'Hi Brad.'
‘Charlotte.'
'I've got some good news. I'm back in Raven.'
'What, you’re living in Raven?’
‘Yes, Brad. I thought we could get together, like old times.’
‘It’s not wise Charlotte. We’ve been through this before.’
‘But Brad we’re much older now.’
‘It’s not wise. Listen I should go. I’m pretty busy these days.’
‘Okay then. Perhaps we can catch up sometime.’
‘Yeah, sometime.’ He hit disconnect feeling his blood burn. Hell. Would she ever give up?
He jumped into his vehicle and headed toward Raven Falls.
After knocking on the door and without a reply he made his way down toward the stables finding Mike brushing down a mare.
He glanced up. ‘How’s it going Brad? You won’t find anyone here but me. They’re all up near the high end of the ridge.’
‘Hi Mike.’ He came to a standstill, slid a hand into the back pocket of his jeans. ‘Cameron did mention the other day that they were going to round up a few cattle.’
‘News about is that cattle have gone missing from some of the properties near Raven. The boys and Sam are mustering the cattle closer to the house.’
Mike approached him. ‘Cameron said to tell you if you were around.’ He took off his worn Akubra, ran a hand through his hair, and glanced upwards to the sun. ‘They’d be on their way back by now, past the halfway mark. Cameron said if you were about and wanted to take a ride out. You could meet him this side of the ridge.’
‘Sounds good to me.’
‘I’ve got one of the stock horses ready to go.’
‘Thanks mate.’
‘I’ll get him.’
Mike led Tibbels out of the stables and handed the reins to Brad. ‘You said he was a good horse. You rode him last time.’
‘Yeah. Not bad. But I think Samantha’s horse outshines them all.’
‘Bit of a difference there mate. Raven is a stallion. He comes from good breed.’
‘I should head off.’
Brad mounted, gave Mike a nod and headed down toward the back paddocks.
As he came over the lower ridge he spotted dust rising into the sky, and lots of it. It appeared they were moving more than a few cattle. He directed the horse in a steady trot along the ridge and spotted something he’d never witnessed.
Raven glistened under the mid-afternoon sun and shiny black hair flowed out from under Samantha’s Akubra. They were travelling at a speed he’d never thought possible. God, Sam was more than a natural on a horse. His admiration continued for some moments until he guided his horse down the ridge to reach Cameron.
‘Hey mate. Thought you’d make a show.’ He focused on Samantha. ‘How’s that for riding.’
‘Pretty impressive, isn’t she?’
‘She’s always wanted to fill this place with horses, breed them and run a veterinary clinic. Sam loves animals. They love her as well.’
‘She has that certain touch. It’d be an interesting project.’
‘Not with all the cattle we run. We should get moving. You can tag along if you like.’
‘I might just do that.’
As they reached the paddocks, Samantha eased the cattle in on one side, directing them slowly through the gates.
Brad helped Cameron do a water run, and by the time the sun dipped below the mountains he’d had enough. Bloody pain was enough to kill anyone’s enthusiasm. Surely it would dissipate and soon. Although the doctors had told him it would take time, and said that he should exercise, he hadn’t been doing much of that lately.
Samantha disappeared to one side of the stables. He realised that the trust factor was lost. Gone for good and so was Sam. His heart squeezed. If only he could turn back the clock. He almost laughed at his thoughts.
‘Do you want to stay for a beer, perhaps dinner?’
At first Brad decided against it, but it was mighty quiet at home and there wasn’t anyone waiting for him there.
‘Come on. What have you got to lose?’
‘Okay. Thanks mate.’
‘No worries.’
After leaving the horses with Mike, twilight had settled in along with a considerable drop in temperature. Brad accompanied Cameron into the house.
‘Hey mate. Good to see you out there today,’ Steven said.
‘I didn’t do much, merely a spectator.’
‘Brad’s staying for dinner, Steven.’
‘There’s a shower downstairs if you want a quick tub.’ He indicated the direction.
‘Thanks. I might just do that. Bit on the dusty side.’ He chuckled.
‘Sam put fresh towels in there earlier. I’ll grab you a fresh shirt and jeans. I think you’re about my size. I’ll dump them by the door.’
‘Sounds good.’
Brad wondered if Samantha expected, or knew he’d be staying for dinner.
After he showered, Cameron greeted him with a cold beer.
‘It’s bloody good to wash away the dirt.’
They raised their stubby bottles, clinked them together and took a long swig.
‘Something smells good.’
‘Sam put something in the slow cooker this morning.’
God, he admired that woman. She could cook and ride, but there was a softer side he wanted to get to know better although it wouldn’t be the ideal setup.
He couldn’t bring himself to tell anyone about how much the accident damaged him. It wasn’t only his exterior injuries, a lot more had happened on the inside and it wasn’t manly to talk about such things, and there was never a reason to have the tests done. Hell, he didn’t feel like a man now, let alone face something like that.
When she walked into the kitchen everyone stopped chatting.
‘Are you going out, Sam?’ Steven asked.
‘No. What gives you that idea?’
‘You look different.’
‘Usually when a person spends most of the day mustering, and takes a shower afterwards, I think they would appear a little different.’
Cameron smirked, followed by Steven and Christopher.
‘You been doing some clothes shopping? I haven’t seen that shirt on you before.’
‘You don’t look, that’s your problem Cam. I’ve got enough energy left to eat and then it’s an early night for me.’ She looked in Brad’s direction. ‘Hi Brad. I saw you out there today.’
He nodded. ‘Hi Sam.’ That was the course of their entire conversation that night.
As he chatted to the Osborne boys, Samantha sat at the end of the table mucking around with her mobile phone during mouthfuls of food.
To his surprise, she excused herself and disappeared upstairs.
‘Sam can ride can’t she Brad?’ Stephen commented.
‘She sure can. Cameron told me she wanted to open a veterinary clinic. Why didn’t she follow through on that?’
‘After Mum and Dad died, she said she had enough work to do here, let alone trying to run a business. I think she worries far too much and wants to keep a close eye on us.'
‘She doesn’t let us out of her sight much,' Cameron commented.
Brad analysed the information.
By the time he’d left Raven Falls it was well past midnight and the drive back to his place wasn’t the same. Something had suddenly changed and he couldn’t put his finger on the problem.
***
The following morning Brad pulled up in his four-wheel-drive at Raven Falls, and made his way toward the front door. After a few raps on the solid timber, and with no answer he dug his hands into the back pockets of his jeans and headed toward the stables.
He slowed his steps when a feminine voice caught his attention.
‘There you go. That feels good, doesn’t it?’
Coming to a stop, he listened closely.
‘You like that don’t you.’
Brad took a step forward into the stables. Samantha was brushing Raven do
wn while chatting to him as though he could understand every word she said. Adding to his awe the horse gave a few appreciative snorts as if replying.
‘You’re a big baby, aren’t you? A big softie.’ She raised her arm, ran a hand down over his mane.
‘I can’t wait to go riding again. What about you?’
It wasn’t only the way Samantha spoke to the horse, it was the gentle swaying of her hips, and the soft touch of her hands. He admired the connection she had with Raven and took the few steps between them, clearing his throat to make his presence known. Raven glanced up and Samantha looked over her shoulder.
‘Hi Brad. It’s Sunday you know.’
‘Sorry to disturb your time with Raven.’
‘That’s okay. He loves the attention, don’t you boy?’ She rubbed his neck, and let out a light chuckle when Raven snorted several times.
‘I wanted to see your brothers.’ He didn’t want to become enemies, and if they could manage to be friends, it would be something at least.
‘I think they’re in the house. I haven’t seen them this morning. What’s the problem?’ She tossed a blanket over Raven’s back, before retrieving a saddle and positioning it into place.
‘No problems. I need to discuss a few things with them. I also wanted to answer your questions if I can. We don’t get enough time to talk lately. I’d like to speak to you where we won’t be interrupted.’
‘Where do you suggest?’ Samantha turned, clinging onto Raven’s reins while she made her way from the stables with Brad following.
It’d been a few weeks since he’d last set eyes on her, he noted as he followed, and she’d lost weight. Dark semi circles underlined her eyes and her complexion wanned. With all the work she did about the place and caring for her brothers, he doubted that she had much time to do the girlie things most women loved to do.
‘Would you like to come over to my place for dinner tonight? Friends only basis. It’ll give you a break from the kitchen, and we can have a chat. No one will interrupt us there.’
Samantha steadied, and he spotted her grip on the reins tighten.
‘I promise to be on my best behaviour.’
She tilted her head upwards and her startling eyes, like the pictures of meadows he’d once seen on a calendar, called to him. Soft, inviting and God she was beautiful inside and out.
‘Just for dinner you say.’
He nodded. ‘Dinner only. I’ll cook up a storm.’
‘You cook a storm. Now this will be something to see. What time?’
‘Seven okay with you?’
‘Suits me. See you at seven.’ She raised a booted foot, and swung up onto the saddle.
‘Want me to bring wine?’
‘Only if you’ll have a drink with me.’
‘Done deal.’
The corners of her lips twitched, and she almost smiled before she gave Raven a nudge and they took off in a gallop. Mesmerized once again, he found himself ogling after her before he headed toward the house.
***
Samantha’s knock arrived at exactly seven o’clock. One last glance about assuring the place looked decent, he walked toward the front door and pulled on the solid timber.
‘Sam.’
‘Hi ya.’
The second she looked up at him it was as though a wild animal had taken over his body. What had she done to her eyes? They were dusted lightly with a shimming mixture of light blue and white. Her lashes were long and thick. She looked gorgeous.
‘Are you going to leave me standing out here all night, although it’s a lovely night?’
‘Come in. Sorry. Yeah. It’s a great night.’
‘Something smells good.’ Sam stepped through the doorway, and waited the few moments while Brad closed the door.
‘I hope you don’t mind having lamb roast.’
‘Sounds good. It smells lovely. I can’t get over that I’m not cooking tonight. You should have seen my brothers’ faces when I told them I was going out for dinner and they had to organise their own meals. It was as though I said I was leaving for months.’
‘Who did the cooking when you were on holidays?’
‘Tracey’s cousin came in to cook and clean. Poor girl. I think she was pleased to leave.’ Samantha chuckled and held up a bottle of something in her hand. ‘Almost forgot. Wine. It’s a nice red.’
‘Thanks.’ He took the bottle and went into the kitchen. ‘Come through, make yourself at home.’
Samantha peered through the doorway. She couldn’t spot anything related to his mother. There wasn’t any old furniture, nothing to say that Dianne lived there. ‘How long did you say you’ve been back?’
‘About nine months. Not long before Mum died.’
‘She was a nice woman. I only met her twice but Mum said she was nice.’
‘More than nice. She did everything she could for me...considering.’
‘Considering.’
‘She was a good mum...here you go, your wine. You haven’t moved more than a few feet from the door. Are you looking for a quick escape?’
‘Funny. Ha ha. I was hoping to have a look about.’
‘There’s not much to see. I got rid of most of the stuff down here. The office and bedrooms will be next. I haven’t had time to go through them.’
‘We cleaned out Mum and Dad’s room not long ago.’
‘What, after six years?’
‘Yeah. Bit weird isn’t it.’
‘No, not weird at all. It’s understandable. I’m not sure if I can ever touch Mum’s room.’
‘I could help if you like...you know...considering.’
‘No, that’s fine. You’ve got enough on your plate. I usually get hired help in.’
Samantha nodded.
‘Come in. Have a seat.’
She followed him into a large lounge room and peered around. A black leather lounge with two matching recliners sat on the far side of the room. A coffee table made of some type of timber sat over a black and cream woven rug.
‘Nice clock.’ She walked across the room to where a grandfather clock stood almost as tall as her height of five foot nine.
Brad gave a low chuckle. ‘I know it doesn’t match the rest of the furniture but it was my mother’s favourite.’
‘It’s lovely.’
Two photographs in fancy gold frames sat on a bookshelf close by.
‘Is that you and your mother?’
‘Yeah. It was taken when I was twenty-six. The other one is my mum. She was only twenty- five at the time.’
‘She’s lovely.’
‘Mum did it tough, but she loved me. That’s one thing I did know.’
Samantha stilled as she took in the oval shape of his mother’s face, her fine bone structure and dark hair. Some would say Samantha would pass for her daughter. She studied the photograph in-depth.
‘I wished you could have met her. Well, on a good day.’ He made his way over to the lounge, and sat.
Samantha hesitated. She didn’t want to sit next to him and opted for one of the recliners.
‘Dinner shouldn’t be much longer.’
‘You said you wanted to talk.’
‘How about over the meal?’ He didn’t want to bring up anything until she had a good feed and was relaxed. God knows she needed it. When she sat, the sigh that left her lips was as though the weight of the night had evaporated. She leaned back into the chair and took a sip of wine.
‘We both have parents that aren’t around. We’ve got that in common.’
‘I’ve only just found out that my father died. I discovered a letter the other day that Mum had left me.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be. I didn’t know my father much at all. Mum told me when I was around seven or eight that he’d left, that he took off and she didn’t know where he went. It was pretty much a shock. I was hoping to get to know him when I returned after boarding school. I need to find out more about him. I’m hoping someone in Raven knows something. Mum did
n’t say much about my father in those days. Even when I returned for holidays nothing was said.’
‘She probably didn’t want to bring up bad memories. If I ever had kids and knew I was going to die, I’d write them heaps of letters.’
The corners of his mouth twitched, but his face remained sombre. ‘Apparently my father took his own life.’
‘Wow. I’m sorry.’ Samantha didn’t want to let on that she’d heard it on the gossip wire direct from the store. After all, she believed it only shop gossip at the time.
‘Let’s talk about something else that’s not as depressing, shall we?’
‘Done deal. So why did you decide to move back here after living in the city most of your life?’
‘I came back to help Mum in her last days, and when she died I decided to stay on for a while. Take care of business, like the irrigation at Raven Falls and some other matters.’
‘Stay on for a while. You aren’t staying permanently.’
‘I’m not sure. Take this old house for one thing. It’s not something I’d personally choose to live in.’
She originally thought he’d moved back for good. The neon light couldn’t be any brighter. To avoid the sting of rejection, she tried to concentrate on something else. She straightened her spine.
‘You’ve done a bit of work here.’
‘Comfort reasons. It will add value to the place if I ever sell it.’
‘How long have you had the business?’
‘The idea came about when I was at uni. The business itself has been running for six, hang on— seven years. I think dinner is up.’ He pushed upright and she followed him into the kitchen.
To her right sat a dining table set neatly for two. She should be at least thankful he was cooking a meal for her, as her mother had been the only other person to cook her a baked dinner.
‘You’ve gone to a lot of trouble.’
‘No trouble. Mum used to say what’s the point in cooking a meal when the ambience isn’t there? The reason for the candles Sam, make nothing of it.’
‘I wasn’t, don’t worry. Do you need a hand?’
‘No thanks, go on over. I’ll get the plates.’
Samantha walked toward the table, and pulled out a chair. She wondered what Cam, Steven and Chris were eating and imagined the tins of baked beans scattered on the table. She grinned, secretly knowing they wouldn’t know the first thing about cooking a decent meal, although her mother had tried to show them a few dishes. They stuck to barbeques. They all could cook a decent barbeque.
Raven Falls: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense Page 10
