He turned, and his welcoming grin pushed her pulse rate up a gear. “I missed you.” With two giant steps, he reached her and hauled her into his arms. She clung, glorying in the instant lust, the urgency in his kiss. Passion rolled over her like a wave, dragging her under until every thought, every concern melted away. When Tyler lifted his head, they were both breathing hard. “You’re later than usual.”
“Your mother decided to visit today. I had to hide behind a bush.” She offered her hand palm up. “It bit me with its prickles.”
“What bush? There aren’t any trees on the road…” He trailed off with a blinding grin. “Did this bush have yellow flowers?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a gorse bush. The earlier settlers introduced the plants and used them as fencing. Dad likes to keep the old fence, but in most places they’re a noxious weed.” He examined her hand, grinned again and brushed his lips on the delicate skin of her wrist.
A shiver blasted through her at the touch of his lips, the sensation cavorting at lots of hot spots on the way. “I need to get a sexy outfit that comes with gloves.” Who knew hands were erogenous zones?
“Liked that, did you?”
“I like everything you do to me.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Tyler swung her off the ground. “Like the gumboots.”
“Cool, huh? I’ve no idea what I’ll do with them when I go back to Auckland.”
“Shush, too much talking.” He settled her on her feet next to a blanket. The spot he’d chosen was in the sun, yet protected by trees on three sides. They’d have plenty of warning if someone decided to interrupt their tryst. “Let me see those pretty breasts of yours. I want to watch your nipples pull tight when the winter air hits them.”
“Perv.”
“When it comes to you—guilty.”
Susan kicked off her boots and wriggled out of her clothes. The minute she saw him, her doubts, her insecurities, her guilt sped away on angel’s wings. Her blood thickened and pulsed through her veins while his kisses were plain intoxicating. She didn’t think when she spent time with Tyler. She just felt.
His cool hands cupped her breasts, his callused fingers following the curve of her bra cup.
“Your hands are cold.”
“When I get my mouth on you, you won’t feel a thing.”
“Promises, promises.” Heady desire surged through her, prompting the siren out to play.
“I wish I had time to draw you like this.” His gaze lingered on her limbs, the curve of her hips, her breasts. “I’ll give it a go from memory.”
“I hope no one sees these drawings of yours.”
“My eyes only.”
Susan dropped onto the blanket, the waterproof undercoating crinkling as she settled her weight. “Undress slow. Do a strip for me.” She started humming appropriate strip music.
Tyler’s wide grin did things to her insides, heated her sex with a sensual ache. Tiny lines fanned the outer edges of his eyes as his hands worked the buttons on his heavy denim shirt. Slowly, he removed the garment and swiveled his hips in a slow circle.
“Nice.”
His shirt landed beside her, and his fingers went to his belt buckle.
She paused her humming. “Unless you’re wearing special jeans, you’re gonna want to remove your boots first.”
“Did I mention we’re running against the clock here?”
“No.” Disappointment stripped away her smile and brought a halt to her playful hum.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s not your fault.”
