I can’t believe how vast and beautiful this place is. I’ve always known of its existence, but sadly have never visited until now. After zipping up my coat, I wrap my arms around myself. The icy wind has a real bite to it.

“Are you cold?” Carter asks draping his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into him. I smile to myself.

Once we’ve looked around up top, Carter suggests we ride the Scenic Railway down the cliffside to the valley below. Apparently, it’s a really steep drop, so Elizabeth ops out. My dad offers to take her for a coffee in the café, so Carter and I can still go.

Holy crap, steep is not the word. It’s a fifty-two percent incline, earning the title of the steepest passenger railway in the world. You also have the option to recline your seat back another twenty percent, which of course we did. Carter holds me tight against him on the journey down, which to me is the best part. Again, he links his fingers through mine as we walk the tracks of the valley below.

We fall into easy conversation as we walk along. When we come to a stop by a beautiful waterfall, Carter pulls out his phone to take a selfie of us. He drapes his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in against his side. “Smile, beautiful,” he says. After snapping a few shots, he releases me and places the phone back in his pocket. Presuming we’re going to continue on down the trail, I take a step forward. “I’m not finished with you yet,” he says reaching for me and pulling me back to him. Turning me in his arms, he cups my face in his hands. The look he gives me has my heart melting. He looks like I feel—happy. “I’m going to kiss you now,” he warns before covering my mouth with his.

It’s another one of those sweet, hot kisses that has me weak at the knees. My arms slide around his waist and my hands fist the back of his jacket to hold myself up. Opening my mouth slightly, I deepen the kiss when his tongue meets mine. This is not the kind of kiss that you would call acceptable for a public place, but I don’t care. I’m too lost in him to give a shit.

I can’t even put it into words what being here with him in this magical place feels like. I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy, this alive. Not once have I thought about my illness and what lies ahead. Not once. Instead, I’m lost in every look, every word, and every touch from Carter. I’m consumed by him.

••••

It’s late in the afternoon by the time we arrive back home. When we finally made our way back up the mountain to our parents, Carter suggested we head to Leura for lunch. It’s a quaint little town, with the cutest little shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants.

We ate in a nice place complete with a fireplace, which was a welcome escape from the cold. All the food was made with local produce. It had wall to ceiling glass windows that overlooked the valley below. The food and the company were amazing. Today was something that we all needed: a nice escape from the dramas awaiting us back home.

The only downfall was it had to come to an end. I enjoyed every second of my time with Carter. When my dad and I came inside, and Carter and his mum went to their house, I can’t even explain the emptiness I felt. After Dad and I had dinner, I went to my bedroom, hoping Carter would be in his room so I could catch a glimpse. Sadly he wasn’t.

Eventually, I gave up and headed in for a shower. It had been a big day, and to be honest I was tired. The quicker I got to sleep, the faster tomorrow would come. That meant I’d get to see Carter again. It’s funny how quickly I’ve become attached to him. I guess, even after he left all those years ago, he still held my heart. In a way we’ve just picked up where we left off.

Later as I lay in bed, all I can think about is him. He’s proven over the past week how much he cares. Maybe it’s time I take down the walls I’ve erected around my heart and let him back in.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Carter

I’m awoken by a soft voice calling my name. “Carter … Carter, are you awake?” I fucking am now. Reaching out blindly, I flick the switch on my bedside lamp. The light hurts my eyes. Squinting, I try and adjust my sight to the sudden fucking brightness that has now filled my room. This better be a damn emergency.

“Indi.” She’s standing just inside my window, wearing a silky black dressing gown. I have no idea why she’s sneaking in my room. Or am I dreaming? My heart starts to race when I realise something must be wrong. I sit up rubbing my eyes. “Are you alright? Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine,” she says taking a step towards me. “I couldn’t sleep. I was thinking about you, about us.”

“You were?” I’m confused.

“I was.” Why that has me smiling like a fool, I can’t say. I guess I like the fact she was thinking about me. Hopefully in a good way. She takes another step towards me. I watch as she takes in a long breath before releasing it slowly. She looks nervous. Shit, that can’t be a good sign. Have I misunderstood her reasons for coming here?

She doesn’t speak another word. Instead her hands move up to the tie of her dressing gown. I gulp in some air as she slowly undoes the bow. Nope. I haven’t misunderstood. I feel my dick twitch with anticipation.

Her hand slowly moves up to her shoulder as she pushes the silk fabric down one arm. It’s like a torturous, erotic striptease. It immediately has my dick growing. If this is a fucking dream I’m going to be pissed. I almost want to pinch myself just to make sure. I hold my breath as I wait for her next move.

She moves to the other side, sliding the dressing gown over her other shoulder. When she lets go, my eyes follow the fabric as it falls to the floor, pooling at her feet. As my gaze moves back up her legs, I almost swallow my tongue when I realise she’s totally naked underneath.

I rub my eyes again. I can’t fucking believe it. Here is the woman of my dreams. The one I’ve been pining for, for the past five years, standing in my bedroom wearing nothing but a smile. Fuck me. Have I died and gone to heaven?

I’m off the bed in a flash. “I want you,” is all she says, shyly, as I stalk towards her, closing the distance between us. If she wants me, she’s got me. Hook, line and fucking sinker. I don’t give her a chance to say another word. Pulling her into my arms, I cover her lips with mine. I’ve been fantasizing about having her again. For … five … damn … years.

My mouth and hands are everywhere. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamt about having you again,” I whisper as my lips trail a path across her jawline and down her neck. “Please tell me this is really happening.”

“Oh God, it’s happening,” she moans, tilting her head back and pushing her tits further into my bare chest. “We’ve wasted enough time apart.” She’s got that right. My hands run down her lean back, cupping that delicious arse of hers. Lifting her off the ground, she wraps her legs around my waist as I carry her over towards my bed.

Once I’ve laid her down I reach behind me, untangling her limbs from my waist. I need to see her. All of her. Standing, I feel my lips turn up into a smile as my eyes rake over her naked body. Fucking perfection. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember,” I breathe, leaning forward to place my hands on either side of her waist. When my eyes meet hers again, she’s smiling too.

Reaching up, she runs her hand down the side of my face. “I missed you when you left,” she admits.

“I missed you too,” I reply, lifting my hand and brushing her hair off her face. “So much.” Straightening up again, I untie the string on my pyjama bottoms, letting them fall around my ankles. Stepping out of them, I kneel on the bed before climbing on top of her. My cock is so hard for her it hurts. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”