"You can start by rubbing some sunscreen on my back. And let this be a lesson to you, Mr. Clark-I am not as timid as you may think I am."

"Oh, I know you are not timid, Hunny. You have proven that time and time again." I smirked triumphantly at him and rolled onto my stomach. He squeezed sunscreen onto my back and began to rub. His hands were gloriously strong and firm, and as he ma.s.saged the creamy protection into my skin, I fell into a deep indulgent trance. Mmmm, that feels so f.u.c.king nice.

I must've fallen asleep, because when I woke up, it was a couple of hours later. He had moved the patio sun umbrella over me so that I did not burn to a crisp. I lifted my head, and he was sitting next to me working on his iPad.

"h.e.l.lo, sleepyhead." He put the tablet down and sat on the edge of my lounge. "Exhausted are we?"

"Just a little, I have had a few busy and strenuous days recently. Plus, I watched the whole movie last night, you didn't."

"Touche, my love. What would you like for lunch?"

My stomach was rumbling. "What's the time?"

"Nearly 2:30 p. m."

"Oh, I did sleep for a while, didn't I? Have you eaten?"

"Yes, I just had a sandwich."

"Sounds good, I can make it. You go back to your iPad. Are you doing work?"

"Just a little, it's fine and can wait. I like making you things." He kissed my shoulder and then walked inside. I really had hit the jackpot, how the h.e.l.l had that happened?

CHAPTER NINE.

He was heart-stoppingly handsome and s.e.xy. He was sweet, romantic and smart. He could cook, play an instrument and was obscenely wealthy. The man was simply too good to be true. He returned momentarily with a heart shaped sandwich, which made me giggle.

"Are all my meals going to be heart shaped?"

"Most of them, yes." He sucked his finger and walked off. Jackpot all right! Alexis Summers, you have landed yourself the most incredible man alive. I bit into the sandwich and once again my tastebuds went into meltdown; turkey, cranberry sauce, camembert cheese, alfalfa sprouts and avocado on white bread.

"How did you get hold of all these ingredients? We are in the b.l.o.o.d.y outback for frig's sake." I called out, hoping he was in ear shot.

"It's what I..."

I cut him off. "Don't even bother."

His chuckle resonated from the kitchen. "Dinner is booked for 6 p.m., so we will head into Yulara about 4 p.m. Are you happy with that?"

"Sure, I need a shower first though." I finished my romantic aSanga' and got up. He had laid a black c.o.c.ktail dress on the bed for me. I liked it when he chose my clothing, it showed he cared. This dress, however, seemed a bit too formal for the outback, but knowing Bryce, he had something planned.

I didn't think I had many bad habits, then again, ask my family and they'll tell you otherwise. One that I knew of was singing in the shower, I did it subconsciously whether I meant it or not. It didn't bother me, of course, but Nate seemed to hate it, especially when he had one of his friends sleeping over. Obviously the acoustics in the bathroom were complimentary. However, I think the reason I do it is because I'm in a small s.p.a.ce by myself, with no interruptions and that's when the songs come into my head. I had been singing and humming away as I usually did, and was just about to turn the taps off when Bryce stopped me.

"Oh, for s.h.i.t's sake! You scared the c.r.a.p out of me."

"Where do you think you are going, Ms. Summers?" he asked, as he stepped further into the shower.

"To get dressed, Mr. Clark," I replied, but knowing that was now not the case, and taking a step backward.

"Not yet, you're not." He pressed himself against me, and I stumbled further back against the wall. His strong and protective arms wrapped around me, lifting me ever so slightly. Our mouths met and I threw my arms around his neck. Water cascaded down our faces as we stood there taking each other in orally. When we kissed it felt like the world stopped. He lifted me higher, indicating I should do what I always do; wrap my legs around his waist. I'm guessing he liked the feeling of my thighs vice-gripping his hips. I know I did.

"I could kiss you all day long," I said in between kisses.

"No, you couldn't." He mumbled, as he continued a.s.saulting my mouth.

"Why not?"

"Because you talk a lot." What? I do not. I grabbed his hair and yanked it hard pulling him away from my mouth. His eyes grew wide and he looked fiercely at me.

"Is that a problem, my talking?" I still had hold of his hair.

"No my love, but it is if you want to kiss all day." He growled and shook his head free of my grip then let go of one of my legs. It fell to the ground, opening me up so he could penetrate me with force. I gasped. f.u.c.k, I love his c.o.c.k. We seemed to mirror each other's actions when we made love; if he was rough, I'd be rough back; and if I was soft and slow he'd, reciprocate. We consumed each other in the shower. I didn't talk much, especially after his cheeky feedback, but it was still incredibly hot and sensual and although he had been a bit naughty, he was still oozing love for me through every pore on his body.

We got out and once again, I did my hair, finding the humidity and constant washing, was starting to turn my normally obedient locks into a crazy, rebellious s.h.a.g. I gave up trying to tame it and fixed it into a loose bun with some pins. I entered the bedroom and found that Bryce was already dressed. He still took my breath away, and without even realising it, my mouth fell open. He had on a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top two b.u.t.tons undone, grey suit pants and black shoes; he looked very handsome. Slowly, he walked over to me and lifted my jaw back up.

"Thank you," he said as he kissed me then walked into the bathroom.

I put on the Wayne Cooper Dress. It was black, tight, mid-length and it had one shoulder strap. Bryce had also left out a pair of champagne coloured Jimmy Choo strappy heels for me. I a.s.sessed myself in the mirror, and once again concluded that he really did have great taste. I have loved everything he has ever chosen for me; the man knows me better than I know myself at times.

I caught his reflection in the mirror. He was leaning on the doorway to the bathroom, and funnily enough, his mouth was agape, too. I slowly walked over to him and lifted his jaw up with my finger.

"Thank you." I said, and mimicking the kiss he had given me.

"No, thank you, Alexis. You have no idea how satisfying you actually are. From the moment you strolled through my Casino, you have captured and engulfed me entirely." He kissed me as I touched his face.

"Thank you for rescuing me, Mr. Clark, I really didn't know what love was until I met you." He placed his forehead against mine and closed his eyes as if he were in pain.

"Hunny, it's the other way around. You rescued me." He took my hands, kissed the tops of them and we left our room.

The helicopter flight was very quick, considering Yulara was only 5km from Outback Hideaway. He set the chopper down, and we walked just a small distance to the shopping centre. I felt very over dressed as we entered a souvenir shop, due to a few people looking us up and down. Bryce placed his hand on my hip and whispered into my ear. "I'll be back in a minute Hunny." Don't leave me here alone!

He hurried off. Maybe nature is calling? I strolled along the aisles, looking at the numerous stuffed kangaroos and spoons with pictures of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on them. I should get Tash a spoon! It was a private joke between us. I came across a spoon once that looked like a p.e.n.i.s, and she thought it was hilarious, so from then on, whenever I saw a strange looking piece of cutlery I got it for her. These spoons looked quite placid, except for one, where the Olgas resembled a pair of b.o.o.bs. I smiled and picked it up. I continued to browse and came across a gold miniature telescope on a stand. It was very cute and reminded me of Bryce. I couldn't leave it behind, so I hid it behind the stuffed dingo I'd found for Charli. I also chose her a necklace with an aboriginal painted pendant. Nate would no doubt have fun with a boomerang, and I couldn't possibly leave without a didgeridoo, so, with great difficulty, scooped up one of those as well. Mum had a fetish for tea towels-I swear she has a cupboard at home filled with the things- so I picked out a couple for her, then I took my haul to the counter to pay for it all. They had a bucket full of lovely bunched posies by the door. These are perfect as a athank you' to Dorothy. So, I grabbed one of those as well. The attendant placed all my items into a bag with the exception of the didgeridoo.

I walked out of the shop pleased with my shopping efforts when my phone rang. It was Rick. I froze. s.h.i.t, what should I do? Answer or decline? I didn't want to talk to him, but was I delaying the inevitable? I hit decline. Not tonight. If I speak to him now, my night will be ruined, I know it will. I quickly dialled Tash. I didn't want it to ring again. Maybe if he did call again, he would know I was already on the phone and would give up. Tash answered.

"Lexi, you were supposed to call me back yesterday. What's happening? I rang your home,and Rick said you were away."

"I am, Tash, I'm fine. Listen, Rick and I have separated." She gasped.

"You told him about your feelings for Bryce. Oh no."

"No, not really. I don't want to get into it with you over the phone, but Rick cheated on me a few years back, and he only just told me. So, I've left him and am currently in the Northern Territory with Bryce."

"f.u.c.k, Lexi. s.h.i.t!" She was silent. "I'm so sorry, I'm lost for words. He cheated on you, really? Oh G.o.d."

"Yes, so as you can imagine, I'm heartbroken and furious as h.e.l.l. I don't want to deal with him at the moment. I need time, which is why Bryce has flown us far away for a break. We will be back tomorrow, and I will face Rick when I'm ready."

"So what does that mean for you and Bryce? Have you...?"

"Tash, I love you, but it's none of your b.l.o.o.d.y business."

"Okay fair enough, Hun. You just take care, and I'll see you when you get back."

"Thanks, Tashy, bye." I hung up just as Bryce came up behind me and placed his hand on the small of my back.

"Someone has been shopping." I had a bag in my hand and a rather large didgeridoo in the other.

"Yes, I didn't think about having to carry it all around with us, though."

"Never mind, give it to me." He carried my loot in one hand, and held my hand in his other.

We arrived at the restaurant and were greeted by a young waiter.

"May I help you, Sir?"

"Yes, I have a reservation on the private dune tonight."

"Oh yes, Mr. Clark, come right this way." The young man became quite nervous all of a sudden and escorted us past the diners seated inside. Where are we going? He led us outside and down a candlelit path where I could see a private dining setting on top of a sand dune. The path stopped and it was thick red sand from there on in. Oh s.h.i.t, there's no way I'm going to climb that dune in these heels. I went to lean on a post and remove them when Bryce cut in.

"No, you don't, Hunny." He took my hand.

"You are not carrying me, Bryce. I might not be timid, but I am not flashing my a.r.s.e to the patrons inside who are watching quite intently through the window." He looked in their direction and smirked, then positioned himself as a shield and scooped me up.

"Bryce Edward Clark, I said no."

"Shhh. Since when do I ever listen when it comes to carrying you?"

"You don't."

"Exactly."

He placed me down next to the table where there was an orange rose in a vase in its centre surrounded by candles. The sun was setting, and the rock was majestic in its sun-bathed glory.

"Quick, come here." I grabbed him and pulled him close to me, and with our backs to Ayers Rock, I took a selfie with my iPhone. Bryce kissed my cheek as I pressed the b.u.t.ton. A smile crept across my face together with a tear in my eye. It was beautiful. The photo really captured the moment perfectly. I blinked back the tear. I love it, it is now my new screensaver.

We watched as the sun set into the horizon, Bryce had his arms wrapped around me, and I couldn't be happier. I knew that no matter what happened with Rick, no matter how hurt I would feel when I faced him, I would always have these arms to go back to and it made me feel safe, warm, and loved. We sat back down and a local Aboriginal man played the didgeridoo as we ate our four-course dinner. It was a magical evening and a fitting way to spend our final night there.

"I have a present for you." I leaned over and grabbed the bag Bryce had carried for me.

"I have one for you, too." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewellery box. It was too big to be a ring box-thank G.o.d-but whatever it was, I could imagine it would be immaculate. Suddenly I didn't want to give him my stupid present anymore. "Well, where is it? My present?"

I hesitated as I brought my hand out from within the shopping bag. "It's stupid. You are going to laugh at me."

"I always laugh at you."

"Very funny. No, you are going to think its daggy."

"Alexis, my love, I will not. Anyway, I never get presents, so give it to me." I handed it to him and covered my eyes, peeping through my semi-opened fingers. He unwrapped the tissue paper and held it in his hand, rotating it as he made his inspection. How embarra.s.sing. He gets me jewellery and I get him a stupid trinket. He placed it down on the table, got up, and walked over to me. He picked up my hand, kissed it, and pulled me up into his arms kissing me pa.s.sionately. "I love it, Alexis, and I love you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing yourself with me."

I kissed him back. "No. Thank you, for sharing yourself with me." I heard a very faint applause and peeked over his shoulder. There were people inside watching us and cheering our romantic interlude. "We have an audience, I think?" He turned and smirked at the on-lookers, then reached for the jewellery box and held it in front of me. I opened it, and inside was a stunning white gold snake necklace with a huge tear drop opal, surrounded by at least 30 diamonds. I nearly lost my footing, and he had to steady my arm. "Oh my goodness, that is the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen." I went to touch it and he snapped the lid down on my finger again. "Bryce Edward Clark!" I laughed and hit him on the arm. "Stop doing that."

He laughed too, but this time a lot harder. "I'm sorry, I can't help it." He pulled the necklace out of the box, put it around my neck, and clipped it shut. I looked down and could only just see the tip of it. It felt stunning, and I could only imagine that it looked it as well.

"It's beautiful thank you." There was a faint applause coming from the dining room again. He dipped me and kissed me, putting on a show for our audience. They showed their appreciation by clapping louder. "You're such a show-off."

"It's what I do, Ms. Summers."

"Yes, I know."

We thanked our host for the evening; and Bryce piggy-backed me down the sand dune. We walked hand-in-hand back to the chopper, talking about places we had been and places we wanted to go. At the top of my list was Paris and Rome. I'd always wanted to climb the Eiffel Tower, see the Colosseum, walk under the Arc de Triomphe, and stroll the halls of the Louvre. Bryce had already been to both cities to oversee the construction of Clark Incorporated Hotels. He was very worldly and had visited many countries, mainly for business. However, as strange as it may seem, I had been somewhere he hadn't: New Zealand. As we flew back to our lodge, I asked him why he wanted to go to New Zealand.

"I like Lord of the Rings," he said proudly.

I smiled. "So do I." I remembered when Rick had taken me there before we got married just so I could sleep in a Hobbit Hotel. I was so excited stepping in to our room through a round door-I was happy back then. Geez, how things change.

I stepped down from the helicopter after we landed back at Outback Hideaway. My feet were killing me-as gorgeous as these shoes were, I was in a world of hurt.

"Bryce, can I ask you something?"

"Yes, Alexis, anything."

"I can't believe I'm about to say this." He looked at me curiously. "Can you carry me? My feet are so sore."

His face lit up, and he gathered me into his arms. "I could carry you forever, you do realise that don't you?"

I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his. "I do."

"Say that again."

"What, aI do'?"

"Yes."

"I do."