The Tycoon’s Secret(39)

He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he’d slowed down enough to simply enjoy himself. He decided it was going to become a priority. He’d have to get Trinity and Drew to join him in Australia. Damien had a feeling it was going to become a favorite place for him.

The sun was starting to set when they arrived back at the train terminal. Sierra looked disappointed the day was over, but he had to keep them on schedule or he’d never get to show her everything he planned.

They got in the rental car and drove to the airport.

“Where are we going?” Sierra asked, almost in a panic.

“Don’t worry, we’re just heading to our next stop,” he reassured her as he helped her from the vehicle.

“What about our luggage?”

“I had it packed and delivered while we were gone.”

“Don’t you worry they may take some items?” she asked.

“Not at all. I’ve stayed at that hotel many times. The owner is a personal friend of mine,” Damien said with a smile.

“That’s good enough for me.”

They boarded the jet and made the short ride to Alice Springs, which was at the very heart of the Australian Outback.

Sierra stepped into their new hotel room, excited to see where they’d be staying this night. It was opulent, of course, but as she walked in, her eyes instantly filled with tears. On the living room table sat a huge bouquet of roses with a card attached. She slowly walked over and lifted the envelope with her name on it.

Damien watched, fascinated by the eager anticipation as she slowly opened the envelope. He moved so he could see her expression as she read the card.

“Really?” she asked with excitement.

“Go look,” he told her.

Sierra bolted from the room and entered the bedroom. Lying on the bed was a stunning green dress with beads attached, making it almost seem alive as the fabric moved. He’d called Trinity and asked her to have one delivered. She hadn’t disappointed.

“It’s stunning,” Sierra gasped as she ran her hand over the material. His curiosity was peaked.

“I did my research on you, Sierra, before you ever got this job. You’ve worn many beautiful gowns, but you look like you’ve never seen one before,” he said, not really a question, but he knew she’d understand he was looking for an answer.

“My father always picked my clothes for every function I attended, though he didn’t do it to please me, but because he had an image to maintain,” she said, her voice catching as several tears trailed slowly down her face.

“Talk to me about it,” he commanded.

“I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. What’s going on between you and your father?”

“It’s better left alone. Besides, the card says you’re taking me to dinner and dancing,” she said, her tears fading away as she looked at him hopefully.

How could he resist.

“Yes. I’m sorry it’s all so rushed, but you only have an hour to get ready. I’m trying to fit as much as possible into this trip. I have to get back to work in just a few more days,” he apologized.

“I’m getting far more than I thought I would. You won’t hear any complaints from me,” she told him as she gently set the dress back down on the bed and went to the bathroom where all her toiletries were already laid out.

He heard the shower start so he went and made coffee while he waited for his turn. He didn’t dare join her.

Once Sierra finished, he snuck in behind her and jumped in for one of his own, then the two of them shared the bathroom as they prepared for the night ahead.

Damien’s eyes met Sierra’s in the mirror, his face masked by shaving cream, her hand up to her eyelashes as she applied mascara. It hit him how domestic the situation was, and it felt like he received a kick in the gut. Things were moving too quickly. He found himself scared for the first time since he was a child.

He took her on the town that night, holding back from her, but not enough for her to notice. When they returned to the room, he made love to her again, his movements frantic as he tried to prove to himself it was only sex, but as her lips captured his, he was lost, not able to get enough of her taste, feel, or smell. He was falling fast for the girl who wasn’t supposed to mean anything to him.





Chapter Fifteen




“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe how far it flies away and still manages to make it back,” Sierra exclaimed as she watched the boomerang sail far into the sky and then make an arch and return to the man throwing it. “Can I try?”

“Of course,” he said as he offered her the small piece of wood.

Sierra threw it as hard as she could, watching it soar a short distance before making an arch. Several people ducked as it almost collided with them on its return trip.