Fly with Me Page 20

  Simon gave the bowl a little shake.

  Arthur didn’t move an inch, but his upper lip lifted a little. Not happy.

  “Cranky old bastard,” Ryder observed.

  “You’d be cranky, too, if you were suddenly alone in the world.”

  “He’s not alone. He has you kowtowing to him.”

  “Oh, like you don’t kowtow to Jezebel and her kittens.”

  “I’m not talking about me.”

  With a sigh, Simon set the bowl of ‘roo beside the bowl he’d already filled with fresh water. “Poor old bugger.”

  “Maybe you should just trap him.”

  “I’m trying to win his trust. I don’t want him seeing me as the enemy.”

  Ryder cast him an incredulous look. “You think he regards you as a friend?”

  Hands in his pockets, Simon watched Arthur do his statue impersonation on the dew-dampened lawn. “I want him to come to me of his own free will.”

  “Sure, but as long as he’s sitting here at his old home with you feeding him twice a day, he has no need to get close to you, does he?”

  “I guess not.”

  After several seconds of silence, Ryder laid a hand on his shoulder. “Want me to trap him and take him to your house?”

  “I don’t know…”

  “Mate.” There was definitely sympathy in his normally incorrigible friend’s tone. “I swear to God, I won’t hurt him.”

  “I know you won’t. I just…it seems like forcing him.”

  Ryder and Simon watched Arthur, who kept his one-eyed gaze on them in turn.

  “You’re going to have to do something,” Ryder said finally. “The nights are getting colder.”

  “Yeah. Yeah, I know.” Simon sighed. “I will.”

  “But not tonight?”

  “Not tonight.” Simon was still hoping that Arthur would come to him in the next few days, though going by the way that one remaining eye was viewing him warily, he didn’t hold out much hope.

  Ryder patted Simon’s shoulder. “Come on, mate. Let’s go.”

  Reluctantly, but knowing that unless he was prepared to force the issue there was no other choice, Simon followed his friend around to the front of the house where the motorbikes were parked.

  “I’ll see you later at Scott’s.” Ryder fastened the strap on his helmet. “Dee and I’ll bring tea. You okay to pick up Del?”

  “No worries.”

  Minutes later, Simon turned off the heavy motorbike, listening to the powerful engine throb down into silence. An owl hooted nearby, the breeze held a touch of chill, and the peace of the countryside filled him.

  Swinging off the bike, he left the slightly sagging garage to cross to the veranda, walking up the steps to unlock the security screen and wooden door, opening them to enter the hallway.

  The house was old but more well-kept than the garage. He liked old houses which was why he’d bought this place. Full of character with features modern houses didn’t have, not to mention the feel of generations of families living there over the years, laughing, crying, sharing good times and bad. Now he could add his own time and feel to it.

  A glance at his watch showed that he didn’t have a whole lot of time before he had to pick up Del and head for Scott’s house, so he had a quick shower and shave before donning jeans and a t-shirt, throwing a flannel shirt over top. Leaving it hanging open, he rolled the sleeves halfway up his forearms, slid his sneakers on and grabbed his wallet, car keys and a Vegemite sandwich. Munching on the sandwich, he locked the door, going into the garage to start the panel van.

  He had to admit that the thought of seeing Elissa held more appeal even than seeing his friends. Sure, he liked his friends, liked spending time with them all, but Lis…well, Lis was different.

  Cool, hot, uncertain, stubborn, she was a mixture of so many things and he wanted to explore them all, explore everything about her. Make her laugh, see the sparkle in her eyes, watched those lush lips curve into a smile.

  Hell, he wanted to feel that soft body against his, and not just against his back. Christ, that had been almost torture on its own, a sweet, sweet torture. Now he wanted that soft body pressed right along his front, those bountiful breasts hard against him. Wanted those generous hips to cradle his harder ones, her heat to surround him as he moved so deep inside her -

  Jesus, if he didn’t get a grip he’d rock up at Del’s place with a boner. She’d never let him live that down. Not to mention what Elissa would think if he came mincing up the veranda with one hand trying to hide the boner. Ryder would never let him live that down. Hell, none of his friends would, apart from Ash and Molly because those two were about the sweetest of them all. Well, Ash, anyway, but Molly wouldn’t be crass enough to call him on a boner. The others? They wouldn’t hesitate.

  Bastards.

  Grinning, he pulled up in front of Del’s house. Before he could do more than open his door, she was out and locking the house. He did manage to have her car door open so she could slip inside.

  Hmmm. He glanced sideways at her as she buckled her seat belt. That reminded him.

  “What?” She looked at him.

  He put the van in gear. “You went up on the roof.”

  “Oh. Yeah.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?”

  “You were at work.”

  “After work.”

  “It was raining then. Cripes, Simon, I was only putting silicone on the hole.”

  “Don’t do it again.”

  “Here we go.” She heaved a sigh. “My house, my roof. My hole. My silicon.”

  “What if you’d fallen off?” He pulled out onto the road. “It’d be your broken leg or neck then.”

  “I didn’t. I’m careful.”

  He cut his gaze sideways at her. “What about Elissa?”

  “Man, she is one game sheila.” Del grinned. “Never been up a ladder in her life, can you believe it?”

  Yeah, somehow he could believe it. It gave him nightmares just thinking of her on the roof.

  “Got right up there with me and helped.”

  “You took her up there when she’d never climbed a ladder in her life?”

  “Girl power, Simon. Ever hear of it?”

  “Even more reason to wait for me.”

  “You like girl power?”

  “Don’t even try to attempt to bamboozle me with your bullshit,” he replied pleasantly.

  “Oh boy.”

  He cut her another glance.

  Del grinned.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Don’t do it again, you understand me?”

  “The girl power stuff?”

  He tamped down his amusement. “You can do whatever girl power stuff you like, but that rules out doing dangerous things. If I hear you’ve been up that ladder again without one of us blokes around to help, you might find sitting hard.”

  “Oohh, Simon, you scare me.” She gave a fake shudder, spoiling it with a shrug. “Whatever.”

  “You know, one day you’ll push the wrong man too far.” He paused. “Or the right man.”

  “As if.”

  “I’m going to make sure I’m around to see it.” Hell yeah. Seeing Del take on a man who wouldn’t take her shit would be entertaining.

  “Big whoo.” She shifted in the seat. ‘So, what movie did Molly and Kirk choose?”

  “No idea.”

  “Something scary, I hope. Last time there was that lame-arsed comedy.”

  “It was a hoot. You just don’t appreciate a good laugh.”

  “You’re sad, Simon. Very sad.”

  Grinning, he drove the rest of the short distance to Scott’s house in silence, Del humming happily along to the CD that was playing quietly.

  That reminded him of Elissa singing quietly in his car, his desire to see her strengthening.

  Scott opened the door of his home, took one look Del kicking off her sneakers before entering the house and scowled. “I want to talk to you.” />
  “You don’t say.” Del pushed past him into the house.

  Knowing exactly what Scott was going to say, Simon toed off his sneakers and followed them into the house, the door clicking shut behind him. As much as he wanted to be entertained by Scott attempting to tell Del off for the exact same thing he’d taken her to task for, he was more intent on searching out Elissa.

  She was standing in the kitchen with Molly and Ash, watching Kirk and Scott both having a stern talk to Del, who punctuated the air in return with suggestions of what they could both do. Some of it was anatomically impossible.

  “Gotta love family time,” Molly said cheerfully as he entered. “All the love. I feel the love. Don’t you feel the love, Ash?”

  Ash just rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t you feel the love, Elissa?” Molly persisted.

  Elissa looked like she didn’t know whether to go to Del’s rescue or sink into the background.

  Moving up behind her, Simon breathed in the scent of her shampoo as he bent down to murmur into her ear, “Don’t let them embarrass you. This is normal.”

  The fact that she jumped a little was testament to the fact that she hadn’t noticed his entrance. It also meant he had the excuse of placing his hand on her upper arm in reassurance. That meant he could hold her in place right before him.

  “It is?” She looked up at him over her shoulder.

  Since he was bent down with his mouth at her ear, that placed her face very close to his. Her mouth was mere inches away. Hell yeah. He could feel the tingle of heat at the base of his spine as her breath feathered across his lips.

  Jesus, he wanted her. It hit him hard, low and sudden, slamming into him with decadence, immediately followed by a hard spurt of dominance when her eyes widened in alarm and she made to move forward away from him.

  He didn’t let her go, his hold tightening carefully but firmly, holding her in place as he looked directly into her eyes.

  Alarm tripped through the light brown depths of those big eyes, but there was no denying the flash of answering heat. Nor, unfortunately, was there any denying the sudden defiant tilt of her chin as she slammed down shutters over that heat.

  Elissa tugged once more, and it was either let her go or force her to stay.

  That, also unfortunately, was not an option when he became suddenly aware of the silence in the kitchen. One glance up showed everyone watching them with varying degrees of astonishment - mostly from Molly and Ash, smirks from Del and Dee, an arched brow and wicked glint from Ryder, and knowing looks from Kirk and Scott.

  And anger from Elissa. He straightened. Oh yeah, he could feel anger. When she turned to face him, her expression was cool, controlled, a slight smile on her face that belied the storm gathering in her eyes.

  Okay, that was interesting. And hot. Jesus, he’d like to yank her into his arms right now and kiss her, see if he could get that storm to break, see if he could channel it into a whole other carnal storm.

  Hell yeah.

  “I’m glad it’s normal.” Elissa gestured to where Del, Kirk and Scott stood. “Otherwise I’d be worried.”

  Her words helped him gather his thoughts, the definite coolness of them making him study her anew. She was angry at him. Okay, what’d he do? Apart from eat her with his eyes, that was?

  It also made him aware once more of everyone watching them. Shit, he’d never acted like that before with any woman.

  That smile remained fixed on her face. Okay, he’d play along for now, but later… He smiled easily. “They can be entertaining to watch, though.”

  “No doubt.”

  Looking over her head, Simon narrowed his eyes slightly at Scott and Kirk. Immediately they turned and started berating Del. That cheeky chit looked like she was going to say something more, but Scott stuck his finger under her nose. That got her attention.

  Ash and Molly cast Elissa and Simon a look before gathering the paper plates and plastic cutlery, and starting for the doorway to the hall.

  Swiftly Elissa followed, picking up the bags of food that Ryder and Dee had placed on the table. She cast Simon one irritated glance before leaving the room.

  That deserved an explanation, because as far as he knew he’d done nothing to warrant it.

  Ryder looked at him, that damned glint still in his eyes, but Simon glared a warning at him. Far from deterring his friend, it brought out a huge, shit-eating grin. Bastard was really enjoying this and no way was he finished with Simon yet. Sooner or later he’d be up in his face demanding answers.

  Moving into the hallway, he met Elissa returning. She avoided his gaze but as they drew level, he stuck his arm out, barring her way.

  She looked up at him, her eyes narrowed slightly.

  “Later,” he promised her silkily, “you’re going to explain that look to me.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Oh yeah, sweetheart, that is dead right.” The sound of Del, Kirk and Scott approaching from the kitchen, still arguing loudly, made him drop his arm but not before he said with quiet force, “Later.”

  She looked him right in the eyes, then holy crap, she tossed her head and stalked right past him.

  He didn’t know whether to curse or laugh. Mostly he just wanted to drop everything and turn in pursuit. Damn, that haughty toss just did it for him. Really did it. Called to every primal instinct hidden inside him, pulling it forth to almost sweep over him.

  Damned if he didn’t have to push that primal instinct down, and not just because his friends were now in the hallway with Ryder telling him to move his arse, but because what he wanted to do to Elissa just wasn’t appropriate to be done in company.

  But there was always later.

  Smiling, laughing, joining in the light-hearted conversation, Simon helped put everything on the large coffee table. He knew every time Elissa entered the room, unable to help following her with his eyes, forcibly dragging his gaze away as soon as he became aware of what he was doing, but even then he knew where she was, could see her in his peripheral vision.

  Didn’t help that Ryder was smirking, whispering into Dee’s ear. Pair of loons were exchanging some kind of information.

  Jesus, was he that transparent? He really had to get control.

  Everyone sat, some on the L-shaped five seater sofa, some on the floor. Seeing as Del, Dee, Ash and Molly had the sofa, placed firmly there by the men, Simon was fully prepared to sit on the floor at Elissa’s feet. Not that there was room for him elsewhere anyway, not when Scott, Ryder and Kirk were already on the floor positioned in front of their wife and fiancées. That suited him just fine.

  Elissa obviously knew his thoughts because she took one look at him and dropped to the floor, announcing when Scott started to object, “I like sitting on the floor. I do it all the time at home.”

  Simon’s eyebrows rose in the air. Did she seriously think he was going to take the sofa and leave her on the floor? “Elissa-”

  “Don’t fret, there’s a spare armchair over there.” She nodded to the armchair in the corner of the room. “Just drag it forward.”

  That was a blatant challenge, he could see it in her smile and the warning glint in her eyes. She was so sure he would do it and not risk causing a scene.

  Everyone pretended to be talking, but Simon had no doubt they were all watching him covertly, wondering what he’d do.

  Okay, the polite thing to do would be to drag the bloody armchair forward and sit in it. No big deal. Except that her subtle challenge had his primal instincts come surging right back up. Not to mention the desire to deliciously dominate her in such a way that wouldn’t crush her spirit but would let her know that he had the upper hand, was in control. Was determined to be with her regardless of what she planned.

  Smiling just as easily, he said, “No worries, Lis, I can be just as comfortable right behind you.” With that, he swung one leg around behind her and dropped onto the sofa, making Ash bounce beside him.

  Oh yeah. This position was great. Now he was
sitting with his thighs parted, his legs each side of Elissa where she leaned back against the sofa. Her head was tipped back as she gawped at him leaning over her.

  With a laconic grin that in no way reached his eyes, he patted her head. “Now we’re all comfortable. Hand me my drink, would you?”

  Seeing as she was now trapped between the coffee table, her calves on the floor under the table and the sofa at her back, and he’d just made an announcement that everything was basically okay, he knew he had her trapped in another way.

  Elissa had two choices - make a scene and get up and move, or stay where she was and suck it up like a grown-up.

  She sucked it up like a grown-up. God, she made him proud. Also horny, but no one else needed to know that. She, however, would find out later.

  She leaned forward, snagged his tin of light beer, handed it to him without looking. “There you go.” Her tone said ‘take it and die’.

  He swallowed his laugh.

  “Let’s get stuck into the food,” Ryder announced. “I’m starving.”

  Simon was, too, but for the first time in his life it was for something else. Someone else. God, if they were alone he’d lay Elissa out on the floor and feast on her. Couldn’t do that now, so he’d just enjoy the view of her sitting between his legs.

  Hell yeah.

  Whoever was sitting on the floor filled the plates with whatever those sitting on the sofa wanted, to prevent anyone tripping over them in their quest of getting food. God, it just kept getting better and better.

  Leaning forward again, he inhaled deeply of the shampoo scent of the glossy hair below him and asked cheerfully, “Could you please get me a plate of food, Lis?”

  There was no doubting the stiffness of her shoulders. “Sure. What would you like?” Turning to look up at him, her face averted from the rest of the group, she whispered so only he could hear, “Poison?”

  Oh boy, she had no idea the opening she’d just given him. He took it without shame.

  Bending forward, he placed his face close to hers, his posture helpful, his intent anything but. “Pardon? Could you repeat that?”

  “I,” she said softly, “am going to kill you later.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, what we’re going to do later is so very far from that.”