At the blond man’s side, Ethan held out his hand. “G’day.” His hand was rough and gentle.
”Hello, I’m…”
“Hayleigh Davenport.” He nodded toward Cohen. “The mate here told me all about you.” Ethan slapped Cohen on his back. “She’s quite a looker.”
Cohen wrapped an arm around her waist. “That she is.”
“Thank you,” she mouthed as they strolled along with Ethan.
Barrenjoey Beach didn’t seem any less crowded than Palm Beach had been. The weekend probably brought out the native Aussies as much as the tourists.
In no time, they approached another blond man.
Cohen thumbed in the relaxed man’s direction. “Miller, this is Hayleigh.” Miller’s hands remained folded behind his head.
Though she’d seen Miller briefly the night before, she hadn’t paid him much attention. He was slightly broader than his brothers.
“Hello. Nice to meet you.” She helped Cohen spread out their beach blanket.
”G’day.” The guy was less friendly than the other two Thorn brothers.
Ethan sat in the spare beach chair and withdrew a drink from a nearby cooler.
She placed her beach bag on the corner of the blanket before settling down to face the incoming waves.
What splendor. White beaches. A gorgeous expanse of water and best of all…Cohen. His brothers weren’t hard on the eyes, either. Especially Ethan; he had a nice smile.
Cohen positioned himself behind her back. She didn’t stop his wandering hands when he removed her cover to rub suntan lotion slowly all over her back and shoulders. While her suit covered most of her cleavage, the material in back was cut nearly to her butt. She sighed as his rough hands continued to massage in the lotion.
Her nipples stood out beneath the cloth of her suit. She shivered, remembering what an erotic, lazy morning they’d shared.
“Turn around, luv.” She didn’t have to be asked twice. She twisted around and savored each pass of his hands while he rubbed lotion in from her toes to her face.
Hayleigh shifted as arousal burned liquid hot. Cohen winked at her when he finally passed the suntan lotion her way. “Your turn, luv.”
“Oh…” She shifted onto her knees. “Lay down.” Silently and quite eagerly, she went to work on his back. She’d never been so thankful in her life. The art of massage happened to be a hobby of hers. The hobby had developed out of necessity. Her mom had developed muscle spasms, and regular massages had helped. Often, she’d practiced on her parents after class.
Ever so slowly, she set about massaging the deep muscle tissue of his shoulders. The skin under her palms heated beneath her working fingers. Muscles relaxed at her expert touch.
Arousal curled low in her belly at the shift in his hips. His cock would be thick underneath his belly, pressing into the blanket and sand. Her touch turned him on. Sensually, she massaged in a lazy pattern.
“The bloody bloke has gone to sleep.” Ethan took a long swallow of his drink.
“Not a chance.” Cohen grunted.
Grinning, she moved to his mid-back. Her hands were no less gentle there.
“Christ, this is fucking excellent.” Cohen turned his head toward his brothers. “Sorry you poor bastards have to miss out.”
Miller flipped his brother off without turning his head.
Hayleigh lightly swatted Cohen’s butt, before moving back up his legs.
Ethan snickered.
For several long minutes, she rubbed and caressed the back of Cohen’s muscular body. She set back on her feet. “Turn over. I’ll get your front now.”
He moaned.
Bold as brass, the man flipped over to present Sydney with his erection. The massive hard-on was barely concealed behind the material of his swim trucks. She gasped and scrambled between his legs in hopes of hiding it from the world at large.
Cohen laughed and wrapped his arms around her chest. “Ah, luv, perfectly natural response.”
Heat spread up her face. She hid her mouth behind her hands as an embarrassed laugh escaped her lips. What must his brothers think of her?
His thick cock pressed into her lower spine. She sighed, resting her back against his chest. Truth be told, she didn’t care what they thought of her. She didn’t care what anyone but Cohen thought of her actions. This was their time together, and she’d make the most of the experience.
She wiggled.
“None of that.” He brushed a kiss along her ear. Another kiss lingered along her shoulder, sending a quiver throughout her body. Her clit tingled.
The early afternoon passed with much talk of surfing and rugby, and stretches of comfortable silence. Lazily, she moved to rest on her belly, and Cohen followed her down onto the blanket.
Their mouths locked in a wet embrace until he broke the contact. She sighed. He draped the cover across her back, while the corner of the blanket got flipped over her bottom half. Cohen nuzzled her temple. “Rest, luv. You’ll need your energy for tonight.”
She smiled. Soon the hot sun and crash of waves lulled her to sleep.
The sound of raised voices nearby brought her to full awareness. She pushed to a sitting poison.
“You’re a fucking fruit loop.” Miller folded his arms. Cohen stood toe-to-toe with his brother. “Why would you want to take her to the station?”
Hayleigh’s heart thumped wildly along, as she realized she’d somehow come between the brothers.
Cohen’s arms folded. “I only asked a favor.”
Before she could move, Ethan caught her wrist. “Leave them be, sheila.”
Miller’s face tightened. “You’d get in a plane for a woman you’re not likely to see again?”
A tick beat in Cohen’s jaw. “Piss off.” He turned his back on his brother to offer her his hand. “Come on, luv, you’ve had enough sun.”
“Wait a fucking minute,” Miller ground out. “It doesn’t make sense, but yeah, I’ll take you home and bring her back in time for her flight to the U.S.”
Cohen looked relieved. He thumped Miller on the shoulder. “Thanks, mate.”
“Meet me at the airport in two hours.” Miller left without another word.
Ethan stood up. “I knew the bloke would come around.” He checked his watch. “You’ve still got time to show Hayleigh Barrenjoey lighthouse before Miller lifts the birdie off.”
Cohen squeezed her hand. “Would you like to see where I live before you go home?”
She nodded, clinging to his hand. “Oh, yes.” Tears burned the backs of her eyes. She very much wanted to see Cohen’s world. The playland of beach and surf was nice, but she wanted to see where Cohen’s daily life happened.
With trembling fingers, she clasped his arm in a hug. She wouldn’t let this visit to his home get her hopes up. His attraction for her was nothing more than sexual.
Love at first sight only existed in romance novels.
Chapter Four
Hayleigh followed the men off the little plane and looked up into an endless sky. A place they’d been cruising not more than five minutes ago.Cohen spread his arms wide. “Welcome to the never-never.”
She smiled at his use of the Aussies term for the outback.
After another click of her camera, she tucked the equipment away. She’d taken gorgeous panoramic shots of magnificent mountains, lush rainforests, and even the craggy coastline before they’d left Sydney. “Is it true that the outback is so forbidding and vast most of it has yet to be charted?” Awed, she stared at the openness surrounding them.
“A bloody fact.” Miller slung a bag over his shoulder. “Watch your step. If a snake doesn’t get you, the flies sure will.”
“The outback is unforgiving to anyone forgetful or unfit.” Cohen slung her overnight bag over a shoulder.
“Don’t forget to include geographically or mechanically inept.” Ethan grinned before following his older brother.
“But, we’re none of those things.” Cohen winked at her. “Though, Ethan is
bloody lucky to know how to pump air into a tire, let alone change one.”
“With Miller around…” Good naturedly, Ethan smiled. “Who else needs to know? Besides, mate, don’t forget who taught who how to swim.”
Listening to the men banter, she trailed along beside Cohen. The plane ride had been quiet except for the constant noise of the small craft.
The ride out to the Thorn station wasn’t nearly as long as the flight, but she couldn’t say it was any less bumpy. Obviously, no one got around in the outback without a four-wheel drive. Though she’d researched the outback after meeting Cohen, she’d never been able to picture the roughness.
They all piled out of the truck. Timeless beauty greeted them. The sense of space intoxicated her. The surrounding silence would be companionable instead of frightening, as she’d thought it would be.
In that moment, she fell in love with the country. Cohen took her hand in his as their gazes met. Her heart caught. Far more than land kept her in rapt attention.
“Come on, luv. Mum’s inside.”
There could be no more pretending. She’d fallen head-over-heels in love with Cohen. And had loved him from the moment he’d introduced himself to her all those months ago.
She tightened her grip on his hand. Nerves rattled her. Could he suspect her feelings for him? Did she dare tell him? One moment she ached to share her heart with him, the next she feared the rejection.
His blond hair fell over his forehead as he turned her way. “You all right?”
“Yes.” She sighed.
When they neared the home, two dogs raced up to the men. “G’day, Dasher.” Ethan took a moment to greet them. “G’day, Spooky. How are two of my favorite sheilas?”
Miller walked on past. “Useless buggers.”
“Two of our cattle dogs.” Cohen tugged her along while the canines sniffed around her. “They’re more dingo than anything.” The black-and-white dogs remained quiet as they tromped up the porch steps.
Inside, Cohen released her hand.
At their entrance, a smiling brunette laid down a magazine. “All my boys home at once. Will miracles never cease?” First one, then the other Thorn brother received an embrace. “I couldn’t believe it when Ethan called and said you were getting into a plane.” The woman patted Cohen’s back affectionately.
“Ah, Mum… I’ve flown before.” Cohen squeezed his mom before straightening up.
The fact Cohen didn’t fly had surprised Hayleigh. At the airport his brothers had given him grief, but Cohen had blown off their ribbing and climbed aboard anyway.
For her. He’d flown for her. Pleasure curled her toes at the sacrifice he’d made to accompany her to his home.
“Once.” The woman laughed. “And you swore you’d never do so again.” The older woman focused her attention on Hayleigh.
Hayleigh smiled. Cohen and his brothers had their mother’s eyes.
“Mum, this is Hayleigh Davenport.”
“Do we have another batch of visitors to the station I didn’t know about?” The woman’s mouth twitched as if she fought the urge to smile.
Hayleigh glanced Cohen’s way. She’d swear a flush covered his throat and cheeks, but she couldn’t be sure. The man already had a five-o’clock shadow.
“Eh, Mum. I brought her out here… To see the station.”
“You?” The woman gaped. “My boy got into a plane for a woman?”
“Mum…”
She turned accusing eyes on Miller. “And you didn’t even tell me.”
“Surprise.” Miller shrugged before leaving the room.
Cohen’s mom tsked and moved to Hayleigh’s side. “Call me Maree.” Hayleigh was engulfed in a hug. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too, Maree.” She was warmed by the other woman’s greeting. She’d been concerned, since there was no hope for her and Cohen, that the other woman wouldn’t respond nicely to her visit.
“Let’s get in the kitchen before Miller eats all the cake.” Maree led the way into a large kitchen with a worn table.
Hayleigh sat down beside Cohen. Ethan joined them as Maree served them all. Miller claimed seconds of cake and coffee.
Maree cleaned a counter top. “So tell me, you’re the young woman my boy met last summer?” She shook her head. “He was so tied up in knots after that weekend in Sydney.”
Cohen coughed and looked at his brothers.
Butterflies burst to life in her belly, knowing Cohen had been as affected over their meeting as she’d been. He’d gone as far as to tell someone about her. She’d talked of Cohen to anyone who’d listen to her praise, carrying on about him and his good looks.
“None of that, my boy. Wasn’t them that spilled the beans.” Maree smiled. “Your father told me one night he was…well, let’s just say he was concerned.” Maree sat down at the table on the other side of Hayleigh. “So tell me. I want to hear all about America, and I want to know what you think of our outback.”
Over an hour passed while Hayleigh spoke of her life and her adventures in Australia. They decided on steaks for dinner, and Miller headed outside to fire up a grill. She excused herself, only to have Cohen follow her into the bathroom.
His hungry mouth engulfed hers before she could get the door properly closed. His lips greedily toyed with hers. His rough tongue sought entrance, which she eagerly gave. Wild sensations built low in her belly, until wicked arousal burst in her clit.
She gasped as he engaged the lock. Her hands clung to his broad shoulders as her butt bumped the sink.
“Christ, luv,” he murmured between laps of his teasing tongue. “I want you.”
“Your mom…”
“Won’t say anything.” His tongue teased her until she didn’t care.
“You sure?” She moaned as he cupped a breast and squeezed.
“Eh.” A rough tongue lapped at her lips, until she opened for him once more. “We’re not kids.”
Very true. Besides, a quickie would hurt no one. She shivered. They had so little time left. Tomorrow, she’d have to return to Sydney, and then it’d be on to home. “Yes.” She kissed him. “Hurry.” She didn’t care about anyone’s opinion of her but Cohen’s.
Oh, how she wanted him, too.
Their mouths locked in a kiss, he reached down and unsnapped her jeans, then lowered the zipper. He shoved her pants down below her hips. “Turn around, luv.”
“Oh, wait.” She clutched at him, realizing his intent.
His chest heaved as he gazed down at her through lowered lids.
“You’re so noisy, they’ll all know what we’re doing.” If they kept it down, maybe they could pretend nothing happened. Still nervous over being caught, she worked her boots off, along with her jeans. Next, she propped her foot on the side of the tub. “Now you can kiss me while we make love.”
“I’m noisy?” A slow smile spread across his sexy mouth.
“Yes,” she whispered. A mad pulse grew in her clit as she watched him release his hard cock. “You always grunt and groan, making me hotter with each thrust.”
“Just don’t scream this time.” He groaned and placed his mouth over hers. His finger dipped inside her opening. He flicked her clit while maneuvering into position. On a grunt, he shoved his big cock in deep.
Fast and hard, he pumped himself deep until sweat rolled down between her breasts. Deep sensations burst to life. Her hands clutched him close. He picked up her other leg to support her. Her butt sat on the edge of the sink. His rigid cock thrust in and out as his tongue continued its assault on her senses.
Inner muscles clenched in warning only moments before her body tensed. A melting climax hit her as his body jerked in release. Their cries filled one another’s mouths.
Panting, she rested her head on his shoulder. Her sex muscles continued to spasm around his semi-erect cock.
“Luv…” He nuzzled her temple. “I am bloody noisy.”
She giggled.
Slowly, he withdrew and helped her get to
her feet. Quickly, he washed his cock off.
“Maybe your mom and Ethan went outside to help Miller get the grill going?”
“Not bloody likely.” His took hold of her hips with rough hands.
The goodbye kiss they shared curled her toes. She was left alone to clean up.
* * *
After dinner, Cohen stood near his mum where he dried dishes. Hayleigh had gone to bathe.“My Co has it bad, then?” Mum passed him a plate.
Ah, Christ. This…Hayleigh wasn’t something he wanted to discuss with his mum. Hell, he hadn’t even mentioned her to his dad. Ethan must have. The bloke had always had a big mouth. What he shared with Hayleigh was theirs alone. While he’d told his brothers he’d met a woman, that’d been as far as the conversation had gone. Them knowing he’d missed her had been enough. This time would be different only because they’d spent time with her.
“What Denae did to Miller…I don’t want to see another one of my boys ever hurt like that again.” She took the towel and dried her hands. “The way you moped around after Hayleigh left last time…I don’t want to see that, either.” She rested a hip against the counter. “Maybe bringing her out here was a mistake.”
“Don’t worry, Mum.” He clasped her shoulder. “We’re just having a good time. She’ll be gone day after tomorrow, and everything will go on as before.”
Not believing his own words, he let her go. Crossing his arms, he leaned back. Bloody hell. This time would be far worse forgetting about Hayleigh. Far bloody worse.
The American had gotten under his skin. She’d gone in so deep, he didn’t think forgetting her would be easy. Or that he wanted to forget what they shared.
“Well, I know one thing.”
He glanced over.
“If that girl was from these parts, she’d not be staying in your room.”
He bit back a grin at his mum’s rant. Nope. He’d never have dared bring a woman to stay if she’d been a born-and-bred Aussie. His mum had rules on how to treat a woman. He’d figured she’d be lenient with Hayleigh, considering their short time together.
Boomerang Love Page 4
