At Last (Time for Love, #5)

by Miranda P. Charles

  “You all right?” Greg asked after a couple more minutes of patient waiting.

  “I don’t have any strength left in my arms,” she said truthfully, looking up at him from her hanging position on the ladder.

  “What do you want to do?”

  She eyed the next challenge, which involved stepping from one narrow swinging board to the next to get to the other side. “That one doesn’t need much upper-body strength, does it?”

  “Not much,” Greg confirmed. “It’s more about balance and timing.”

  She wrinkled her face in disappointment. “Maybe next time. All I can do now is let go and fall down on that net below, because I really can’t clamber up anymore.”

  “Wait,” Greg said, stepping back down the ladder until he was beside her. “Okay, let’s go.” He slinked his arm around her waist and hoisted her up one saggy rung at a time, so she only had to use minimum strength to climb.

  “This is cheating,” she said, her body responding to his proximity. God, he was strong.

  He chuckled near her ear. “No, this is your bonus for getting this far.”

  Finally, they made it to the top. She wobbled a bit when she stood up, and Greg was quick to come to her aid, holding her flush against him.

  “Thank you,” she breathed, every nerve ending firing off from their close contact.

  “You’re welcome,” he whispered, his gaze going to her mouth.

  Her heart hammered in her chest. Not one part of her—not a single one—wanted to break this delicious connection. In fact, she wanted more.

  She didn’t know whether she lifted her head first, or whether it was Greg who lowered his mouth to hers, but before she knew it, they were kissing.

  She slung her tired arms around his neck—at least they were willing to do that—and let out a delighted moan when Greg tightened his hold around her, his tongue coaxing hers to come out and play. Nothing felt more right than kissing him after he’d ‘rescued’ her.

  A long moment later, they reluctantly parted.

  She gaped at him. Just gaped at him with wide eyes. Because her mind was blank and she didn’t know what to say. All she knew was that she wanted to do it again. And more.

  “Ready for the swinging boards?” Greg asked softly, running a knuckle on her cheek.

  She nodded. It was all she could do. That and continue to gawk at him.

  “Gemma,” Greg said with a sigh before his mouth descended back on hers. This time it was instantly passionate, his hands roaming her back.

  She was sweaty, but she didn’t care. So was he. And it added to the intimacy of the moment. When Greg tried to pull away, she found herself clinging to him, unwilling to end it. Greg seemed more than happy to comply, for he kissed her deeper, devouring her mouth.

  They finally broke the kiss, and Greg grinned at her—a happy, brilliant smile that made her heart dance.

  She smiled back, then dipped her head on his shoulder. If she didn’t, he might notice something in her eyes that she wasn’t ready for him to see.

  “Are you sufficiently rested?” Greg asked, caressing her aching arms and kissing her head.

  “Yes,” she said with a swooning sigh.

  They turned to get to the next course when Gemma gasped.

  In front of them was an awe-inspiring view. From their high vantage point, they could see the tops of trees, and beyond those, the beach and the ocean.

  “Wow,” she breathed. “This is amazing. Next time I’m bringing a camera.”

  “Can I rescue you again, then?” Greg teased.

  “Well, I hope to climb that darned rope ladder all by myself next time. I’m going to do some weights at the gym to build up some strength. But I’ll let you kiss me again,” she said lightly.

  “Excellent,” Greg said, giving her another peck on the lips. “This means I’m the one you’re kissing on New Year’s Eve, right?”

  She grinned. “No. But since you were my knight in shining armour today, your good deed will count towards your points.”

  “I’m in the lead, then,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her.

  “For now, yes. But there are still two and a half days to go. I’m sure Lucas won’t hand this to you on a silver platter.”

  “If you pay any attention to whatever Lucas does, I’ll throw you down that net the next time we come up here,” he growled.

  “Why? Don’t you like hard competition?” she ribbed, although she was thrilled by his words. Was he jealous?

  “I’m not joking anymore, Gem. You know what Lucas is like. Don’t even think of taking him seriously,” he said quietly.

  “I know that,” she said. “Even Connor reminded me again last night. And he’s supposed to be one of Lucas’ closest friends.”

  “Fuck King,” Greg muttered, and they both laughed.

  Then she watched Greg tackle the next course in only a handful of minutes.

  *****

  “Yay. I made it,” Gemma said with relief after taking the final step to get to the platform where Greg was waiting. She bent down, her hands on her knees as she caught her breath, exhausted but exhilarated.

  “Great job!” Robert called from down below. “I take it you’ll skip the next one and go straight to the final flying fox?”

  Gemma nodded, grinning at Robert. Much as she wanted to complete the course, there was no way she’d be able to manage the next challenge. It was another one of those that needed the use of her arms as the sole means of pulling herself to the other side while hanging from a pulley. She resolved to conquer the whole thing before she left the Sanctuary. But for now, she was happy with what she’d achieved.

  She straightened and found Greg looking at her with a mixture of tenderness and intensity.

  “I’m so proud of you,” he said quietly. “Do you know how many people have quit before they even got to the halfway mark?”

  She beamed at him. “Thank you.”

  Greg cupped her face and gave her another long, sweet kiss.

  She sighed, curving her arms around his waist. She was free-falling for him, and how she’d be able to arrest it, she didn’t know. It was like dominoes toppling one after another—unstoppable.

  Suddenly, she was ultra clear about one thing. She wanted Greg. All of him.

  It wouldn’t be easy winning his heart. Not only was she up against two fierce competitors in Liana and Annette, but she also needed to contend with the fact that Greg wasn’t looking for commitment.

  Well, she didn’t want anything less than that. But what harm would it do if she worked to get him to change his mind? Like Lucas had said, she could either have the pain from failing or the regret from not going for it.

  She was sick of holding back because of fear of getting hurt or making a mistake. It was time to do the opposite.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Greg forced himself to release Gemma. Damn. He could easily get addicted to kissing her.

  “Can you manage to go down the ladder?” he asked.

  “I think so,” she answered, sounding uncertain. “It’s not made of rope, so I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  He smiled. She was a real trouper. And he really did admire her for pushing herself to the limit this morning. Some women he knew—including Liana and Annette—avoided this course like the plague. They didn’t want to get caught sweaty and without makeup, looking less than their best.

  As far as he was concerned, Gemma had never looked sexier. Her outfit was soaked from her physical exertions, and he couldn’t help but picture her perspiring from a different activity altogether. Just the thought hardened him in the right places.

  “I better go down first, so even if you slip, I’ll be there to catch you,” he said hoarsely, looking around for Robert and reminding himself they were not alone.

  “Aw. You’re so sweet. Thank you.”

  “Only for you, babe,” he said with a wink before going to the ladder. He shook his head at himself. He had to be careful, or Gemma might read more into his act
ions than he intended.

  Quite frankly, he didn’t know what to do next. He wanted Gemma in his bed. After their kisses, his need for her had become all the more intense. If it weren’t for Robert’s presence, he would have done more than just kiss her lips.

  But what about Gemma’s expectations? Their hot pashing hadn’t changed the fact that he wasn’t ready for something more than casual. He knew himself. No matter how lustful he felt for a woman in the beginning, the fire always died out after a month or so. There was no reason for him to believe it would be different with Gemma.

  Maybe he shouldn’t push this. For her sake.

  He looked up in time to see her start her descent, her pert bottom and sexy legs making his cock jerk in his pants.

  Ah, damn it.

  *****

  “Are you sure you have enough reserve left for the flying fox?” Greg teased Gemma as they walked to the spot where they’d been yesterday.

  “Absolutely. That’s my reward for all the hard work I’ve done. It’s only my arm muscles that are dog-tired. Otherwise, I’m good.”

  A small walkie-talkie hooked on Robert’s belt crackled to life. Someone wanted to know when they’d be back.

  “In about fifteen minutes or so,” Robert responded.

  The caller said that all the Sanctuary vehicles were in use, as some of the guests had been taken to the town centre for shopping and sightseeing. A couple of Greg’s grandmother’s friends were arriving at the airport and they needed to be picked up.

  “Sorry. Am I holding up the car?” Gemma whispered to him guiltily. “We can go back now, you know. We don’t need to do the flying fox today.”

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure they can wait a few more minutes. We’re almost there.” Gemma had been so looking forward to the zip-line, and he didn’t have the heart to deny her the use of it today.

  “How about you let Robert take the car back and we’ll just walk afterwards?” she suggested.

  “You’re up for that? You’re not too tired?”

  “It’s mainly downhill from here. I’m fine.”

  “Okay,” he said with a grin. Even better. He’d be truly alone with Gemma.

  *****

  Greg exhaled contentedly as he walked back to the hotel with Gemma. This morning had been fantastic. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had this much fun with a woman without having sex. In fact, he was sorry it was coming to an end.

  “I noticed that path yesterday,” Gemma said, pointing to a trail with a marker that said Private. Do Not Enter. “Where does it lead to?”

  “It’s another entrance to the private cottages,” he answered. “It eventually splits off to seven different tracks that lead to each cabin. Have you seen any of them?”

  “Yes, the girls gave me a tour of the four they’re occupying. They’re incredible! I bet most couples want to stay in those cottages. They’re so romantic.”

  “Yeah. They’re booked out months and months in advance.”

  “I like that each makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the rainforest with just your partner and nature. It’s so peaceful, yet so invigorating. And those plunge pools on the verandah! They’re exquisite!”

  “You wanna see the one I’m staying at?” he asked.

  Gemma glanced at him. “I thought you were staying at the hotel.”

  “I was until yesterday, after Sarah’s parents left. I moved to make room for Gran’s friends, who are coming today. They’re a couple in their eighties, and the husband has some mobility problem, so they’ll be more comfortable in the hotel.”

  “Do you mind?” Gemma asked shyly. “I’d really love to see it.”

  “Of course not,” he said, taking her hand and leading her down the path.

  They stopped every so often when Gemma took a closer look at some plant, or pointed to a bird, or commented on an odd-shaped rock. He was enthralled by her genuine enthusiasm for their environment. It was incredibly refreshing.

  Finally, they made it to his cabin.

  “Wow,” Gemma said, her expression one of fascination as she looked around.

  He followed her wherever she went, unable to peel his gaze off of her. She looked so lovely, so beautiful, so... desirable that he could hear the beating of his heart amidst the loud chirping of the birds.

  “Oh, there it is,” Gemma murmured to herself.

  “There is what?” he asked curiously.

  “The special outdoor shower,” she answered, blushing. “I noticed it on the other cottages.”

  “Yes, they all have one,” he said. “You know what? With this hot weather and sunshine, I bet you could take a shower in your clothes and you’d be almost dry by the time we get back to the hotel.” Jesus, Greg. What the hell are you thinking, suggesting that?

  Gemma flushed deeper, but she gave him a big smile. “Hey, that’s an idea.”

  His breath hitched and he swallowed involuntarily. If Gemma got herself all wet...

  “You’ll want to take a shower and get changed before we go back, won’t you?” she asked. “Because you’re not staying at the hotel?”

  “Yes,” he croaked, mentally ordering himself to cool down.

  “Maybe you can join me in here,” she said with a little laugh, turning the water on.

  “Gemma,” he said with warning. Had he made a mistake, bringing her here? Kissing her today was one thing, but he didn’t think she was up for anything more than that.

  To his consternation—and, yes, glee—Gemma did step underneath the shower head. He shut his eyes, trying to get control of his physical reaction.

  “It’s nice here, Greg.”

  His eyes flew open at the tone of her voice. Was she really enticing him to join her?

  He stared at her, trying to read her meaning. But she just looked back at him with those beautiful eyes, wide and inviting, as she got completely drenched from neck to toe.

  He walked towards her and stopped before he entered the wet area. “Do know what will happen if I step in there with you?” he asked quietly.

  Gemma’s lips parted, and she nodded.

  His chest heaved, but he forced himself to say the next words. “Gem, I’d be a terrible friend if I didn’t tell you that I’m not... I’m not...” He blinked. Unbelievably, he couldn’t find the right words.

  She smiled. “Your brothers have a nickname for you. Mr. Commitment-Phobic. I know.”

  “Are you saying you’re okay with starting a fling with me?” he asked in disbelief.

  “I know what I’m doing, Greg.”

  He took another deep breath, surprised by her words. But he wanted to make sure she truly got it, so there would be no misunderstandings later. “A fling, Gem. I thought you weren’t into that.”

  “I’m fine with it, Greg. Question is, are you?” she asked in a challenging tone.

  Relief overtook him, followed by a rush of excitement. “Hell, yeah. I’m fine with it.” He joined her and pulled her to him, revelling in the lukewarm water and Gemma’s hot body. Clutching the hem of her top, he lifted it off her. “You don’t need this,” he murmured.

  “I’ll need it later,” she said with a giggle. “Imagine me walking back to the hotel without a stitch on.”

  He chuckled, enjoying the picture that popped into his head. “We’ll let them dry under the sun while we have some fun.” He stripped her of the rest of her clothes and gawked. God, she was so damned beautiful that it would take all his self-control not to take her immediately.

  “This is not fair,” she said, proceeding to undress him. “You can’t be the only one doing the perving.”

  He laughed, raising his arms to help her. “Excuse me. I was admiring.”

  “I want to admire, too,” Gemma said, gazing at his bare chest before tiptoeing to kiss his lips. Then she pushed down his shorts.

  He stepped out of them and kicked them away, his cock jerking as Gemma gently ran her hand on its length. God, he’d never been
more aroused in his life, and the water jets weren’t helping him rein in his excitement. They were hitting his erection, and it was too much combined with Gemma’s caresses.

  “Not here,” he said, turning the knobs off and picking up her garments.

  “Where?” she asked breathlessly as they stepped out of the shower.

  “Where would you like?” he asked, kissing her neck while he squeezed the water out of her clothes.

  “Um, can we stay outside?” she asked shyly.

  His lips curved. “Daybed by the pool,” he said, slipping an arm around her waist as they walked the short distance to the spot. He stopped briefly to hang her outfit over the railing of the verandah to dry. When he turned back to Gemma, he found her eyeing the plunge pool.

  He smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist. He stifled a groan at the feel of his hardness nestling on her lower back. “Pool or sex?” he murmured in her ear, his hips flexing involuntarily.

  “Both?” she breathed.

  He chuckled. “Okay, but sex first. Because I think I’ll go crazy if I don’t have you right now.” He lifted her in his arms, making Gemma yelp in delight. Then he went into the pool with her in his arms.

  “I thought you said sex first,” she said, hearing some disappointment in her tone.

  “Yep,” he answered, placing her at the edge of the pool, her legs dangling in the water. Then he parted her knees.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Gemma’s breathing shallowed as Greg pushed her legs apart. Gosh, was she really here sitting at the edge of his pool, stark naked, with his head inches from her most private—and needy—part?

  Greg was kissing her inner thighs, slowly making his way to the apex.

  She bit her lip, trying not to pant too loudly. But when Greg’s tongue darted to flick her swollen nub, a soft moan escaped.

  “Mmm. You’re already wet,” Greg groaned in delight as he licked her.

  “I’ve just been in the shower,” she joked, slightly embarrassed by her reaction to him. But hey, he was already rock hard.

  “You know what I mean,” Greg murmured, leaving butterfly kisses on her belly as he made his way up. “I mean this is wet,” he said, touching her slit and pushing a finger in.