Page 12 of Her Dom's Secret Past

The silence fell between us but it was a comfortable silence. I enjoyed being close to him. Finally, after about thirty minutes, he carefully stretched.

“Think I’ve taken up enough of your time. I feel a lot better. Thank you, Anabelle.”

We both got out and I watched rather sneakily as he dried off. There was another horrid scar across his stomach. He’d certainly been through the wars. He pulled on his shirt and handed me his towel. We walked back to the kitchen and I grabbed a few apples.

“Can you hang around for a little while longer? Let’s see if we can coaxRollyout.”

“Okay.”

We went onto the patio. I pulled off a cushion again and threw it down, sitting where I had the other day. John settled on one of the outdoor chairs right alongside me, sitting upright with his feet on the ground, his head swiveling back and forth as he searched. I took an apple and bit into it as loudly as I could. Nothing happened. I tried a couple more times without success.

“Doesn’t look like he’s nearby.”

“Never mind, maybe tomorrow.”

I heard his real disappointment as I took the last bite of one of the apples and then I caught a whisper of something.

“Listen,” I said quietly.

I’d heard a snuffle, a grunt, and then I saw the grass sway. I pointed as it was pushed aside, and out he came, heading straight for me. I gave one of the two remaining apples to John and waited with the other in my hand.Rollystormed up to me as fast as his short barrel legs could carry him. I heard John gasp and risked a glance. He seemed entranced asRollyreached my side and grabbed my hand with his front paws to bring the apple close to his mouth. I relinquished it and he munched on it happily. When he’d finished, he sniffed the air and spied John’s apple.

“You better give it to him. Otherwise he’s likely to find a way to climb onto your lap.”

Rollywas doing exactly that, trying to climb up John’s legs as John held out the apple.Rollytook a bite then allowed John to hold it for him as he ate. Finally, the apple was gone and he must have realized there was no more. John hesitantly reached out and scratched between his ears.Rollyleaned into his hand and promptly rolled over for his tummy rub.

I didn’t think John would ever forget his first experience with a wombat as he rubbedRolly’sbelly. After a while,Rollygave a few happy chuffs, rolled back onto his feet, and steamrolled back the way he’d come.

“That. Was. Frigging. Amazing!”

I grinned up at him. He began laughing like a little kid. I put my hand on his knee.

“Did you like your first introduction to wombats?”

“Like? I loved it!”

He covered my hand with his and we both fell silent, staring at each other. My heart tried vainly to burst through my chest and I was having trouble breathing. I wasn’t sure who turned away first, but I did know I was now extremely hot and bothered. John lifted his hand and I struggled to my feet.

“Um. Well, you’re welcome to come down anytime and see if you can coax him out.”

John stood, a little shakily, but he was on his feet.

“Thank you, Anabelle, thank you for everything. I hope I can see you again soon.”

“I hope so too,” I managed to whisper without my voice breaking. I wished he’d touch me again.

He nodded goodbye and he walked off. When he reach the first tree, he turned around and pointed to it, then raised a hand in a victory salute. I laughed as he turned and limped heavily away.

I didn’t see John the rest of the day or the next because it was mostly steady rain, but the morning after, I went out for a morning swim at about ten and there he was, bobbing about in the waves. I’d been a little hesitant to swim today because it certainly wasn’t as warm as it had been. There were even a few heavy clouds gathering. As well, there was a heavy surf running. Still, I threw my towel on the sand and joined him.

“Morning, John.”

“Hi, Anabelle. Bit brisk in the water this morning and it’s a bit rough.”

I gave a shiver because it was colder than I’d anticipated.

“Sure is. Don’t think there is much ocean swimming weather left now until spring.”

“How’s the leg?”

“Getting there.”

I wasn’t watching and a wave rolled over us. I came up spluttering. John gave a laugh and I splashed him. That, of course, turned into a contest that saw us both splashing about like kids. It was fun and I was laughing so much that when another huge wave came, it dumped me under again and I had no chance of keeping my feet.

John held out a hand to pull me upright.

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