Hunter's Mark

by Wendy Smith

  The truth is saying thanks will never be enough.

  17

  Corey

  I spend so much time at home wrapped up in Constance, things are piling up for me to take care of. We’re out of basic groceries again.

  She’s into her next book, so I leave her at home to go into town.

  When I drive past the medical centre, I slow.

  Shit.

  I stockpiled on condoms last time I was in town, and time has passed so fast, I’ve forgotten all about my test results—the ones I don’t have yet.

  I pull into the car park and walk into the building. It’s feast or famine in this place. It’s either packed with people or empty.

  Thankfully, it’s empty this time.

  Doc Paton stands in front of his reception desk.

  “I don’t think you’ve ever visited me twice in one year before.” He laughs.

  “I’m in town for a few things, and I realised I haven’t had my test results back.”

  His mouth falls open. “Let me take a look. Sorry, Corey, we just got a new nurse and she’s still learning the ropes.”

  I shrug. “It’s okay. I should have followed up a week ago.”

  He walks behind the reception desk and taps on the keyboard. “It’s all clear. The results came back fine.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Sorry again for the delay.”

  “It’s no problem, really.”

  “Are you going to see your mum today?”

  I sigh. “I popped in, but she’s asleep.”

  He nods. “I think that’ll happen a lot more from here on in.”

  “She’s not got long, does she?”

  He pauses for a moment, and shakes his head. “I’m sorry about that, too. She’s always been a force of nature.”

  “Thanks for letting me know. I thought that might be the case, but Dad hates talking about it.”

  “I’m sure he does.”

  The last time I had no beard, I was about twenty-two, and my girlfriend at the time hated facial hair. When we got to the point where there were more things she hated about me than liked, I grew the beard back and ditched the girlfriend.

  Now, I stroll into the town barber like it’s no big deal.

  “Trim as usual?” Chris asks.

  “Nope. Shave the beard off, and tidy up the hair.”

  The expression on his face makes me laugh. He doesn’t need to ask me what the fuck I’m doing out loud.

  “I want to tidy up for Adam and Lily’s wedding. I know it’s still a while away, but no time like the present, right?”

  Chris laughs. He’s been trimming my beard for the last seven years or so. “If you’re sure.”

  “It’ll grow back.”

  It takes a while as he cuts it back and then shaves me before giving me a haircut that makes me look more respectable than I have done in a long time.

  I thought I might regret this, but I don’t. My life is changing, and I want to change with it.

  “Corey?” I look up from paying Chris and grin.

  “Rob. Long time, no see.”

  “Dude. I can’t even remember the last time I saw your chin.”

  “Me either. But it’s all for a good cause. You know Adam’s getting married in a couple of months?”

  He nods. “I had heard. Bit early to get ready for that.”

  “I also have a lady at home.”

  A grin spreads across his face. “Anyone I know?”

  “No, actually. I’m sure you’ll meet her at some point.”

  He sits in the barber chair. “I’ll look forward to it. Amy’s planning a party soon. You guys should come to it.”

  “When?”

  “I’m not exactly sure, but I can text you the date.”

  I nod. It’d be the perfect opportunity for Constance to meet my friends in a relaxed atmosphere. If she’s not comfortable, we can always make it a quick visit. “Sounds good.”

  “You still up for Bruce’s job? Now that you have a new lady at home …” He turns his head. “Does she mind you being away for a whole week?”

  Laughing, I shake my head. “I’m sure she thinks I do nothing at the moment. I haven’t been on a job in weeks thanks to our haul at Bruce’s place last time. Done a few day jobs, but nothing at night.”

  “Well, he bought more land and expanded his property. This trip might be even more successful than the last.”

  I nod. “Sounds good. Anyway, I should get going. I’ve got a few places to stop before I get home. Text me the details of your party.”

  “Will do.”

  I head out the door and down the road to the bakery. Owen makes these cheese and bacon croissants that are heaven on earth, and I have a sudden craving for one.

  He does a double take when I walk in the door.

  “Who are you, and what have you done with my brother?” He laughs.

  I roll my eyes. “All I did was shave.”

  “And the rest,” Mel says. “You scrub up pretty well. Who’s the girl?”

  “No one you know.” I grin.

  I don’t have to see her to know she’s watching. Those big blue eyes bore through me from the doorway to the kitchen.

  “I thought you’d be at day care, Ava.” I peek over the counter at my niece. Her gaze is fixed on me. She’s such a sweetheart, and she usually throws herself at me to pick her up.

  Instead, she inches toward Owen until she’s tucked behind his leg. Her eyes never move from my face, and it registers with me why she’s staring as Owen laughs. “It’s not day care anymore. Ava’s at school.”

  My mouth falls open. “School? How did I miss my girl starting school?”

  “You’re scaring her. Ginny’s home today as she’s not feeling well, and Ava’s helping me now school’s finished for the day..”

  “It’s Corey, honey.” I smile. Owen shuffles around the side of the counter, bringing Ava with him. I squat in front of her.

  She still stares in silence until I wink.

  “Corey?”

  I nod. “I cleaned up for Uncle Adam and Auntie Lily’s wedding. Owen tells me you’re going to be a flower girl.”

  She nods, still wide-eyed, but steps out from behind Owen. I open up my arms, and she falls into them.

  “That’s my girl. How’s Ginny?”

  “She’s asleep,” she whispers.

  “Is she?” I scoop her up and onto my hip, and she squeals in delight. Riding on my shoulders is her favourite pastime. I think she likes lording over Max that she’s taller than him when she’s up there.

  She pats my cheek. “The beard’s all gone. It looks funny.” She giggles.

  “I’m sure it does.” I pick up her hand and plant a kiss on her palm. I look over at Owen. “I just wanted to pop in and say hi while I was in town.”

  “You after any food?”

  “Yeah, I could kill one of those cheese and bacon croissants. Or three.”

  He chuckles. “There are some in the kitchen that were baked this morning. I’ll throw some in a bag for you, and the lady I hear you have stashed away in your house.”

  “Stashed away?” Mel asks.

  “She just prefers my company to anyone else’s”

  “Wow. That’s as amazing as this one settling down.” She nods at Owen.

  “Miracles do happen, Mel. You just have to believe.”

  Ava cups my face and steers my gaze back to her. “I’m helping in the bakery today.”

  “Are you, sweetheart? I bet lots of people buy things from you.”

  She nods. “And I ate three cookies.”

  “I swear to God you’ll turn into a cookie one day.”

  She rests her head in my neck, and I sigh. “It doesn’t tickle anymore.”

  “That’s the plan. Do you like it?”

  Ava looks up. “No.”

  After grabbing some groceries, I head to Adam’s place. I want his help looking out for a small car for Constance.

  I’m not teaching her to drive
in my truck. It’s a lot to handle for a learner. Especially on some of the roads around Copper Creek. The road up the mountain is windy, and I handle it because I know it so well. A new driver might not be so lucky.

  When I walk in the door, one of Lily’s eyebrows arches so far, it’s like it’s going to disappear from her face. “I can’t even remember the last time I saw you clean-shaven. I don’t know if I like it.”

  Shrugging, I grin. “Con will like it. My beard scratches her when I—”

  Her second eyebrow joins the first. “I don’t want to know.”

  “You’ll get used to it. Or she’ll decide she likes the beard after all.”

  Lily’s eyes shine, and she smiles widely. She reaches for my face, running her palm down my cheek. “I love that you love her so much you’d make this change. Even if I’m not sure about it.”

  “Lily, have you seen my …” Adam walks into the room, his eyes narrowing in confusion. It takes a second for him to register who I am. “Corey?”

  “The one and only. Bet you’d forgotten what I looked like.”

  He laughs.

  Lily withdraws her hand, turning her attention to him. “What are you looking for?”

  “Uhh.” He shakes his head as if to remember. “My tape measure. I remember using it on the deck last, but I can’t find it.”

  She smiles. “It’s on the bench by the microwave.”

  His gaze shoots across the room. “Oh, it is too. Thanks.”

  “I came to see you, actually,” I say.

  He grins. “Walk with me. I’m measuring up for some new shelves in the workshop.”

  Once he’s got his tape measure, we walk back out to the garage. It’s so busy here, and a pleasure to see.

  The workshop’s full of cars, and there are a couple more waiting outside. Adam started off by himself and now has two assistants.

  “Can you hold the tape measure there?” He points to the wall, and I take one end and do as instructed. “What’s up?”

  “I wondered if you could keep an eye out for a car for Constance. Something small and easy to drive.”

  “Does she drive?” He takes his phone out of his pocket to make a note of his measurement, and nods to indicate to me to drop the tape measure.

  “Not yet, but can you imagine me teaching her in my ute?”

  He shakes his head. “Good point. I’ll keep an eye out. Things pretty serious with you two?”

  I nod. “Very.”

  “Good for you, dude. I’m glad you’re happy. I was worried you’d end up being some crazy old hermit up that mountain.”

  “Well, that’s still a possibility. Less likely now, though. I even shaved for your wedding.”

  He gives me a sideways glance. “That’s not for a while.”

  “I know, but I’m prepared. It’ll be easier to maintain like this until the big day.”

  “I’m glad you’re ready for it. I don’t know if I am.”

  I stare at him, but all he does is laugh.

  “Not that. I’d marry Lily tomorrow if I could. It’s all the stuff that goes with it. Max and I are going to Carlstown next week for suit fittings.”

  “I’ve got to get that done, too.”

  “You feel my pain.” He grins. “But I know it’ll all be worth it. Lily will get a better wedding today than if we had got married all those years ago. I can’t say it was worth the wait because I’d rather we’d got married back then, but I’m glad I can give her more this time.”

  I grip his shoulder. “Let me know if there’s anything we can do.”

  “Will do.”

  18

  Constance

  I’m not used to late nights, and having so many of them are catching up to me.

  Some evenings, Corey and I just sit up and talk. He tells me stories of his childhood, and I tell him what life was like for me.

  His life sounds like so much more fun.

  Right now, all I want to do is sleep.

  I’m just drifting off when I feel the bed sink. Warm breath floats over my neck, and I smile at the lips that are right behind it.

  But something’s wrong.

  The tickle doesn’t come. I’m used to Corey’s beard against my skin. Sometimes it’s soft; other times, it’s scratchy. But it’s not there.

  Ash.

  I spring off the bed. My eyes struggle to focus at first.

  “Con?”

  Corey. I let out a loud breath of relief. What on earth has he done? My unkempt, bearded mountain man is clean-shaven and his hair’s tidy.

  “Corey?”

  He chuckles. “I thought it was about time I tidied up. Lily and Adam’s wedding is coming up, and …” He reaches for my hand.. “I know the beard was a bit scratchy sometimes.” His gaze shoots down between my legs, and the heat rises in my cheeks at the thought of what he means.

  “You look so weird.”

  “It’s still me. Come here and I’ll prove it.”

  Before I know it, I’m on the bed and his lips are on mine. His tongue probes my mouth with gentle, tentative moves. It’s like he’s being shy with me when he knows me better than anyone.

  “I love kissing you,” he murmurs, dropping his head to my neck. I sigh as he nips at my skin. “I’ll grow the beard back after Adam and Lily’s wedding if you want me to.”

  “Yes, please.”

  His throaty chuckle sets my heart alight. I know now more than ever that this is where I’m meant to be: in Corey’s arms, in Corey’s bed.

  “I even like it when it’s scratchy,” I whisper.

  Corey rolls onto his back, pulling me with him so I end up lying on top of him. “Do you now?” He waggles his eyebrows. “Wanna try it when it’s not?”

  Despite my tiredness, I laugh. “Sure. Why not?”

  We nap most of the afternoon..

  When I wake again, the air is full of food smells, and I open my eyes to find a large paper package next to me.

  “Hey,” I say. “I didn’t hear you leave.”

  “Hey,” Corey says. He sits on the bed and opens the package. “I got a few things. There are fish, chips, scallops, and there’s a bag with some donuts.”

  My mouth waters at the smell. “So, what did you get for you?”

  He laughs. “There’s plenty there. Are you hungry or something?”

  “I think I could eat a horse and the rider.”

  Corey leans over, pressing his lips to mine. “Only if I’m the rider.”

  I lick my lips. “You cheated. How many chips did you eat?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He picks up a chip and gives me a wink.

  “You taste of salt.”

  He chuckles. “Fine. You caught me. I might have had a few. But there are heaps. I promise.”

  “Better be.” I poke my tongue at him.

  My stomach grumbles.

  “Wow, you really are hungry.”

  “Told you.” I pick up a chip and moan as I slide it between my lips. Nothing has ever tasted this good. It’s a delicious mix of potato, fat and salt.

  “You’re so dirty, Constance.”

  “I’m only eating a chip.”

  “Want some sauce? I should go and get the sauce.”

  “Hmmm, sounds good.”

  “This is gonna be a really long night if you eat them all the way you ate that last one,” he says as he leaves the room.

  I laugh as I pick up another chip.

  This is heaven.

  I go from being hungry to being bloated in the space of about fifteen minutes.

  Lying back on the bed, I rub my stomach.

  “Better?” Corey teases.

  “Much. I’m ready for a nap now.”

  He chuckles. “I’ll go and get rid of the rubbish and be right back.”

  Moments later, he returns, pulling his shirt over his head. I smile, placing my palm on his chest as he climbs into bed.

  “Still sleepy?” he asks.

  “After all that food? I
could sleep for a week.”

  “Was that the first time you’ve had fish and chips? From the shop, I mean.”

  I shrug. “Possibly. I have memories of us going to town and to the cove when I was little, but they’re not quite that detailed.”

  “I’m trying to think of everything we can do that you’ve never done before.”

  I pull him over for a kiss, then stroke his face. “Why?”

  “I want you to be happy, and I want to make the most of the time we have together.”

  My heart stops. Does he expect this to end? “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that you haven’t seen the world yet. You’ve moved less than a kilometre from where you’ve lived your whole life. You left the community behind, and there’s so much out there for you to see.”

  I blink back tears. “Do you want me to go?”

  A look of horror crosses his face. “No. Shit no. But I’m not so naive that I expect you’ll be here twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.”

  “I don’t want to go anywhere.”

  “That’s what you say now." Corey lets out a sigh. “I’ve seen enough of the world that I am happy. I was born in the States, came here as a kid, and I’ve travelled the length of New Zealand. It’s enough for me.”

  “Why can’t this town be enough for me?”

  He smiles. “Maybe it is. You’re so much younger than me, though. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you to experience it. I won’t be the one to hold you back.”

  I sniff. “You’d let me go.”

  Corey runs his index finger down the side of my face. “I’m just saying if you want to explore, I’ll be right here.”

  I swallow. “I was born on this mountain, and I’ll die on this mountain. The only question is where.”

  His eyes search mine. “Constance …”

  “I’m right where I need to be, Corey. If I wanted to be out exploring the world, I would be.” I reach up and palm his cheek. “I don’t want to be anywhere else but here.”

  His face is so smooth, and I smile at the change he’s made for me. For me. I didn’t ask him to shave, but that he did it says a lot.