach before turning her back on the ocean and following Dylan inland. She kept her head down and her eyes fixed on his footprints in the sand dunes. She knew the lenses of her sunglasses, unlike his polarized aviators, weren’t dark enough to keep her from being caught staring at his sexy behind, yet that was all she wanted to do – stare at him.
Dylan led her toward the inlet of seawater which fed into the Mon Repos Conservation Park, a sheltered piece of land that was a popular nesting area for the turtles. Even though the land was protected, terrestrial predators still posed a risk to the hatchlings, making the area a high priority for patrols. In the wake of the poaching, the patrols had increased further, with everyone on alert scouring the landscape for any signs of trespassers.
Although, Kyra hadn’t been rostered to patrol again until tomorrow morning, when Dylan had asked if she’d be keen to accompany him after lunch today, she’d jumped at the opportunity to help. Or at least that’s why she thought she’d agreed. Now, she wasn’t so sure what her intentions were.
As they entered the patchy shade of trees, Kyra’s gaze lifted and met the curve of Dylan’s butt through the snug fabric of his khaki cargo pants before lifting, tracing an invisible line up his back, over his white singlet. When she got to his broad, muscular shoulders, she caught herself and dragged her gaze back down, silently scolding herself for the slip-up.
It wasn’t as though she hadn’t admired his appearance before, only a blind woman would be immune to his rugged attractiveness, but lately she could feel herself giving in to his magnetism. Ever since their time together a couple of nights ago, the night of her lackluster kiss with Jake, thoughts of Dylan had consumed her. She couldn’t decide if her subconscious was punishing Jake for abandoning her or if something in her heart had changed. Then there was that kiss, gratifying, yet not quite right.
She shook her body, trying to shake the uneasiness from her limbs.
What was wrong with her? Jake was perfect. He was just the right percentage of bad-boy and a thimble full of playboy without being an outright ass. Coupled with a love of nature and a compassion for preservation and wildlife that mirrored her own, he was a perfect match for her, wasn’t he?
Her thoughts irked her and she stopped walking.
Dylan strode a few more steps along the top of the dune, before he noticed she’d stopped. He frowned as he turned to face her.
“Did you see something?” He raised his sunglasses, resting them on top of his tousled, auburn hair before scanning the ground around them.
“No.” She shook her head. “Sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have come. I’m feeling rather distracted.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” The worry in his features reached his eyes as he made his way back to her. He placed a warm hand on her bare shoulder and then glanced up at the hot afternoon sun. “Is it the heat? It’s pretty humid again today. We might even get a storm.”
Shaking her head, Kyra’s brows knotted. “No. It’s…” she sighed unable to verbalize the uneasy feeling. She grimaced in irritation. “It’s just me.”
He stepped closer, his free hand reached for her purple sunglasses and lifted them so he could see her eyes. He gazed down at her, his blue-green eyes full of distress as he studied her. “You’re not feeling weak? Lightheaded?”
She pushed the glasses free of him to rest atop her head. “No.” Her hand went to his chest, but she wasn’t sure if she’d meant to push him away or just touch him. “I’m fine.”
When he gave her a look of skepticism, she sighed and glanced down at her hand, feeling the firm muscle of his chest beneath her palm, his pulse beating beneath her fingertips. She snatched her hand back as though she’d been stung and forced her eyes back to his.
“I was thinking about the other night with Jake.” She bit out the words and then mentally reprimanded herself for broaching the topic.
Why had she said that? Was she rea
lly seeking Dylan’s opinion? Or had she wanted to see a flash of jealousy in his eyes?
He’d been so good around her, ensuring their relationship remained perfectly platonic. Yet, she knew he’d felt something spark between them. She’d noticed his lingering stares and was certain he took advantage of every opportunity to touch her, even though all contact remained fleeting and companionable. Kyra appreciated the fact he’d never obviously flirted or pushed himself on her. Dylan was a decent guy with strong ethics and he worked hard to commit to them. He’d never take advantage of her. So why did she suddenly want him to break his code, to give in to his feelings and prove them to her?
Kyra gritted her teeth as Dylan stepped back, his hand dropping from her shoulder to give her space.
“Ignore me.” She tried to reassure him and stop him in his retreat. “I don’t know what I’m talking about. I really shouldn’t have come along.”
His comforting smile was tight. “It’s okay. I know how much Jake upset you on Sunday night. I don’t mind if you want to talk about it.”
Dylan’s posture stiffened and she wondered if he’d really meant what he’d said.
“I think I’m just confused,” she blurted out, not really knowing where she was going with the statement. Catching herself quickly, she started again. “He confused me. We were having a really good night, at least, I thought we were and then,” she shrugged her shoulders, “he dropped me off at the Center with a lame excuse. He said he’d changed his mind and wanted to get another drink in town.”
Jake’s mobile phone had kept jingling throughout their date, first with the sound of incoming calls and then with the short, snappy chirrups of text messages. He’d made a point of ignoring them, but she’d noticed him glancing at the phone many times. She’d thought the calls might have been Max, but on arrival at the Merchant Marine Science Center, she’d begun to wonder whether it was another woman.