Secrets of Silvergum

by Mandy Magro

  ‘Why?’

  ‘For running off.’ She smiled ever so softly now, her lips trembling. ‘And just so you know, I’ve wished so many times for you to be my dad, and I’m glad it’s come true.’ She winced and cried out, halting the huge smile she’d just enticed from his heart.

  ‘Shh, rest now. We can talk about it later.’ As if he were on the back of a bucking bull, tension rode him hard. He hated knowing it was basically because of Emma and him that Riley was now in pain, both physically and emotionally. He silently vowed he’d do everything in his power to make things right, and to give her the life she so deserved. It was over his dead body he would ever let her suffer again the way she had at the hands of a man who was meant to be her father.

  * * *

  After dropping Emma and Riley off from the hospital, it was almost midnight when Zane arrived home to Wattle Acres, and yet, as bone-tired as he was, he couldn’t fathom sleeping. He was relieved Riley was on the mend, albeit very sore. But all he could think of while he paced the back lawn in his bare feet was how close he’d come to losing her, and just how much he still loved Emma. He longed to tell her so. But should he open that can of worms again? Groaning, he shook his head and looked up at the glimmering country night sky, silently asking for answers. A shooting star zoomed across the velvet black, and if that wasn’t a sign, he didn’t know what would be.

  Oh, for god’s sake, who was he kidding? He loved Emma – with every single fibre of his being. He’d kill for her. Die for her. Swim the oceans to be with her. So how could he even consider living right next door and go on pretending to be just friends for the rest of his days? He needed her, all of her. Otherwise, he would die a very lonely man, because he was never going to love another like he loved his little firecracker. No woman would ever come close to what he felt for the beautiful Emma Kensington.

  Racing to his four-wheel drive, he revved it to life. Fishtailing down the driveway he found himself at Emma’s front door within minutes. Trying it, he was relieved to find it unlocked. He swiftly took the stairs two at a time, his heart in his throat. She met him at her bedroom door, her robe tucked in tight. Bravery filled him as soon as he laid eyes on her. Reaching for her, his fingers tightened around hers.

  ‘You okay?’ she said softly; her gaze didn’t waver.

  ‘I needed to see you, so I could tell you face to face just how much I love you, Em.’ He wiped the tears from her cheeks as she pressed her face into his hand.

  ‘You do?’

  He nodded. ‘I do.’

  ‘I love you, too, with all my heart and soul.’ She relaxed into his arms, her tears soaking through his shirt. He breathed in the scent of her hair, of her. She smelt like passionfruit and sunshine and felt so soft and warm and womanly.

  ‘I thought I’d lost you forever,’ she murmured.

  He cuddled her in tighter. ‘That wasn’t ever going to be a possibility.’

  ‘So we’re going to get through this?’

  ‘I’ll make sure we do.’ And he would – nothing and nobody would come between them again.

  As she pulled back, he held her cheek against his palm. ‘You look exhausted. I really should let you get some rest.’

  ‘No, please, stay with me tonight.’ It was straight from her heart; the pull of her hands as she grabbed hold of his shirt was desperate. She dragged him towards the bed and fell back, bringing him with her. ‘Make love to me, Zane, please. I need you, all of you.’

  ‘God, you’re beautiful, Em.’ His heartbeat steadied, as if calmed just by being near her. She was so strong, yet so fragile. Cupping his hand around the nape of her neck, their lips met, clashing in a hot, open-mouthed kiss.

  Caught between the desire to comfort her, to protect her, and the desire to make slow, sweet love to her, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to his chest. Up until now, wanting her had been a sweet, yet heavy ache. But now it was an intense demand, as if she were his oxygen beneath a deep, infinite sea. Holding her gaze with his, he untied her robe and slipped it from her shoulders, and then, as she watched, undressed himself. Pressing her back onto the bed, he lay atop her, drinking her in as he slowly slid inside her. Her fingernails tracing down his back, she arched her hips into him, her purr of satisfaction music to his ears. And then, he played with her, taking her to the edge and pulling back just in time to make her gasp for breath, for her nails to dig into his back a little harder. Never had he felt like this, not even with her. They’d finally made it to the other side, where nothing stood between them. And it felt even more mind-blowing than he’d ever imagined. She was his world, his life, his reason for living.

  EPILOGUE

  Twelve months later

  Early morning sunshine peeked into the bedroom, sending a soft orange glow across the floorboards. Untangling her arms and legs from Zane’s, while being careful not to wake him, Emma slipped out of the tousled bed. She glided across the rug and into the ensuite. Before closing the door, she took one last look at him. Wedged against a pillow, one arm above his head, and the doona in a bundle at his feet – he truly was a sight to behold. With chiselled abs, tattoos and so very well endowed to boot, he was a man worthy of very naughty dreams – dreams that were now her daily reality. Her heart swelled. The bliss of their connection went far beyond the realms of lovemaking – they were old souls, re-joined from one lifetime to the next, she was sure of it.

  Each and every time they made love, it felt as if a thousand stars were exploding within her soul. How lucky was she to call him her boyfriend? Slipping into the shower, she turned on the taps, making sure the water was nice and hot before stepping under the stream. She lathered up; the soap’s sandalwood scent was both alluring and relaxing. Tipping her head back, she could feel the warm water lengthen her wavy hair to her waist.

  Her eyes closed and her thoughts far away, she jumped when strong hands slid around her. Resting her head back, she melted into him, loving the feel of his naked body pressed up against her own. So electric was his touch, that even after a year together, she still went weak at the knees. Turning to face him, he kissed her so softly, so gently, she felt her heart trail away with his lips. He caught her moans with his mouth before sliding down to his knees, his lips coming to meet with her sweetness. She clutched his hair and gasped his name as he skilfully brought her to the brink within minutes, and then tipped her over it, trembling and quivering.

  Smiling wickedly, he stood, his hands tangling her wet hair. He captured her gaze with his, his look intensifying and stealing her breath.

  A delicate smile curled her lips. ‘What is it?’

  Reaching up, he plucked a red velvet box from the top of the shower door and, making sure to keep it out of the stream of water, got down on one knee and opened it, revealing a glittering diamond ring.

  Her mouth fell open and her hands moved towards it as happy tears stung her eyes.

  Zane’s baby-blues intensified. ‘Emma Kensington, exactly a year ago today, we finally committed to one another, and now, I want to take that a step further. Will you marry me?’

  ‘Oh my god, yes, yes, yes!’ She wriggled on the spot, careful not to slip over.

  ‘I gather that’s a yes,’ he said cheekily.

  She shot her hand out and he slipped the ring on, the tremble of his fingers endearing. ‘Riley’s going to be over the moon.’

  ‘She is, I asked for her permission first.’ Grinning from ear to ear, he stood. ‘And she was so excited she almost bowled me over with a massive hug.’

  ‘You did, aw, Zane, that’s so sweet of you.’ She threw her arms around his neck, leapt up and coiled her legs around his waist and feathered kisses all over his lips and cheeks. ‘I love you so much.’

  ‘Love you, too, with all I’ve got.’ He met her teary eyes. ‘It might have taken us almost half our lives, but we got there, Em.’

  ‘We sure did, my sexy fiancé.’ She beamed from the heart.

  ‘Your fiancé, huh, I really like the sound of that.’ Za
ne held her tight as he chuckled, deep and husky. ‘And “husband” is going to sound even better.’

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  A humungous thank you to each and every one of my incredible team working behind the scenes at Harlequin Headquarters – my fabulous publisher Rachael Donovan, the leader of my cheer squad, for believing in me and always pushing me to dig deeper so I can reach my full potential, my skilful and persistently diligent editors…Bernadette Foley, who I couldn’t imagine not having by my side throughout the gruelling process, and Julia Knapman, a shining star throughout the process, my assiduous proofreader, Annabel Adair, the design magicians who’ve once again produced an extremely captivating cover, and the rest of the inspiring and supportive team who’ve helped make Secrets of Silvergum the very best it can be. I thank my lucky stars to continually be a part of the wonderfully supportive Harlequin family. You all truly are the best!

  To my amazing soul lover, best friend, confidant, the best coffee maker in the world, my beautiful and extremely hot husband, Billy. Just when I thought I’d never find the true, deep, respectful love I was yearning for, you sauntered into my life and knocked me right off my feet – ready to catch me, and take me to heights I’d never been to before. To watch you move mountains to be with me and Chloe, packing up your life in California to be here, by our sides, means the absolute world. You’re so strong, so kind, so thoughtful, so faithful, so intensely passionate, and I adore how you’re happy to wield the vacuum and mop – SO DARN SEXY! The love you shower Chloe and me with, each and every day, so unconditionally, is one I will treasure for the rest of my life. I’m a very proud wife to walk by your side and sometimes hold on for dear life as you take me on some wild voyage! Here’s to the many adventures we are yet to have, and to all the days we get to live out our lives, loving one another the way we do! I love you so much baby, always and forever, with all my heart and soul. Xx

  To my incredible, gentle, kind-hearted daughter, Chloe Rose. You, my gorgeous girl, are the greatest accomplishment in my life. Just by being the beautiful soul you are, you brighten my every day, and I love how not a day goes by that you don’t make a point of telling me how much you love me, how great my cooking is, and how much of a rocking mum I am. You fill me with so much joy, so much pride – you are going to do great things in your life, sweetheart. I just know it. I love watching as you evolve and grow. I will always be beside you, supporting you, loving you, cheering you on. Thank you for everything you do, and all that you make me feel, so simply and so very unconditionally. I love you bazillions, my darling Rose, always and forever. Xx

  To my magnificent mum, Gaye, thank you for always being here for me and for Chloe – and just for the record, you’re an awesome Nanna too! You’re so kind, and so thoughtful, always willing to help out however you can, regardless of how busy or tired you are. Over the past 18 months, our world has been shaken, but we stand strong, together – I know it’s been extremely tough on you, and you have stepped up to the plate, pushed through the fear, and the unknown, and have faced leukaemia head on. I’m always amazed by your strength, and treasure how you’ve taught me to always be true to myself, and to stand proud, as both a mother and a daughter – and now, a wife. Thank you for being my best friend, and for loving me the way you do. I love you, Mum, to the moon and back, and beyond. Xx

  To my wise dad, John, you sit back quietly and watch my life floating along, praising me, loving me, guiding me, always allowing me to choose my path, always making sure I know you are there, whenever I need you. I love sitting and chatting with you, about all there is in life – you have a way that calms me, that gives me deep inner strength. Thank you for being a great dad, and a loving grandad. I love you very much. Xx

  To my stepdad, Trevor – thank you for always being the positive voice in my ear over the years. No matter what, you’ve always got a good spin on a situation, and I adore that about you. The optimism you’ve instilled in me has helped me through so much, and makes me strive to be the very best I can be. Love you lots!

  To my awesome sisters, Mia, Karla, and Rochelle – you all touch my life in so many different ways. I feel super blessed to have you all in my and Chloe’s life. Love you three heaps! Xx

  To my beautiful Soul Sister, and my amazing cheerleader, Fiona Stanford. Our bond was instant, and you have been beside me the entire way, encouraging me, supporting me, caring for me in the amazingly kind-hearted way that you do. I feel very blessed having you in my life. Love you. Xx

  To my gorgeous German buddy, inside and out, Katharina (Katie) – I adore how we stay best mates all the way across the oceans. Can you believe it’s been 12 years since we first met on the farm! Wow, time flies hey. Love ya cowgirl! Xx

  To my darling friend, Rachael Sharaz. Well, what can I say about a human as unique as you – you’re a shining light, a beautiful spirit, a person with so much to give those around you, a woman who inspires me to laugh and love with all my heart and soul. I feel extremely blessed to have crossed paths with you. Friends forever, we will be. Love ya! Xx

  And lastly, but most essentially of all, a massive, heartfelt cheers to YOU, the reader! I can’t thank you enough for grabbing my book and making time to dive into the pages. You give life to my hero and heroine as you tumble into their world and travel through the story with them. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without you. I hope Secrets of Silvergum has given you a chance to escape from everyday responsibilities, if only for a little while – to hell with the messy house, the unwashed dishes, the unkempt hair, and the pyjamas you might still be wearing well into the afternoon (maybe refrain from getting out of the car if still in said PJs when you collect the whippersnappers from school – don’t want to embarrass the little cherubs!). Never, ever feel guilty for taking time out – in this hectic day and age, we all deserve to put the brakes on and indulge in a little me time. And what better way than with my book!;) You rock!

  Until my next dashing hero sweeps you off your feet, keep smiling and dreaming…life is beautiful.

  Mandy xoxo

  Are you a huge Mandy Magro fan?

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  ISBN: 9781489252739

  TITLE: SECRETS OF SILVERGUM

  First Australian Publication 2019

  Copyright © 2019 Mandy Magro

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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