Dudes Down Under (18 page)

“
I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Hearing her own voice was reassuring. With that thought in mind she took her weary happy self off to bed. Tomorrow would be soon enough to set things straight.

*  *  *

Lucy drove the buggy on towards Charlie’s bungalow. They both hadn’t spoken since they left the waterfall. There was no tension, just no need for words. Not yet.

She parked the buggy and looked over at Charlie.

“
Penny for your thoughts,” she said.

“
Oh, darlin’, they’re worth way more than that. Are you coming in with me?”

“
No, not tonight, Charlie. I’ll have to check how everything is going down at reception. Then it’s a shower and bed for me.”

“
I get you. Thank you, Lucy; this has been an extraordinary day. Tomorrow we could get together again. Would you? I mean ... hell, you know what I mean. Today was special, unique, and I don’t want it to end.”

Lucy stroked his face. “Me too, Charlie. Tomorrow ... early, say 8.30 a.m. Would that suit you?”

“
The earlier the better, Lucy. Do you have anything in mind?”

Lucy blushed scarlet, thankful that he was unable to see it in the early darkness. “I was thinking you might like to head out to the reef, do some diving, maybe fish a while.”

“
Perfect. What a terrific idea. Will I come up and get you from the cabin?”

“
Yes, that would be ideal. We can take out the small catamaran. Anybody else you would like to ask along? It is a marvelous trip.”

“
Uh-huh. No, I’d like just me and you again. Okay?”

“
Very okay.”

Charlie leaned forward and kissed her long and deep. He didn’t notice Tristan, Izzy and Jack sitting on the bungalow balcony next door. Lucy didn’t either. She drove off. Charlie let himself inside and headed for the bar.

*  *  *

“
Well, looks like you aren’t the only one the island has affected, buddy,” said Tristan.

“
Yeah, sure, it’s the island. That’s all, nothing else at all.”

“
Why so glum?”

“
I’ll tell you, buddy, I get the feeling that Lana is scared to death of this thing with her and me. So damned scared I’m thinking she will maybe end it, fast.”

“
She looked happy as all get-out today. I for one have never seen her so damned relaxed. She didn’t seem to be conflicted about anything.”

“
Yeah. I think it’s when she’s alone she starts ticking over stuff in that wonderful mind of hers. Somehow that doesn’t bode well for her and me continuing this thing we have.”

“
You analyze too much, Jack old pal. Relax. I’ll grab us both a cold drink. I wonder where Izzy wandered off to?” That question was answered as he walked inside. His beautiful wife lay on the sofa, sound asleep. He bent down and lifted her, then carried her through to the bedroom. He laid her gently on the huge bed and softly closed the door.

He was still smiling when he returned to his friend, handing him an ice cold JD and coke.

*  *  *

“
Hey, Doc,” said Skeet. “I contacted the Aussie Zoo. They have two females the right age for breeding, like fourteen years old. Better still, they’ve been hand-raised since hatching. They are trucking the ladies up overnight. Should arrive sometime tomorrow.”

“
Wow, that was fast, mate. What does Lucy say about it?”

“
I, um, haven’t had a chance to ask her yet, Doc, but she kind of leaves me to handle Cyril, so I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

“
Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Lucy for a day or two. Is she okay? Not sick or anything?”

“
Nyah, she’s bonzer, mate. She earned some time off.”

Lucy walked into reception as the two men were talking. “Hi, guys. Did you miss me?”

“
Hey, Lucy. I was just gonna send out a search party,” said Doc.

Lucy grinned at Doc and winked at Skeet. “Nice to know I was missed. Everything going okay? No dramas?”

“
Well, it’s no drama mate, er, chooky, but we have a couple more young ladies joining us tomorrow.”

“
Really, who? I did want to check all bookings personally.”

“
These aren’t paying guests, Lucy love,” said Doc. “Cyril has been acting weird, so we worked out he’s ready for a lady friend. Skeet got on to Steve Irwin’s place and they have two hand-reared little ladies joining us tomorrow.”

“
Oh - oh, wow! That’s fabulous! Skeet, we may be grandparents. Onya, mate.”

Doc excused himself and the two friends were left alone, except for Ginny who was very busy chatting to Emilio Rodriguez.

“
Everything all right with you, chooky?” asked Skeet.

Lucy hugged him. “Yes, my worrying friend. All is okay with me. I want some time off for a day or two but you guys can still contact me 24/7 if I’m needed. I have to learn to trust the people I employed to do their jobs, so I’m having an in-house holiday.”

“
Rumors are already flying about you and Charlie, Lucy.”

“
Yeah, thought that would happen when Charlie picked me up out front yesterday. It doesn’t bother me at all. Don’t go getting all big-brother on me and jumping to my defense or anything, my friend. They are gonna whisper no matter what happens. That’s the way it goes in this type of place, so thick skins are necessary.”

“
I’m so pleased to hear that, chooky. I wasn’t certain how you’d feel about it.”

“
I’ll be out on the far reef tomorrow but I’m using the small catamaran, so I’ll be in radio contact. Right now I’m gonna grab a bite to eat, have a drink and go to bed. I’ve had a big day.”

“
I’ll talk to you tomorrow and let you know how things go with Cyril, unless you want me to pen the ladies until the day after.”

“
Yes, do that, my friend. I’d like to see how they handle the road trip. Cyril is in for a big surprise. Have you told him what’s happening yet?”

“
Yeah, I gave him the birds and the bees talk. I’m sure he got it.”

Lucy laughed at the vision that created in her imagination. “Skeet, you are one-in-a-million, my friend. I love ya to bits.”

Skeet blushed, grinned and headed off to feed Cyril and tuck him in.

*  *  *

Well, it’s about time. Where have you been and why are you smiling? Hang on, that’s not a smile. Why do you look ill? Are you sick? Not you too. Did you catch it from me? Don’t you dare get sick. How will I look out for you? Talk to me. What is that expression?

“
Well Cyril, old mate, you are in for a big surprise in a day or so, but don’t worry, I just know you are gonna love it.”

Surprise? Oh goody, I love surprises. What is it - animal, vegetable or mineral? Do tell. Can I eat it? Can I wear it? Oh, the suspense will kill me. Go on, Skeet, you can’t keep a secret to save yourself. Just a little hint, hmmm, please? Pretty-please?

“
Don’t go smooching up to me, you cheeky bugger. You’ll love it. No hints. Now where’s ya book?”

Um, see I was browsing through it and it sorta accidentally fell in my pool. I guess it sorta ruined, huh?

“
What the hell? Why is ‘Wind in the Willows’ all wet? How did it get on to the floor? It’s buggered, Cyril. Oh geez, mate, I’ll have to try and get ya another copy. Now what in blazes am I gonna read ya before bed?”

Heh-heh, I am a wicked, wicked crocodile. I just couldn’t stand to hear it one more time. Mole schmole. I want ya to get a copy of 'The Godfather'. You didn’t tell me it was a book. I overheard someone talking about it. Sheesh, you been keeping me in the dark. News flash, buddy, I am all grown up. Now hug me and give me my Pooh Bear, I’m sleepy.

*  *  *

Charlie awoke and quickly checked the time. Phew! He thought he may have overslept and was relieved to find it was still only 6:00 a.m. He had a quick shower and shave, made himself a hot coffee and toast, and wandered outside to the balcony to watch the sunrise. He had to acknowledge that he was hooked on Lucy. He had barely slept all night. Thoughts of her and the time spent together played with his mind and his heart all night long. She was a rare and precious jewel, this woman. How the hell would he ever convince her he meant what he said?

Hoping to find a right time and place when they were together today, he watched the ball of flame rise higher in the sky and tried to curb his impatience.

*  *  *

Jack Starr gave his neighbor a wave and continued to sit. He’d had no sleep and was weary but determined to help Lana understand he was deadly serious about them as a couple. This was no holiday fling.

She was gonna be a hard sell. Dammit, he missed her already. They had made no concrete plans for today and that worried him. He needed to talk to her before she talked herself out of this relationship. He was in love with her. He had been for a long time.

He wasn’t at all certain loving her would ever be enough.

*  *  *

The truck from Australia Zoo arrived in the mainland city and its two female occupants were boarded onto the large catamaran for the trip out to
Dudes
resort. The keepers were looking forward to visiting the place that everyone was talking about.

Bluey wasn’t curious. He already knew exactly what to expect. Lucy deserved to be paid back for dismissing him the way she had.

He was looking forward to seeing her.

*  *  *

Lucy was dressed and waiting out front for Charlie, her face lighting up at the sight of him.

“
G’morning, beautiful,” said Charlie, grabbing her in a warm hug and a kiss on the mouth that had taunted him all night long.

“
Morning yourself, Charlie. Are we ready to rock and roll?”

“
Yep, and it’s the perfect day for it. Do you have all the gear on board the small catamaran?”

“
Always prepared, that’s me. I would have made a great boy scout.”

Charlie gave her his best lecherous smirk. “Boy scout? I don’t think so. You looked in the mirror lately?”

“
You, my friend, are incorrigible.”

“
Abso-bloody-lutely!” That set them both off laughing,

Lucy clambered in front. Their day had begun.

*  *  *

Jack knocked again at Lana’s door. She opened it and smiled. “Well hello, you. Come in.”

Jack was on edge, and needed to talk. Lana was on edge and wanted to avoid talking. Not the best combination for a happy conversation.

“
Coffee?” she asked.

“
Yeah, hon, I guess. No, it’s lunchtime. I’ll have a JD neat, if you have it.”

“
Okay.”

She retreated to the bar area and poured his drink. “Ice, Jack?”

“
Thanks, yeah.”

Lana decided to mix herself a little gin and tonic while she was at it. She made them both and carried them over to where he sat. “What’s the matter, Jack? You don’t look happy.”

“
Me? Oh I’m fine, just feelin’ a little out on a limb here, and I’m not used to feelin’ that way, m’lady, not used to it at all.”

“
How about we go and find us a bite to eat, and we talk serious shit later. Would that be good for you?”

He knew she was stalling for time but, hell, if it meant she was still thinking about the two of them, it worked fine by him. “Sounds like a plan, m’lady. What do you fancy for lunch?”

“
Chinese. I haven’t had Chinese in so long and the little restaurant sure looks and smells good.”

“
Deal, I love the stuff. I’ll need to change, though. I don’t know about wearing shorts.”

“
I don’t think it matters, Jack. I think the dress rules are very relaxed, except for the Palm Room.”

“
I haven’t tried that yet. Is it good?”

“
I haven’t either but Izzy says it’s stunning.”

“
She’s just the lady to know about stunning. Tris is a lucky man.”

“
Yep, he surely is. So go as we are and see what we see?”

“
Let’s go.” He smiled his devastating smile and Lana felt her bones turn to jelly. He was so potently male - damn him.