Heart Of The Outback, Volume 2

by Margaret Way

  “Would you like me to talk to her? See if there’s anything that she hasn’t told you? Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people we don’t know as well.”

  “I appreciate the offer but …”

  “You’re not sure.”

  Steffi nodded.

  “That’s fine. The offer’s there if you want to take it up.” “Thanks.”

  For once it was Steffi who seemed keen to shift the focus and she began to gather buckets and spades, shaking sand from their beach towels and collecting sandals and T-shirts. “It’s getting late, I think it’s time to start packing up. Would you give the girls a five-minute warning, please?”

  Despite their complaints about going home and their protestations that they weren’t at all tired, the girls” eyes were closed before Steffi had even pulled out of the car park.

  She was pretending to concentrate on driving so she could go over their conversation at the beach. Matt had offered his help with Jess. Because he thought she needed his help? Did he think she wasn’t capable of managing on her own and was coming to the aid of a damsel in distress, or was he just being considerate? She didn’t know. But he’d made it clear asking for help wasn’t big on his to-do list, so she had to guess he didn’t think too highly of her for all the strife she’d got herself into and had basically admitted she hadn’t been able to handle. She’d pretty much told him she’d made a mess of things, financially, workwise, with parenting. All of it. And that was without admitting to the icing on the cake, the panic attacks. The least said about them, the better.

  She pulled up in front of his house.

  “Would you like to put Jess to bed in my room and stay for dinner?”

  She hesitated, making a pretence of checking the two girls in the back seat. The fact that they were still sound asleep was the perfect excuse for him to make a quick exit but he wasn’t doing that. Maybe she hadn’t put him off for ever with her tales of woe. “Can you cook?”

  “Anyone can do scrambled eggs on toast.”

  She laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind one ear, thinking that the day’s end was looking brighter. “As inviting as that sounds, I really should get Jess home. We’ve got another busy day tomorrow. Mum and Dad are having their clearing sale this week and I really need to give them a hand with sorting stuff.” She could hardly say she didn’t trust herself to be alone with him. One minute feeling down because she’d blown her chances, the next fantasising about an evening with him. She needed some downtime to sort her labile reactions out, that much was certain.

  “Of course. If your dad needs any muscle tomorrow, give me a call.”

  “Do you know some strong young men?”

  He laughed. A rich, warm sound, lovely, just like him. “I meant me. Tell your dad I work cheap. A couple of beers and a kiss from his daughter and I’ll be happy.”

  “The station hands will be around to do the heavy work, but thanks for the offer.”

  “So no kiss either?”

  “I think your luck might run to that.” Steffi undid her seat belt and leant towards him, closing the distance between them.

  An image of him on the beach, gathering up their towels and flinging them into bags, jumped into her mind. He’d looked lean and brown, all sinewy muscle, at odds with his story of being bullied, but she could see in his build as a man the contours of the awkward adolescent he’d have been, before he’d grown into his frame, before those muscles had appeared. He must have been right when he’d said he’d not fitted in. There was something about him still, as an adult, that stood out, dragged her attention to him whether she tried to resist or not. His school peers wouldn’t have seen the appeal he’d have as an adult male, but it would’ve been there. He had been born to draw female attention, without trying, probably without knowing. And there lay his appeal. And his danger.

  She looked at his mouth, his lips parted in anticipation, and adolescent angst was forgotten, they’d talk of it another time. Her heart began to race as she moved nearer, tilting her head to one side. She could smell the tangy scent of the sea on his warm skin and could feel his breath on her cheek. She closed her eyes as she pressed soft lips to his face, tasting the salt on him. She held her lips still, against the corner of his mouth, half hoping that he would turn his head towards her but all the while conscious of the young girls in the back seat.

  She heard him breathe out, felt him move his head, ever so slightly, bringing his mouth around to find hers. Gently he teased her lips apart with his tongue, exploring, tasting. But only briefly. As if he, too, was conscious that the time was not right.

  He broke their kiss but left one hand on her thigh, the other resting against her cheek. His eyes held a promise of what was still to come for them, some time in the not too distant future.

  “Thank you for a lovely day.”

  “It was my pleasure.” He ran his thumb lightly over her cheek. “I look forward to doing it again soon.” His grey eyes held her blue ones in an unwavering gaze. “By ourselves next time.”

  Steffi’s heart somersaulted in her chest. There was no mistaking his intentions. They were the same as hers. She nodded as he climbed out of the car and opened the back door to lift Susie from her seat. Susie snuggled into his shoulder, fast asleep. She thought she’d never seen a more glorious sight. Matt adored his niece and Steffi had seen today that the feeling was mutual.

  Matt whispered to her. “I’ll call you.”

  Steffi nodded again and waited until he was at his front door before driving off, a smile playing over her lips as she drove away. She hadn’t felt this excited about anything in a long time.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “OK, FOLKS, buckle up, we’ve got a short hop to William Creek, just five hundred kilometres away, and then on to Oodnadatta.” Ryan’s cheery voice came through the intercom as Steffi fastened her seat belt ready for her second AAS clinic. Her second with Matt, too, as luck would have it.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t called you,” Matt said. “I’ve picked up the phone several times and been interrupted. Now it’s Thursday already and we don’t have any firm arrangements.”

  “It’s OK. I know how quickly the time goes.”

  “How’s your week been?”

  “Hectic, too. Mum and Dad held their clearing sale yesterday so at least that box is ticked and now they’re frantically packing. They’re due to leave as soon as Lauren and Jack get home from their honeymoon.”

  “And you? Have you decided whether or not you’ll stay?”

  She nodded. “With Mum and Dad leaving, I wasn’t sure if moving back here would be the best thing, so I decided to leave things in the hands of fate to a degree. I went for an interview at Community Health on Tuesday and decided I’d stay if they offered me a job. I really can’t do shiftwork any more. If I want to be around for Jess, I need regular hours and regular pay.”

  “Have you heard from them yet? I’m happy to give you a reference.”

  “Thanks, but I had enough referees. I got a call last night—I start work on Monday.” “So you’re staying?”

  Was he pleased or not? He was hard to read. “Looks that way.”

  “What does Jess think?”

  What do you think? she wanted to ask, but she said, “She was more excited than me, but I think that might be because she thinks her chances of getting a pony have increased by about a hundred per cent.”

  “You’ve promised her one?”

  “No, but I think Auntie Lauren might have mentioned something.”

  “Siblings. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

  “I always thought that quote was about the opposite sex.”

  He laughed but didn’t rise to the bait, choosing, once again, to change the subject. “Put your sunglasses on and look out of your window. We’re flying past Lake Eyre.”

  Steffi took her sunglasses from her handbag, sliding them into place before peering out of the window. To their right was the enormous expanse of Lake Eyre, a huge, flat, sal
tpan, shining a blinding white in the sun.

  “I can remember Dad bringing us out here once after a big rain, but I haven’t seen it from the air before. There were birds of all kinds everywhere—pelicans, terns, seagulls. It was amazing to see all these seabirds so far from the sea.”

  “How old were you?”

  “I’m not sure, probably about the age that Jess is now. Why?”

  “My parents brought my sister and I, too, but it was after the flood of “74. You wouldn’t have been born yet.”

  Ryan interrupted to announce that they were approaching William Creek. Steffi looked out the window again. “There’s nothing out here. Where’s Ryan taking us?”

  “Have you been to William Creek before?”

  “Not that I recall.”

  “I promise William Creek is down there. It’s only got four buildings. If you blink, you’ll miss it.” “Where do we hold the clinic?” “On the airstrip.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Steffi could feel her eyebrows heading for her hairline.

  “On the airstrip.”

  “That’s what I thought you said.”

  “There are only ten permanent residents here and the only public building is the hotel. Most of our patients today will have driven here. We attach an annexe to the plane for shelter and set up under it. We’ve got everything we need on board.” He laughed and she assumed it was at the expression on her face. “It’s a good system, you’ll see.”

  Steffi couldn’t determine whether or not Matt was pulling her leg. Even when they landed and she saw Matt and Ryan were erecting a temporary shelter, she still didn’t really believe him. It took the sight of several dusty four-wheel-drive vehicles pulling up by the airstrip to convince her he’d been telling the truth. The first of their patients had arrived.

  “Welcome to your examination room.” Matt waved his hand at the card table, two folding chairs and portable examination couch Ryan had placed under the tarpaulin. “Can you take care of the children and babies, do their routine health checks and any immunisations that are due? You need to fill in their blue books.” He was referring to the book each child had in which immunisations and any childhood illnesses, as well as height, weight and other particulars, were recorded. “And enter brief notes in this record book. The patient details will be transferred to their records back at the base. Sound OK?”

  Sure, if being shell-shocked was OK. She was used to hospitals, for heaven’s sake, big city hospitals. It had taken some adjusting to the smaller country hospitals and now she was working in the middle of a dusty airstrip in thirty-six-degree heat surrounded by buzzing flies. The retrieval from the station last week had at least had an element of excitement about it—but this location?

  Her anxiety must have shown on her face because Matt reached out and grasped her hand. “You’ll be fine. I’ll be right here. I’ll just be in the plane, seeing anyone who needs a doctor. Just yell if you need me.”

  He squeezed her hand and Steffi took a deep breath.

  He’d be there. If he could be there all the time, maybe she’d never have another panic attack again. He’d certainly settled her down now without any trouble.

  He winked at her and draped an arm around her shoulders, giving them a light squeeze before turning to go. “You’ll do great.” It was clear he was enjoying this, not enjoying her uncertainty but confident that she’d do fine, so enamoured of this environment that he could only feel excitement at the prospect of the day ahead. “See you in a bit.”

  “It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” She dropped her voice as she swatted at a couple of flies buzzing persistently around her face. “At least, I hope it’s only once in a lifetime.”

  Matt laughed and turned back to the plane. “Let’s get to work.”

  * * *

  Steffi worked steadily for the next hour weighing, measuring and immunising a number of children and discussing everything from sleeping patterns to diet with their mothers. There had only been a few patients she’d needed to refer on to Matt.

  Now she was sitting opposite Evelyn Mills, who was holding a tiny baby dressed for the hot weather in a singlet embroidered with roses, a nappy and a pink sunhat. Evelyn had dark circles under her eyes but a proud smile.

  “What can I do for you today?”

  “Lynley needs her two-month immunisations.”

  “She’s gorgeous. Your first?”

  “Yes.”

  “How has she been doing?”

  “Pretty well, if my friends” stories are anything to go by. She feeds well, but often.”

  Steffi looked at Lynley’s chubby thighs and cheeks. “I can see that. You’re doing a good job. Can I hold her?” Evelyn passed Lynley over, and the baby looked up at Steffi, content. “Are you breastfeeding?” She was pleased to hear an affirmative reply. “What about you? How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired.”

  “Believe me, it does get easier.”

  “Do you have children?”

  “One daughter. She’s eight.” Steffi had found on several occasions this morning, and at the clinic in Ceduna, that the other mothers liked to hear that she was also a mother. They seemed to like hearing about things that worked in practice, rather than just in theory. “Have you had your six-week check?”

  “No. Lynley’s nine weeks old in a couple of days. Last time the AAS was here she was only four and a half weeks old.”

  “Why don’t I see if Matt can check you today? I can do Lynley’s health check and her immunisation once you’re finished. Are you happy to see a male doctor?”

  “I’m happy to see anybody, I’m just grateful that I don’t have to drive all day to do it.”

  “OK. Give me a minute, I’ll see what he’s doing.” Steffi passed the baby back to her mum and ducked around the plane, climbing inside. Matt was just finishing with a patient.

  “Hi,” Steffi said as his patient left.

  “Hi, yourself.” He was more rumpled now than when they’d arrived, and the sheen on his skin and his tousled hair brought images of roguish pirates flooding back. She suppressed a sigh. And her mental images. “How’s it going?”

  “Interesting. Different. But I’m managing so far. Could you see a patient for me? Evelyn Mills, she needs her six-week postnatal check.”

  “No problem.”

  “Could you also see what she’s doing about contraception?”

  “Aye, aye, captain.”

  She grinned. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to tell you how to do your job.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll need you to stay in the plane. It’s policy to have a female nurse overseeing any gynae or obstetric examinations.”

  “That must make things a bit awkward at times.”

  “It can slow us down a bit, waiting until a nurse is free, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Matt paused and she saw him study her carefully. “Sure you’re managing? You look worn out.”

  She frowned at him. Exhausted she might be, but it didn’t help to hear she looked as bad as she felt. Why did sweat, crumpled clothes and messy hair equate to gorgeous on him but looking exhausted for her?

  Matt seemed to list mind-reading along with his numerous other talents. “Don’t get me wrong, you still look beautiful but I think you should close your eyes and get some sleep on the trip home.” The light in his eyes was full of good humour. “I’ve got an ulterior motive. I’m hoping if you have a nap you’ll be able to come to dinner with me.”

  Steffi gave him a sideways glance.

  “Nothing fancy,” he continued. “A steak and salad at my place. Just the two of us. Could you manage that?”

  “Your timing is impeccable. Jess is sleeping over at my parents” tonight so I’ve got a free evening. I’d love to have dinner with you, but,” she said, stepping away as he reached for her hand, “if we’re going to be back in time I’d better call your next patient.”

  She felt like skipping down the steps. An evening together, alone. Alone
with her roguish pirate. Perfect.

  Steffi’s eyelids were drooping before Ryan had even taxied to the end of the landing strip. It had been a long day. The morning clinic at William Creek had been followed by a longer session in Oodnadatta. At least there they’d been accommodated in the small hospital in slightly more comfortable surroundings. She leant back in her seat, letting her mind wander over the events of the day.

  Was she was making the right decision to stay in Port Cadney? Things did seem to be working out better so far—she had a new job, Jess seemed happier, they had a roof over their heads and an attractive, intelligent man seemed keen to get to know her better.

  She could feel him watching her as she relaxed in her seat. It was a comforting, safe feeling to know he was there. She was amazed at how in tune they seemed to be, how familiar they had become with each other in just a couple of weeks. They worked well together and each time she’d asked Matt to see one of her patients they had been in complete agreement about the course of treatment. Having worked closely with him on several occasions, she recognised his strength of character and his desire to protect and nurture. He was independent, a trait she identified with. He was reliable and calm under pressure and a good listener. But she still didn’t know what had made him into the man he was today. He certainly knew far more of her history than she knew of his. It bothered her that he wasn’t so open with his confidences, but maybe that would come.

  Besides, she liked him.

  She trusted him.

  And for now, that was enough to go on.

  She smiled as the now familiar rush of heat raced through her when she thought of Matt. She’d have some fun for a change. Pretend her life hadn’t started heading down a short, steep hill to disaster, the crash hopefully now averted. Perhaps it was time she considered her own needs and desires as well as the demands placed upon her by motherhood and her career. They didn’t have to make any promises, any commitments, just enjoy each other’s company. She’d take a chance with Matt and see where it took her.