Free Obsession Down Under by LAYNE MACADAM Page B

like your twin. So ugly stick, hey?”
    “What can I say? My brothers are idiots, but don’t take offense. My name will be mud, but you’ll get a lot of mileage out of that little blunder. Travis will turn himself inside out trying to make amends.”

Chapter 10
    It was just on dusk and the crimson sky was fading to navy as Whip turned off the highway and slowed to a stop.
    They’d arrived. The entrance to the property was impressive. A rendered cream wall fifteen feet long stood on one side of the gravel road. At its peak the highest pillar reached six feet and curved down in a sweeping line to its lowest point of three feet. A mirror reverse wall stood on the other side. Thick charcoal lettering depicted Highland on one wall and Glen on the other. A black-barred metal gate hung between the two columns and proclaimed the entrance to Whip’s home.
    “I’ll get the gate,” she offered, sliding out before he could move.
    Whip drove on through, and she pulled the big gate closed and secured the latch.
    “One down, two to go,” he informed her as she climbed back into the Ute.
    After she’d closed the third gate and gotten back into the car, Whip continued along the uneven road. The property was much larger than she’d imagined, and the big house when it came into view was a pleasant surprise. Magnificent and dazzling were two words that popped into her mind.
    Someone had turned on the outside lights, throwing the huge two-story sandstone house into display. A grand dwelling from a bygone era. She couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful home. It could easily have been built in the late eighteen hundreds, but you wouldn’t know that from the impeccable condition. She could hardly wait until morning to get a proper look.
    The vehicle came to a standstill in front of the house, and Whip cut the engine.
    “Be it ever so humble.”
    “There’s nothing humble about your home. It looks amazing.” This was so different from the three bedroom bungalow she’d envisaged.
    “Here comes the welcoming committee,” Whip announced, indicating the three men and a woman who spilled out onto the wide wraparound veranda. “Didn’t think it’d take them long once they heard The Beast. You ready for the onslaught, babe?”
    Before she had time to nod or say yes, her door was yanked open, and a younger version of Whip stuck his head in and took her by the arm.
    “Welcome to Highland Glen Jess. I’m Mark, Whip’s youngest brother, the good-looking one,” he said by way of introduction and helped her out of the car.
    “If you believe that, Jess, you’ll believe anything.” Another young man appeared, shouldering Mark aside. “Hi, I’m Drew, and as you can plainly see, I’m the good-looking one. He’s the comedian.”
    “Would you two clowns back off and give the girl some space?” Whip materialized at her side.
    Jessica extended her hand to the young men. “No ugly sticks here either, Whip. They’re both handsome.” She laughed, joining in the fun.
    “That’s a matter of opinion.” Whip groaned and, grasping her arm, led her up onto the veranda. “Do us a favor you two and bring in the luggage,” he threw over his shoulder.
    The woman on the veranda, a petite redhead, was dwarfed by the man standing beside her. Jessica knew at once he was Travis.
    “Welcome, Jess, it’s going to be so much fun having you here.” The redhead stepped forward and gave her a hug. “I’m Annie, and this big dope here is my husband, Travis, who only opens his mouth to change feet.”
    “What can I say, Jess? I’m a mere male. Do you forgive me?” His sheepish expression had her heart fluttering. He was the dead ringer of Whip.
    “With a face like that, how could I not?” She stood on tiptoes and planted one on his cheek. “All is forgiven.”
    “This is all very cozy, but isn’t anyone going to say g’day to me?” Whip asked.
    “Oh you big baby, of course we missed you, and it’s good to have you home so soon.”