Cocky Carpenter: A Hero Club Novel

by Maggie Mundy

  He sat on the other end of the couch as she brought over the mugs of hot chocolate.

  “I was thinking about what you said earlier about traveling. I want to go to Queensland and see the Great Barrier Reef. I can’t dive but I could go out in one of those glass-bottom boats.” Autumn sipped on her hot chocolate.

  “There’s a town I stayed at called Airlie Beach. I think you’d like it and you can get boat trips out to the reef.” He was keen on the idea of her being more adventurous. It would mean they could do things together. “I don’t know, one evening with the glow worms and you want to take on the world.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. I’m not a brave person when it comes to most things. I hate going on rides at theme parks unless they are extremely sedate and no thrill at all. I will have a go at the bridge climb though. I have some friends possibly coming over in a few months and could do it then.”

  “Well, as long as Doc Wilson doesn’t find something horrible on my tests, I’d like to go on the adventure with you.”

  “I think that would be great, but I will be the slow one at the back.”

  “That’s okay. I don’t mind coming up the rear.” Shit, now he had that image in his head and it was a good one. Her butt in the mirror had looked gorgeous.

  Autumn shook her head and laughed. “I can’t believe you just said that. No. I take that back. After knowing you a short while, I’m not surprised at all.” She placed her empty mug on the coffee table. “On that note, I think it’s time for bed for me. I have an early start and a busy day.”

  “Me too. I’ll be over the road at Dorothy’s. My waistline will be twice the size by tomorrow night from all the cakes she gives me.” Brett finished his drink, stood, and followed Autumn.

  “She seems a sweet lady. I had a few words with her yesterday.” Autumn undid the latch on the door and turned, almost bumping into him. There was that perfume again. The corridor was narrow and he could bend in and kiss her without much effort. He didn’t. For the first time in his life, he was not going to rush things. When he got a kiss from the lovely Autumn, he wanted it to be more than a peck on the cheek.

  Instead, he edged past her and walked down the path and waved back.

  “Goodnight, Brett.”

  “Goodnight, Autumn.” For now, he would go home and lie in bed thinking about all the ways he could make her happy with surprises that would stimulate as well as excite.

  Brett drifted off to sleep contemplating a hot dream with the doctor where she could use her bandages to tie him to the bed. He would need a long cold shower in the morning.

  His phone was ringing. He must have fallen asleep. It was late and only phone calls you didn’t want to get came at this time of night. It was his brother’s number.

  “What’s up, Jake?” Brett’s stomach turned as he asked the question, dreading the answer.

  “It’s Mom. She called me earlier—said she didn’t feel well. By the time I got there, she was burning up. I rang the ambulance and they’ve taken her to hospital.”

  “It’s her kidneys again, isn’t it?”

  “Seems that way.”

  “I’ll drive down overnight and see you tomorrow.”

  Chapter Five

  Autumn was settling in to life in Katoomba well. Her job filled her days and her evenings were spent working on a paper she would be presenting at a conference in Sydney. Okay, so she hadn’t seen that much beyond the town, but that would come. One day she would go on a bushwalk as they called it here. She would have said a hike back in England. She still wanted to go to Sydney too.

  There was one thing, or rather, one person she was missing. Her next-door neighbor, Brett. He’d sent a message saying he would be away in Melbourne because of a family emergency. She hated to admit dependence on someone, but even after knowing him for only a few days, he had made her smile. Autumn had looked forward to seeing him when she got home. Poor guy would think she was being a pest.

  She hoped everything was okay with his family but didn’t want to intrude. It was the doctor in her. The two of them might have had a close moment in the bathroom, but she didn’t know much about him apart from the fact her neighbor was hot and useful around the house. She needed to stop daydreaming and get back to work.

  Her next patient was waiting. Even after just a couple of weeks, there were a few older patients who were working their way into her heart. She tried to stay analytical but sometimes they’d say things that made her melt. Her neighbor Mrs. Jenkins was coming today.

  Autumn walked out to the waiting room and called her name. Dorothy got up and strode over with a bounce in her step. She was eighty years old but was still sprightly. Autumn hoped to have just as much pep when she got older.

  Dorothy sat across from her and grinned. She didn’t look very sick.

  “Hello, Dorothy. I’ve seen you across the street, tending to your garden. I’m Autumn Blake and I am here replacing your doctor. How can I help you today?”

  “I want to have you look at my hands. I’m struggling a bit with my garden. I don’t like to complain as I know other eighty-year-olds who can’t do much. I struggle opening jars and bottles as well.”

  She had watched her neighbor sing as she worked on the flowers in her garden. It made her smile.

  Autumn took Dorothy’s right hand and ran her fingers over the skin which was dry but unbroken. The finger joints were swollen and hot. The symptoms pointed to arthritis. As a doctor, she was amazed the woman had not asked for pain relief before. Her fingers were so inflamed that she struggled to straighten them out.

  “You’ll need to have an X-ray to exclude rheumatoid arthritis but, in the meantime, I’m going to recommend you get some hand therapy. I will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and you can use some heat on your joints. Come back and see me next week and we can discuss a long-term action plan once we get the results of your X-rays.”

  Dorothy pursed her lips. “I hate taking tablets but will if it means I can stay in my garden.” She placed her hands back in her lap. “I’ve always loved the cottage you are living in. You know what? You should come and have a cup of tea and cake with me.”

  “That would be lovely.”

  “I noticed Brett has been away again. It’s probably his mother. She’s been sick, poor lady.”

  “I’ve only just met him but I’m sure he will be back soon.” Autumn felt uncomfortable talking about her neighbor who had been her patient, even if only once.

  “Well, I should let you get on with your work. I’ll see you for a cup of tea later.”

  “Um, okay.” Autumn saw Dorothy back out to reception.

  That was how she found herself eating cake at five o’clock that evening on the balcony at the front of Dorothy’s house. She had been on her way into her cottage and ready to put her feet up when she had heard the call from across the road. The cake was good—homemade carrot cake with a big dollop of cream. She could feel it adding inches to her waist with each mouthful. The house was beautiful as well, inside and out.

  “So how long are you here for and what are you running away from?”

  Autumn choked on a mouthful of cake.

  Dorothy jumped up—active for one of her age—and smacked her on the back. “My son always ate his food too fast. I got used to giving him a whack on the back.”

  The hit worked and Autumn was able to inhale a larger breath. She was still in shock from the question. So much for the sweet, old lady across the street. This one had teeth of steel.

  Autumn could get up and walk home because she knew she didn’t have to answer. Something deep inside told her to take a chance and say something. Heaven knew, she could do with a few friends. Dorothy came back with a glass of water for her.

  “So, in answer to your first question, I have a contract for six months. As far as the second one goes, I left an ex-husband, and a stalker, and a job that was okay. I felt something was missing and I really needed a break.”

  Dorothy laughed then took her hand. �
�I’ve had an ex-husband. Should have gotten rid of him long before I did. Was useless when it came to stimulating a woman. It was all business to him and had to be efficient, but he had money. The divorce meant I could buy this place, so there can be silver linings.”

  “I didn’t get much money but I’m glad to be free. You chose well and this house is amazing. I love the stonework and the big wooden front door and, of course, the garden,” Autumn said.

  “The interior is beautiful but the high ceilings make it hard to heat in winter, though the thick walls make it cool in summer. The garden is my haven. I can while away hours here. I even have an Instagram page for my flowers. I have quite a few followers.” Dorothy sighed as she gazed at her garden.

  Autumn loved that Dorothy was up with modern technology.

  “You’ve beat me then. I don’t use much social media.”

  “Was your husband good-looking? Roger was. Tall, dark, and handsome. Had all the girls after him and I couldn’t believe he chose me. I believe I was the first one to say no and he swept me off my feet.” Dorothy shook her head and tutted to herself. “Trouble was, the women were still after him when we were married and it didn’t stop him. Bad marriages happen but how awful for you being stalked.” Dorothy placed her hand on Autumns.

  “Your ex-husband must have been distantly related to mine. The stalker was awful, especially as it was someone from work.” Autumn shivered when she thought of Kevin. He had been a person with a smiling face that hid his mental instability. Dear God, she was glad he was on the other side of the world.

  “Well, they are all far away now. So why the Blue Mountains?” Dorothy asked as she poured another cup of tea.

  “It is beautiful and a million miles away from what I was used to. Sydney seemed too busy and like London.”

  “Don’t underestimate this place. There are more goings-on here than you know. What I could tell you—”

  “Please don’t tell me. The people you mention may come in as my patients tomorrow.”

  Brett’s pickup pulled in across the road. She tried not to notice but caught the wicked smile forming on Dorothy’s face.

  He headed inside. Maybe she could knock on his door later and ask if he would like to pop around for a drink. Then the doctor in her resurfaced. The poor man had dealt with a family trauma, and he would not want his neighbor visiting. Five minutes later he was back out the front of his cottage and heading down the road. He didn’t look their way and she was not going to attract his attention. She bit her lip and then hoped Dorothy hadn’t noticed her observation.

  No such luck.

  “He has his own demons, as do we all.”

  “I’ve had enough of demons. I think I am due some angels.”

  “So, what do you want from this year?”

  Autumn sipped on her tea while she thought. Initially it had just been for a break, but in the last few days since her neighbor had been away, she was feeling different.

  “Sex.” There, she had said it out loud. Her vibrator was her best friend but she wanted to have sex and enjoy waking up in the morning with someone’s arm around her. They did not need to profess love but they had better know what to do in the sack. He ex was a pain but he had been good in bed. Just not always with her.

  “I’m the first one to admit I’m nosey, but I wasn’t expecting that. Sex is good. I’m getting on in years but still have a few men after me. Or maybe they’re after the house. It doesn’t matter. Brett is a fine young man. Stupid sometimes, if he drinks too much and gets all giggly, but he is good. You could do worse than having a vacation fling with him.”

  “You mean use him for sex.”

  “I think it might be mutual. I saw the way he looked at you when he had a blonde at the gate the other day. He likes what he sees.”

  “That was a client he was working with. You’re wicked, Dorothy, you know that?”

  ‘I am, but that is our secret. At my age, you can get away with it.”

  Autumn said her goodbyes and headed home. She worked on her medical paper until she got too tired to focus. Then sat with a hot chocolate and her Kindle. She was reading a romance that gave her ideas. Next time she was naked with Brett it would not be because she had fallen over in the bath.

  As she sipped her drink, Bluey started to bark. Brett must be home. The best thing would be to go to bed and leave him to his drunken oblivion. As she brushed her teeth, the sound of glass shattering and a loud thump made her jump.

  The vision of him lying dead in a pool of blood in the morning had her rushing for the front door. He might have been drunk, but she was a doctor.

  His cottage was open and Bluey ran to meet her as she pushed the door wide. The dog whimpered and she followed him inside. The lights were on and, as expected, Brett was lying on the floor—only he had a big, stupid grin on his face. The place looked the same as her cottage but in reverse and without the extra trimmings. There was some furniture—a couch, a chair, no table, and a few containers of old takeout. He obviously didn’t bring many people back here to entertain.

  What looked like the remains of a glass jug and water were spread out on the floor beside him. Bluey kept licking his owner’s face. She was worried the dog would cut his paw open. Brett appeared to be okay, so she dragged the dog by the collar to the back door and shooed him outside. Then she headed back to deal with a six-foot tipsy Hulk.

  Autumn did a quick assessment and Brett gave the impression he was enjoying the whole situation from the grin on his face.

  “Come on. Let’s get you sitting up and drinking water instead of splashing it around.” She helped him stand and wobble to the couch where he went down with a thump. Autumn went to the kitchen and searched the cupboards until she found a glass, and a dustpan and brush. She handed him the glass of water. “Don’t spill it while I clean up this mess.”

  “You’re sexy when you get mad. Anyone ever told you that? I need to be a naughty boy more often.”

  Autumn shook her head and swept the glass into the dustpan. Brett might be many things, but he was not a boy. He was all man, naughty or otherwise. Don’t go there. Stay professional.

  Autumn found some newspaper to wrap the broken glass in. Then she refilled Brett’s glass and put the kettle on to make a strong black coffee. Once it was made, she placed it in front of him and let Bluey back in.

  Sitting opposite Brett, he appeared to be sobering up as his eyes started to focus.

  “I can’t find any bumps or cuts so I think you should be alright. Come and see me at the surgery tomorrow if you aren’t okay.”

  “Nothing wrong, but you can examine me anytime you want. I need to pee. Can you help me to the dunny?” He gulped down his coffee and went to stand but wobbled. Autumn put her arm around his back and headed him in the direction the bathroom would be. She assumed the dunny was the toilet. He bent his head down, and she could feel his breath on her neck. Damn him, but it felt good.

  “Your hair smells nice . . . you smell nice.”

  It had been a while since anyone had said that and now it was from someone who’d had one beer too many. She stood him next to the toilet. “Do you think you can stand on your own?”

  “I’ll be good. You’ve done more than I deserve.”

  “That is true but don’t fall over again.” She tried to say it with authority but in truth, he was making her crack up.

  He placed one hand against the wall to steady himself and she waited outside the door. She gave him five minutes until she heard the tap running. When she went back in, he beckoned for her to come and stand next to him.

  “I’m still a little bit pissed, aren’t I? I need that lovely arm around my waist again.”

  “You need to go to bed.”

  “I never thought you’d ask. Been wanting to get down and dirty with you since we first met. Not sure I’m up to it right now but give me a few minutes.”

  Autumn shook her head again and laughed as she helped him to his bedroom and laid him on the bed. She pulled
off his boots and went to the kitchen to find a bowl in case he vomited. Bluey followed her back inside and settled next to the bed.

  Brett took her hand as she went to turn away. He kissed it. “Thanks. Been a bit of a bad time. Nice to come back to a beautiful face. Don’t suppose I can have a goodnight kiss?”

  Autumn raised an eyebrow as he pointed to a spot on his cheek. Against her better judgment, she leaned in and went to give him a peck when he turned his face so she touched his lips with hers. It was like an electric shock of lust and she jumped back.

  She needed to go before she did something silly. “Now, go to sleep. I have work in the morning and don’t want to hear any more smashing of glass or anything else.”

  Brett was not listening, as a little snore left his mouth.

  Autumn patted Bluey on the head and left. Brett should be fine, even if his head hurt in the morning.

  She settled in her own bed and ran her fingers across her lips. He probably wouldn’t remember the kiss but she would. It had been done in a second, but the touch of his warm lips against hers had set something going inside her again—a belief that she could still feel something, even if it was just the physical side of things.

  She had not worked out yet how she was going to broach the subject of him being her sex friend for the year. Autumn could not bring herself to say ‘fuck buddy’ even if that was what he would be. Somehow, she would make him think it was his idea. She was confident that would not be too hard to do.

  Chapter Six

  Brett sat up. His head hurt, and he lay back down. Last night came back with a few images, along with the pain. It had been a long drive back from Melbourne and he had held off having a drink until he got home. He’d known when he started, he was going to get drunk. It happened every time he went to see Mum and the shit from the past was chucked in his face.

  His mum would try and get him to come back home again. She’d had another funny turn. The doctors had said she was doing well, and his brother lived two doors away. Brett helped out in the way that was easy for him—money. Though it had been hard with trying to renovate the cottage next door.