I stroke my fingertips down his forearm.
He turns and looks in my direction.
There is a darkness in his eyes I instantly sense.
When we went to sleep he seemed all right, so did something happen?
My jaw tenses. “You okay?”
“I need to get away for a few days.”
“Oh.” I look away as I’m not sure if he wants to get away alone or take me with him.
He touches my cheek, tracing an imaginary line down along my chin. “I meant to get away from here, not get away from you.”
“Where do you want to go?” I relax knowing he wants me with him.
“How about we go to the Bunyas?”
“I’d love that.” I sit upright. “Is something wrong? I mean other than the obvious events from last night?”
“No.” Staring down at his lap, he exhales then looks up, meeting my gaze. “I want to show you how sorry I am for yesterday.”
“You don’t have to take me away to do that.” Something inside tells me there is more to the darkness than what he is saying.
Do I challenge him?
He takes my hand in his. “I know, but I want to take you somewhere special.”
“What should I pack?”
“Just throw a couple changes of clothes into a bag and we can leave before lunch. I’ll call and book a room for us. Pack a few warm things as it gets pretty cool at night.”
“What about your work here?”
Aiden stands and walks to the bathroom. “I’ll tell Toddy to take care of things for few days.”
DRIVING THROUGH THE countryside, I am reminded of how big Australia is. We’ve been driving for a few hours, yet we’ve hardly crossed one region of Queensland. Heading further east, the foliage grows thicker and more trees line the roads.
Aiden turns onto an unsealed road. “That winery I mentioned is down this way.”
Smiling, I continue to watch the landscape, enjoying the beauty as we pass by.
Aiden peers into the rear-view mirror and frowns.
“Something wrong?”
His expression softens as he reaches for my hand and kisses it. “No, I thought the car that just turned was the same one that’s been behind us for the last hour or so.” He glances at me. “But it’s gone now, so I think it’s nothing.”
About twenty minutes later we pull up to a quaint Queensland homestead overlooking rows of grapevines. The place is painted white with a dark green trim and maroon shutters outlining the windows. To the side, there’s a large deck with views of the surrounding fields.
We walk inside and are greeted by an older gentleman. “Hello, you two here for some wine tasting and lunch?”
Aiden takes off his Akubra. “Hi, yes. We’d love to try a few.”
“I guess you didn’t see the ‘closed’ sign on the driveway?”
Aiden shakes his head. “No, we didn’t.”
The man scratches his chin. “I guess the sign must’ve been knocked down or something. Sorry about that.”
“It’s not a problem. We’re passing through and thought it’d be great to get some wine to take with us to the Bunyas, but I understand if you’re not open.”
“Tell you what, how about you give me a minute and I’ll put together a picnic basket that you can take away with you. You see, my wife and I are the caretakers while the owners are overseas on holiday. I’d rather not turn you away so let me see what I can come up with.”
I smile at the kind gesture. “That sounds lovely, but we don’t want to put you out.”
The gentleman smiles back. “It’s all right. I’ll go get a few things together. Do you prefer red or white wine?”
“We’re happy with either,” Aiden answers politely.
While we wait for the man to return with our basket, Aiden and I stroll out to the deck and stare at the rows of grapes lining the fields.
I take hold of Aiden’s hand. “Where do you want to stop and eat?”
“I saw a spot just before the driveway to this place.”
When the man returns with the basket, we pay and thank him before leaving. Heading back down the unsealed road, we bump along until we hit the paved road.
After a few minutes of driving, Aiden pulls to the side of the road and parks under some shady trees.
I get out and look around while he lays down a blanket on top of some of the greenest grass I have seen in Australia.
To one side, there are miles and miles of grapevines resting lazily in the sun. On the other, the fields stretch forever, growing unbridled and wild. It’s the perfect analogy for my life before and after meeting Aiden. One side of me was always so ordered, yet the side Aiden has uncovered is untamed and previously uninhabited.
“Holly, come join me.” He pats the blue striped blanket.
I grab a bottle of wine and sit. After opening the bottle, I pour two glasses. Handing one to Aiden, I raise mine in a toast. “To this life you’ve been showing me.”
He gives me a warm smile. “No, to this life you’ve been showing me.”
“What do you mean?”
Removing his Akubra, he sips from his glass. “I didn’t think I’d ever find someone like you. Someone that doesn’t judge me for what I’ve done and doesn’t just love me for what I can do for them.”
I break away from his gaze, looking down at my hands wrapped around the stem of my glass. I understand how he feels all too well because that is how I felt my entire life. Until now, of course.
“Holly, look at me.”
I meet his gaze.
“So, you see, I’d much rather toast you, instead of anything else.”
Our glasses clink and we both drink a mouthful.
I recognise the fresh, fruity taste. “Hmm, that’s the Verdelho we had a few weeks ago.”
“Yup.” Aiden reaches into the basket and pulls out some cut cheese and crackers.
Just like what Aiden fed me when he took me from my old life and stopped on the side of the road. I know it was technically a kidnapping, but I’ll never look at it that way because in stealing me from my old life, he actually set me free.
He then pulls out some salami and olives, arranging them on several plates.
We sit in the quiet, sipping our wine, eating the snacks and enjoying the sounds of birds gently swooping between the trees.
The sound of an approaching car catches my attention. “That’s the only vehicle we’ve seen for hours.”
Expressionless, Aiden watches the car until it passes out of sight. He takes the last mouthful from his glass and lays down on his back. Reaching up, he wraps a lock of my hair around his finger.
I lean on one arm and finish my glass. Grabbing the bottle, I swirl the remaining liquid. “Want a refill?”
He shakes his head. “Not yet. I’m enjoying the scenery.”
Glancing at our surroundings, I stare out at the scenic fields. “It is lovely, isn’t it?”
“I was talking about you.”
Scrunching my nose, I meet his stare. “Oh.”
Taking my glass, he moves it down next to the basket. Pulling me on top of him, he grabs the back of my head and guides me into a kiss. His lips part as he kisses me deeper, tasting the lingering Verdelho flavours on my tongue.
I run my hands up along the sides of his body, feeling the ridges of the muscles underneath his shirt.
He finds the hem of my shirt and slips underneath. While his tongue continues to explore my mouth, his hands make their way up to the lace cupping my breasts. He slides underneath the cool fabric, finding my nipples already at attention. Teasing, he rubs them while he continues to consume my mouth with his own.
I gasp through our kiss.
He stops, letting his nose touch mine as he gazes into my eyes.
My fingers find their way to the buttons of his shirt. Tugging, they do not open easily for me.
Raising up on his knees, he lifts his shirt over his head, exposing rippling muscles as he throws the material onto the grass nearby.
I have to touch that beautiful body!
My fingertips run across his stomach and pecs, teasing each undulation I can find.
He smiles and lifts my shirt.
I tighten my arms across my chest, trying to stop from being exposed. “Aiden, we can’t do this here?”
He grins. “Why not?”
“Someone might see us.”
Raising one brow, he laughs. “Have you looked around? There’s no one out here.”
“But someone might drive by and see us.”
“My girl, have you seen anyone drive by except that one car?”
I peer off into the distance and bite my lip. “I guess not.”
“Exactly. We can do whatever we want, and no one will know.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
I exhale, dropping back against the blanket, letting those full lips of his find mine once again.
He pulls my shirt over my head, exposing my breasts to anyone and everything.
I can’t believe I’m doing this outside, here in the open, between fields of grapes and the road.
My pulse races as excitement overrides the nervousness of being caught.
The cool breeze brings my nipples to attention and goose bumps spread across my arms.
He lays down on top of me, letting his bare skin make contact with mine.
I whimper from the electric sensation of our naked flesh melding together.
His lips move to my neck, and his hands brush against my breasts as they work their way down towards my skirt.
Pushing me onto my side, his hand slides underneath, all the way to the lace of my panties. Using one finger, he pushes aside the fabric and finds his way into my pussy. Curling his fingertip to the front, he massages that amazing little ridge most men can’t seem to find.
My breath quickens in response to his delicious touch.
I claw at his back, leaving fresh red marks on his skin.
Arching my body, I’m able to force his fingers deeper inside. Closing my eyes, I moan as he takes me closer to the ecstasy I’m craving.
Aiden kisses my neck as he continues to work my flesh into overdrive.
Trying to slow things down, I roll over and let my hand find its way to his hard, waiting cock. A smile crosses my face when I finally push down his zipper and wrap my palm around his throbbing thickness.
He groans as my touch massages the veins pulsating within my grip.
I pull his shaft free from its clothing trap and move my body lower to taste him. Taking him into my mouth, I run my tongue along the grooves and ridges lining his member. I suck and swirl, savouring every moment.
His hands find the back of my head as his body shudders. Fingers entwine and tangle within my hair as his hips push forward against me.
I sense him getting close, his shaft expanding against my tongue.
But he stops and pulls my body upwards. “Holly, take off your skirt.”
“I can just lift it above my hips, so if a car…”
Aiden puts his finger to my lips. “Take it off.”
I do as I’m told.
“Now, turn around and lay on top of me, but with your back facing me.”
Hmm, a sort of reverse cowgirl, perhaps?
I sit on his lap, grab his gorgeous cock and stroke it gently.
He pulls me backward, down against him. His arms reach around my thighs, forcing my legs apart as though my legs are butterfly wings opening to the sun. He pushes his palms on my thighs as if he is testing to make sure I’m as far open as I can go.
The hot sun twinkles against my glistening vulva as each gust of wind lets a ray of light through the leaves in the trees above us. The cool breeze, contrasting with the hot sun, heightens the arousal between my legs so much that I’ve forgotten how exposed I am to everything around me. I’m naked not only to Aiden, but to the wilds of Australia and anyone that might drive past.
Aiden’s kiss finds my neck as he pushes his cock between my legs. Still holding my thighs apart, he slides inwards against my wetness.
“Oh, Aiden,” I yell out in desire. My elbows drop down to the blanket and my chest pushes upwards.
He thrusts unhurried, drawing out every motion.
Letting my body collapse against him, I run my hands down on top of his, feeling his strength as he holds my desire open to the world. In my excitement, I stroke one of my hands against my folds.
Breathless, he commands, “Don’t. Let me do it.” He lets go of one of my thighs so that his finger can find my clit.
I gasp as he applies intense pressure right at the moment he thrusts inwards.
Stopping, he rubs my mound while keeping me filled with his hard member.
I writhe against the sensation.
“Feel me inside you.” He murmurs, his hot breath teasing against my skin. “Let the sensation build.”
“I can’t hold on.” I pant.
Continuing to rub my clit, he keeps his cock fully inside.
I tighten around his shaft, my body responding to his finger’s increasing pace. “I’m going to come. Don’t stop.” My breath quickens, and I can’t hold back any longer. “Fuck, Aiden.” My eyes roll back, and my body quivers as I let go, relishing in the spasms that radiate from my core.
He kisses my shoulder and slowly pulls out. “I love feeling you come on me like that.”
A moan escapes me as I’m not ready to move from this position. I want to relish the sensations running through me.
Aiden has a satisfied smile as he rolls me over onto my knees. Grabbing my hips, he guides his cock against my pussy lips and delves deep inside. Keeping upright, he uses my hips to steer himself into my body. Panting faster with each push, he lets out a low grumble as my flesh pulls the come from within him. Within moments, his cock thrashes against my walls as he finds his release.
Sliding myself free, I roll over and see the glaze of my wetness shimmering on his bare shaft.
He falls forward onto his hands, hovering above me, just inches from my face. Staring into my eyes, he leans in and nuzzles his nose against mine.
Meeting his gaze, I purr in satisfaction.
Sex with this man is amazing!
With other men, it was often easier to lie there like a starfish because it was obvious they couldn’t care less about what I needed. But with Aiden, it’s different. It’s not just about him. It’s about both of us.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
WALLABIES BOUNCE AROUND and scavenge for food amongst the meadows surrounding the cabin Aiden has booked for us. As our truck pulls to a stop, several stand upright and turn their ears in our direction.
Getting out of the truck, the sound of chirping lorikeets fills the crisp mountain air. The rainbow coloured birds fly about, landing on the wooden deck every so often finding something to inspect.
The clean, woody smell of pine mixed with sweet meadow blossoms fills my lungs. “Aiden, this place seems straight out of a storybook.”
He grabs the esky out of the truck. “I’m glad you like it.”
Tall bunya pines and cedar trees cocoon the cabin, separating it from the rest of the world. The small building is painted dark grey with white trim on bay windows, giving its inhabitants an almost uninterrupted view of the surrounding forest and wildlife.
As we take our things inside a wallaby hops up behind me on the wooden deck
I squeal, almost dropping my bag.
It tilts its head but does not jump away.
Aiden laughs. “It’s okay, he won’t hurt you.”
“Oh.” My face twists from awkwardness as I settle some of the old city girl left inside me.
He is a little cutie, so hopefully, he won’t bite.
Aiden opens the door. “You could feed it if you want.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Give me a second and I’ll cut an apple up for you.”
We continue inside and my jaw drops. “This place is gorgeous.”
Satisfied,
Aiden flashes me a grin that makes my knees tremble.
The cottage interior is open plan with a large modern kitchen, comfy white couch and an inviting fireplace. A room divider hides a cosy king size bed with a cloudlike comforter and enough pillows to keep the princess and the pea content.
Glancing into the bathroom, my eyes grow wide at the sight of a jacuzzi tub placed below a massive bay window overlooking the dense Bunya pine forest just outside. Meeting Aiden’s gaze, I grin and suggest. “How about a bubble bath later?”
With a sultry tone, he replies, “You’ve read my mind.”
Walking back towards the kitchen, I scan the living room. “Hmm, there’s no television?”
“Nope.” Aiden pulls me close, lifting my chin to meet his gaze. “I’m your entertainment.” His soft lips brush against mine.
The shrill ring of Aiden’s phone interrupts our kiss.
He pulls it from his pocket and swiftly declines the call.
Bummer! I couldn’t see the caller ID. Who does he keep ignoring?
Looking at me, his warm smile returns. “You want to feed our little friends outside?”
I nod. “Yes, please.”
“Why don’t you relax on the deck and I’ll get that apple for you?”
“Okay.” Outside, I sit on a deck chair and take in another long breath of fresh mountain air.
Before long, the wallaby returns and positions itself next to my legs. “Aren’t you a cutie?” I reach out to it.
He sniffs my palm then looks at me quizzically.
Thank goodness, he didn’t bite me. I don’t think I’ve ever been this brave with a wild animal before.
A smile lights up my face while I watch this curious creature. “Don’t you worry. I’ll have food for you in a moment.” I scratch under its chin, surprised by the coarse feel of its dense fur.
Stretching my arms above my head, I wonder what is taking Aiden so long.
Maybe he can’t find a knife in the kitchen?
A couple of lorikeets fly by and perch on a makeshift bird feeder hanging a few metres from where I sit. Their spirited squabble grabs my attention.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many colours on a bird. The entire rainbow exists on this one animal.
God must love Australia to have created so many beautiful things in one place. The most beautiful being Aiden, of course.
Leading Hand (The Dusty Rider Series Book 2) Page 19