by Tamsin Baker
“Might do.” Marnie was non-committal. “Have a look at what’s here. Have you ever tried Quandong Pie, or perhaps Finger Limes?”
“I haven’t, but I’m willing to give most things a try. I draw the line at Witchetty Grubs.”
“You’re lucky then. I’m fresh out of Grubs. Funny, even Raff wouldn’t eat them.”
He knew he had to buy something. He selected a packet of Lemon Myrtle flakes, and another of Wattle Seed. He picked up a brochure which advised how to use them. His cooking wasn’t sophisticated, but at least he could sprinkle herbs where directed.
“Thanks, Marnie. I’ll get out of your way and keep exploring.”
“Raff and the fire trucks are around behind the hall. Drop in and say g’day.”
“I’ll probably do that.” With obligation to Marnie met, he drifted from one stall to another, sampling produce occasionally before stopping off at the coffee van. Already a long queue was forming. He tacked himself on the end. It had better be good coffee. He was one back from the counter, salivating with the seductive aroma when he saw her. Cassie Craven was disappearing in the direction of the animal shed. He got a quick glimpse of her delectable backside beneath a tumble of dark hair before both disappeared around the corner.
“Damn!”
“What?” The woman in front of him turned around and glared.
“Sorry. Not you.” He gave an apologetic smile and looked back over his shoulder at the direction Cassie was taking. He didn’t want to lose her. With a regretful look at the length of the line behind him, Daniel stepped out of the queue. The person behind him looked confused for a second and then gleeful as he closed the gap with a decisive step forward.
“Enjoy it, mate,” Daniel muttered as he half-walked, half-jogged in the direction he’d seen Cassie heading. He had to speak to her. If he didn’t grab her now, she might disappear. He poked his head in the first door. That section was full of caged birds. Chickens, ducks and geese, some with ribbons attached to the cage doors. No Cassie.
The next door he found led to the pig pens, and there she was, squatting by one of the enclosures. Drawing close, he could see a large sow lying down on the straw, with litter of piglets fighting over access to a teat. Their high-pitched squeals ricocheted off the tin roof. Don’t tell me your problems. I’m the one who didn’t get my coffee. Play nicely with your mum.
He stood for a moment in the doorway, giving his eyes time to adjust to the dim light. He could smell the fresh straw, overlaid with the earthy odour of manure. Unbidden, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He had the strange feeling someone was watching him. As the shapes in the shed came into focus, he saw the man from the bush clearing, the one he’d seen when he returned to the stone. Weirdly, he was still wearing that cloak, and he was looking directly at Daniel. Now there was less distance between them, it was possible to see that the cloak was covered in brown speckled feathers.
Something must have alerted Cassie to his presence, for she suddenly stood up and looked around, her eyes searching until they rested on his. He saw the flare of recognition, only to be replaced by a frozen mask. She turned towards the door, apparently intent on leaving.
“Cassie, wait.”
She only half-turned towards him, glancing back over her shoulder. She didn’t speak, but her eyes asked the question. What?
“Can I speak to you for a moment? Not here—somewhere quieter.”
She hesitated.
“Please,” he said. “Just for a minute.”
The noise from the piglets intruded. Cassie blinked, and looked slightly mortified as she noted the curious glances directed towards them both. She turned and walked out into the sunlight, pausing outside so Daniel could catch up with her. He glanced back at the man in the cloak, but there was no sign of him. A couple of brown speckled feathers lay on the ground, but that was all. Strange that he could disappear so quickly.
☐
She’d been so engrossed in the snuffling, squeaking tumble of piglets that initially the vibrations didn’t register. The shivers ran up her spine, playing a fandango on each bony protrusion as they did. Daniel. It had to be him.
Cassie tensed, a self-protective measure before standing and looking around. Her knees creaked a protest. There he was, and he was looking right at her. She glanced towards the door, but if she had any thoughts of avoiding him, they were wasted. Not that she really wanted to avoid him, if she were honest with herself.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Boobook Man. This was the last place she expected to see him. She wasn’t sure if he was watching her or watching Daniel. His presence had to be significant, but she didn’t want to draw attention to him by staring. She turned her focus back to Daniel.
“What do you want?” Cassie kept her voice low, verging on expressionless. People were wandering past, and she didn’t want to have any discussions with him within public hearing, particularly not in a small-town environment.
“Is there somewhere we can go for a quiet talk?” he asked. “Does this event run to more than one coffee venue? I’ve lost my place in the queue for the coffee van and I’m likely to turn into a werewolf soon without my coffee fix.”
She lifted her eyebrows a fraction. That could be interesting. It would really get the tongues wagging. Perhaps a dingo would pass without comment, but not a wolf. Not here, anyway. “The Country Women’s Association have coffee. I have contacts who will take us to the front of the queue. Follow me.”
He followed her in silence as she pushed through the crowds, but she was acutely aware of his presence. They paused at the entrance to the café. The rattle of crockery and general conversation rose to meet them, and a couple of people nodded in Cassie’s direction. The women behind the counter were flat out busy. Rosie Wilson was one of them, and Cassie headed in her direction.
“I’ll place our order. I’ll get served quicker than you.” She gave a wry smile. “It helps to have the right connections.”
Daniel shrugged but waved her forward. Cassie knew Rosie had spotted them as soon as they came in.
“Cassie, good to see you,” Rosie said by way of greeting before hissing quietly, “Who’s that with you?”
Cassie repressed her sigh. It was inevitable she would get a grilling. “Daniel Burton. Marnie mentioned him the other evening. I ran into him outside and brought him in to get a coffee.”
“I didn’t realise you knew him.”
“He’s a new customer at the library and we got talking. No harm in being friendly with a newcomer to town, is there?” She fixed the other woman with a defiant stare. “Can we have two takeaway coffees?”
“Coming right up.”
Cassie knew Rosie wanted to get a closer look at Daniel. The woman cast curious looks in his direction, and there was no way she would let the opportunity pass. The older woman placed the two coffees on the counter in front of them and looked at him curiously.
“I’ve seen you in my bakery, haven’t I?”
“Probably. Someone told me your vanilla slices were to die for. I had to see for myself.”
She beamed with pleasure. “I like a man who appreciates quality when he sees it. We’ve a lot more on offer. Say hello when you’re next in the shop.
Cassie rolled her eyes, being careful not to let Rosie see her do it. Daniel was winning yet another heart. Was that the usual pattern with this man?
“Better get back to it,” Rosie said brightly. “It’s always busy at the show. I like to help the CWA when I can.”
“Thanks, Rosie. I’ll catch you later.” Cassie guided Daniel back towards the door. “If we head out towards the arena, we can sit down on the grassed area. No one will overhear us there. They’ll have the animal parade soon. You can get an eyeful of the local bovine belles.”
She led him towards the parade ground, where they found themselves a secluded spot on the sloping lawns overlooking the action. Daniel prized the lid from his coffee and stared at the foam-covered liquid as though some
thing deeply meaningful could be read there. He looked like a man with something on his mind. He gave her a quick sideways glance before turning his attention towards the parade of animals entering the arena. To the casual observer, he might appear relaxed. She knew he wasn’t. Whatever he wanted to say, she wasn’t going to make it easy for him. She sat in silence and waited.
“I had the strangest dream the other night,” he began. “As it unfolded, I was sharing a drink with a fascinating woman, who knew all sorts of things—about the stars, for instance, and the Earth and our relationship with the world around us.” The look he gave her was direct and intense.” One thing led to another—I know I was immensely attracted to her—and what followed was the most amazing night of my life. When I woke up, the dream was vivid and almost seemed real. It couldn’t have been, though, because I was alone, and surely I wouldn’t have forgotten an encounter like that?”
Cassie felt the heat rising on her cheeks. She held her silence but couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. Daniel sipped his coffee and cleared his throat before continuing.
“Cassie, the morning after my dream, I was really confused. Everything was so hazy. For some reason, I saw the world differently. The light was brighter, colours more intense—even sounds were different. It’s difficult to describe and sounds a little crazy.”
No, it doesn’t. How do you think it was for me, except I knew it wasn’t a dream?
He paused, rubbing his forehead as he struggled for words. “When I walked into town the next day, I ran into you. Sort of. I ran into Amber first, and I admit my response to her was stronger than normal. Sensations swept over me that were reminiscent of my dream.” He gave an embarrassed laugh.” I recall your previous ‘bunny in heat’ comment and that sort of describes it, except this time, I found myself responding. I’m not proud of that. I only started to remember when I looked up and saw you watching.”
He took a sip of his coffee. Cassie hadn’t touched hers, too engrossed in what he was saying. She was glad nobody was seated close to them. This wasn’t a conversation she wanted others to overhear.
“Cassie, it was you, wasn’t it? It was you who was in my bed that night, you who shared the most mind-blowing sex of my life. Why didn’t you stay? Why did you run away when I saw you in the street?”
“Um…is your coffee okay? I didn’t ask how you wanted it.” It was an obvious diversionary tactic.
“And is there sensory enhancement in the coffee as well? What did you do to me that night, Cassie?”
“You remember that bit as well? I wasn’t sure you did.”
“The effect was fairly dramatic, and I’ve had a couple of days to go over that night in my mind. I don’t regret it, but I wish you’d explained to me what you were doing. I also wish you had stayed until morning.”
“You recall I told you I study the therapeutic benefits of flowers,” Cassie began hesitantly.
“There was something about that. You mentioned the orchids.”
“I did. I distilled a tincture from the Musky Caladenia, which I thought was a sensory enhancement. I hadn’t tested it properly before.” She looked at him beseechingly. “I apologise for what I did. When I added drops to our wine, I never imagined the effect would be so strong. I shouldn’t have done that.”
She dropped her eyes, focussing on the ground front of her. She knew what must be running through his mind. She had drugged him, and the whole night was a sham. There was no genuine intimacy or passion in the time she spent in his bed. He was only reacting to the Muscal.
The vibrations were so strong, and this time she definitely heard them humming. The tips of her fingers tingled, and the sensation radiated towards her core of sensuality. Could Daniel feel it? She risked a quick glance, but his expression was inscrutable.
“This is the wrong location for the conversation we need to have,” he finally said. “If it weren’t so public, I’d show you what I think about this, and I don’t need any sensory enhancement to help me do it.”
She looked at him, uncertain thoughts racing through her head. Was he going to get aggressively physical? She hadn’t pegged him as that sort of man. Perhaps she’d seriously misjudged him.
“Cassie, I don’t need any sensory enhancement, or any other enhancement for that matter. You’re an attractive and intriguing woman, and I’d like the opportunity to get to know you better. On all levels. Especially on that level.”
The half-lidded look to his eyes indicated what he meant. As her gaze wandered lower to his full lips, slightly parted, she remembered kissing them and the delicious sensation it evoked. She wanted to kiss them again. Here. Right now, and without even a hint of Muscal. She sat close enough to be aware of his warm, male scent, and that was sensory enhancement enough. She had an urge to nibble the side of his neck, licking and tasting as she progressed lower into the space at the top of his shirt. She fixed her eyes on that patch of skin, wondering what would happen if she leaned over and undid the top button.
“Can we start again—or continue from where we left off?” he asked.
“I’d like that,” she whispered. “Start again, I mean.” I’d especially like some of the other too, but not here.
“Shall we walk for a bit?” Daniel suggested. “I think I need to get up and move before I do something that shouldn’t be seen in public. Not in this town, anyway.”
He stood up, brushing the grass from the seat of his jeans before extending his hand to Cassie, intending to help her to her feet. There was a distinct zap when skin touched skin.
“Wow! What was that?”
He looked perplexed but gave his hand a shake and extended it once more. This time, Cassie noted only a mild tingle, so soft Daniel might not have felt it. He dropped a quick kiss on her lips.
“Take that as a promise,” he said. “We’ll discuss the terms and parameters later.”
Her heart did a little zing. The day showed more potential than when she’d first gotten out of bed. She smiled at him and when he offered his hand again, slipped hers into his before they strolled closer to the arena fence, first to admire the cows, and then to meander around the show grounds.
They came across the section where farm machines and equipment were on display. As Marnie had indicated, the Country Fire Service was in the same area, with an excited swarm of children admiring the fire trucks, freshly washed and polished. Some of the volunteers were handing out brochures on bushfire management. Cassie knew them all, of course, and stopped to take one. Not that she needed the information. She was well-versed in the dos and don’ts of fire management in a country environment.
“Eh, mate, you’re a quick worker. I didn’t know you two were so well acquainted.”
Cassie spun around. Raff. He addressed Daniel, but his eyes flicked over her as well, and despite his jovial tone, there was no warmth to his look.
Daniel laughed uncertainly. “Still getting acquainted, Raff. The town’s been very welcoming to a city bloke.”
“I can see that.” Raff turned his attention to Cassie. “So is your destiny changing, Cassie, or is this a minor distraction?”
He’d remembered her words. Hardly surprising. It was only a brief time since their conversation. She felt a flush of embarrassment. There was a moment’s awkward silence while Daniel looked from Raff to Cassie and back again.
“You two know each other, I presume?” He answered his own question. “Of course. Everyone would know everyone else in a town this size.”
“Well, is this a private party, or can anyone join in?”
Cassie suppressed the wince. She might have guessed they would run into Amber. That woman kept turning up like a homing pigeon. Daniel’s hand tightened its grip on her hand.
“Hi, Amber,” he said. “There are some gorgeous piglets in the animal shed. Have you seen them yet? This is my first experience of a country show.”
Her eyes flashed. “I have no interest in piglets, or any other four-footed type of animal. Unless it’s on my plate,” she a
dded. “Looks like you’ve found yourself a tour guide for the day. Let me know when your interests extend beyond cute baby animals. Try spending time with a real woman, for instance.” She pointedly ignored Cassie.
“I’ve found one, thanks,” Daniel said. “There’s a bit more to see, so we’ll keep moving along.” He nodded to Raff. “Keep up the good work. You guys perform a great service.” He looked back to Amber. “See you around, Amber. Thanks for the offer, by the way.”
There was no response—from either Raff or Amber.
“What the fuck?” Daniel exclaimed as soon as they were out of earshot. “What was all that about? I’ve barely arrived in town, and already I’ve got two people offside, and one of them is working on my car! Score ten for gross stupidity, buddy,” he added.
“It will soon blow over,” Cassie said. “Raff is fastidious about his work. His pride would prevent him from letting a car out of his workshop that wasn’t one-hundred percent road-worthy.”
“That’s reassuring to hear. He’s been friendly to date, but the atmosphere back there was distinctly frosty.”
“My fault, I’m afraid. Raff made overtures earlier today and I turned him down. The timing’s unfortunate, but he’ll get over it.”
Privately, she wasn’t so sure. Raff was used to getting his own way. Being friendly to an outsider was one thing but losing out to someone who wasn’t part of the clan was something else entirely. Raff had his own gifts, and she’d seen in the past he had a quick temper. She’d hate for them to be used the wrong way.
“Enough of other people. I’m more interested in us. Dinner tonight? I’ll cook.”
“That sounds like an offer too good to refuse. I promise I won’t bring the Muscal.”
“I’m not sure I’ll mind if you do. Just make sure Amber’s nowhere near.”
Cassie laughed. “Not a chance.”
Chapter 9
Dinner. What made me offer to cook? Daniel scurried around the cottage, tidying up and making the place look presentable. Changing the sheets and making the bed was a high priority. Before coming home, he’d picked up some chicken fillets, which he could grill and some fresh vegetables to steam. Add some potatoes, baked and sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt, and he should be fine. Simple rather than Michelin Star.
