BEFORE

Chapter 8

JACK

Dusk was my favorite time of the day.

When I'd dished up the last meal to the workers, scrubbed the last pot and rinsed the last pan, I could finally relax. Head back to my self-contained shack about half a mile from the homestead, crank up the classic rock I liked and kick back.

But first, a shower to wash off the grime of the day. It was my ritual, something I savored, because I'd never been able to relax during a shower at any of the foster homes I'd grown up in.

Being naked in a stranger's house always made me feel vulnerable. And that's what every house I'd been shunted to felt like: a stranger's place. I'd never felt at home in any of them, not even the three years I'd spent in outer western Sydney with a family who appeared surprisingly normal on face value. But the Ainsworths had their hang ups like the rest and I never felt anything other than what I was. The outsider. The interloper. Being welcomed at the dinner table for the simple fact having me there meant the family received a payout from the government.

It sucked. And while I hadn't endured some of the degrading stuff other foster kids put up with in exchange for a roof over their heads, I always felt vulnerable. Like my entire life could come crashing down on my head at any time.

Like I did every night, I glanced around. Yeah, like anyone would be taking a stroll around the station at this time of evening, just waiting until I made use of the outdoor shower. But old habits died hard and once I confirmed I wouldn't be accosted by a stray wallaby or rabid wombat, I cranked the shower lever, tested the water and stripped.

I liked that the shower stall only came up to my waist. Enhanced the feeling of openness, of being one with nature. Corny shit, I know, but every evening I did this felt frigging great.

I stepped under the tepid stream and tipped my head back. The moment I particularly enjoyed as part of my ritual because I got to see the billion stars starting to twinkle in the clear mauve sky.

There was no sky on earth like the outback sky. Not that I'd traveled much but the sky in Sydney wasn't a patch on this. And somehow, when I looked up at the stars every night, I reckoned I deserved this after all the years I'd showered in a hurry so I wouldn't be caught out.

I lathered up, taking my time as I always did despite the rationed water. Yeah, I definitely deserved this.

A noise captured my attention, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and I glanced over my shoulder. And froze.

Jess.

Taking a dusk stroll, rounding the corner of my shack.

This was my place. My down time. Last thing I needed was little Miss Prim and Proper muscling in. Her type may think they owned the place but she should be in the homestead where she belonged, sipping chamomile tea and watching soppy chick flicks.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I turned off the water, belatedly realizing my predicament.

My towel hung on the outside railing. In front of my shack. A good twelve feet away.

"I like walking at this time of evening." She shrugged, unable to tear her gaze away from my chest. "After spending all day in lecture theatres, it's great to clear my head."

Figured. She was probably a brainiac too. "You're at university?"

"Yeah, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I'm a freshman." She wrinkled her pert nose as if she'd smelled something nasty. "But I'd much rather be here right now."

"Let me guess. Boyfriend troubles?"

I didn't want to engage in conversation with her, but I had to admit she piqued my curiosity, because she hadn't been afraid to take a stroll in the semi darkness in the outback on her first night here.

"I'd need to have a boyfriend for there to be trouble," she muttered, a frown appearing between her brow. "What's it like?"

"Having a boyfriend? Couldn't tell you. I'm straight."

Her frown eased and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. A mouth I suddenly couldn't look away from. "I meant showering outdoors."

"Care to try?" I laid my hand on the stall knob and she took a step back.

I laughed. "Not that adventurous, huh?"

She squared her shoulders and her head tilted up. "Maybe I am?"

So she didn't like being taunted? I'd have to remember that. Because a guy could have a shitload of fun teasing someone like her.

"I doubt it." I turned the knob and her eyes widened. "I guess we're about to find out how adventurous you really are."

"What are you doing?"

I grinned. "Getting my towel."

Her frantic gaze darted around at the same time I opened the stall door.

"It's behind you, in case you were wondering," I drawled, trying not to laugh at her obvious discomfort.

I shouldn't tease her, I really shouldn't. She was a guest. Off limits. But that urge to ruffle her poise when we'd first met this afternoon was back, stronger than ever.

And just when I thought she would turn tail and run, she surprised me.

"Go ahead and get it." Her gaze drifted from my chest, lower. "Wouldn't want you getting cold or anything."

Fuck. She'd called my bluff. As for getting cold? The only thing I was getting behind this stall door was hot. Extremely hot. And hard.

"Last chance, sweet thing." I swung open the stall door so slowly the hinges squeaked. "Leave now or cop an eyeful."

She met my gaze, hers challenging and defiant. "Do I look like I'm going anywhere?"

In retaliation, I pushed the stall door open the rest of the way, so hard it slammed against the side of the shower.

I stood there. Hands on hips. Daring her to look her fill.

And she did. Staring at me in open-mouthed wonder.

I should've felt self-conscious. I didn't. I felt like a frigging king, on top of the world, having a girl like her look at me like I was the best thing she'd ever seen.

The longer she stared at my cock, the harder I grew, until I was pointing straight at her.

Only then did she turn away, but not before I saw her press her hands to her cheeks and mouth 'wow.'

"If you fancy another peep show, I'm here every day. Same time," I called out at her retreating back.

She paused, and glanced over her shoulder, her smile impish. "Seen it once, seen it all before."

With that, she sauntered away, leaving me with a hard-on that wouldn't quit, and the distinct urge to run after her so she could do something about it.