The Cowboy From Down Under (Cowboys After Dark: Book 2) Read online

  “Can I leave you for a minute and shoo it away?” he asked gently.

  “Uh-huh, okay,” she nodded, and as he released her to step back inside the room, she slid to the floor, her legs too weak to hold her up.

  Closing the door behind him, Derrick moved slowly towards the bed, and tapping on the wall he encouraged the huge arachnid towards the window. Like a soldier with a purpose it marched away, and climbing down the frame, it settled on the outside sill, allowing Derrick to quickly close the window.

  “You can come in now,” he called. “You should see this. You might want to take a picture.”

  Still on the floor, Emma reached up and gingerly opened the door. Peering in she saw the spider was gone from the wall, and Derrick was standing at the window.

  “Take a picture of what?” she asked tentatively.

  “He’s on the ledge and he’ll probably jump. You could snap a photo of him floating to the ground,” Derrick said excitedly.

  “Jump? But we’re two stories up?” she frowned.

  “Grab your camera. It’ll be a great shot,” he declared, hoping her passion for photography would override her fear. “Hurry, before you miss it.”

  He’d guessed right, and getting to her feet she tentatively entered the room, staring across at him.

  “Don’t worry, it can’t get back in,” he smiled, walking across to her. “This is a great chance for you to see him safely.”

  Taking a deep breath, she pulled her camera from her bag, then nervously gripping his arm she walked with him back to the window. The huge, furry spider was resting on the ledge, and she stared, mesmerized.

  “He’s so big,” she stammered. “Is it my imagination, or is he peering over?”

  “Yep, he’s getting ready to jump,” Derrick exclaimed.

  “My God, it’s almost human,” she breathed, lifting her camera.

  “I’ll get ready to open the window so you can capture him leaping off and drifting down,” Derrick announced, moving her in front of him and holding the window latch.

  “Holy crap, this is incredible,” she replied.

  “He’s gonna go, see him rock back?”

  “I see it but I don’t believe it,” she gasped.

  A moment later the spider leaped from the sill, and Derrick quickly pushed out the window. Emma threw herself forward and began snapping, amazed at what she was witnessing; the spider had spread its limbs, and was literally floating to the ground.

  “That is one of the most incredible things…” she breathed, leaning back against him.

  Her heart was still pounding, but a moment later, when his hands rested on her shoulders, and he began to slowly turn her around, she knew what was about to happen.

  She knew he was going to drop his full, moist mouth on to hers, she knew he was going to kiss her, and she knew her heart would beat faster than it had when she’d been paralyzed, standing against the wall.

  His eyes locked hers, his head leaned in, and as his mouth brushed against her lips, dust devils burst to life in her stomach. His kiss was soft and sweet, but his grip on her shoulders was strong and determined. The kiss evolved, fervently demanding her surrender, and she felt her body sinking into him.

  “Derrick,” she whispered, as they broke apart, oh, my God.

  “Emma,” he breathed, where did you come from?

  “Thank you for saving me,” she murmured.

  “I’ll save you any time,” he muttered, “from anything.”

  “I believe you,” she replied, and melted back against him.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  He had reluctantly left her, determined not to succumb to temptation, wanting to think very carefully about the consequences of becoming involved with an American career woman, but when she appeared in the living room wearing a cream cable-knit sweater and jeans, her long hair brushed and falling loosely around her shoulders, his head left the room and his heart took charge.

  “You look lovely,” he smiled. “No worse for wear.”

  “I’m fine” she lied.

  Watching her walk towards him he could sense she wasn’t fine at all. It was obvious she was still shaky and traumatized by her close encounter with the oversized arachnid.

  “You weren’t kidding when you said you were scared of spiders,” he remarked.

  “No, I wasn’t, and that was the biggest, scariest spider I’ve ever seen in my life. I still don’t know how you got me to lean out the window to take his picture.”

  “I suspect it was the photographer in you, risking life and limb for the great shot.”

  “Wouldn’t be the first time,” she nodded.

  “I’ve made us a drink,” he declared. “I think it will take the edge off. It’s called the Earl Grey Mandarin Sour.”

  “Really? It has Earl Grey tea in it? I’m impressed.”

  “The man who created it is a friend of mine, and he gave me the recipe. I hope you like it,” he said, moving behind his bar.

  “I’m sure I will,” she assured him, perching on a bar stool to watch him work his magic. He winked at her, shook the steel container, then poured the liquor through the spring sieve over small ice-cubes in crystal tumblers.

  “Here you go,” he proclaimed, handing her a glass, then lifting his own, clinked it against hers. “To a grand tour,” and a kiss that has knocked my socks off.

  “To a grand tour,” she repeated, and endless stomach flipping kisses, please, please, please!

  Sipping the tangy drink she rolled her eyes and stared at him.

  “Wow, that is incredible,” she exclaimed, “and dangerous. I could drink this down really fast and want another one right away.”

  “It’s what I would call, moorish,” he chuckled, walking around the bar and taking her hand to lead her to the couch. “Like crisps, you want more and more.”

  “Crisps?” she frowned.

  “Sorry, potato chips,” he grinned.

  “Ah, yes exactly,” she nodded, and like your kisses. I want more and more.

  “How is such a fearless woman afraid of spiders?” he inquired as they sat down on the soft, inviting cushions.

  The drink was quickly having the desired effect, and she could feel the tension seeping out of her. Leaning against his shoulder she began to relay her childhood story. Watching her recount the tale, he could see her face softening, and a vulnerability sweep across her as the tough exterior faded away.

  “I’ve tried everything, even went to a phobia specialist but nothing worked.”

  “I can understand why,” he remarked kindly. “You were just a little girl. It must have been horrifying.”

  “It was. I was sick for a while, but even after I’d been given a clean bill of health I didn’t feel right. It stayed with me for months,” she confessed quietly.

  “I’m sure,” he sighed. “Not to worry, I promise to protect you from any creepy crawlies that cross our path.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured. “I must admit, it’s really great to know you have my back.”

  It was true, and it was an alien feeling. She had always taken care of herself, and the thought of having a man watching out for her was odd, but she liked it…a lot.

  “It’s so quiet here,” she murmured. “I don’t think I’ve been anywhere this quiet since I was in the Antarctic, but even there I could hear faint noises. This place is completely silent.”

  “It’s one of the things I love about living here. I do enjoy my time in Sydney, but I always look forward to coming home.”

  “I don’t blame you,” she yawned.

  “Are you tired?”

  “I am,” she admitted.

  “Maybe you should think about having an early night. We need to leave by nine in the morning if you can manage it. We don’t want to be hiking up the hill in the sun, it can get brutal. Coming down isn’t so bad.”

  “The sun doesn’t bother me too much, but what you’re saying makes sense,” she agreed, finishing the last of her cocktail. “That was the bes
t drink I think I’ve ever had,” she declared, then surrendered to another long yawn.

  “You’ll sleep well tonight,” he smiled.

  “It’s kind of early though,” she yawned again. “I don’t want to wake up at 6 a.m.”

  “I’ve done the trip many times. It’s the change in hemispheres that gets you. Trust me, one more good night’s sleep and you’ll be completely adjusted. I don’t think you’ll wake up too early.”

  “Really? That’s encouraging. I have some notes I have to make, and some emails to write. You do have WiFi here don’t you?”

  “Absolutely. The password to get on my network is Marjorie, my mother’s name.”

  “Thanks. I guess I’ll go up then, do a quick email thing then go to sleep.”

  “Are you hungry, can I fix you a light supper before you go?” he asked.

  “Not at all, that late lunch is still keeping me company,” she smiled.

  “I’ll check your room again, make sure there are no more surprises,” he promised, standing up and reaching for her hand, but as she stood, she teetered.

  “Whoa, I feel a bit dizzy.”

  “You might be going to sleep sooner than you thought,” he suggested knowingly.

  “Might be,” she nodded, reaching for his arm.

  She held on to him as they headed up the stairs, but by the time they’d reached her room she’d found her feet, and stood patiently at the door while he searched for any additional spiders that might be lurking. Giving her the all-clear he moved to the door, but paused to peck her lightly on the lips.

  “See you in the morning,” he smiled.

  “Yes, you will,” she replied, loving the light fluttering in her heart.

  She watched him saunter down the hallway and turned to walk into her room, but even though he’d done a thorough search, the terror was lurking. She stood, trying to convince herself to move forward, but her feet refused.

  Derrick had reached his room, and was about to step into his bathroom to shower when he wondered if he’d been too cavalier when he’d left her. She’d been literally frozen to the spot when he’d found her just a short time earlier, and abruptly turning on his heel he hurried back down the hall. As he approached his heart sank; her door was still open, and he could see her standing, immobile, just inside.

  “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I should have realized…”

  As she turned her head, he saw the tears dripping silently down her face.

  “I’m so embarrassed,” she mumbled, dropping her gaze.

  “Don’t be, I understand,” he murmured, and stepping forward he wrapped himself around her.

  “I can’t control it,” she whimpered. “It’s crazy. The fear just takes hold of me and I can’t shake it. I don’t think I can sleep in that bed.”

  “If I were to lay down with you, would that help, or do you want another room?” he asked warmly.

  “Maybe another room,” she whispered, “if it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Of course not, come with me,” he said, guiding her back into the hallway. “How about the room right next to mine. It doesn’t have the same fabulous view, but I’ll just be a yell for help away.”

  “That would be g-great,” she managed. “I feel so foolish.”

  “Stop, you’re not being foolish. Your fear is very real,” he replied, pausing to give her an extra squeeze.

  “Th-thank you so much. You’re being so kind to me,” she murmured. I’ve never had a man be this kind to me, not ever.

  “It’s nothing” he said gently. “Come on.”

  With an arm around her shoulder he led her to the bedroom next to his, opened the door, and moving briskly to the bed, switched on the light sitting on the nightstand. The room was smaller, but cozy and inviting, and looked out at the mountains in the distance.

  “There are no trees nearby,” he smiled. “That Huntsman probably leapt from one of the branches near the window. Do you want me to gather your things, or do you want to go back with me and fetch them yourself?”

  “Just my toothbrush and the robe on the hook in the bathroom if you wouldn’t mind. Everything else I can get in the morning.”

  “Done, but first, let me make sure there are no unwelcome guests.”

  As Emma watched him move around the room, exploring every nook and cranny, her heart swelled with gratitude and a deepening attraction. He was treating her like a Princess, being her Knight in Shining Armor, and she loved it.

  “All clear,” he announced. “I’ll be right back.”

  Moving across to the window she peered out at the night. There were more stars than she’d ever seen, and she let out a long, heavy sigh. She was drained from the stress, and her body was aching.

  “Here you go,” he declared, walking in with her robe and toothbrush.

  “Derrick,” she breathed, “I don’t know what to say. You’ve been incredible. No-one has ever taken care of me like this.”

  “Thank you for letting me,” he said softly.

  The words hit home. He was right. She’d let him.

  “I’m right behind that wall if you need me,” he promised, dropping the items on the bed and walking towards her.

  “I’ll be fine now,” she said, smiling weakly. “I’m utterly exhausted.”

  Her eyes told him she was telling the truth, and giving her a long, last hug, relishing the feel of her body, wishing he was taking her into his bed, he released her and left the room.

  Closing the door behind him she stripped quickly, and climbing into bed, turned off her bedside lamp. The room was quiet and still, and knowing he was so close helped calm her frazzled nerves. Her eyelids felt heavy, and closing them down, snuggling under the covers, she thought about the extraordinary man in the next room.

  He was so strong, yet so sweet, and the way he’d thrown her over his lap on their drive to the ranch had left her breathless. Her fingers found their way between her legs as she relived the heart-stopping kiss, and for a brief moment she imagined him slowly peeling off her clothes, his lips murmuring across her neck on their inevitable path towards her breasts.

  It was only a matter of minutes before the orgasm jolted through her loins. She stifled her cries, and relishing the delicious convulsions that had left her tingling and spent, she sighed heavily and drifted into sleep.

  In his expansive masculine master bedroom, Derrick was readying himself for bed, and as he stepped under the shower to wash off the day, he was consumed with thoughts about the tough, feisty, fearless woman who had turned into the sweet, vulnerable, frightened girl. She was two people possessing one body, and she was turning him inside out.

  More than anything he wanted to return to the room just a few feet away, crawl under the covers and languidly explore her body. He wanted to roll her over and kiss the marks he knew the stick would have left, then spank her some more, just for the sheer joy of it, and plunge his cock into her delicious depths.

  Stepping from the hot water he toweled off and climbed into bed, picking up a book he’d been reading off and on for some time, but the kiss, the hot, heavenly, delicious kiss, would not let him focus, and finally surrendering to his hedonistic need, he closed the book, put it back on his nightstand, and wrapping his fingers around his turgid cock he rubbed himself aggressively, letting his mind wander.

  He could imagine her standing in a bra and panties, a blindfold across her eyes, breathing nervously as he stood behind her. He trailed his fingers down her spine, taking his time, his palm softly caressing and squeezing her plump, full seat cheeks before landing a sound smack. Placing his mouth on the back of her neck, he brought his hands around her chest to fondle the bounteous breasts hidden under the cups of her bra, then slipped his fingers inside to tweak her perfect nipples…

  …he felt the bubble abruptly build, then break, shooting his hot cream across his hand. Opening his eyes, breathing heavily, he groaned with a bevy of mixed emotions.

  How the hell can a woman I barely know be having
such a profound affect on me? A day at a time. That’s all you can do, mate, take it a day at a time.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The following morning Derrick was busy preparing breakfast when his cell phone rang, and seeing Fred’s name he answered immediately.

  “How’s it going with the difficult Miss Harrison?” Fred asked.

  “You wouldn’t believe it if I told you,” Derrick replied, “and I won’t by the way. Let’s just say there’s more to her than you would guess.”

  “I had a feeling you two might hit it off. Are you bringing her to dinner tonight.”

  “Such a tough call,” Derrick sighed.

  “No worries. We can just throw another whatever on the barbie if you show up.”

  “I think I can make it work,” Derrick replied, “but I’ve gotta run. I’ll let you know soon.”

  Ending the call he turned his attention to the buttered bread he had broiling in the oven, and as he pulled out the tray he saw Emma standing behind the kitchen island.

  “Good morning,” he smiled, did you hear that?

  “Morning,” she smiled back, were you just talking about me?

  “Sleep well?” he asked.

  “So well, divinely well. Thanks again for everything.”

  “That’s all right,” he replied, pouring the boiling water from the kettle into a teapot.

  “You’re not real,” she remarked, shaking her head.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Is there anything you can’t do? How can you cook, and be a Superhero? I can barely fry an egg.”

  “I’m a man living alone on a cattle station, surrounded by other men. If I didn’t cook I wouldn’t eat,” he grinned. “Park your posterior and I’ll be right there.”

  “What did you say?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

  “Take a seat,” he chuckled.

  “Lord, some of your phrases!”

  Laughing out loud he laid scrambled eggs, squares of fried potatoes, and his broiled bread on plates, then carried them to the table.

  “Wow, I’ve never seen hash browns look like this,” she remarked.

  “They’re hush puppies,” he declared, moving quickly back to the counter to grab the teapot.