by Mandy Magro
‘You still alive over there, Tilly?’
Ryan’s deep voice pulled Matilda’s attention from the fictional world she was engrossed in and back into the real one, which she was finding equally intriguing since arriving here last night. Bizarrely, it felt more like a week ago. Slipping the bookmark Ryan had given her in between the pages, she glanced over to where he was stretched out on a daybed with his Nicholas Sparks novel facedown against his chest. His hands were tucked behind his head and his legs were crossed at the ankles. He looked as comfortable as she felt. ‘I’m barely awake. I swear to God if I stay in here much longer I’m going to drift off to sleep. It’s so peaceful.’
‘Tell me about it. I’ve been hanging to chillax out here for the past couple of weeks. I need to stop and regroup every now and then, weeks on end in the truck can drive a man to his limits.’
‘I hate driving long distances so I could only imagine how it would feel doing it day in day out.’ Wriggling onto her side, Matilda rested her cheek against her hand. ‘Thanks for giving up your favourite spot for me. I feel very honoured to have claimed the hammock for the past couple of hours.’
‘No worries. I’m pretty comfy here. But I better move before I end up lazing here until dusk. It’s too much of a perfect day to not spend some of it in the great outdoors.’ He sat up, threw his long legs over the side and placed his book under a cushion. ‘You want to head off soon?’
‘Yeah, sure, whenever you’re ready.’
‘I’m always ready to ride. I’ve been known to do it in my boxers a few times when I’ve woken up keen for a gallop.’
‘You haven’t?’
‘I have.’ He flashed her a smile, grabbed his boots from beside the daybed and tugged them over his socked feet. ‘You want some lunch before we go?’
‘I’m still kind of full from brekkie.’
‘Yeah, me too. I might pack some sandwiches and a couple of packets of salt and vinegar chips to take with us, if you like them. What do you reckon?’
‘Oh yum, you’re not a fair dinkum Aussie if you don’t like salt and vinegar chips.’ Huckleberry stirred and Matilda moved her leg so he could jump out. She watched as he made a mad dash towards the front lawn and then disappeared around the side of the house, toilet duties evidently calling him. ‘How about you let me make the sandwiches seeing as you made us breakfast.’
‘Okay, you got yourself a deal. While you do that I’ll go and saddle up the horses.’ He stood and stretched. ‘There’s Vegemite and peanut butter in the cupboard, I’ll have whatever takes your fancy, and there’s some apples from Mum’s tree in the crisper drawer of the fridge. The packets of chips are in the pantry, as long as Jake didn’t find my stash while I was away.’
‘Right, don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.’ She graced him with a confident smile. ‘I’ll grab us some food and drinks, get dressed in something more appropriate for riding and I’ll meet you down the stables in about halfa.’
‘No worries.’ Slipping his sunnies on, he headed down the front steps. Tugging his wide-brimmed hat on, he spun back to face her. ‘You can leave Huckleberry in the yard, if you like, just make sure you shut the gate behind you so he can’t get out.’
‘Will do.’ Matilda eased herself out of the hammock, making sure not to upend it so she didn’t ungraciously land flat on her face, a feat she’d achieved once when getting out of her mum’s hammock. ‘Catch you soon.’
‘No rush, Tilly. I’m not going anywhere without you.’
She watched Ryan saunter down the garden path with Huckleberry hot on his heels, and smiled when she saw him lean over and give Huckleberry an affectionate pat. Her pooch’s fervently wagging tail showed his admiration for Ryan. She wished she could hear what was said between man and dog but they were too far away. Although, she definitely heard what was said to her.
No rush?
What man ever said that to a woman? Troy never waited for her to do anything, and was forever telling her to hurry the hell up or he’d leave her behind. Even out in the middle of nowhere when she was trying to pack up the camp kitchen he’d sit on his arse and command she hurry or he’d drive off without her. One time he’d done it to prove he wasn’t kidding. She’d spent the entire night with a shotgun in her hands as the sounds of dingoes closed in on her—the morning hadn’t come soon enough.
Even as the bad memory tried to take over her thoughts, Matilda couldn’t stop the unfamiliar feeling of happiness filling her heart. In the short time she’d spent with him, Ryan was proving that thoughtful men actually existed and weren’t only heroes in romance novels or a figment of her imagination. Now on her feet and with her book tucked under her arm, she made her way inside, a smile lodged firmly on her lips as she busied herself making their lunch.
It had been almost half an hour since Ryan had headed down to saddle the horses when she finally took note of the time. Not usually one to be running late she tried to move faster. She had found herself caring much more than usual about what she was going to wear. Not that she had fitted a lot of clothing into her backpack, but she did have two favourite long-sleeved shirts to choose from. Yanking up her jeans, she then quickly braided her hair, slathered sunscreen over her face (freckled skin was not a friend of tanning), pulled on her jeans and cowgirl boots, grabbed her one-piece swimming costume that did the job of covering the scar on her belly from when Troy had thought it would be funny if he put his cigarette out on her while she was sleeping—she knew that she should have left then, but she was terrified of what he would do if he caught her—and dashed out of the bedroom. Grabbing the bag of food she’d packed on the way through the kitchen she hurried out the front door. She sternly but kindly told Huckleberry to stay put after giving him a quick pat, and then jogged down to the stables they had driven past last night.
Through the timber slats of the stable walls Ryan watched Matilda hurrying down the track, completely taken by her effortless beauty. Unlike Pippa, who loved all the girly stuff, from what he could see Tilly wore no make-up, other than a bit of lip gloss, and yet she was one of the most striking women he’d ever laid his eyes upon. He had thought so last night, but now getting to know her she was growing even more attractive. There were so many layers to her that he wanted to peel back and discover, but the big question was, would she allow him? Somehow he doubted it. Even though he knew he needed to keep a safe distance and not cross the friendship line, for both their sakes, there were so many qualities to like about her. In his mind, as long as he didn’t step over the physical boundaries, there was nothing wrong with admiring the strong-willed, interesting, beautiful woman she was. He couldn’t help it that her smile sent his heart skittering each and every time she flashed it. He’d have to keep his feelings under control.
Her outlook on the world and life in general was so similar to his that it was impossible not to want to know more about her. Although he had adored certain things about Pippa, such as the way she could make him feel like the only man on this earth worth loving, her inability to understand his love of horses along with her naïve and sometimes selfish actions had caused many of their disagreements. They had been so compatible when they’d fallen hard for each other at high school, carefree and happy. But as the years went on it had felt as though they were going down completely different paths, and were at odds with each other more often than not. It was a refreshing change to meet a woman who was so easy to talk to, and who loved horses almost as much as he did.
With his gaze lingering on Matilda’s black eye and then travelling down to the place on her throat the knife had left its mark, his fists clenched. How a man could want to hurt her like that was beyond him. Her decision, just like his sister’s, not to go to the police riled him. But it wasn’t as if he could drag her down to the cop station so he had to respect her wishes, as much as it pained him. What else was he meant to do?
Remembering what he had come into the stables for, he took down his favourite reins from the hook on the wall and tried to shake
off the horrific memories. He didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. Should he trust his instincts this time round and step in where he wasn’t wanted before there was a chance her ex got his hands on her again? Or would that send Tilly running for the hills? Unlike his sister, Tilly could leave without a trace. Either way, he had to refrain from dwelling on her injuries for fear of hunting down the culprit and making him pay. He’d done that once before and it had landed him in very hot water.
As Tilly walked into the stables he glanced at his watch. ‘Half an hour, hey?’ he said playfully.
She placed a plastic bag on the workbench. ‘Sorry, got a little bit side-tracked.’ She grimaced. ‘I tend to do that. Have you been waiting long?’
‘Not at all, I’m only stirring you.’ He grabbed the bag and after peeking into it he tucked it into the saddlebag. ‘Doesn’t worry me how long I wait, I don’t have anywhere important to go today.’
‘That’s good. I felt bad.’
‘You have to stop feeling bad, Tilly. You’re allowed to rest up, take your time and be yourself around here. Okay?’
‘Okay, thank you.’ She jammed her hands in her jeans’ pockets as her cheeks flamed. ‘So where’s the horse I’ll be riding, so I can make myself acquainted. Faith Hill, wasn’t it?’
‘Yep.’ He nodded towards the back of the stables. ‘She’s tethered up out back. I’ll bring her into the roundyard in a sec.’
‘Okey dokey, I’ll wait for you out there.’
Minutes later they rested their elbows on the rustic timber rails, looking through at the two horses in the yard. With Tilly close enough for Ryan to see the individual freckles that decorated her nose and cheeks and to smell the clean, sweet fragrance of her damp hair with each breath he took, he found himself fighting the urge to steal sideways glances at her.
Curious about the newcomer, the two horses made their way over to them.
‘Hey there, Faith Hill.’ Matilda spoke softly as she greeted her horse and the mare whinnied and tossed her head in response.
She turned to Ryan. ‘Can I go in?’
‘No reason why not.’
Climbing through the rails and into the roundyard, Tilly walked up to Faith Hill and ran her hand over the mare’s strong neck and down her withers. She stroked her velvety nose and the horse nuzzled her open palm. Ryan noticed that the mare was docile under Tilly’s gentle touch. Then, pulling a carrot from her pocket, Tilly snapped it in two, giving half to Faith Hill but keeping the other half hidden in her hand. Not wanting to miss out on a treat, the appaloosa gelding walked up behind Tilly and hung his muzzle over her shoulder. Tilly laughed as she reached up and patted his nose. Then turning around, she opened her hand and allowed him to take his share.
Resting his boot up on the bottom rung, Ryan shook his head at how skilful Tilly was. He could tell she’d been around horses before. ‘I think you could say they’re pretty comfortable with you now.’
The appaloosa nudged her and Faith Hill began to nibble her hair. ‘You think?’ Tilly’s tone was playful.
‘Look at them, they’re both putty in your hands.’
‘Food is the way to most animals’ hearts.’ She giggled as Faith Hill sniffed her neck. She ducked away. ‘And most humans for that matter.’
‘Very true.’ Ryan considered cooking his way into Tilly’s heart as he eased himself through the rail and joined her. He mentally slapped himself. He needed to stop being so ridiculous. ‘Right to go then?’
Tilly nodded. ‘Yup.’
Mounted in seconds, Ryan then watched Tilly climb into the saddle. Riding Tim over to the gate, Ryan opened it and tipped his hat. ‘Ladies first.’
‘Why, thank you, kind sir,’ Tilly said in a perfect southern accent as she directed Faith Hill out of the roundyard.
Ryan visibly shuddered.
Matilda chuckled. ‘You right there?’
‘Uh huh.’
‘Did someone just walk over your grave, or something?’
‘Nope.’ Ryan followed Tilly out and shut the gate. ‘I’ll let you in on a little thing of mine. I love a southern accent, so don’t be doing that around me or I might do something completely out of my control.’ He grinned playfully. ‘And we certainly don’t want that.’
Matilda smiled as though she’d just been given a secret part of a puzzle. ‘Well, I’ll have to keep that in mind then, cowboy.’
Ryan had no idea how to take that, and with a beautiful ride ahead didn’t feel like trying to figure it out. It would pull him out of living in the moment, so he shrugged it off. There wasn’t a chance in hell he and Tilly would ever be anything more than friends with both of them so broken by their exes, so there was no use wasting energy on thinking about it.
They rode for over an hour in virtual silence, with the horses’ hooves rhythmically clip clopping beneath them, each of them alone in their thoughts but bound by the ride. Occasionally Ryan broke the comfortable silence by pointing out special places along the way, such as where one of his favourite dogs was buried after being bitten by a snake and the tree he and his grandad planted in commemoration of the millennium. Matilda would nod and show her interest by asking questions, which Ryan was more than happy to answer. It felt good she was keen to know more about his life, and Heartsong.
In no hurry, and side by side, they headed up a trail that wound around and through the trees. The dappled sunlight sneaking its way through the canopy of trees cast long shadows across their faces and the path in front of them. Every now and then Ryan would steal a glance at Matilda from beneath his hat. The happiness written all over her beautiful face warmed his heart to no end. He may not be able to take away the pain of her past, but at the very least he was pleased he could bring a smile to her lips.
Now, through the thicket of trees and with the land opening up before them once again, Ryan gave Matilda a follow-me look and then enticed his horse into a canter. Matilda trailed him and soon they were galloping full throttle across the open field. Laughing out loud, Matilda kept one hand on the reins and the other on the top of her borrowed wide-brimmed hat. Watching how well she rode and how fearless she was in the saddle, Ryan could see Tilly was no novice rider. Boy, oh boy, he loved a woman who could ride.
With the glimmer of the top dam now in their sights they slowed the horses, eventually bringing them to a stop beside the water so Tim and Faith Hill could have a well-earned drink. After that, they dismounted and tethered them loosely under the shade of a towering gum tree.
‘You want to eat before a swim, Tilly?’
‘Sure do, I’m Hank Marvin after that ride.’
Ryan flashed her an impressed look.
She grinned proudly. ‘Have I got the trucker’s lingo down pat, or what?’
‘Bloody oath you do.’ He opened the saddlebags and pulled out their lunch. ‘Want to sit by the water?’
‘Defo, I’m dying to put my feet in.’ Matilda pulled off her boots and socks and rolled up the legs of her jeans.
Ryan did the same, placing his boots near hers. He liked her little smile when she spotted him doing so. He’d noticed she was like him, clean and tidy, and he loved that. Pippa had been the opposite; housework was not something she ever did. Her clothes and make-up were always all over the place and the dishes were always piled up whenever he came back from truck driving. It had driven him nuts.
They walked down to the bank and sat on some rocks, then dangled their feet in and watched as a family of ducks swam past. There were eight ducklings in total.
Matilda’s eyes were wide and filled with childlike wonder. ‘Oh, they’re so gorgeous.’
‘Aren’t they ever. Mother Nature is constantly amazing and beautiful.’ Passing Matilda her sandwich first, he then began to unwrap his from the alfoil. ‘So which delicacy did you choose, peanut butter or Vegemite?’
Matilda took a bite and answered while chewing. ‘I did one better. I found a can of corned beef and a jar of pickles at the back of the pantry, so voila, we have an Au
ssie staple.’
‘Oh yum. Go you good thang.’
‘See, I’m not just a pretty face.’
‘You’re spot on there.’ Ryan caught her bemused sideways glance before she had time to hide it. ‘I didn’t mean anything by that, by the way. I was just agreeing that you have a pretty face and you’re a good thing because you know how to win a man over with food.’ He groaned. ‘Oh damn, that came out all wrong, but you get what I mean.’
She tossed a twig at him. ‘Oh get out. I’m too much of a tomboy to be called pretty.’
Ryan blew air through his lips. ‘Oh whatevs, Tilly.’ He watched the blush rise on her cheeks, so he quickly tried to put her at ease. She clearly didn’t take well to compliments. ‘With hair as long as yours there’s no way you could be classed as a tomboy.’
She swallowed her mouthful. ‘I dunno about that, with the man bun thing all the rage now.’
Ryan groaned and rolled his eyes. ‘Don’t even get me started on that subject. A man that has a bun is not a real man in my eyes.’
‘Agreed.’
Ten minutes later, and with all the food Matilda had packed devoured, they lay back on the grass and waited for their lunch to go down before jumping in the water.
Matilda tucked her hands beneath her head. ‘Want to play a game of cloud gazing, or is that too silly for you?’
Ryan turned to face her, his eyes wide. ‘No way, I do it all the time.’
