Tumble Creek

by Louise Forster

  ‘Is that what’s going on in your head and putting that—’ she waved her hand in his direction, ‘—that silly grin on your face?’ She’d almost said hot grin.

  ‘Absolutely. Doesn’t mean I want to see it happen for real. Only in my dreams, Babe.’ He paused, probably thinking over what he’d just said. ‘Well maybe for real.’ And without another word, he scooped her up, deposited her in the passenger seat, closed her door, strode around the bonnet and slid behind the wheel.

  Sofie did a quick mental inventory of old dresses she could shred to the thigh.

  ***

  Sofie could feel the heat of Brock’s hand resting, politely, on the small of her back as they walked into Veronica’s. She sighed, wondering how to get more of his hands all over her naked skin. He showed all the right signs, but something was holding him back. ‘Not going to happen, is it?’ she mumbled to herself. ‘Happy birthday to me.’

  Sofie stopped just inside the door and the first thing that hit her was the abundance of candles everywhere. The restaurant always had them, but this was an extraordinary amount, like a fairy tale. Classical acoustic guitars softly playing in the background added to the romantic atmosphere. Diners were quietly enjoying their dinner, but where was everyone? For a heart-stopping moment, Sofie wondered if she had the wrong day.

  Suddenly a group of people hurried out from the back, yelling, ‘Happy Birthday!’ Four of them carried a long refectory table with helium balloons and streamers attached to its centrepiece of flowers and candles. With the table set in place, Sofie was surrounded by family and friends wishing her a great birthday—Claudia, Michelle, Jennifer, Calum, Calum’s grandmother, Connie, their uncle’s housekeeper, Shirley, Takumi, Bruce and his new wife Kathleen, Fiona and Ryan.

  There was one person missing. Silently Sofie wished Britt was there and that she was safe, and would stay that way. A cold shudder rippled through her; she shook it off; of course she’d be okay. Brock curled an arm around her back, placed his hand on her hip, and pulled her in to his side.

  Head dipped, he whispered in her ear, ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yes, I’m fine. Why?’

  ‘Nothing.’ He straightened.

  Naturally, the food was the best. Elliot made pan-seared salmon with spicy coconut sauce on a bed of steamed rice and fresh vegetables on the side. Mouth-watering, delicious.

  The conversation around the table turned to childhood stories about Sofie’s mischievous adventures. Something she was going to deny black and blue the moment she could get a word in.

  ‘No,’ was Jennifer’s definite answer to something Sofie missed in the babble of voices. ‘Sofe was always up first, creeping around making herself a snack and cups of tea. Nearly set the place alight once. I think she’s got a thing for fire.’

  ‘Jen—I have not got a thing for anything!’ Except late night sex with a hot police officer … hopefully.

  ‘You have too,’ Jennifer went on, ‘you were playing with matches and my teddy caught alight. Luckily you had the smarts to throw him in the sink and turn the tap on.’

  ‘I what?! That was you, not me!’ Sofie waggled her finger at Jennifer.

  ‘Oh no it wasn’t. And then because Teddy had black and melted fur in parts and normal fur on other parts of his cute little body, you got to him with the scissors and trimmed him all over.’

  Sofie worked hard to keep a straight face. ‘I remember that day because I was in bed with a mysterious rash and you got up to mischief.’

  ‘Yep,’ Calum nodded soberly, ‘I can see that.’

  Jennifer turned to him, and cried out, ‘You’re supposed to be on my side.’

  ‘No, staying honest and true,’ Calum answered with a wicked grin.

  Jennifer shrugged and carried on. ‘Then you rubbed him dry and covered Mum’s best towel with soot and stuck him in the bottom of the toy box.’

  ‘No-no, see, if it was me, I would have thrown him in the bin.’

  Jennifer gasped, her eyes huge, but definitely trying to hold back a grin.

  ‘I remember hiding under the covers because the toxic smell was so disgusting it made my rash worse and then Mum walked in to see why I was making a fuss. And then all hell broke loose.’

  ‘What? That’s just selective memory,’ Jennifer laughed.

  ‘Jen, honey?’ Calum put in.

  ‘Yes, sweetie-pie,’ Jennifer said, piling on the sugary twee.

  ‘Stop it, you two,’ Claudia warned, ‘you’re making my teeth hurt.’

  ‘Nah, go on, Bro,’ Michelle giggled, ‘I know you’ve got something to share.’

  ‘While I was helping Jen unpack a few crates that had arrived all the way from England, I came—’ Laughing, Jennifer slapped her hand over his mouth. But that didn’t stop him; voice muffled he went on, ‘I came across a skanky, balding, patchy black and brown bear.’ He pulled her hand away, only to have to grapple with the other. Chuckling, Calum held both of Jennifer’s hands. She warned him not to go on or there’d be consequences, which he ignored, of course. ‘The story is, Jen here, starved of affection, create a little drama and set fire to the bear.’

  Laughter erupted around the table, and from nearby tables as well.

  For dessert Jennifer had made Sofie’s favourite, crepe suzette. She wasn’t expecting presents, but Claudia brought them in on a tea trolley. Perfume, lacy underwear, a new mirror with an amazing Moroccan, hand-beaten silver frame and a matching hanging lantern for when she had a new back deck.

  They laughed, told stories, drank more wine, and laughed some more. Friends started to filter home and Sofie moved her chair back to say goodnight and thank them for giving her a birthday to remember.

  ‘Night, Claud; night, Jen. You gave me a wonderful birthday, thank you.’

  ***

  Brock enjoyed the night, especially the times he had Sofie in his arms. Using the excuse that her dress was too tight, he again scooped her out of his Ranger. And the little vixen squirmed so her breasts, belly and hips were snuggled against his hard body. Giggling, she curled her arms around his neck, making her breasts jiggle against his chest as he carried her to the front door. Man, he loved the feel of her in his arms, it sent blood racing through his body.

  ‘This is becoming a habit, Brock,’ Sofie mumbled. ‘It can’t go on, people will talk, they’ll think I’m legless.’ She pounded his chest and giggled harder. ‘You get it?’ she shoved her face in his T-shirt and took a deep breath. ‘You smell great. I could suck in your scent all day.’

  ‘Sofe, you’re drunk.’

  ‘Oh? Nah, tipsy maybe, not drunk. I vomit when I’m drunk. So no, not drunk. Legless? Yeah, but you can do that to me anytime, first thing in the morning actually. You have that amazing power … Uh-huh.’ Sofie nodded then poked him in the chest. ‘You must be careful with that. I’m rather partial to you, you know.’

  ‘Partial to you.’ Hmm, he liked the sound of that, a lot. Darkness cocooned them and he allowed himself the pleasure of grinning. This was going to be an interesting evening. Reaching the front porch, Brock set Sofie on her feet and opened the door; he ushered her in, closed it behind him and asked, ‘You want a coffee, or something else?’

  ‘I want something else,’ she purred, giving him a seductive look.

  He stared at his shoes to let her comment sink in. ‘You’re sure about this?’ He turned serious, intense eyes on hers. The gut-wrenching emotion he openly displayed was something he couldn’t prevent. He hoped with every fibre in his body that he didn’t scare the crap out of Sofie. But she had to understand that what he was about to say was too important. ‘Because this starts, you and me, there’s no going back.’ Hands tucked away under his arms. To his relief, Sofie’s smile went all the way to her eyes, which was something she always did, but right then she made it special. He drank in her gentle, meaningful gaze. He read longing, a deep understanding, but most of all hope. Another sharp pang pierced his chest, so profound. He was on the edge of something magnificent, something rare, an
d he didn’t want to jeopardise any of it.

  Then, as if speaking to herself, she whispered something extraordinary. ‘Did I lose my legs again just now,’ her voice low, lost in the wonder of it, ‘and did I somehow miss the best part of losing them?’

  Brock worked hard to contain a grin as he stared, unseeing, at his shoes. She was cute and adorable. He loved the things she said about him, about them. How she spoke her mind. Then, not moving his body, he slanted his head to the side and captured her eyes with his. ‘Sofe,’ his deep voice drawled, ‘had I kissed you, or touched you, you wouldn’t have missed it. Perhaps you’re referring to something else, and I don’t think either of us missed that.’

  ‘Ooh,’ Sofie began quietly. ‘Even though you just sent a shiver straight to my girlie parts and …’ It may have been the wine talking, but still she had his full attention, then she did an uppity little head wobble and continued, ‘I need to know, what makes you so special?’

  Eyes still locked on hers, his gaze deepened, searching; but he didn’t miss Sofie’s body give a little shiver. Her reaction made his blood hot. And when she crossed her legs and squeezed her thighs together, he held back a smile.

  Then he said the only thing he could, ‘Special? Without a doubt, you do.’

  Her eyes glistened, and her mouth trembled.

  He wanted to hold her so bad his hands tingled. It took every ounce of strength to stay put.

  ‘Oh God, that’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me—ever. Brock Stewart, you just rocked my world.’

  Brock gave her a solemn nod. ‘There’s a lot of good you should’ve been given. You still want to take us further?’

  ‘Brock …’ Sofie breathed. Beautiful, trusting blue eyes gazed into his. A few heart-thumping moments passed, then she nodded and, voice a sweet whisper, added, ‘Definitely.’

  He straightened, let go the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, and ushered Sofie into his bedroom. ‘Okay, there’s a lot you need to know about me, but not tonight. Do you trust me on this?’

  She nodded again and started kicking off her shoes.

  ‘Fuck!’ Sofie’s eagerness made his fingers tingle and sent an ache to settle in his groin. He clenched his teeth and shoved his hands in his armpits.

  ‘Fuck what?’ Sofie pressed.

  Brock took a deep breath. ‘Not many people would put their blind trust in me so explicitly and then kick off their shoes, get ready for me.’

  ‘First of all I’m not blind. Secondly, people? You do this often?’

  ‘Sofe …’ He didn’t mean to sound frustrated, but hell, it had been a while, and he was out of practice. He’d probably come before they started. No! Jesus, don’t think that.

  To his astonishment, Sofie pressed a hand over his mouth, and then told him, ‘I’ve had my share of morons who broke my heart. I’ve had a damn long time to mend and get smart. I know you’re kind, you’re caring, and understanding. You proved that again the other day when you said it was Claudia’s moment to shine. You are a beautiful, altruistic person. And over time, we will know all there is to know about each other, all the deep hidden secrets out in the open, blow fresh air through them. I couldn’t be surer when I say, you’re not hiding anything truly important that would hurt me. We look at each other, really look. We have an unspoken connection. It’s an achingly beautiful feeling deep inside me. I hope it’s the same for you. I want this. I want you. I don’t care about anything else. Right now I’m in need of your undivided attention. To put it bluntly, Brock, I’m horny for you.’

  That piercing sensation grew deeper in his chest, his breath caught and happiness flooded his entire body. Brock tightened the grip on his hands and whispered, ‘Babe, I can’t believe …’

  ‘Believe it.’ She dipped her head, pointing out where his hands were hidden, again. ‘Why do you keep shoving your hands in your pits?’

  ‘Control.’ That one word sounded like an order.

  ‘What?’ she asked, the bridge of her nose wrinkling up.

  ‘If I didn’t have them stuck in there, they’d be all over you, and, Babe, I didn’t know until a moment ago if you’re ready for that, ready for me.’

  ‘You kissed me, took me into the shadows at Veronica’s, and your hands were on my arse mostly, but still, they were on me.’

  ‘We were semi-private, but other than some great kissing, nothing was going to happen, not like it can here in this house.’

  Sofie’s eye widened and, brows raised, she asked, ‘Are you into BDSM?’

  ‘Er … no.’ He shook his head, ‘But if you …’

  ‘Only if you’re gentle,’ she winked. ‘I’m kidding. I’ve never tried it, that doesn’t mean I never will.’

  Fuck, she was beautiful and playful. Okay, that’s it. He freed his hands and slowly curled them around her neck and jaw, fingers spreading into her amazing hair; he angled her head to face his and dared to murmur, ‘You still want to take us further?’

  ‘Oh yes,’ she nodded, her jaw sliding against his palms. ‘I couldn’t have been clearer.’

  ‘No, you couldn’t have.’ His gaze moved over her face before capturing her eyes, then slowly, eyes closed, his mouth came down on her luscious full lips for a kiss that made him groan. Sofie opened her mouth for him, and he tasted her tongue. A rumble erupted deep in his throat. She slipped her arms around his neck and into his hair. He wanted to rush headlong into nakedness and drive himself deep inside her. But he was big, and he worried that he’d hurt her. She had to be primed and ready to be able to take him. The very idea made his breath ragged.

  Chapter 7

  Sofie couldn’t wait any longer and started to pull at Brock’s T-shirt. Exposing his ripped abs she nipped, licked and kissed his skin all the way to his nipples, sucking one then the other. Hands flat, she slipped them under his shirt, feeling his satin skin over hard muscles. He groaned as he reached over his shoulders, grabbed the back of his shirt and hauled it off. Then Brock hunkered down and slid his hands up her thighs, taking the skirt to her hips and exposing her black lacy-topped stockings. He sucked in a breath as his fingers lightly stroked the strip of exposed skin between her stockings and undies. Then his soft mouth kissed the sensitive area above the lace, and slowly moved to her inner thighs. Sofie held her breath, the sweet sensation almost too much.

  She started to gather her dress but in one fluid movement Brock stood and took over, swooping her dress up and off. She stood facing him in her black lace bra, matching undies and stockings. Brock’s gaze slid to her feet, then slowly trailed up her body. Eyes on hers, his hands went to her ribcage then slowly moved around to her back. He undid her bra, slid the straps off her arms and tossed it aside. He cupped her breasts and gazed at them as if in awe, then bent down to tenderly lick and kiss her nipples. Sofie whimpered and slid her hand into her undies to clutch her aching sex.

  ‘Jesus, Babe,’ he growled, sliding his hand over hers inside her undies. ‘Wait for me?’

  Kissing his way up to her throat, Brock pulled his jeans zipper down with his other hand while simultaneously kicking off his boots, then using his feet, shoved his jeans down his legs and kicked them aside. Sofie’s eyes darted to the impressive bulge in his jocks. In a blink the jocks were gone too, freeing his erection. At the sight of him fully erect, wetness gathered at her entrance.

  ‘Oh my.’ She whipped her hands out of her undies and went straight for his shaft, her fingers clasping around him, squeezing, stroking. ‘I want you … every glorious inch of you.’ She licked her lips.

  Brock groaned and pulled her in against his hard body, Sofie gasped and her arms flew around his neck. His thick shaft pressing into her belly made her want him inside her now; she was about to say so when his mouth went down on hers for a deep, hungry, tongue-wrestling kiss. And then his mouth was everywhere, nibbling her earlobe, grazing his teeth down her neck then tongue-kissing to her collar bone. He cupped her breasts again and sucked on her nipples, sending an electrifying pulse straight bet
ween her thighs. Moving further down with his mouth, he slipped his fingers in the band of her undies and pushed them down to her ankles. Breathing fast with anticipation, Sofie stepped out of them. His dark eyes, a heady mix of heat and need, locked on hers, and Sofie’s heart swelled. His beautiful hands and pressed in massaging as they moved over to her belly, then further down to her pelvis and in between her thighs. ‘Open for me, Babe,’ he whispered hungrily as his lips brushed the corner of her mouth.

  Sofie immediately did as he asked. His hand slid down to cup her sex, then he gently slipped two fingers into her wet folds and slid them over her swollen clit.

  ‘Oh my God,’ she said on a gasp, her fingers going up into his hair to hang on.

  His fingers teased at her entrance. Sofie rocked forward trying to thrust them in deeper, as he edged back to play over her wet, swollen clit. ‘I need more,’ Sofie moaned and began to buck her hips over his hand. Brock trailed kisses to her breasts, then using his tongue he sucked and laved her nipples, then sucked a little harder. Sofie arched back, and Brock eased a finger in, slowly going deeper.

  ‘Hmm, warm, wet, silk,’ Brock moaned hungrily against her mouth, easing in another finger, pumping, opening Sofie wider.

  ‘Oh God! Brock! I’m going to …’ She grabbed his hair and pulled his hand away from her sex. ‘Stop—stop—stop! Oh dear God, not in a million years did I ever think I would say that. But if you don’t stop right now I’ll come, and I want you inside me when I do.’

  ‘Not stopping, you first. Then I’ll make you come again … me inside,’ he murmured, a naughty grin playing across his mouth.

  ‘You will?’ She’d never done anything of the sort. If Brock’s love-making were to continue like this, and there was no reason why not, then surely she’d be completely sated. ‘I can’t.’ Fingers in his scalp she clutched handfuls of his hair.

  ‘Trust me, you can.’

  ‘Oh …’ Sofie whimpered, her body about to collapse with so much pleasure.

  His mouth was back on hers, his slick fingers inside her pumping faster, faster. Sofie climaxed. A star-blazing orgasm that rolled on and on. Her body jerked, her limbs shook. Luckily Brock’s forearm was under her bottom, holding her up, because her legs went and without his arm she would have slumped to the floor.