Chapter 6

Chapter 6

‘I promise you fantastic food, tempting drinks and a choice of bars to suit any taste.’

‘Oh, I don’t doubt you.’

Rich grinned at Cece from the driver’s seat as he negotiated a treelined avenue with practised ease. ‘What I love about Byron is that there’s plenty to explore once the stars emerge. From a casual speakeasy to a lively brewery and iconic views to gigs by the roadside, I’ll show you the best bits of the town’s eclectic nature after dark.’

‘I can’t wait.’

An hour earlier, he’d picked her up for their date on time, with Penn tailing him in her car.

When Rich’s sister walked into Cece’s place, Mason cartwheeled in excitement. ‘Hey Penn! Check out my new soccer moves and how good I’m getting with my footwork!’

‘Show me!’

Both Mason and Penn had discovered a shared passion for the game a few days earlier when they’d bumped into each other in the after-school soccer class that Penn taught.

Now, it was all Mason could talk about as he tumbled outside to learn more moves from the young woman in the cottage’s front yard.

‘So we good to get a pizza at the Eatery?’ Penn said.

Cece nodded. ‘Sounds good. Just add it to my staff tab.’

Penn nodded with a grin. ‘Mace and I will chow down, then return home for a movie. Isn’t that right, champ?’

The boy nodded, his head bobbing in excitement. ‘Mum, you look awesome,’ he added in his typical Mace way.

For the night, Cece had tapped into her inner Athena with a summer-ready draped midi dress in foam blue.

She’d kept to her casual yet elegant Hellenistic theme by throwing on a pair of gladiator sandals.

Rich’s eyes waggled in appreciation as she whirled around for her audience.

Mason clapped, and Penn added a wolf whistle as Rich whisked her into his humble sedan.

In minutes, they motored away towards Byron’s night lights.

Cece studied Rich’s profile as he drove.

She still wasn’t sure about him. The man was attractive if you liked the sturdy, muscular, long-haired chef look, but she wasn’t getting tingles from him.

Not like she did every time she bumped into her enigmatic boss.

That said, she was willing to give Rich a chance.

Soon, they were parking at Main Beach.

It was spring, and businesses were already embracing the warmer temps and street vibe. The town’s commitment to supporting local artists was evident at every turn, creating an atmosphere of appreciation for the arts.

Cafes spilled onto the sidewalks alongside local artisans showcasing their masterpieces, handcrafted jewellery, intricate ceramics, and vibrant paintings.

She couldn’t wait to indulge in the diverse culinary scene that Byron Bay boasted. From quaint mom-and-pop kitchens serving fresh-roasted coffee and delicious pastries to beachfront restaurants offering exquisite seafood dishes.

They walked towards a bar that Rich had recommended. It was a small, dimly lit space with vintage posters and flickering candles on the tables. A live band played in the corner, and the air was thick with the warm, heady scent of cocktails and beer.

Rich led her to a table by the window, and they settled in to peruse the menu. Cece couldn’t help but feel a little nervous; it had been a while since she had been on a date with someone new.

Rich, however, seemed perfectly at ease. Cece relaxed in his company, enjoying the easy banter. They ordered drinks and perused the menu, chatting and laughing while waiting for their food to arrive.

It came in a flourish of platters, colours and delicious smells, which they tucked into with relish.

As they ate, Rich regaled her with stories of his travels worldwide, sharing his love of food and the culinary arts. Cece found herself drawn in by his passion and enthusiasm, and they lost themselves in deep conversation, discussing everything from their favourite restaurants to their shared love of classic films.

She laughed at his kitchen anecdotes and found herself having a good time, forgetting about work and her niggling worries about Ash.

When their meal was finished, Rich paid and led Cece to another lively bar with a live band playing on stage.

At one point, he grabbed Cece’s hand and pulled her onto the dance floor, but every time he tried to pull her close to sway to the music, she pulled away, preferring to dance alone. She just wasn’t there with him yet.

As the night wore on, they left the bar and wandered through town, listening to the talented buskers that lined Jonson Street and the beach nearby.

From solo guitarists busking acoustically to jazz sax players with a full stage-style setup, the street entertainment was an eclectic addition to Byron Bay’s nightlife that they meandered through slowly.

They even encountered a throng of dancers swaying to an impromptu jam as a sweet-voiced busker brought a tear to everyone’s eyes.

As they strolled along, Cece couldn’t help but notice how Rich kept glancing over at her, trying to gauge her interest. She smiled, flattered by the attention but not returning the same favour.

At one point, crossing a street, Rich stretched his hand out over her shoulders to guide her, but as soon as they were safe on the other side, she shrugged away from him.

She saw the flitting hurt on his face and knew at that moment that she needed to call an end to the night.

‘I have to get back. I’ve got a full day tomorrow, and Penn does need to get away by 11:00 tonight. She has an early start.’

She kept her tone light, not wanting to upset the good vibe between them.

Rich cocked his head. ‘It’s only 9.30. Plenty of time.’

She gave him a slight smile as she shook her head. ‘I can’t stay longer, Rich. I had a great time, though. Thank you for showing me around.’

Rich gave in with a sad shrug. ‘Let me drive you back.’

As they returned to Falcon House, she felt a twinge of guilt for hurting his feelings, but she knew in her heart that she couldn’t force herself to feel something that wasn’t there.

‘He’s panicking. We’ve got him on a wiretap to his wife. He’s told her he’s prepared to lie under oath and will sue for defamation if his name gets into the newspapers or if he’s portrayed as a drug trafficker and criminal.’

‘What a freakin’ loser.’

Ash leaned back into his chair at his work desk, an unusual place for him this late in the day and on a Sunday.

With Denise back on board, he’d no reason to be working at or from the hotel. Yet here he was.

Earlier that evening, after dinner at the farm, he’d wandered his house feeling restless.

Uncomfortable with the unease, he’d decided to head into town and do some work.

Rose had stepped in to look after Jake, and Ash had driven to Falcon House.

In his office, he’d fired up his laptop and tried to work, but it hadn’t helped, his mind consumed by thoughts of the investigation.

If he was honest with himself, it wasn’t just the inquiry that had him churning inside.

She had a hold on him.

He was hanging around the hotel because he wanted to keep an eye on the woman rattling his world.

Her essence drew him in. He wanted to peel back her layers and dive into her depths. Not just on a physical level, but he wanted to delve into her, to know her on an intimate plane.

He’d never felt this unnerved by a woman, which was driving him insane.

He’d always been in tight control of his feelings, keeping his dates to flings when away, on travel. The only commitments he’d been willing to make in years were to his job, calling and family.

It felt like Cece was shearing his walls away and running amok with his heart.

Saint’s call with an update on her stepfather was a slight distraction. He shook his head, trying to focus on what his mate was telling him.

‘He’s also stalking some of the men who served under him, trying to find out who is testifying against him.’

Ash sucked his teeth. ‘He wants to intimidate them. Keep them from speaking against him in the defamation case.’

‘Or persuade them to change their evidence to the Defence Force inquiry,’ Saint added.

‘He can try all he wants, but Mirren is going down, no matter how much he fights it.’

‘A fucking Military Cross Award for bravery. He doesn’t deserve it.’

‘Agreed.’

‘Keep the updates coming, brother.’

‘Will do.’

The call dropped off, and Ash stared down at the file onscreen. At the face of the man who’d been his senior commanding officer. Hawk-nosed, cold, even cruel.

In public, Mirren was a career soldier famed for his bravery and service, recognised for his distinguished conduct.

In the shadows, however, he was a ruthless leader who’d used his position for greed and gain.

Lost in thought, Ash almost missed the sound of wheels crunching over gravel.

He glanced at the view from his office as a car pulled up at the hotel’s entry. Rising to his feet, he moved to the window, intrigued at who would be arriving so late.

A gut punch hit him as he recognised the woman easing from the passenger seat. Dark curls swung down her back towards the lush ass he traced with his gaze.

Cece.

The woman he’d studied all last week, searching for any sign of sin and guilt.

Instead, he’d only seen a warmhearted woman with a caring nature.

Who’d shown a deaf customer to the restroom when she’d chanced on the poor soul wandering the staff corridor searching for help.

She’d also pitched in to clean the restaurant after a hectic, understaffed lunch service one Saturday so that the dinner bookings would be on time.

She’d even made time for his son, Jake when he’d wandered into the office with 1001 questions for their newest staff member.

There was always a sweet smile for everyone she encountered.

She was the woman he felt in his gut was innocent. Yet also, the woman with a growing mountain of guilty evidence against her.

Ash watched as she wrapped a shawl around her shoulders and turned to speak to the driver, who exited the car.

Rich.

Another jolt went through Ash as he watched the chef round the hood of his car and approach Cece.

Rich smiled at her, and Ash felt his heart sink.

Rich said a few words and leaned forward as if for a kiss.

What happened next sent an inexplicable rush of emotion through Ash.

Cece leaned away from the burly chef, touching his chest to stop his advance. He couldn’t quite see her expression, but he saw Rich stiffen. The pair exchanged a few words before the chef stalked back to the driver’s seat.

Ash smirked and then checked himself.

Damn, if that wasn’t sheer relief.

When Rich rounded the front of his car, Cece caught the look of intent in his eyes and stiffened.

He leaned in close to her with a warm look. ‘Been thinking about one thing all night.’

She froze, fighting the twisted flutter in her stomach. ‘What’s that?’

Rich grinned. ‘How much I want to kiss you right now.’

When he moved in, Cece’s heart skipped a beat. Not in excitement. In wariness.

Just when he was about to press his lips to hers, she stepped back, placing a hand on his chest to stop him.

His eyes lit up with hurt, this time unmasked. ‘You playing games with me, Cece? You that kind of -’

She shook her head, cutting him off. ‘I wouldn’t do that. I’m just not sure what I want yet.’

He gazed at her for a long moment, then pulled away, moving back to the driver’s side. ‘Fine. I’ll see you around.’

‘Thank you for a good night.’

Her conviction was weak.

‘Yeah. Whatever.’

His voice was cold, and she winced at how butt-hurt he sounded.

Then she straightened her back. She’d never made Rich any promises, and it was unfair of him to expect she’d be ready for physical contact on their first date.

She sighed, pulling her shawl closer as he peeled his car away.

Turning, Cece headed towards the Falcon House entrance. She’d asked Rich to drop her off here. So she could pick up her laptop and get stuck into a brief for the photographers that she’d realised she needed to be done by Monday afternoon.

She had plans to work from home the following morning, where she could focus in blessed silence.

Using her staff key card, Cece let herself into the empty reception.

Most staff were gone for the day. The Eatery had shut down at ten. The place was hushed with silence.

She made her way to the office block and her desk, where she unplugged her laptop and placed it into its carrier bag.

Done, she raced to the entrance, keen to get to Mason and relieve Penn.

She heard a sound as she hit the reception area and reached for the front door.

She whipped around and jumped at seeing a silhouette stepping out into the dim light.

A scream almost tore through her until she recognised the man.

He stood before her, arms crossed over his chest.

‘Fuck. You scared me.’

Ash paid no heed to her whisper, his eyes glittering with a dangerous light. His jaw worked as he glared at her.

He did that ‘raking-his-eyes-over-her-body’ thing, and she felt every tiny hair on her skin stand to attention.

In one long-legged, power-driven stride, he surged forward.

‘What do you want?’

He ignored her coming closer. So near she could smell the scent of his enticing cologne mixed in with spice, manliness and sheer power.

She caught the intensity in his gaze and felt the heat of his body as he loomed over her. Cece’s heart pounded in her chest. ‘What are you doing?’

‘What he should have.’

His rasp was a husky growl, sending a wild jolt through her, ending in an aching throb between her legs.

She must have moaned because his eyes shot to hers, and he moved.

He reached a muscled arm around the waist, pulling her flush against him.

Cece gasped as she felt the hard planes of his chest against her breasts, the heat of his body seeping through her thin blouse. She could feel his pounding heartbeat beneath her hand.

He paused for a beat, his eyes searching hers.

She nodded, and they lit up as he leaned down and captured her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss.

The suddenness took Cece aback, but she soon responded, tangling her fingers in his hair to pull him closer.

‘Tell me to stop,’ he groaned against her lips. ‘Do you want me to stop?’

‘Does it feel good?’ Cece breathed.

‘Fuck yeah.’

‘So don’t stop,’ she found herself moaning back.

His lips fell once more on hers, intense and passionate, filling Cece with a raw, wild need.

Ash’s hands roamed over her body, caressing every curve, pulling her closer until there was no space between them.

Cece slid her hands under his shirt. She could feel the rugged ridges of his muscles and his skin’s heat. She wanted to explore every inch of him, run her tongue over every groove and crevice, and learn his body’s hard-packed planes by heart.

Ash’s hands slid down her back to the curve of her ass, and he squeezed, making her gasp as her clit throbbed in response.

Cece felt a rush of heat as Ash’s hands slipped under the bottom of her shirt and skimmed over her bare skin. She gasped at the feel of his fingers on her naked flesh, at the way they trailed up her back.

She arched her back a little, pushing her breasts against his chest and grinding her hips against his.

As Ash deepened the kiss, his lips moved over her cheek and neck until his hot breath sent shivers down her spine.

All thoughts of work, Mason, of everything bearing any sign of logic, flew from her mind.

Her body was buzzing with a fierce pleasure that burned through her, deep, intense and wild. All she could think about was the sensation of the man she’d been fantasising about for weeks against her.

She whimpered as he nipped her earlobe, her fingers tangling in his hair.

‘That’s how it’s done,’ Ash murmured against her neck, sending shivers of lust shooting down her spine.

His teeth grazed her neck as her hands slid down his body to cup his ass. He kissed her again, his lips so hard against hers that they sent another shiver through her body.

She gasped as he suddenly drew back, his hands sliding down her arms as he gently pushed her away.

Her mouth formed a silent ‘oh’.

In the near-darkness, she could barely make out his features, but she could still see the burning desire in his eyes, hear the harsh breaths and see the rise and fall of his chest.

‘Go.’

‘What?’

‘Leave. Now.’

The words were gentle yet hoarse with need, sending a kick through her body.

He surprised her by leaning into her, but only so he could push open the large doors behind her.

She obeyed, turned around, hands shaking as she pulled her laptop bag close and stepped out into the night.

It felt like a dream as she walked away.

She could feel his eyes on her. Burning her, inflaming her. Her head was spinning, and she wanted to run back into his arms, to get lost in his embrace and forget everything but this moment.

She moaned softly, licking her swollen lips as she forced one leg in front of the other. Her breathing was ragged, her body a seething mass of sensation, and her mind clouded in deep confusion.

She could only hope that her treacherous body would be under control by the time she got back home.

That her son would be in bed and not abducted by aliens or zapped by lightning, and Penn would not be out cold on her living room floor because Mason had turned into a two-headed beast.

Because what the heck was this night so far?

What the hell had he just done?

Ash cursed at himself as he stood there watching her walk away, every step slow and careful.

Her hips swayed, and he hissed, wanting to rush after her and whisk her in his arms, head to a secluded dark corner on the beach and fuck her senseless.

He watched her disappear into the shadows, groaning as he lost sight of her. He could still feel her body against his. She’d been so soft, her lips against his, her smell, those tits.

He licked his lips, mesmerised by how her body seemed to mould with his. His cock was aching with the need to bury itself in her, and his body was still humming with the need that had rushed through him and almost brought him to his knees.

And the way she’d responded to him. Wild, hot. Hungry.

At the very least, his kiss had been primal, not thought through. He’d had no idea she’d react to him with so much passion.

She’d blown through his no-strings approach and responded as if he was claiming her for his own.

If only.

‘Far out!’

He let the shout out as he pushed close the hotel’s front door. It thudded shut, and Ash stalked back to his office after securing the place.

He nabbed his car keys, headed for the staff entrance and into the parking where his truck waited. He threw his bag and keys inside, stripped down to his shorts, tossed his clothes into the back seat, and sprinted towards the beach.

The deserted waterfront was dark, the moon and stars hidden behind a dense cloud front.

This suited him just fine, and he plunged into the water, hissing slightly at the cool temperature.

He set out with purpose.

His body was still as fit as when he’d been selected for the SAS. Then, he’d undertaken demanding feats of endurance, some in freezing temperatures, swimming and treading water in the ocean for hours.

It was almost the same torture that Cece was levelling on his heart.

The sea was wilder than usual tonight, and the waves heaved up and down, crashing against the shore in time with his beating heart.

Ash paid them no attention, focusing instead on his body and purging himself of her.

At one point, he slowed his swim and floated to his back, eyes on the expanse above him that he loved so much.

He followed stars tracking across the darkness and meteorites streaking into vapour until his mind and body stilled.

Having cooled down, he stroked back to the shore, rose from the ocean and walked back to his truck.

Pulling on his clothes and swinging inside, he roared out of the Falcon House driveway and headed east.

Towards Falcon Farm. As far away from Cece as he could manage - within reason.

The speakers in his car boomed with a melancholy brass band overture that reflected his mood.

The road wound through the hinterland, his headlights catching the fleeting glimpses of darkened rainforest punctuated with macadamia groves, waterfalls and farms.

He was soon speeding through the historic village of Bangalow.

This picturesque town with its alternative roots was packed with funky restaurants, cafes, craft shops, and galleries.

On weekends, it filled up with tourists visiting its famous markets keen to enjoy a coffee or a meal, peruse a gallery, or seek an antique.

Ash was oblivious to it all, his mood dark and stormy as he berated himself for his lapse in judgement.

In moments, he turned into a long driveway in the sought-after hinterland between Newrybar and Bangalow.

Falcon Farm was a significant estate with over 10,000 macadamia trees producing approximately 100 to 150 tonnes of bounty annually.

Alongside the nut bushes were 550 custard apple trees, mangoes trees, local wild berry bushes, and traditional plants, where Ash sourced his whisky and gin distilling ingredients.

As well as the orchard, there were two large sheds, three dams, and two sprawling original Queenslander homes dating back to 1912.

Owned by Ash and his brother Cole, each house had a mix of old and new features and a vast undercover deck with a pool, swim spa and heated jacuzzi.

Three adjacent two-bedroom villas on the property were used for guests, each featuring all the mod cons one could dream of inside and out.

At the centre of it all was a prestige homestead with sweeping views over the stunning Byron and Ballina landscape.

This was where Ash’s parents lived in a five-bedroom provincial-style residence with a custom-designed kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances.

Out the back, there was also a fully equipped barbecue zone, a 12-metre mineral heated pool, a self-contained pool house and an eight-person spa. To the side was a large distillery barn, workers’ quarters that could be used for visitors or an office.

As well as a freestanding office space was a double garage with loft accommodation, all surrounded by flower gardens.

He pulled up outside one of the Queenslanders and sat for a moment inside with the engine turned off, mulling his life choices. While the evocative cornet solo, sounding out over his speakers, trailed into silence.

The porch lights turned on, and he spotted the silhouette behind the glass side panels of the front door.

He pulled himself out of his car with a sigh, locked it and walked with heaviness up the steps.

The door swung open, and an elegant woman appeared, her eyes filled with life and twinkling with cheer.

Rose Falconer was a force of nature. She was always dressed with impeccable taste. Today, she wore a silk jumpsuit that flowed effortlessly to her bare feet.

Her skin was tanned and smooth, making her look much younger than her 66 years. Her hair was pixie cut, her nose and lip pierced with diamonds.

She was stunning for her age, and she carried herself with grace and joy that was ever a soft landing for Ash and his brother Cole.

He adored her, and after years of military housing, he’d been drawn right back to the farm to be close to her.

She was a whipper-smart woman who’d raised two sons and knew when to call bull on her children’s shenanigans growing up.

She was also a good friend, and right now, she peered at him with a raised brow with two amber-filled tumblers in her hand.

Her eyes honed in on his still-wet hair, ruffled clothes, and troubled eyes.

‘Whisky?’

‘You know me so well.’

He took the heavy tumbler she extended and strolled into the home.

He made his way into the living area and sat heavily in the velvet grey lounge, his face sullen.

‘What’s eating you, honey?’

Rose folded herself into a love chair across from him, sipping on her glass.

His mother had an uncanny way of discerning his mood. She was also not easily put off. He’d no recourse but to share.

‘Got an op that’s doing my head in.’

Rose nodded as she pursed her lips. ‘Tell me what you can.’

She was aware of his covert status and, as such, took his lead on how much he wanted to share.

‘On paper, the prospect looks suss as all. In person, though, they seem to be innocent. So I’m not sure which way to go. I have to pursue the evidence, but I’m torn.’

‘You don’t want them to be guilty.’

He shook his head. ‘I thought I did. Yet, some things she does say she’s clean. Others make her look guilty as all hell.’

His mother’s eyes lit up. ‘She?’

He groaned at his slip-up. ‘Her gender doesn’t matter.’

‘As if. Why is your face red and those jade babies not meeting mine?’

‘Fuck.’ He hid the low groan against his whisky glass, but it was too late. Rose had the same impeccable hearing as he did.

She grinned. ‘You just gave yourself away, soldier.’

He scowled in response.

‘Who is she?’

‘Nobody.’

‘Liar.’

‘I won’t make her somebody.’

‘Another lie. At this rate, I should apply to conduct military interrogations.’

‘Mother.’ He rasped in indignation.

She laughed, a tinkling sound that he responded to with a huff.

‘She’s different. I can tell.’

‘How so, Mother?’

‘There’s a light in your eyes. One I haven’t seen since Bianca.’

Ash groaned, pulling on his hair. ‘Do we have to bring up my ex?’

‘Only to remind you how selfish she was. So you don’t repeat the same mistake.’

‘Never. She cheated on me when on tour, tired of waiting for me to return home. Worse still, the betrayal had been going on for years with her high school boyfriend. I’d be a fool to go for a woman like her again.’

When he’d found out eight years ago, he’d filed for divorce and come to a shared custody arrangement for Jake.

Except over the years, Bianca focused more on her new family and two new babies. She had little time for a growing, rambunctious boy.

The result was Ash’s full custody of Jake, who now lived with him on Falcon Farm.

This worked well because Kit and Rose, who lived in the main homestead, looked after Jake when Ash left for work trips or needed a sitter.

Rose waggled a finger at him. ‘She was the fool, honey, not you. As long as you bring home a woman who adores you and your clever, sometimes snarky and energetic son, I’ll be happy.’

‘Not sure that’ll happen anytime time soon.’

Rose chugged back her whisky and unfolded her long legs from under her. ‘My hope is eternal. I’ll leave you to your woman troubles. Your father has been blowing up my phone, demanding I return to his bed.’

‘Stop!’ His groan this time was accompanied by an eye roll.

Yet deep down inside, he yearned for the same passionate connection his parents shared. His relentless high dating standards resulted from witnessing what true love looked like for most of his life.

‘Anytime you need to talk about her, I’ll be here.’

‘I don’t doubt you for a moment.’

Ash grinned as she walked away, her stride still youthful and packed with grace, and for a moment, he envied his father for the security and love he’d been blessed with for over forty years.

‘Here’s to finding my own,’ he rasped, toasting thin air.