Actually, where is Jess?
I glance around and see her staring at me with an expression like she just sucked on a lemon.
Looking back at Aiden, I run my fingers along his forearm. “I’ve never been water skiing or wakeboarding before, so I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it.”
Toddy grabs a beer. “Have you ever gone surfing, snowboarding or anything like that?”
For a mere second, memories of my past life with Tom and back in America flood through my mind. “I’ve been snow skiing and snowboarding before. Is it like that?”
Aiden laughs. “Sort of. Why don’t you just give it a try? You might like it.”
“Okay, I’ll give it a go.”
Toddy chimes in. “Aiden, you drive, and I’ll help Holly with the board.”
Aiden hands me a life jacket.
I strip down to my black bikini. The one Aiden loves because he picked it out. I smile at Jess as she sits, watching my every move. Dramatically, I put on the life jacket, stretching out my arms to make sure she has a full view of my ample chest in this snug bikini top.
Jess leans forward, crossing her arms in frustration. She pouts, narrowing her gaze towards the river.
Clipping on the life jacket, I notice it’s tight. I use my best drawl in getting Aiden’s attention. “Honey?”
He turns and stares at me.
Pulling at the jacket, I ask, “How do I loosen this? Surely, y’all haven’t been wearing this. It’s so tight.”
Aiden snickers. “No, hon. Jess was the last to wear it.”
“Well, can you help loosen it? My ‘girls’ are bigger and need more room.” I give a sexy pout to Aiden.
Carly, standing behind Jess, hears this and winks at me.
Frowning, Jess slumps into a chair with her beer.
Aiden loosens my life jacket before we walk down to the boat.
Toddy takes my hand and guides me into the shallow waters of the riverbank.
I squeal as my feet sink slightly into the mud. “Sorry, I didn’t expect it to be so warm and slimy.”
Toddy rolls his eyes. “City girl, what are we going to do with you?”
“I don’t want you doing anything to me, Toddy.”
“Oh, you say that now, but give it time and I know you’ll think differently.” He winks at me as we wade further into the water.
You’re cute, Toddy, but not cute enough to steal me from Aiden.
Moving into the water, bumps spread across my skin as the coolness catches me off guard.
“Okay, now lean back and we’ll put the wakeboard bindings on your feet.” Toddy grabs my feet and as I push, he guides them into position. “Does it feel snug?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, good. It’s meant to.” Toddy passes me the rope that’s attached to the boat. “Now, I’m going to hold you in position to help you learn how to get up on the board.” He wraps his body around mine and holds the wakeboard in a slanting position. “So, you want the board to be at a slight angle, pointed in the direction you will be riding it. Understand?”
“Yes.” A shiver takes over my body, but I’m not sure if it’s the cold water or from Toddy being wrapped around me.
“Good.”
Something breaks the surface of the water close by us causing me to squeal. “What was that?”
“Probably a fish or something. Nothing to worry about.”
Toddy shifts his weight and drops one hand into the water to adjust his boardies. Repositioning himself, he presses his body against mine. Stealthily, he runs his hand across my backside before grabbing hold of the board.
The move is so quick, I’m not even sure it actually happened.
How sly! I bet he did that underwater so that Aiden couldn’t see it.
I peer over my shoulder and scowl.
He stares off towards Aiden, expressionless as if he didn’t touch me inappropriately.
Before I can say anything, Aiden yells from the boat. “You ready, Holly?”
Toddy answers for me. “We’re ready, mate.”
The engine revs hard and the rope goes taut.
I try with all my upper body strength to get up. But it just doesn’t happen. My shaky arms cannot hold on, and the rope flings towards the boat as I fall into the water.
Toddy hollers. “Don’t worry. You’ll get it. It’ll take a couple of times to get used to the movement.” He swims up from behind and holds me in that angled position.
Does he have to press his body against me like this?
Aiden brings the boat back around, so I can grab the rope.
When I am in position, Toddy yells to Aiden. “We’re ready.”
The boat revs again and the rope goes rigid in my grip. As I am being lifted by the momentum, I feel a pinch on my ass, causing me to lose my concentration and fall once again into the water.
Toddy swims over to me.
Pissed off, I raise my voice. “Why did you pinch me?”
Looking around as if he’s checking whether anyone else is nearby, he shrugs his shoulders. “I didn’t pinch you. You probably got nipped by one of the eels. You know the freshwater eels in Australia have teeth.”
“Toddy, come on. That was totally you.”
He tries to look innocent. “No, I swear. It’s the eels.”
He thinks I’m an idiot.
“I know you did it.”
He grimaces. “Pfft, I did not.”
I roll my eyes. “Just keep your hands to yourself.”
What a creep! That was no eel!
I know he just pinched me. He’s acting like I’ve just arrived in Australia and haven’t yet heard all the tall tales they tell foreigners. Australians love to spin yarns of fictitious drop bears, hoping to fool whatever person they can. So, I’m sure these eels with teeth are just like that story.
Or is it possible there are fish or eels that bite in this river? Does Australia have anything that’s like a piranha? I never thought to ask before getting into the water.
Aiden brings the boat back around again.
I have the rope in my grasp and Toddy is holding me in position once again.
He leans in and whispers “Your secret is safe with me.”
What is he talking about?
The engine revs, and this time I’m hellbent on getting up and away from this ‘eel’ sitting in the water with me. The rope pulls tight and I pull myself up.
I’m wakeboarding!
I stay up for a few minutes, letting the boat pull me across the river. An enthusiastic laugh escapes me as I enjoy the ride. Letting go of the rope, I slip slowly into the water.
Aiden brings the boat around.
Wading close to the side, I can’t stop grinning. “I loved that.”
“Want another go?”
“My arms feel like jelly, so I think it’s time for a beer.” I climb aboard and undo my life jacket.
He manoeuvres the boat back towards the campsite. “I’m so glad you were able to stand up on the board. Now, let’s go get you into some dry clothes and have something to eat. Time to relax, baby.”
Leaning close, my lips brush against his.
In the excitement of trying something new, Toddy’s pinch has been forgotten.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE FIRE BLAZES bright as we sit around gazing up at the stars, our bellies full of barbecue and beer. The temperature has dropped, and I pull a blanket around my shoulders to stop shivering.
Everyone has gone quiet after a prolonged debate on Australian rugby and politics. Being the newcomer, I’ve been quiet for the most part, just listening to the banter while working out the different personalities. Luckily, no one has questioned me about my past.
It’s such a relief not to have to lie or scramble over some version of the truth.
I glance at Aiden.
He slumps back against his foldable chair and holds his beer lazily against his thigh.
He looks so peaceful and relaxed.
Taking a swig, he g
azes at me with drooping eyes. He reaches over and gives my knee a gentle squeeze. “Ready for bed?”
I nod, rubbing around my eyes.
He glimpses around. “Wonder where Toddy and Jess are.”
James slurs. “I haven’t seen them in a while. They probably went to sleep when Will and Tara did.”
Aiden stares at James. “Did they go to bed together?” His tone exudes annoyance.
James scratches his chin. “I don’t know. I didn’t pay attention.”
Aiden scans the area, but no one is near us except Carly and James.
Why does he care if Toddy and Jess are together?
Even though he keeps searching around, I don’t think Aiden can really see much. We are so far from any city that it’s completely dark. The only light is coming from the fire and watery reflection of the moon, rendering the tents and surrounding trees barely visible.
He frowns as he turns and stares back at the smouldering embers close to our feet.
Noticing his continued unease, I ask, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
I place my hand on his knee. “Let’s get some shut-eye.”
He tilts back the bottle to finish the last of his beer. Standing up, he grabs my hand, and we set off towards our tent that he’s set away from the others. Aiden calls to Carly and James as we walk away from the fire. “Night, you two.”
Once inside our tent, he pulls me close, kissing me as though he’s not seen me in weeks. He murmurs softly. “I’ve missed the taste of your lips all day.”
“Oh, have you now?” I purr.
Nodding, he reaches around and pulls off my jumper. “God, you’re gorgeous.”
“You aren’t so bad, yourself.”
He runs his fingers down to my shorts and slowly takes them off. Bending, he rolls out our swag before removing his boots, t-shirt and jeans. He turns and takes my hand, pulling me against his bare chest.
Our mouths meet as he strokes his hands up and down my back, holding my gaze. “Am I lucky to have you or what?”
I rub my nose against his and stare into his eyes. Trailing kisses down his neck, I taste the pungent sweetness that lingers from the heat of the day.
My tongue creates a path across his body, savouring the musk of his skin.
His hands cradle my head, while fingers weave their way through my wild mane, gently guiding me downward.
Finding the waistband of his underwear, I push them down past his thighs, freeing his throbbing member from constraint.
My other hand grabs his cock, giving my tongue free reign to taste the sheen of precum that has formed on the tip.
Aiden groans and his hands tighten their grip on my hair. “Touch yourself while you suck on me.”
Complying, my fingers find their way into my panties and I stroke myself without stopping the motions of my tongue on his cock. I savour him as though he’s a butterscotch candy I’m desperate to dissolve.
His hands free themselves from my hair as he stretches his arms above his head. Groaning, his hips shift forward. “Let me have you.”
Lowering me down onto my back, he pulls my panties off and positions himself on top of me. His kiss finds mine as his arms wrap around my upper body, cradling me close to his chest.
Crossing my legs around his waist, I rub my pussy onto him, letting my wetness dampen the tip of his cock. In complete control, I use my body to draw him into me, whimpering as the fullness sends a quiver up my spine.
Aiden peers into my eyes as our bodies collide unhurried and unhindered.
Throwing my head back, I cry out in delight as our passion brings me over the edge.
He smiles with satisfaction as he watches me come.
Lifting my body upright, I kiss him, hungry for more.
His arms wrap around me as he repositions our bodies so that I’m straddling his cock.
Pulling me close, he presses his head against my chest and sucks on one of my nipples. He thrusts into me while guiding my hips, rocking me back and forth against his hard shaft. Lifting his face to kiss my lips, he abruptly stops and stares off to the side.
Breathless, I whisper, “What is it?”
“I heard something.”
Staring into his eyes, I remain silent, trying to listen for whatever he may have heard.
The sound of moaning and panting breaks through the stillness.
My eyes go wide and a grin spreads across my face. “Who’s…?”
“Shh…” Aiden stops me.
The groans are getting louder.
Aiden smirks at me with one eyebrow raised.
I cover my mouth, stifling a laugh. “I guess someone else is getting some tonight. Should we try to outdo them?” I run my fingertips down Aiden’s bare arms.
His eyes smoulder with passion. “I’d love to try.” He kisses me, and the heat builds between us once again.
Another loud moan. “Oh, Jess.”
Aiden breaks our kiss and rolls me to the side. “What the fuck?”
Did he just pull out of me and go soft?
He reaches for his pants.
“What the hell are you doing?”
Fumbling to get his pants on, he looks exasperated but doesn’t answer me.
My whisper comes out shrill. “What’s going on?”
“I’m going to stop whatever’s going on over there.”
“What the fuck, Aiden?”
“I can’t let him do that to her.” He turns and practically breaks the tent’s zipper as he yanks it open.
My insides go cold, a heaviness settling over my chest. My heart now races with something other than passion. A rising tide fills my belly as I grab my clothes and shove them on.
How could he leave me just to rescue that doe-eyed girl? He said he loves me and that nothing happened between them. So, why does he care what she does with Toddy?
I race after him, catching up to him as he barges into Jess’s tent.
What the hell does he think he’s doing?
My jaw drops as Aiden drags Toddy out half-naked, still in his boots.
Toddy fumbles, trying to pull up his pants and buckle them as he shouts at Aiden. “What the fuck are you doing, mate?”
“Stopping this.” Aiden gestures towards the tent.
Toddy laughs mockingly. “Why? You can’t control what Jess does and you sure as hell can’t control me. Those days were over a long time ago.”
Bile rises in my throat.
I don’t know what is going on, but the thought that Aiden might be carrying around feelings for Jess is breaking my heart.
Am I again the runner-up and not the leading lady for the man I have fallen for?
Jess stumbles out of the tent, wearing Toddy’s shirt.
Aiden ignores her and just continues to scowl at Toddy.
She tries to grab Aiden’s arm, but he pushes her hand away.
Toddy raises his voice. “You’ve been gone a long time. You’ve no idea what’s been going on. Things have changed, mate. Deal with it.”
“You can’t be messing around with Jess. She’s off limits to you.” Aiden clenches his fists.
“Why is she off limits, Aiden? Because you want her? It seems to me you’re with Holly. So, who is it you want?”
“I want Holly. I love Holly.” Aiden speaks resolutely.
These are the words I want to hear, but I’m not sure I believe them.
Toddy shakes his head. “Then why does it matter if I am hooking up with Jess?”
“It just does. You can’t have her.”
I glance at Jess and find her eyes are trained on Aiden.
What is this girl trying to do? Or maybe the better question is ‘who’ is this girl trying to do.
With his hands squarely on his hips, Toddy taunts Aiden. “Why can’t I have Jess? Enlighten me, oh wise one.”
Standing tall with his chest puffed out, Aiden is unfaltering in his stance. “You’re not good enough for her.”
Toddy’s eyes narrow. “And y
et you think you are, jailbird?”
“I told you I don’t want Jess.”
Toddy tilts his head to the side. “Then why do you care what I do with her?”
“It just can’t be you. She’s like a little sister to us. I don’t want you hurting her.”
“Why would I hurt her?”
“Toddy, you know how you are. You don’t really care about her and you’re only trying to get back at me.”
Snorting, he nods. “I get it. You’re still mad because of what happened all those years ago.”
Aiden clenches his fists, holding his arms firmly by his side, speaking through gritted teeth. “Don’t go there. I’m warning you.”
Toddy leans closer and declares, “I never asked you to take the blame.”
Those words ignite a fury inside Aiden. He lunges towards Toddy and the two of them fall hard to the ground. Rolling around, throwing punches, pummelling each other senselessly.
Tent zippers fly open as James and Will race over to pry the two men apart.
Aiden stands up panting, while Toddy remains still on the ground, bleeding from several cuts on his face.
I’ve never seen Aiden angry, nor have I seen him lose control. However, right now, I couldn’t care less. I’m too annoyed with him myself to give a damn.
He tells me nothing has happened with Jess and that he doesn’t care about her, so why does he go and act like this? I fucking hate men and their mixed messages. And fucking Jess! She must be getting so much satisfaction from seeing Aiden fight over her.
Aiden walks to me and attempts to grab my hand.
I push his hand back, refusing to hold it.
A crinkle forms between his brows.
Does he not realise I’m pissed off at him? Does he really think I’d be okay with how he’s just acted?
I glance at Jess.
Her eyes continue to follow Aiden’s every move as she walks towards Toddy.
“Let’s go.” Aiden again tries to grab around my hand, but I don’t give in to him.
I don’t want you to touch me!
With a huff, Aiden storms towards our tent, walking past Jess without acknowledging her.
I follow, silently fuming the entire way. I want to scream at Aiden, but I don’t dare do it in front of Jess.
She’d get too much satisfaction from that.
Leading Hand (The Dusty Rider Series Book 2) Page 13