by Lily Harlem
“I did.” She paused. “And if it wouldn’t look like I was cheating on my boyfriend I’d give you a kiss to say thank you for organizing a private room for us.”
“I’ll take an I owe you.”
She smiled. “Deal.”
Evan appeared at her side. “Mason and I are going to pitch the tents just over this hedge. Regina said we’re welcome to stay the night.”
“That’s kind of her,” Olivia said.
Regina was still behind her food table. She was chatting and laughing and apparently enjoying her evening.
“She’s great,” Olivia said. “We were lucky to find this place.”
“Yeah.” Evan tapped the pocket on his pants. “She’s paid up too. We’ve got enough money to keep us going for a couple of days.”
“Great.” Harry grinned.
Evan plucked a one-dollar bill from his pocket and wafted it in front of Harry’s nose. “Here you go, Harry, your first buck earned with elbow grease.”
“No it’s not, I—”
“Sure it is.
“Actually, I—”
“There’s no point arguing. Put it in a gold frame and hang it in one of your mansions.” Evan chuckled.
“What’s your problem?” Harry batted Evan’s hand away. “Stop being such a douchebag.”
“Oh, cool it.” Olivia snatched the dollar bill that was causing sparks to fly and shoved it into her pocket. “We all worked hard today, as equals.”
The grin spread on Evan’s face and he winked at her. “I know.” He turned and held up his hand as he walked away. “We’ll be erecting tents, Harry, if you fancy it.”
She turned to Harry. “Don’t let him get to you.”
“He’s a jerk sometimes.”
“No, he just knows what buttons to press to wind you up. And I’m guessing in the past people haven’t dared do that to you.”
He scowled.
“Hey.” She rested her hand on his arm. “He thinks a lot of you, admires you, the way we all do each other. He’s poking fun, the way brothers mess about. You should take it as a compliment he feels your friendship is strong enough to take some teasing.”
Harry’s forehead relaxed. “You reckon?”
“Absolutely.” She paused. “Tomorrow, take the piss out of him and see what happens.”
“Yeah right. What is there to take the piss out of? He’s a goddamn survival expert. He could be a poster boy for the perfect Aussie surfer dude and he’s fast thinking and funny with it.”
“You make him sound perfect. No one is perfect.”
“He is a bit, and you definitely are.” He raised his hands as if to cup her face then froze. “Damn it. I want that kiss I’m owed.”
She giggled and stepped away. “You’ll have to wait. Besides, I’m going to grab some chowder, fill up while I get the chance.”
“Good plan.”
Olivia spent a pleasant couple of hours, eating, drinking and chatting to Anya and her friends. They told her all about life on the fruit farm, and their families in Africa. Although it was hard existence in their poor village, they missed home.
“Here,” Anya said, handing Olivia a scrap of paper at the end of the evening. “This is my number. The phone isn’t good so try me again if you call and I do not answer.”
“Thanks.” Olivia smiled. “If Raul wins millions I’ll drop you a message.”
She laughed. “Yes, you do that. And if you and your friends ever want to visit here again, or my village, I would like that.”
After bidding the girls and Regina goodnight, Olivia wandered with Raul to the tents.
Evan and Mason had set them up next to the hedge where their clothes were drying.
“Are you squeezing in our tent?” Raul asked.
They were the last awake and both tents were in quiet darkness.
“No,” she whispered. “Three per tent is enough.”
“Well I cannot complain. I have had you at my side all evening.” He hooked his finger beneath her chin and tilted her head. “Goodnight, miniña hermosa.”
“What does that mean?”
He smiled. “My beautiful girl.” He kissed her.
Chapter Thirteen
Olivia slept between Mason and Lucas. Their warm bodies and the sounds of their rhythmic breathing meant she woke well-rested.
Until, that was, the sound of an engine groaning and spluttering invaded the tent.
“What the hell is that?” Mason moaned as he scooted closer to her.
“An unhappy diesel engine, that’s what.”
“Make it stop.” Lucas pulled his sleeping bag over his head.
But it didn’t stop. The sound got worse. Click, click, click, then several loud pops.
“Bloody hell,” Olivia muttered. She pushed away the sleeping bag then dragged on her sweats. The air was cool on her sleep-warm skin so she tugged on a gray hoody Mason had left at the end of the tent. The arms were too long, so she shoved them up and the hem hung half way down her legs.
After pulling her boots on, she emerged from the tent.
On the other side of the hedge, a plume of black smoke drifted upward.
“Darn thing!” There was a clanking sound, as if metal was being kicked or thumped.
“You okay, Regina?” Olivia asked as she peered over the fence.
Regina sighed. “Once a year it does this. Decides not to work, and it’s always when I’ve got a list of things to do as long as my arm.”
“Want me to take a look?”
“If you’re a whizz with engines, sure, have at it.” She put her hands on her hips and frowned.
Olivia grinned and climbed over the fence.
The tractor was small and ancient. She guessed it had been red once, but most of the paint was peeling or invaded with rust.
“Turn it over again,” Olivia said.
Regina climbed onto the driver’s seat and turned the engine.
“It sounds like a problem with the starter.” Olivia snapped open the metal lid that covered the engine. It was thick with grease, and dust and dirt covered the mechanics. “Mmm.” She studied the layout then poked at the alternator.
“What is it?” Regina asked. “Apart from only being good for scrap.”
“I think it’s the flywheel, it’s not connecting. Hang on a minute.” She dipped her head around the lid. “And don’t start it, not with my hands in here.”
“I won’t.”
Olivia flicked some grease away and checked the pins. They looked in order. She guessed it was the starter motor not connecting with its gears. But without taking it to pieces it was impossible to know. She glanced around and spotted Regina’s tool kit. “Have you got a hammer in there?”
“Sure.” She opened it up and passed a small hammer, which appeared as ancient as the tractor.
“Thanks.” Olivia directed the hammer over the starter and gave it a small tap, sending a quick prayer heavenward the whole thing wouldn’t disintegrate.
It didn’t.
“Try it again,” she said, stepping back.
Regina turned the key.
This time the engine came to life. A plume of dark smoke burst from the exhaust.
“Hey, you did it.” Regina grinned.
Olivia smiled. “It’s going to need a new starter at some point, but you’ll be able to keep it limping along for a bit longer if you tap it just here with the hammer when it makes that click, click sound.”
Regina came to stand next to her.
“Here.” Olivia pointed to the starter. “Just gently, just enough to engage the tiny gears housed in there.”
“Okay. I’ll do that.” She rested her hand on Olivia’s shoulder and smiled. “I really appreciate it. You should know you and the guys are always welcome at Granfield, to work or as corn roast guests.”
“I appreciate that. And we appreciate the work.”
“Are you hitting the road now?”
“Yes, we’ve got a lot of miles to cover today.”
> “Good luck with all you do.” She paused. “Including keeping your gang of handsome bikers in line.”
Olivia laughed. “I’ll do my best.”
“Hey, Liv. You ready?” Harry called.
Harry and Evan were leaning on the gate, side by side, watching her.
“I’m just coming.” On impulse, she leaned in and gave Regina a quick kiss on her cheek. “Take care.”
“You too.” Regina smiled then climbed onto the seat of the tractor.
“You couldn’t resist a tinker with an old engine, huh?” Evan said, grinning as she walked over to them.
“Didn’t you hear it?” she asked.
“Bloody hell, was the awful noise coming from that thing?” Evan shook his head. “I heard it when I was in the shower.”
“Yes, but it’s fixed for a while at least.” She turned to see Regina chugging up the hill, her slim shoulders bobbing as she went and her headscarf flapping behind her.
“Ahh, our very own star engineer.” Evan leaned over the fence and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Saved the day again.”
“I bet she’s glad you dropped by,” Harry said.
“She’s nice.” Olivia looked around. “I wonder if we should stay longer.”
“Nah, let’s hit the road, I’ve got itchy feet.” Evan laughed. “Gotta keep moving eh, mate.” He set his hand on Harry’s shoulder and squeezed. “Shall we look at the map, plan the route?”
“Sure.” Harry smiled. “And as we’ve got some cash we could stop and get dinner out tonight.”
“Washed down with a few beers; I like the way you think.” Evan laughed.
They turned and Olivia reached for her clothes that had been drying. “I won’t be a minute.”
“We’re not exactly going without you, babe,” Evan said, throwing her a wink.
A couple of hours later and the sun was beating down as they sped along in single file. Harry had set a good pace; it was clear a lot of distance was to be covered.
But Olivia didn’t mind. Being on the bike was still a novelty and a great way to enjoy the scenery.
She admired the hills in the distance, the grand houses set back from the road and the small towns they drove through. Harry and Evan had made a decision to avoid any really built-up areas and they skirted around them on busy main roads.
Early afternoon they stopped at a road-side café and bought a burger each, washed down with soda. Then after filling up with fuel and using the facilities, they carried on.
By late afternoon the traffic was light, the hills had flattened out and the sky above them vast. Olivia enjoyed the new landscape and the enormous fields, much larger than any she’d seen in England.
Just as she was becoming tired and her limbs were aching from riding for so long, they entered a small town.
On the right was a medium-sized hotel called Nobel Dawn Rooms. It was wooden clad, had a large wrought iron-gate pushed open, and plush hanging baskets. The lawn was well maintained and a long, straight path led toward steps to the entrance. Several cars were in the lot and the place held a calmness that appealed to her.
She realized she was getting hungry and tired which had created a longing for a hotel bed and food.
She hoped they’d find somewhere to eat and set up camp soon.
After winding slowly down the high street and attracting some attention from locals, Harry indicated to a slightly run-down restaurant. It was on the edge of the town and adjacent to it was a large grassy area leading to a river. The restaurant also had a large garden with wooden benches dotted about. A sign over its door hung a little wonky and held the words Full Throttle Saloon.
Evan gave a thumbs-up and turned into the lot.
It seemed they’d come to the local bikers hangout. There was a whole bunch of bikes, including Harleys, parked up. Guys in leather stood about drinking in the evening sunshine, and as Olivia rumbled to a halt between Evan and Raul she was aware of interest falling on them.
She turned off her engine and tugged off her helmet. Her hair was stuck flat to her head, so she scraped her fingers through it, jiggling the roots.
“You okay?” Raul asked.
She nodded at the bar entrance. “Hungry and thirsty.”
“Si, me too.” He glanced at the crowd of guys. Most had tattoos, and many had beards thicker than the one Harry had grown on the island. There didn’t seem to be many women about.
“We’ll camp over there,” Evan said. “But we’ll put the tents up later, when it’s dark. That’ll draw less attention.”
“Good plan.” Harry removed his helmet but kept his handkerchief around his face so only his eyes and the bridge of his nose were visible. Clearly this was somewhere he didn’t want to be recognized.
“Shall we sit over there?” Olivia nodded to a free bench in the shade of a huge tree.
“Sure.” Harry nodded. “Someone else okay to go get beers and order food?”
“I can do that,” Evan said. “Raul, you wanna help me?”
“Si.”
As Evan and Raul wandered past the group of bikers, Harry, Olivia, Mason and Lucas claimed the bench.
Olivia stretched her arms above her head and eased out the kinks in her spine. “We did good today.”
“Yeah, we did.” Harry slipped his handkerchief down from his face now that he had his back to the crowd. “And we’ll do the same again tomorrow. I’d like to hit Colorado.”
“I can’t wait to see the Rockies,” Olivia said. “I’ve seen them on television so many times.”
“They’re beautiful. We have a house in Aspen, for skiing,” Harry said.
“Nice.” She smiled. “Though we’re not likely to see snow this time of year, are we?”
“No.” He shook his head.
“We ski in Scotland,” Mason said.
“Do you?” Harry looked surprised.
“Aye, it’s not bad.” Mason grinned.
“Something I’ve never tried,” Olivia said. “But I’d like to.”
“You’ll have to come to Aspen sometime,” Harry said, his eyes twinkling. “In the winter.”
“Thanks, we’d love to.” Mason laughed.
“What’s mine is yours.” Harry held out his hands. “We’re a crew, right?”
Mason inclined his head. “This is true.”
A few minutes later, Raul and Evan appeared. Evan held a tray laden with bottles of beer.
“I’m ready for this.” Mason grinned, taking one. “Cheers, everyone.”
Raul and Evan sat and they all clinked bottles.
Olivia was aware of several faces turning their way. She got the feeling Full Throttle Saloon wasn’t used to strangers turning up and making themselves so at home.
“We ordered a couple of sharing platters,” Evan said. “Fries, hot dogs, salad, pizza. It’s all junk food but will keep us going.”
“Should hit the spot.” Mason nodded.
The conversation turned to how to make their next lot of cash, and before long their food was delivered by a skinny young waiter who looked as if he’d rather be anywhere other than at work.
Without speaking, he set their platters down, then returned with cutlery which he placed on the table along with red paper napkins.
“Thank you,” Olivia said with a smile.
He made eye contact with her briefly, then nodded and walked away.
She shrugged and grabbed a hot dog.
The food was tasty and filling. As she was finishing up, several more bikers arrived, their tires flicking up dust and their exhausts roaring.
“Busy place, this,” Raul said. “Considering the food is…”
“Not Michelin Star,” Olivia finished for him.
“Si. Not Michelin Star.”
She drained her beer and pushed her plate to one side. Her stomach was full and her body relaxing. “Have we got enough cash for another drink each?”
“Sure.” Evan pulled out several bills. “I’ll go order.”
“I can do it
.” Olivia stood.
“I’ll come with you.” Evan also stood.
“I’m perfectly capable of getting some drinks for us.”
He pressed his lips together and sat.
“I need to find the little boys’ room.” Mason got to his feet
“Yeah, it’s in the door on the right.” Evan said, the slight crease on his brow relaxing.
She raised her eyebrows at Mason.
“I do.” He held out his hands. “I need to pee.”
“Yeah, right.”
Walking past the group of bikers, she became even more aware of the lack of women. She wondered if it were a gay bar but then quickly rejected the idea. The way some of the guys were checking out her butt, they were definitely of the heterosexual variety.
“I’ll be at the bar,” she said to Mason as he ducked into the men’s restroom.
“Okay, hen.”
She wound past several tables, most of which were occupied, and up to the bar. The lighting was dim and the air stale.
“Six bottles of Bud please,” she said to the barman.
He nodded and started popping lids.
“What’s a nice girl like you doing in a joint like this?” A gruff voiced male spoke next to her ear and a hot, hairy arm brushed hers.
She turned and came face to face with the image of a skull printed on a black t-shirt. The wearer of the t-shirt was tall and broad with a tangled black-gray beard. He had a silver ring through his septum and it hung halfway down to his top lip.
“Just passing through,” she said, setting a few dollar bills on the bar and tilting her chin.
“Yeah, aren’t we the lucky ones to have you stop by.”
“I’m with friends.” She swallowed. His tone had sent a chill over her skin and his arm was brushing hers again.
“We can be your friends.” Another deep voice came from her opposite side. “Real good friends.”
She snatched in a breath as a hand stroked down her back. “Hey. Get off.”
The second guy was as equally broad as the first, though he had a shiny, balding head and a tattoo of a bat over his right ear.
His hand drifted to her butt and squeezed her left cheek.
Shock went through her. She felt so small between them. “Get the hell off me.” She moved away but bumped into the first guy.
