Page 79 of Outback Secrets

‘I’m glad to hear it.’

‘But,’ he began, ‘I thought I made it clear yesterday that I think it’s time to make things a little bit more real?’

‘Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting, Liam?’

Her tone told him she didn’t mind if he was.

‘Uh huh. Kissing you. Surfing with you. Flying with you. Spending all this time with you … it’s driving me crazy, but I don’t want to lead you on. This wouldn’t be … You need to know …’

He swallowed—why was it so hard to lay his cards on the table? He’d done it time and time again with other women.

‘I’m not interested in a relationship,’ he managed eventually. ‘All I can offer is a …’

Henri raised an eyebrow as he tried to find the right expression. ‘A fling, Liam? Is that the word you’re looking for? One-night stand? No-strings-attached bonking? Fuck buddies?’

‘I …’ He didn’t know what to say to that. Didn’t know whether she was amused or pissed off.

‘Because that’s more than fine with me. Your touch would have to be pretty damn magic to have me start fantasising about white weddings and happily ever afters if that’s what you’re asking. I’m too selfish for a relationship anyway. My career will always come first.’

‘Me too. That’s good.’ He nodded. ‘By the way, I lied. The flowers are for you.’

She grinned. ‘Excellent, because I lied when I said I didn’t like them. But now we’ve got all that sorted, are we just going to keep talking? Or are you gunna shut up and kiss me?’

‘Well, since you asked so nicely.’ He pushed her back onto the mattress and lowered his head to hers.

A knock sounded on the door.