‘I wouldn’t go that far,’ he responded dryly. ‘But she’s looking better. Her eyes are bright and she seems to be compensating physically with regard to the injury. She’s eaten as well,’ he added, pleased the dish of green shoots and grains he’d left were almost gone.

  ‘That’s a really good sign, isn’t it, Callum?’

  ‘Yes.’ He sent her a tender look and after several more minutes asked, ‘Seen enough?’

  Fiss made a moue of regret. ‘I could watch her all day and never get tired of it. Are we going to name her?’

  Callum gave a strangled laugh and helped her down from the log. ‘If we must. What did you have in mind?’

  She smiled. ‘I’m thinking.’

  It seemed entirely natural to link hands as they strolled back towards the house, their footsteps taking them under the fringe of a lacy pepperina tree and for a moment they stood and watched a bee buzzing in and out of honeysuckle climbing rampantly over the back fence.

  ‘I know!’ Fliss broke the quiet of the moment with a little gasp of delight and turned to him. ‘We’ll name her Nutmeg.’

  ‘Nutmeg?’ Callum’s eyebrows soared. And then he laughed and hugged her. ‘Translate.’

  ‘Well, she’s brown,’ Fliss justified, her hands on his forearms as she looked up at him. ‘And sweet. And we could call her Meggie for short.’

  ‘Or Nutty—which I have to be, going along with this. She’ll be released back to the wild soon, Flissy. It’s not like she’s going to become a pet about the place.’

  ‘I know.’ She tilted her head, regarding him serenely. ‘But that’s no reason not to give her a name, is it?’

  ‘I guess not.’ His mouth twisted. ‘And it’s kind of what I expected when I asked if you’d like to see her,’ he added teasingly.

  ‘You’re getting to know me too well…’ In a burst of emotion Fliss raised her arms, her fingers curling into the strong silk of his hair as she snuggled closer, loving the feeling of being close to him after what seemed like weeks of him holding her away. ‘Why have you been avoiding me?’

  ‘I’ve been around…’ His mouth was so dry he could hardly speak.

  ‘But not properly.’

  ‘As properly as I dared be…’ His mouth lowered to her throat to kiss the pulse that beat frantically beneath her skin.

  She titlted her head back, her mouth opening with delight at his touch. And when his hand slid to cup her breast, a scattering of pinpricks showered over her skin. ‘Callum…’

  ‘Oh, sweet…’ he said softly, and then his lips found hers.

  Fliss’s response was electric, desire sharp and shocking rocketing through her. She was powerless to end it, to pull away, making a little sound in her throat when his hands shifted and curled around her backside to urge her closer to him.

  ‘Ah, Flissy.’ Callum broke the kiss, burying his face in her throat again, his hands sliding beneath her top to roam restlessly across her back. ‘You tempt me to distraction.’

  ‘Mmm…I think I want to.’ She drew his face back to hers, kissing him, opening her mouth on his, tasting him. ‘Shall we go to bed?’

  Callum stilled and then a low rumble erupted from his throat. ‘I should have known you’d be the one to spell it out.’

  She blinked uncertainly. ‘It’s what you want too, isn’t it?’

  ‘Are you crazy?’

  ‘That’s a yes, then?’

  He hugged her hard so there could be no doubt about his answer. Then, pressing her closely to his side, he hurried her through the back gate and up the verandah steps and along the hall to his bedroom. He closed the door softly and for a long moment they looked at each other. Callum put his hands on her hips, his chest lifting in a deep breath. ‘I…guess this is where it all begins for us, Flissy.’

  And ends? But, no, she wouldn’t let it end. Suddenly she felt filled with a life-giving force, wanting him more than she’d ever wanted anything in her life. ‘Undress me,’ she breathed, hearing her own heartbeat, already feeling the imprint of him on her body.

  When it came to the undressing part, they helped each other, laughing like children as they threw their clothes to the four winds. ‘All done.’ Fliss couldn’t wait a moment longer to burrow in against him. To hold him and be held in return.

  ‘I was never quite sure we were going to get here.’ After the longest time Callum stepped back and looked at her. ‘You’re quite beautiful,’ he said, his voice rough-edged and husky.

  ‘And your timing’s exquisite.’ The softest smile edged her mouth and she reached out to carry his hand to her breast, standing full and proud as she straightened back. ‘See? My heart’s going wild.’

  ‘Do you think it’s been easy for me?’ His hand curved over the swell of her breast and tightened. ‘I close my eyes and you’re there and I want you. I can barely think straight.’

  ‘Can’t you? Really?’ Fliss had never been so aware of her own sensuality. She gave a husky, feminine laugh that made his body clench.

  They paused just long enough for him to protect her.

  Then there were no more words, no need for words. Callum reached for her, rolling her with him on to the bed, his body hard and warm against hers. It was as though they crossed into another world, Fliss thought, trembling as his hands, gentle yet knowing, sought responses from her, touching her deepest senses, sculpting her body from head to toe.

  ‘Let me now,’ she whispered, dazed with emotion, aching to discover him. She heard his groan of pleasure and in seconds they were lost in the taste and texture of one another, moving in perfect rhythm, climbing ever higher to the place where they met in a wild storm of their shared release, drenched in a million stars.

  As her breathing steadied, she found Callum leaning over her, his hand protectively over her quivering ribcage, raw emotion carved into his features. ‘Do you feel anything like I feel?’ he murmured huskily.

  ‘Shattered?’ Her face crumpled. ‘Oh, Callum…’ Overcome, she turned her face into his shoulder. How had Kirsty ever let him go?

  ‘Oh, Flissy. Sweetheart…’ He rocked her gently and kissed her hair, before spreading it like a dark river of silk across the pillow.

  * * *

  Later, as they lay drowsily replete, Callum turned on his side so they were facing each other. Lifting a lazy hand, he combed his fingers back through her hair. ‘It’ll be dark soon.’

  ‘Mmm.’

  ‘Shower and an early dinner, then?’

  ‘Lovely.’

  He sent her a look from under half-closed lids. ‘By coincidence I put some champagne in the fridge this morning.’

  She gave a slight shaky laugh. ‘Decided today was the day, did you?’

  ‘No. But I thought I may as well start living in hope.’

  Freeing a hand, Fliss ran a finger along his jaw and across his bottom lip. ‘Hopes fulfilled, then.’

  He bent, brushing her lips once and again. ‘You’ve turned me inside out, Flissy…You’re incredible.’ His voice held the slightest wonder. ‘In every way.’

  Fliss blinked rapidly, feeling tears of reaction spring into her eyes. Was this Callum’s way of telling her he loved her? Filled with the joy at the discovery, yet terribly uncertain, she responded throatily. ‘That makes two of us, then.’

  CHAPTER TEN

  ‘I’D FORGOTTEN life could be so good,’ Callum declared, as they showered together.

  ‘My hair’s all wet,’ Fliss complained, pouting at him.

  ‘Sorry.’ He ran a trickle of shower gel down her between her breasts and smoothed it over her skin. ‘This establishment doesn’t run to ladies’ shower caps.’

  ‘Hairdryers?’

  ‘Nope.’

  You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?’ she said, her look somewhat indulgent and half-amused.

  ‘Aren’t you?’

  Of course she was.

  A few minutes later, he closed off the taps and insisted on towelling her dry. ‘There you are, all pretty and pink.’ He looped the towel around her and drew her close. Suddenly he looked uncertain. ‘Tell me I’m not dreaming, Fliss.’

  ‘You’re not dreaming, Callum.’ She reached up to bracket his face, her heart in her gaze. ‘And I have a feeling all this was meant to happen.’

  ‘We’re lovers now, aren’t we?’ he said, almost reverently, his arms making two nurturing bands of warmth across her back. And then they kissed, sweetly and completely.

  * * *

  What a perfect, perfect end to the day, Fliss decided a bit later as she stood at the verandah railings and looked out at the gathering dusk. Lifting her glass, she took another mouthful of ice-cold champagne and smiled softly. No one had ever told her it could be like this. But now she knew for herself. She was truly, deeply in love for the first time in her life.

  ‘Hey, what happened to a fair division of labour, Felicity?’ Callum’s exaggerately long-suffering tone came from the kitchen.

  Fliss made a face at the back fence. ‘Just coming…’ And then she called shrilly, ‘Callum! Here! Quickly!’

  ‘What is it?’ He bounded from the kitchen and crossed to the railings to stand beside her.

  ‘I saw something move—over there, near the shed. See?’

  Callum screwed up his eyes, adjusting to the semi-darkness. ‘I don’t see—’

  ‘Yes—over there,’ she said again, tugging at his sleeve. ‘Oh, my God, Callum…’ Her voice froze and then trembled. ‘It might be the bow man.’ Her eyes flew wide. ‘What if he’s come back to finish off Meggie?’

  Callum frowned. He couldn’t see anything. But on the other hand… ‘Get inside, Flissy,’ he rapped. ‘I’ll go out and check.’

  ‘Be careful.’ Fliss’s heart began beating like a small fist inside her chest. But despite Callum’s warning, she wasn’t going anywhere. Watching his dark shape slip quietly along the fenceline, she felt the nerves of her stomach gather and clench. What if it was the bow man? Callum had no weapon to defend himself. Oh, lord…

  Her throat closed in panic as a muffled kind of shout came from the direction of Meggie’s enclosure. Should she call the police? Clamping her teeth on her bottom lip, she stood frozen, head tilted, listening. And then it came. Callum’s voice, his message clear and actually containing a thread of laughter.

  ‘It’s OK. Don’t panic. I’m coming back.’

  In a few seconds Fliss saw him jogging across the yard towards her. ‘Well?’ she demanded, before he was even halfway up the steps.

  ‘It was another wallaby.’ He grinned. ‘Probably Meggie’s mate.’

  ‘Really?’ Fliss’s shoulder slumped in relief. ‘But isn’t that sweet, Callum? He’s come looking for her. Oh.’ She sent him a look of dismay. ‘What if Meggie gets upset, though? She could try to break out.’

  ‘Stop fretting.’ Soft humour glinted in his eyes. ‘She can’t get out. They’ll just have to wait a bit longer to be reunited, that’s all. And judging by her progress, it might be as soon as a couple of days.’

  ‘Oh…right.’ She gave a shaky laugh. ‘Being a wildlife carer is a terrible responsibility, isn’t it?’

  Callum rolled his eyes.

  ‘Well, it is,’ she defended. ‘It might be all right for you, you’re used to it. But my tummy feels like I’ve just got off a roller-coaster.’

  ‘Need a hug, then?’ he asked softly, drawing her to him. Sweet heaven, it felt so good to have her in his life like this, he marvelled. So damn wonderful. He pulled in a shaken breath, still almost poleaxed with the newness of it. ‘OK now?’ he asked after a bit, leaning back to look at her.

  ‘Just about.’ A tiny frown marked her forehead. ‘What if it had been the bow man, Callum? What would you have done?’

  His mouth pulled down comically. ‘Brought him down with a rugby tackle?’

  ‘But what if he was bigger than you?’

  He gave a mocking lift to his eyebrows. ‘I’d have still tackled him.’

  ‘Oh…’ She pouted. Then, turning her face up to his, she placed the sweetest kiss on his mouth. ‘My hero.’

  * * *

  ‘I’d ask you to stay but I’ve to be at the hospital very early in the morning,’ Callum said, as they sat over a second cup of coffee.

  ‘Big op?’ Fliss asked, helping herself to another chocolate-coated digestive biscuit.

  ‘Pretty big but hopefully straightforward. I’m assisting Max with an elective Caesar. The mum’s delivering twins.’

  Fliss looked thoughtful. ‘You get a real variety of medicine here, don’t you?’

  ‘Mmm. That’s what I like about it. No chance of getting into a comfortable rut.’

  She flashed him her brightest smile. ‘Challenges every day. I’m beginning to like that, too.’

  Callum felt his hopes soar. But he wouldn’t take anything for granted. What they’d found together was perfect. Enough to be going on with. When they’d finished their coffee, he drove her back to town.

  ‘Don’t come up,’ she said softly, as he released the locks on the car. A teasing smile played around her lips. ‘I know how you feel about hospital gossip.’

  Nevertheless, they managed one fierce kiss before she slipped out of the car and ran lightly up the stairs to her room.

  * * *

  It was almost noon the next day when Fliss walked into A and E for her shift. She’d arrived early hoping to have a private word with Callum before she went on duty. She hoped with everything in her he wasn’t having doubts about what they’d done. The morning after was tailor-made for regrets. Was he even now agonising that they’d travelled a bridge too far? But she trusted him and that was the whole reason she’d handed her heart to him on a platter, believing he would keep it safe. For ever. But had she been a fool again? Too trusting? But it wasn’t as though he’d held back. A tiny smile nipped her mouth. Quite the contrary.

  Her heart revved and she looked up and down the department, wondering if he’d be in his office, but then she heard his voice and her heart fluttered. She hurried to find him.

  Callum couldn’t believe how energised he felt. And he couldn’t stop smiling. Hell, he felt like an adolescent in love. That thought brought him up short, all but brought him out in a cold sweat. Suddenly the weight of what he and Fliss had done tumbled down on him. Had he done the wise thing in letting her get so close? But what they’d had had been entirely special. Mind-blowingly so. But now perhaps he should be practising caution, take nothing for granted. Taking a step back was probably a good option—

  ‘Callum!’

  He swung round and saw her coming towards him, her beam of expectancy sending his feelings of uncertainty into orbit. He pulled air into his lungs and let it go. ‘Morning.’ He sent her a contained little smile. ‘Or is it afternoon?’

  ‘Just, I think. How are you?’ she tacked on very softly.

  ‘Fine,’ he responded, a little too heartily. ‘My office for a minute?’ He led the way.

  Closing the door quietly, he turned to her and Fliss would have gone straight into his arms but something in his face held her immobile.

  Her confidence dropped to the floor. ‘What’s the matter, Callum?’

  ‘Nothing.’

  ‘Don’t treat me like me like I’m less than bright.’ She brought her gaze up sharply. ‘You’re acting as though we’ve just met.’

  Callum felt his throat thicken. And standing so close to her wasn’t helping. The faint drift of her distinctive floral shampoo was already escalating into the reality of her head on the pillow beside him. And the completeness of their loving. With great effort he forced himself to ignore the searing ache of want that enveloped him. ‘Flissy—’

  ‘Don’t shut me out, Callum.’

  Her earnest little plea shattered his reserve. ‘I’m not—I don’t want to.’ His jaw tightened. ‘I…just think we should take stock.’

  ‘Of what?’ Fliss felt a hard core of disbelief in her chest. ‘Didn’t you mean the things you said to me last night when we made love?’

  ‘Of course I did!’ His reply was harshly muted.

  ‘Then what’s changed this morning?

  He expelled a rough sigh. Nothing. Everything. I think I’m in love with you. And that makes me terrified for you. He couldn’t voice any of them.

  When he didn’t respond, Fliss spread her hands entreatingly. ‘Look, this has kind of crept up on us. We’re both feeling vulnerable. It’s understandable. Both of us have been hurt by other partners.’

  ‘Fliss, I was married. It’s hardly the same thing as—’

  ‘My hole-in-the-corner affair?’ She gave a bitter laugh.

  ‘That’s not what I meant.’ He twisted on his heel, took several swift steps to the window and looked out. Finally he turned back, shaking his head as though trying to rid himself of some unwanted burden. ‘It’s taken me a long time to get my life back together after watching my marriage go down the chute.’

  ‘Don’t you think I know all that, Callum? But I also recall you said it would be awful not to try again. And I’m not talking about marriage, for goodness’ sake! I’m talking about turning your back on a relationship between us—one that’s good and true.’

  His throat moved convulsively as he swallowed. ‘We don’t know that for sure, though, do we, Flissy?’

  ‘Can’t we spare the time to find out?’ she countered, spreading her hands in appeal. And wondered why she was fighting so hard to keep this man when he was riddled with enough doubts to topple an elephant. Because she loved him and because, although he probably didn’t realise it yet, he loved her. She had to believe that. She just had to. Otherwise what had last night been about?

  Her words went straight to Callum’s heart, but before he could frame an answer two things happened simultaneously. The phone on his desk rang and Anita knocked and popped her head in. Callum waved the charge in and snatched up his phone. ‘OK, thanks,’ he said, replacing the receiver with a snap a minute later. ‘That was Maddie, reminding me I have a lunch meeting with the Rotary club,’ he informed the two women tersely. His eyes went to Fliss. ‘We might have some joy about that project for the Trail Farm lads.’

  Fliss held his gaze—just. ‘Crossed fingers, then.’

 

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