Her Dom's Secret Past Read online

  “Would you like a painkiller, an aspirin?”

  “I’d love a bottle full.”

  I entered the main house and got a couple from my bathroom. On my return, I filled a glass with ice water and took them out.

  “Here you go.”

  “Thanks, Anabelle, I do appreciate this.”

  “Would you like coffee? Tea? Something cold?”

  “Tea would be nice. Black, two sugars.”

  “I have ordinary tea or Chinese White. Which would you prefer?”

  “I drink black tea, so I guess the ordinary.”

  There was an ottoman close to the sun lounge and I pushed it over to his chair.

  “Put your feet up while I make tea.”

  “Thank you.”

  I left him to struggle as I made tea for us both. I found a tray in the pantry and put the mugs of tea on it, together with a few biscuits. Carrying it back outside, I put the tray on the table between the settee and the sun lounge and plonked myself on the lounger.

  “Thanks, Anabelle. Think I overdid things this morning. Thought I was fitter than I really am.”

  He went to take the mug but even that seemed to be a struggle. His hand shook and his arm didn’t seem to want to stretch out. I leaped to my feet. There was a small table on the other end of the patio. I grabbed it and put it alongside his right side, then put the mug close to his hand.

  “Is that easier?”

  “I seem to be doing nothing but thanking you this morning. My left shoulder’s a mess at the moment, as is my right thigh, oh, and my stomach.”

  “Hell! Were you in an accident?”

  He nodded as he managed to pick up the mug and take a sip.

  “Should you be marching through the water?”

  Duh! Shit!

  I face-palmed in my head. I’d just given myself away.

  He grinned, likely knowing I’d been watching as he said, “I actually thought it would be a great idea. My physiotherapists said wading was good and they’d had me doing it before I came here.”

  “I’m guessing that was in a pool and for a few minutes?”

  With a wry expression he said, “True.”

  “When you finish your tea, why don’t you go sit in my Jacuzzi? That should help, shouldn’t it?”

  He nodded slightly, glanced down at his mug, and then lifted his head. “I don’t want to impose, Anabelle, you’ve been amazing.”

  “Hey, it’s no trouble. I’m sure it would help your aches and pains, and then maybe you could make it back to your place. Because I have the distinct impression you couldn’t make it past that first tree,” I said, pointing to the tree in question.

  “You’re right, I wouldn’t. But it seems like I’m taking advantage of your good nature.”

  “Nonsense.”

  We finished our tea in silence with me cheering inside. I wanted to keep him close to me, I wanted to learn all I could about him. He put his mug down and rummaged in his top pocket. After pulling out a USB stick, he held it out to me.

  “Here’s the photos I promised.”

  “Oh wow, thanks. I couldn’t believe how close that seal was. My feet actually touched him as he waddled passed.”

  “It was pretty amazing.”

  I put the USB on the tray. About ten minutes later, I stood. “Want a hand up, or can you make it?”

  “I’m okay.”

  I bit my lip and clenched my fists, determined not to rush and help as he struggled in obvious pain to his feet. Together, we slowly walked to the pool.

  “I’ll get a towel for you.”

  “You’re going to join me, I hope?”

  Be still my heart.

  “If you don’t mind the company.”

  “I’d love it.”

  I left John to get into the Jacuzzi while I changed into my most flattering swimsuit—black with a rainbow of stripes, and grabbed a couple of towels. Trying to appear casual, I dropped the towels near the stairs and stepped down into the Jacuzzi. John had taken off his shirt. My, that man was fine, but I could see the nasty raw wound on his shoulder. He glanced up as I sat down.

  “I’m obliged to you, Anabelle. Thank you.”

  I shrugged. Seeing all that fine-looking flesh was making me a little tongue-tied, and that wasn’t all. I was definitely a little hot and was fortunate he spoke.

  “I saw some kangaroos yesterday evening. They came close to my villa. They’ve been around since I arrived.”

  “I had a visit from some the other morning. One of them, a big male, came up onto the patio and stole my toast after checking me out.”

  “Oh, I wished I’d seen it. I’ve never seen one in the flesh before. They’re bigger than I thought.”

  “These are only grays, you should see the big reds. They can stand over two meters.”

  He gaped at me, stunned. “You’re joking?”

  “Nope. They are huge. The front legs and upper body are enormous, and all muscle. Give you a run for your money.”

  He laughed. “At the moment, even a dead snail could give me a run for my money. So these red kangaroos, are they around here?”

  “No. You’d have to go out bush to see them in the wild, but I think the Taronga Zoo in Sydney has some.”

  “Out bush?”

  “Way out of the city. They live inland.”

  “Okay, I’ll have to hire you as my guide.”

  Oh yeah! I’ll be in for that, for sure.

  Thinking about Rolly, I asked, “Have you ever seen a wombat?”

  “A wombat? No, I’ve heard of them.”

  “Well, in that case, you’re in for a treat if we’re lucky. There’s one that lives near this villa and he loves apples. Yesterday morning, he came and sat on me then ate my apple. Maybe when you’re up to it we could sit outside and crunch an apple or two.”

  “He actually came to you?”

  I laughed, remembering how he’d steamrolled himself onto my lap.

  “Yes. I had no choice but to give him my apple, and he sat beside me and went to sleep after I rubbed his tummy.”

  John looked excited as he said, “Well, in that case I’m definitely up for trying later today.”

  “Great.”

  “Not married, Anabelle?” he asked casually.

  “Me? No.”

  “Never met anyone you liked, or what?”

  “Time was my problem, I think. I was learning the ropes, then I was trying to build up my business. Looking back, it seemed like I never had time to date much, and no, I never met anyone I’d like to spend my life with. What about you?”

  “Never married.”

  “Do you like living in Australia?”

  “Don’t know yet. I only flew out to Australia the day before I came here. From what I’ve seen, I think I’m going to love it.”

  “Gee, I didn’t realize you’d only been here a few days.”

  “Yeah, stopped overnight in Sydney then flew to Moruya Airport, picked up my hire car, and came down here to recuperate. I’ve got a house. Bought it while I was in England.”

  “And you haven’t seen it yet?” I asked, surprised.

  “Not yet, seen hundreds of photos. It appears amazing and exactly what I want. Lots of land, right on the river.”

  “Lucky you. I live in an apartment. Don’t get me wrong. It’s nice, but it isn’t a house.”

  “Yeah, know what you mean. I’ve lived in apartments most of my life.”

  The silence fell between us but it was a comfortable silence. I enjoyed being close to him. Finally, after about thirty minutes, he carefully stretched.

  “Think I’ve taken up enough of your time. I feel a lot better. Thank you, Anabelle.”

  We both got out and I watched rather sneakily as he dried off. There was another horrid scar across his stomach. He’d certainly been through the wars. He pulled on his shirt and handed me his towel. We walked back to the kitchen and I grabbed a few apples.

  “Can you hang around for a little while longer? Let’s se
e if we can coax Rolly out.”

  “Okay.”

  We went onto the patio. I pulled off a cushion again and threw it down, sitting where I had the other day. John settled on one of the outdoor chairs right alongside me, sitting upright with his feet on the ground, his head swiveling back and forth as he searched. I took an apple and bit into it as loudly as I could. Nothing happened. I tried a couple more times without success.

  “Doesn’t look like he’s nearby.”

  “Never mind, maybe tomorrow.”

  I heard his real disappointment as I took the last bite of one of the apples and then I caught a whisper of something.

  “Listen,” I said quietly.

  I’d heard a snuffle, a grunt, and then I saw the grass sway. I pointed as it was pushed aside, and out he came, heading straight for me. I gave one of the two remaining apples to John and waited with the other in my hand. Rolly stormed up to me as fast as his short barrel legs could carry him. I heard John gasp and risked a glance. He seemed entranced as Rolly reached my side and grabbed my hand with his front paws to bring the apple close to his mouth. I relinquished it and he munched on it happily. When he’d finished, he sniffed the air and spied John’s apple.

  “You better give it to him. Otherwise he’s likely to find a way to climb onto your lap.”

  Rolly was doing exactly that, trying to climb up John’s legs as John held out the apple. Rolly took a bite then allowed John to hold it for him as he ate. Finally, the apple was gone and he must have realized there was no more. John hesitantly reached out and scratched between his ears. Rolly leaned into his hand and promptly rolled over for his tummy rub.

  I didn’t think John would ever forget his first experience with a wombat as he rubbed Rolly’s belly. After a while, Rolly gave a few happy chuffs, rolled back onto his feet, and steamrolled back the way he’d come.

  “That. Was. Frigging. Amazing!”

  I grinned up at him. He began laughing like a little kid. I put my hand on his knee.

  “Did you like your first introduction to wombats?”

  “Like? I loved it!”

  He covered my hand with his and we both fell silent, staring at each other. My heart tried vainly to burst through my chest and I was having trouble breathing. I wasn’t sure who turned away first, but I did know I was now extremely hot and bothered. John lifted his hand and I struggled to my feet.

  “Um. Well, you’re welcome to come down anytime and see if you can coax him out.”

  John stood, a little shakily, but he was on his feet.

  “Thank you, Anabelle, thank you for everything. I hope I can see you again soon.”

  “I hope so too,” I managed to whisper without my voice breaking. I wished he’d touch me again.

  He nodded goodbye and he walked off. When he reach the first tree, he turned around and pointed to it, then raised a hand in a victory salute. I laughed as he turned and limped heavily away.

  I didn’t see John the rest of the day or the next because it was mostly steady rain, but the morning after, I went out for a morning swim at about ten and there he was, bobbing about in the waves. I’d been a little hesitant to swim today because it certainly wasn’t as warm as it had been. There were even a few heavy clouds gathering. As well, there was a heavy surf running. Still, I threw my towel on the sand and joined him.

  “Morning, John.”

  “Hi, Anabelle. Bit brisk in the water this morning and it’s a bit rough.”

  I gave a shiver because it was colder than I’d anticipated.

  “Sure is. Don’t think there is much ocean swimming weather left now until spring.”

  “How’s the leg?”

  “Getting there.”

  I wasn’t watching and a wave rolled over us. I came up spluttering. John gave a laugh and I splashed him. That, of course, turned into a contest that saw us both splashing about like kids. It was fun and I was laughing so much that when another huge wave came, it dumped me under again and I had no chance of keeping my feet.

  John held out a hand to pull me upright.

  Chapter Six

  John

  Somehow, I’d managed to keep on my feet when the big wave crashed over Anabelle and me. She surfaced, spluttering, and I held out a hand. She let me help her up and I held her hand a little longer than necessary.

  “Thank you, John.”

  “You’re welcome. That was one big wave.”

  “Sure was, but it’s fun.”

  She was still grinning and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned toward her and our lips touched.

  It was all I’d dreamed of and more. It was electrifying.

  Our kiss was soft, tender, and a little unsure until I felt her press toward me. I put a hand behind her head and deepened the kiss. Oh yeah, I could get used to this.

  We finally separated and gazed at each other. Her eyes had dilated slightly and her lips parted as she stared into my eyes.

  “I couldn’t resist.”

  “I … neither could I, John.”

  “I’d certainly like to do it again.”

  “Then maybe you should.”

  We stood there, the waves crashing around us, as I kissed her again. This time I took my time reveling in the taste of her, mixed with the salty water. Her hands pressed against my chest.

  When we stopped, I whispered, “I’ve wanted to kiss you since I first saw you reading.”

  “You have?”

  I nodded and traced her lips. Her eyes seemed to shut of their own accord as my fingers explored her gorgeous, full mouth. When she opened her eyes, I decided I should kiss her again.

  It was wild.

  The surf pounding against us, the sound of the ocean, and Anabelle in my arms. Another big wave hit us and sent us both under. I grabbed her hand as we fought our way back up to the surface.

  “Sadly I have to accept that kissing and big waves don’t mix very well.”

  She gave another of her lovely carefree laughs.

  “I think you’re right. Come on up to my place and I’ll make you a coffee or tea.”

  We waded back to shore. Anabelle picked up her towel and I realized mine was further down the beach.

  “I’ll just get my towel and then join you.”

  She nodded and continued walking back to her villa while I limped down to where I’d tossed my towel, picked it up, and then followed her into her villa. She’d thrown her towel on one of the outdoor chairs and was in the kitchen. I dropped my towel to join hers after drying off and walked to where she was. She turned to face me at my approach and it was all I could do not to grab her and kiss her again. Her face showed a little nervousness and I smiled.

  “Coffee or tea?”

  “Still an Englishman, it’s tea for me.”

  “Do you want to try the Chinese White?”

  “I’m sorry, I only drink black tea.”

  She gave a giggle. “So do I. Chinese White is black tea, if that makes sense. It’s only the tiny top buds of the bush. Then after they’re picked they are left to dry naturally without any further processing. It’s a very delicate, smooth, and sweet-tasting tea, I love it.”

  “In that case, I’d better try it.”

  She nodded and set to making two mugs of tea. I sat down on one of the stools at the bench and studied her. I decided then and there that I’d never tire of watching her. She was so gorgeous. Those luscious curves of hers beckoned me non-stop and I thought I’d been semi-erect since I first saw her. She finished and put a mug in front of me, then another alongside it and came to sit on the stool next to me.

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I took a sip of the tea and let it roll around my tongue. The taste surprised me, very light but fruity. Anabelle was right. It was very smooth with no bitter aftertaste that I sometimes got with black tea. She grinned at me and raised her eyebrows.

  “It’s lovely. I think I may have to convert.”

  “It’s delicious, isn’t it?”

&
nbsp; We savored our tea in silence, except for the roar of the waves and the sound of the wind that was getting stronger as it blew through the trees. I wanted to learn all about this lovely woman, but what I actually wanted to do was kiss her again. I noticed her give a shiver.

  “Cold?”

  “A little.”

  I stood and moved behind her, rubbing my hands up and down her arms.

  “Maybe you should change into something warmer than this damp suit.”

  “You’re right.”

  She actually leaned back against me as I rubbed, but then she sighed and stood, turning to face me.

  “Thank you. I’ll … I’ll go change.”

  Her voice held that husky note of arousal that couldn’t be ignored. I settled my hands in a frame around her face and leaned in for another kiss. She hooked a hand around my neck as our lips met. My heart rate tripled as the kiss went on until we both finally came up for air.

  “I won’t be responsible for what happens if you let me kiss you like that, Anabelle.”

  “Oh.” She searched my eyes and whispered, “I’ll … um … dry clothes.”

  I nodded.

  “Aren’t you cold, John?”

  “You make me hot.”

  The look she gave me went straight to my dick, and I hoped she didn’t lower her gaze. She bit on her bottom lip and exhaled loudly.

  “Maybe you could warm me up.”

  I touched her face, my fingers tracing her lips. Her tongue ran against one finger and I let it enter her mouth. She closed her lips around it and sucked, then opened them and licked it. It was all I could do not to groan out loud. I dropped my hand to her throat and let it run down her skin to the top of her swimsuit. Swinging my hand to one side, I covered her breast and was rewarded as her nipple harden through the fabric.

  “I need to get you out of this wet thing.”

  “I think you do. Come.”

  She took my hand and led me up the stairs and into the bedroom. Standing beside the bed, I took hold of both straps, one in each hand, and slid them down her shoulders. As I pulled further, her unbelievable breasts were finally revealed and they were all I imagined and more.

  “Ah, Anabelle, you are stunningly beautiful.”

  She stood there as I dragged the wet bathers from her body, and at last she was naked before me. I’d bent down to remove the swimsuit, but standing, I couldn’t help my flinch of pain.