Page 22 of Covert

Understatement of the year. The beautiful landscape had held her enthralled for most of the trip, but nothing Dylan said could have prepared her for the beauty of his family’s property.

As the car swept up the circular drive to the front door, she admired the wide verandahs, French doors, and floor to ceiling windows that dominated the huge house.

Despite its size, it didn’t detract from the beauty of the land beyond, towering eucalypts dotting the landscape between native Australian flora.

“I didn’t know you loved the outback so much?” He killed the engine and turned toward her, curiosity in his eyes.

“I’ve been to my fair share of remote areas in Queensland.”

“I thought you were from Brisbane?”

Guilt flooded her. She hated having to lie, especially to an upstanding guy like Dylan. “I’ve travelled a fair bit.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “You’ve done a lot for someone so young. How did you manage to fit it all in?”

How could she tell him the truth—that she’d lived most of her life in Queensland, making regular trips to her family’s outback properties whenever she could? She’d woven a tangled web and the closer she got to Dylan, the more likely she would tear down the whole deception.

She shrugged and reached for the door handle, eager to escape the confines of the car and Dylan’s probing questions. “Hey, I’m a woman of many talents. Haven’t you worked that out by now?”

His eyes glowed as the sun set, bathing them in a kaleidoscope of fiery colour: burnt orange, deep purple, and vibrant magenta.

“I’m well aware of your talents, Samantha.”

The burning intensity of his gaze scorched her, eliciting an excited shiver that started at the nape of her neck and travelled down her spine to the tips of her toes.

She bolted from the car without saying a word, wishing she could turn off her traitorous emotions. She read too much into every word he said and it would get her into trouble, big trouble. Thank goodness they’d be chaperoned for the next few days, otherwise there would be no telling what she’d be tempted to do.

“Looks like Ebony has arrived,” she called over her shoulder, looking forward to spending some time with her best friend.

Though Dylan had initially been surprised at her friendship with a once-employer, he suggested she invite Ebony to stay as a ‘chaperone’. His old-fashioned values seemed overly-quaint, though she welcomed the opportunity. She missed her frank, girl talk with Ebony, though she’d have to stay on her toes not to let slip her growing feelings for Dylan. Ebony was no fool and her best friend was renowned for putting two and two together and coming up with five.

“Great. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen her,” he said, carrying their bags to the front door.

Before he could insert his key into the lock, the door flew open and Ebony raced onto the verandah and straight into Dylan’s arms. “Hey, Stud. Long time no see.”

Sam struggled not to gape, a war of emotions tearing through her, ranging from joy at seeing her best friend to jealousy at seeing Ebony draped over Dylan.

And his reaction to her gorgeous friend didn’t assuage her concern. He pulled back a fraction and looked her up and down.

“Wow, look at you, Bony. You’ve filled out and then some.”

Ebony chuckled. “Not so bony anymore, huh?”

“You can say that again.” He wolf-whistled as Ebony twirled, revealing long, tanned legs beneath a peasant skirt.

Sam stepped forward, wanting to deflect the attention away from Ebony and hating herself for it. “Hi there, stranger. How are you?”

Ebony squealed and enveloped her in a bear hug. “Girlfriend, you’re looking absolutely fab. Working for this tyrant can’t be all bad.”

Sam hugged Ebony tight, hating how the green-eyed monster had raised its ugly head with her best friend. Why shouldn’t Ebony greet Dylan with such enthusiasm? They’d been family friends for years.

She pulled away and glanced at Dylan, who appeared surprisingly smug. He watched them with an amused expression, as if the thought of two women discussing him was a new experience, one he found exceedingly pleasant.

“You’d be surprised, Eb. Working for this guy can be hell at times.”

“Is that right? Everyone knows I’m a pussycat in the boardroom.” Dylan’s mock indignation made then laugh as Samclamped down on her first thought,‘as long as he’s a tiger in the bedroom.’

“We’re going to have a great time,” Ebony said, wrapping her arms around their waists and dragging them toward the front door. “And not too much work, you two. Time to live a little.”

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