You're the One

by Angela Verdenius

  “Did it feel like it was against my will?”

  “Well, I know you were angry, I know I said something stupid to set you off, but Moz, I kind of thought once we started with - you know - we were both into it.”

  His eyes softened. “Baby, I always want to make love to you. No, you didn’t make me. Yes, I was into it, hell, right into it.”

  Relief filled her.

  “But I have to admit, I’ve never reacted like that with anyone else.”

  “Can I just say that I’m kind of relieved to hear it?”

  “Can I just say that you’re the only woman - the only person, in fact - who can push my buttons and make me lose control?”

  “I have the power, huh?”

  One big hand slid down to her bottom, smacked lightly. “Don’t even go there.”

  Oh boy, that produced tingles. She rested her forearms on his shoulders. “I’m really sorry that I said what I did. That was stupid and mean.”

  “You don’t know me as well as you think you do,” he replied quietly.

  “I know you won’t hurt me.”

  One eyebrow quirked.

  “Moz, I have to confess, when you tossed me over your shoulder I thought my arse was grass.”

  “Don’t relax too much, it still might be.”

  She shook her head. “You aren’t mad enough now.”

  He smoothed a strand of hair behind her ears. “I’d never deliberately hurt you, never beat you.”

  “You know when you said that there’s nowhere I can run that you won’t find me?”

  He winced. “That didn’t come out quite right.”

  “Yeah, because that didn’t sound creepy at all.”

  “I meant if you ran because you didn’t think you were the woman for me, I would find you. To convince you.” He smoothed his hand down her back. “Not stalk you.”

  “I kind of thought that.” She grinned. “Actually, it kind of gave me a thrill. I think I might be a little perverted.”

  “A little?”

  She thumped his arm lightly. “So we’re good?”

  “We’re good. Kind of.” He shifted a little, a frown creasing his forehead. “I won’t lie, I’m still annoyed at you.”

  “Yeah, I guess you are.” Straightening, she added soberly, “We need to talk this out, huh?”

  “Yep.”

  “Okay.” About to push up off him, she felt dampness and glanced down at her blouse. Definitely had large wet patches on it. “What…?”

  “Didn’t have a condom, baby.”

  Startled, she looked at him.

  He shrugged. “I almost lost my load inside you. Bloody wanted to, but my conscious chose that second to rap me on the back of the head. I got out just in time.” His gaze dropped to the front of her blouse.

  For several seconds she didn’t have a clue what he meant, but then she realised that his seed was on her blouse instead of inside her. Relief and embarrassment hit her all at once.

  When his gaze lifted back up to hers, she managed to say, “Well, that was very thoughtful of you. Thanks.”

  Moz’s grin turned to a chuckle before swelling into deep laughter. Gathering her close in his arms, he squeezed her. “God, you are so cute sometimes.”

  Before she could give a smart comment to this, he kissed her quick and hard before setting her back. “Up, baby. We need to tidy ourselves then talk about what’s happening.”

  The sound of tyres crunching in the driveway had them both looking sharply at the door. Through the security screen she saw a white sedan pull up.

  “Mum and Dad,” Del said.

  Dumbly, they both stared at the car then it hit her.

  “Holy heck! Mum and Dad!” Scrambling up, she was almost knocked over by Moz lunging to his feet.

  He caught her quickly, turned and bundled her down the hallway. “Get cleaned up, get changed.”

  “What about you? Your shirt is hanging open and geez, your pecker is hanging out!”

  “Never you mind.” He gave her a last push towards her bedroom and side stepped into the kitchen, tucking himself away and zipping up. “Move it, Del, unless you want your parents to see you looking thoroughly debauched.”

  Not in this lifetime.

  Del darted into her bedroom, ripped off her blouse and shoved it under the bed. Yanking on a t-shirt, she pulled on another pair of panties, smoothed everything down, tidied her hair and looked at her face. Geez, her lips were swollen from Moz’s punishing kisses. She still look debauched - well, from the neck up.

  Her eyes widened and she craned her neck, peering into the mirror. Crap on a stick! Love bite!

  Digging in the top drawer, she yanked out a small silk scarf and tied it around her throat. Okay, that covered it. It was the best she could do.

  Taking a deep breath, she opened the bedroom door and walked out into the hallway, following the voices into the kitchen to find her father sitting at the kitchen table with Moz while her mother was busy setting out mugs, the kettle already switched on.

  Moz was sitting back, one ankle resting on the opposite knee, looking relaxed and tidy, shirt buttoned up, neatly tucked into his pants, zipper up and belt fastened. Okay, his lips looked a little swollen from her kisses, too, she just hoped her parents didn’t notice.

  Missy was perched happily on his lap, eyes big, little ears flicking as she took everything in that was happening around her. Completely relaxed, Mozart was lying beneath Moz’s chair.

  “Hi Mum, Dad,” she greeted them lightly. “Out for a drive?”

  Her mother gestured at her throat. “Lovely scarf, dear, but are you sure it goes with a t-shirt?”

  “Sure it does.”

  “If you say so, but isn’t a scarf on a summers day a little hot?”

  She had no idea just how hot the day had turned. “It’s light, Mum, stop fussing.”

  “Fine.” Mrs Miller flicked off the kettle. “Take a seat, Del, we need to discuss something.”

  Cripes, did everyone want to talk?

  Mrs Miller glanced at her husband, who leaned forward in his chair. “We think that maybe you should move back home for awhile.”

  That had Del’s mouth dropping open. “What?”

  Face expressionless, big hand gentle on the kitten as he tickled her under the chin, Moz listened quietly.

  “We’re concerned about you.” Mrs Miller poured hot water into the mugs.

  “Why?” Astounded, Del looked at her father.

  “First you had that nasty experience with those boys from across the road,” he replied, “then behind the shop. Now Bassinger says he’s hearing things at night.”

  “So?”

  “So we’re concerned about you.”

  “I can’t just go home!”

  Carrying the mugs to the table, Mrs Miller nodded at the vacant chair beside Moz as she sat beside her husband. “Just hear us out.”

  Astounding. Was she really hearing correctly? Her parents wanted her to go back to her old home? Dropping into the chair, she shook her head. “No.”

  “It’d only be for a short time,” Mr Miller said. “Just until things quieten down a bit.”

  “I doubt those drongos are going to shift anytime soon.”

  “My argument exactly. It’s not safe for a woman alone out here.”

  Mrs Miller nodded. “You know we didn’t want you coming out here to start with. But now look.”

  This could not be happening. And no way was it going to happen. “No. I’m fine here. Ryder put new locks on the windows, I have security screen doors.” Del glanced at Moz. “Moz comes most evenings to see Mozart. I’m perfectly safe.”

  Moz continued to sit, listening, not saying a word. What was he thinking? Apart from the fact that her parents thought she was still a little kid needing protection?

  Mrs Miller frowned. “Del-”

  “Mum, no.”

  “Told you she wouldn’t go for it,” Mr Miller said.

  Del relaxed. Well, at least her Dad was list
ening to her.

  “So I’m coming out here to stay with you for awhile.”

  “What?”

  “No arguments, sweetheart. You need a man around the place until whatever is going on around here settles down.” Picking up his mug, he took a sip.

  “Dad, no.” Panic practically crawled up her spine. Once her Dad took a step in this house he’d start organising her things, checking on her if she got home late, ringing her to make sure she was safe. Her life wouldn’t be her own, she’d be daddy’s little girl again. It would drive her nuts. She loved him, but she just might kill him.

  A glance to the side showed a faint grin playing around Moz’s mouth as he looked down at Missy now playing on the floor with Mozart. That bastard, he thought it was funny. He probably thought it was a great idea, a man being around and - a thought struck her.

  A man, huh? Why not? Why the hell not? It beat having her father staying with her. She loved her parents, but if they had their way she’d be their little girl again. Mum would be over cooking meals and - oh no. Oh no. She had a better idea.

  Del took a deep breath. “Actually, Dad, there’s not going to be room for you.”

  “You have a spare bedroom,” he replied.

  “Yeah, but Moz is going to be staying there.”

  Every eye in the room turned to her.

  “I beg your pardon?” Mr Miller was incredulous.

  “Moz?” Mrs Miller gaped.

  Moz said not one word, just picked up his mug, blowing on the steaming liquid while eyeing her over the rim.

  Keeping her gaze on her mother - but heck, she could feel Moz’s eyes burning a hole in her - Del smiled serenely. “He’s renting a room off me.”

  “Del.” Her mother’s eyes widened. “You’re a woman alone-”

  “Not now, I’m not.”

  Mr Miller spluttered. “Oh now, Del, I’m not sure this is decent.”

  “Decent?” She looked at him with wide-eyed innocence. “He’s a boarder, Dad, just like he is at Mrs Preston’s boarding house. She’s a woman alone and no one thinks its indecent when she has men staying there.”

  Mr Miller switched his gaze to Moz. “Just what are your intentions, young man?”

  Young man? Cripes. Del didn’t dare look at the man sitting beside her.

  “To keep your daughter safe, Sir,” Moz replied smoothly. “She’s been looking after my cat, it’s the least I can do in exchange for her kindness.”

  “Oh dear.” Mrs Miller’s grip on the mug handle tightened. “I don’t know…”

  “In my spare time, I’m helping her fix this old place up,” Moz continued.

  Wait. What? Del stared at him.

  Ruggedly handsome face pleasant, not a hint of anything more in his eyes than a nice man who hadn’t just had hard sex with her against the hallway wall, just a nice man here to visit his kitty and help his landlady fix a few things around the place.

  Then he glanced at her and she saw the flicker of laughter deep in his eyes, barely noticeable before it was gone.

  Oh boy, he was loving this. She’d fix him all right. Later.

  “You’re absolutely right, Sir,” he continued. “A woman alone at this time is not the best idea. I assure you, I will protect her, help her out, and be the perfect lodger.”

  Like her father would believe that.

  “Hmm.” Mr Miller nodded slowly. “You are Elissa’s brother, and the local RSPCA inspector.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Del blinked. “Really?”

  “I think we can trust you.”

  “Hey,” she protested. “It was my choice, remember? He’s my lodger.”

  Moz took a mouthful of hot tea, swallowed, and nodded solemnly. “You can trust me with her life. After all, we are going out together. It’ll give me more of a chance to watch over her.”

  Mrs Miller beamed.

  Mr Miller pondered.

  Del mentally rolled her eyes.

  “My little girl is a good girl, Moz,” Mr Miller said quietly.

  Moz slid her a glance, looked back at Mr Miller. “She’s something else, all right.”

  If she could have kicked him in the shin without her parents noticing, she’d have done so. Twice. The second time for good measure.

  “I know things are done differently nowadays.” His gaze dropped to his daughter’s mouth.

  Del went crimson, she couldn’t help it. Holy crap, her Dad had noticed her kiss-swollen lips. Enough was enough. “Dad, this isn’t appropriate. I’m old enough to-”

  “I know.” Surprisingly, he nodded. “Okay, seeing as Moz is staying here I won’t move in.”

  Thank God something was going right.

  “But I’ll be checking in often.”

  “Dad, really, there’s no need-”

  “You’re my daughter, Del.” He frowned at her. “I won’t have you hurt.” His gaze switched back to Moz. “Something happens, you need back-up, you call me.”

  Del wasn’t sure she’d heard right. Geez, her Dad was thin, his hands were smooth, he barely had a muscle on him, but he was going to come as back-up? It was so sweet she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

  Mr Miller looked at Del. “If Moz isn’t here and you need help, you phone me. Understood?”

  Not about to argue, she nodded.

  “Good.” Lifting up the mug, he took a satisfied swallow. “Sorted.”

  From the corner of her eye she noted Moz taking a swallow of his own tea, couldn’t miss the satisfied smile on his face.

  Geez. Moz was going to be living with her. Oh boy. She couldn’t stop the flush of heat sweeping through her.

  ~*~

  They stood on the veranda waving her parents goodbye. The white sedan disappeared around the curve of the driveway and then it was just the two of them.

  Turning, Moz leaned his shoulder against the veranda post, crossed his ankles, folded his arms across his chest. “So, I’m your boarder, huh?”

  She cleared her throat. “I panicked.”

  “Panicked.”

  “He was going to move in!”

  Moz laughed inwardly. “So I’m the lesser of two evils?”

  “I don’t know about lesser.” Her own arms folded beneath those generous breast, she peeked up at him. “Preferable.”

  “Nice to know.”

  She bit her lip. That lush, sweet, plump bottom lip. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not,” he stated truthfully.

  “I kind of forced you to agree.”

  “Del,” he said quietly, “really, it’s fine.”

  “Really?” She looked hopeful.

  “Really.” More than fine. This way he could keep an eye on her, be here, stop those morons from even thinking about entering her home. She’d be safe.

  “Thank God.” Her shoulders slumped in relief. “That was a narrow escape.”

  Grinning, he reached out and gathered her close to him.

  Del leaned against him.

  Contemplating the blonde hair resting against his chest, Moz idly played with her ponytail. “I meant what I said. I’ll help you fix this place up on my days off.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I want to.” At her silence, he tugged gently on her ponytail. “What’s wrong?”

  “Well, I don’t exactly have a lot of money to just go out and buy everything, I budget, so things get done bit by bit. You’ll probably find you have a lot of free time.”

  He glanced around. “I can find things to do. Plus my board money will help.”

  She pulled back and he obligingly loosened his hold, but only enough so she could look up at him. He raised one eyebrow questioningly.

  “I don’t expect you to work around here,” she said.

  “I pay my way. And I don’t mind.”

  “I don’t want you to feel obligated.”

  “I don’t.”

  “Okay.”

  “But we do need to clear the air.”

  She sighed. “I was af
raid you’d say that.” But she didn’t look away.

  “What happened between us in the hall.”

  “Before you get yourself into a knot about that, I happened to like the sex.” She flushed but didn’t shift her gaze from his. “I was just as -ah - wild as you.”

  He grinned. “You were, and I’m not sorry about the sex, either. I intend to repeat it. Often.”

  She grinned back, her heart kicking up a notch at the thought. “Maybe I’ll let you.”

  “Oh, I’ll persuade you, don’t you worry.” His grin faded. “But I’d never force you, Del. You know that, right?”

  “Of course I know that.”

  “If you’d struggled, said no, I’d have stopped. Done a lot of swearing, had to have a cold shower, but I’d have stopped.” It was so important that she knew. “I’d never hurt you like that.”

  “I know.” She patted his arm, ran her hand up and down soothingly. “There’s no doubt in my mind.”

  “Good.” He nodded, relieved.

  “So what else is troubling you? Something about what happened in the hall. I can see it in your eyes.”

  Typical Del, no acting coy.

  Moz drew in a deep breath. “When you said that maybe you weren’t the one for me, that had nothing to do with what had happened at the shop.”

  “It did,” she disagreed. “That was me. I can’t just change who I am.”

  “I’m not asking you to change. I don’t want you to change. But I do want you safe.”

  “I’m as safe as I can be.”

  Moz paused, contemplated how to continue with the subject.

  She gazed searchingly at him. “What?”

  “We’re going around in circles. Let me think a minute.” When she arched an eyebrow, he tapped her on the nose. “I don’t want this to escalate into an argument.”

  “Then let’s sit on the step, let nature soothe us and think of a compromise.”

  “How about we compromise by you just doing as you’re told?” When her mouth dropped open, he grinned. “Sit on the step and we’ll talk about what you will do.”

  “If you think-”

  “Just kidding, Del.” Chuckling, he turned and pulled her with him onto the step.

  “Keep this up and you won’t last one night sleeping here.”

  He gave her back a soothing pat before leaning his forearms on his spread thighs, hands dangling between them. Silence reigned as he tried to sort out what to say, how to say it without both of them ending up mad at each other.