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  Well, not quite it. There’d been something about her, something more than just sadness, something more than just a pretty face and generously curved figure. Something that had started to draw him closer.

  Still, it didn’t change the fact that she obviously hadn’t felt any attraction for him, so really, that said it all. No point flogging a dead horse, it obviously wasn’t meant to be and he had no intention of chasing a woman who wasn’t interested.

  Backing into the room, he shut the door firmly, placed the mobile phone and water bottle on the little bench, took his jeans off and returned to bed. Snapping off the light, he lay on his back, hands behind his head, gazing up at the ceiling.

  Lis was gone and that was that, but it didn’t stop him from wondering what had specifically upset her.

  With a grunt, he rolled onto his side, tucked the pillow firmly under his cheek and closed his eyes. She might not be interested, but nor was he going to fret about it. He’d wanted to see her, she’d rejected it. That was it. He had a life to live, a job to do, friends, and a job course to continue. The mystery of Lis was just another little bump in the road of life.

  A bloody luscious bump, a definitely interesting bump, undeniably a troubling bump, but a bump nevertheless.

  The fact that he dreamed of those lush lips, soft body and big brown eyes had nothing at all to do with it. Not at all.

  Chapter 1

  Two Months Later

  “Come on, Arthur, don’t be difficult.” Simon reached further along the branch.

  Arthur screwed up his one remaining eye, pulled his tattered ears back and showed snaggled teeth in a long, low, warning growl.

  Or what was left of his teeth. Personally, Simon wasn’t as wary of his teeth as he was the cat’s claws. If Arthur took a bite of Simon’s heavy glove, he’d probably leave his remaining teeth in the coarse material. However, if he managed to swipe at Simon’s face with those wicked claws there’d be tears - Simon’s.

  “Come on, kitty,” Simon wheedled, hoisting himself further up the ladder.

  “Are you going to get that cat or what?” Scott called from below.

  Simon looked down to where his fellow fire fighter stood at the base of the tree supporting the ladder. “Or what.”

  “Just grab him. You’re embarrassing us.”

  “How about you come up here?”

  “I’m supervising. It’s an important job. Now grab him.”

  “What if this was Tilly?”

  “Tilly wouldn’t be seen dead up a tree. She has more class.”

  “And more girth, too.”

  “Don’t make me yank this ladder away.”

  With a grunt, Simon swung a leg over the thick branch.

  “Hey,” a familiar voice greeted from below. “What’s numb nuts doing up a tree?”

  Great. Ryder.

  “He’s supposed to be getting Arthur,” Scott replied.

  “Not doing a very good job of it.”

  “You’re telling me.”

  Ignoring his friends, Simon started inching along the branch, watching with a sinking heart as Arthur backed further.

  “Stop farting around,” Scott called. “Just reach out and grab him.”

  “Yeah,” Ryder agreed. “Just grab the little fellow and hug him tight. Don’t be a wuss and stress about his foot-long claws with the razor tips.”

  “I’ll grab you in a minute.” Simon leaned forward, arm out-stretched.

  “You’re not my type.”

  “Here, kitty kitty.” Simon watched the old cat closely.

  The battered tom eyed him narrowly in turn.

  This wasn’t getting him anywhere. Moving suddenly, Simon lunged forward, grabbing the cat’s scruff.

  Hell broke loose.

  Arthur threw the equivalent of a panicked tantrum, springing up into the air with surprising strength, and a loud crack sounded from the branch.

  “Oh shit!”

  The branch gave way.

  Grabbing the cat close in one arm, jerking his face away from the wildly waving claws, Simon tried to get a footing on the ladder but he’d moved too far from it. The branch parted company with the tree.

  Midair, he briefly contemplated his own stupidity at going up the tree after spotting Arthur trying desperately to get down but seemingly unable to. Now, for his good deed, he was falling while clutching a furry bundle who now had his claws firmly stuck in Simon’s jacket.

  Thank God he’d been smart enough to put his heavy jacket on before going in pursuit of the cat, that’s all he could think before his back hit the grass, his breath exploded from him, and Arthur tore free of his arms to disappear across the road.

  Blinking, he tried to regain his thoughts while taking stock of his body.

  Arms intact? Yes.

  Back intact? Yes.

  Legs working? Yes.

  Head hit? No.

  Pair of generous boobs hovering above his line of vision? Yes.

  Wait. What?

  Simon blinked, his gaze lifting past the generous boobs to the face hovering above his.

  Even from upside down he could see the face was pretty. Light brown eyes, small nose with a tip-tilted end, lush lips that were all soft and pink, and rounded cheeks.

  He blinked again. She looked familiar.

  “Hey, numb nuts.” Ryder’s face came into his vision, blocking out the one Simon preferred. “You all right?”

  “Crap.” Scott’s face appeared on the other side. “Simon?”

  Seeing the concern on his friends’ faces brought clarity back to Simon, and he sat up, gingerly testing his arms and legs. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

  “How’s your back?” Ryder was down on one knee beside him.

  “Fine. It’s all good.” Simon pushed upright, getting his balance as he stood. “No worries.”

  “Man, I thought that cat had finally killed you.” Scott shook his head. “You’ve been chasing that thing for the last week.”

  “Someone’s got to get him.”

  “Are you sure you’re all right?” A soft hand touched his arm.

  Scott’s fiancée, Ash, stood next to him, concern on her face.

  “Absolutely,” he assured her. “I’m a tough nut to crack.”

  “Depends where you land,” Ryder said.

  “I noticed you didn’t try to break my fall.”

  “I’m not paid to break your fall.”

  “Then what are you paid for?”

  “To patch you up after the fall. Jesus, Simon, get a clue.”

  “Ignore him.” Ash patted Simon’s back. “He’s just being mean.”

  “Only to Simon.” Ryder winked at her. “Never to you, love.”

  “You wouldn’t want to.” Scott slid his arm around Ash’s waist, dropping a kiss on top of her head. “I’d be the one doing the breaking then.”

  Ash laughed. “You’ll all be giving Elissa bad first impressions if you keep this up.”

  Elissa. Like his friends, Simon looked around to spot the woman whose breasts had been hovering above him so tantalisingly, standing not far off.

  She stood quietly, almost still. Unbidden, his gaze skimmed over her, taking in the rubenesque figure clothed in navy linen slacks that hugged rounded thighs before falling almost to the ground, the high heels of her shoes just visible. A pale blue blouse blossomed out over her breasts and dipped in at her waist before skimming lush hips. Dainty lace edged the collar and the ends of the three quarter sleeves.

  Man, she might have been pretty when he saw her from his prone position on the ground, but she was even prettier from his upright position, her fair hair swept up in some kind of bun thing at the back of her head, light brown eyes locked on him, lush lips slightly parted in…astonishment?

  Wait a minute…fair hair in a bun? Light brown eyes? Lush lips? Generously curved figure?

  He blinked again as realisation hit him. It was her. Lis.

  Crap on a stick, his crying woman was in Gully’s Fall, and whoa, she didn’t
look happy to see him. He could see it instantly in her eyes, in the way she held her shoulders stiffly, the subtle tightening of her jaw line.

  Oh man, she was not happy to see him.

  That had him feeling strangely deflated because he had to admit, he’d felt a little leap of happiness when he’d recognised her. Still, he’d play this out, see what she was going to do. So rather than say her name, he simply watched her.

  Interestingly, she watched him back, a pleasant blankness coming across her face.

  Ah, so she was going to play it like that, not acknowledging that they’d even met already. That should have annoyed him, instead it intrigued him. Now why didn’t she want Ash to know she’d already met him? Hmmm, the plot thickened.

  Okay, he could play the game. For now.

  He smiled at her. “Ma’am.”

  She didn’t move. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine. Rescuing cats is part of a fireman’s job description.”

  “Falling out of trees isn’t,” Ryder added unhelpfully.

  Ash stepped away from Scott, reaching out to grab her friend’s hand and draw her closer. “This is Elissa Baylon, my best friend.” She paused. “My oldest best friend.” Another pause. “Not as in age.”

  Elissa cast her a wry look. “Thanks. I think.”

  “I mean, I’ve made some good friends since I came here, but you’re my oldest. Again, not in age.”

  “Quit while you’re ahead.” Smiling, Elissa held her hand out to Scott. “Nice to finally meet you. You must be Scott, I recognise you from the photos Ash sent.”

  “That’s me.” Grinning widely, he shook her hand. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since Ash first mentioned your name.”

  “Hope I don’t disappoint you, then.”

  Scott was a little taken back, but he rallied quickly. However, before he could say anything Ash gestured. “This is Ryder, he’s the local paramedic and heartbreaker.”

  “Was.” Ryder shook Elissa’s hand. “Dee kind of cramped my style.”

  “I’d say you cramped hers,” Scott said. “If I remember correctly, you were the one chasing her, putting on the manly displays and shit.”

  “What’s your point?”

  “I’ll tell you later.”

  “Don’t be coy on my account,” Elissa said. “I’m sure I’ve heard worse, and will certainly do so in the very near future.”

  Simon wondered if he was the only one who caught the sudden, fleeting bleakness that slid through her brown eyes. It disappeared as swiftly as it had appeared, her expression warming a little as she turned her attention to him.

  “And the brave firie rescuing helpless animals, endangering life and limb along the way.” She held out her hand. “Hi.”

  Simon returned her smile, his palm smoothing along hers, big hand curling gently around her smaller, softer one. Nice. “I’m Simon.” As if you don’t know. He met her gaze squarely.

  She didn’t bat an eyelid. “Pleased to meet you.”

  “Same.” He cocked a brow, playing along. “Here for the wedding, then?”

  “Matron of honour. Though I understand this wedding isn’t conventional.”

  “Conventional is boring,” Ryder stated.

  “Scott and I want a friendly, no-stress wedding.” Ash’s eyes twinkled. “We could have done a Kirk and Molly and eloped, but I think Mrs Preston would chase us down and do me some damage for leading her baby boy astray.”

  “It’s true.” Scott grinned widely. “I am Mum’s baby boy.”

  “And your mum dotes on Ash,” Simon pointed out.

  “I’m the best man,” Ryder put in. “Don’t worry, Elissa, Dee won’t bite you when we have to do the first dance with the bride and groom.”

  She looked at him. “I think the bride and groom do the first dance.”

  “The second then. Or something.” Ryder looked at Ash. “Isn’t there a law that states the maid of honour and the best man have to do a turn on the dance floor?”

  “If there is, it’s not at this wedding,” she replied firmly. “Elissa isn’t burdened by that duty.”

  Simon and Scott snorted a laugh at the expression on Ryder’s face.

  “Ash,” he said, “you wound me. I didn’t think you had a nasty bone in your body.”

  “Elissa always did bring out the worst in me.” She smiled widely at her friend.

  Affectionately, Elissa squeezed Ash’s hand. “I do my best. Alas, Scott, your fiancé was always too sweet to twist to my perverted ways.”

  “Ash,” Scott replied, looking down at her with love, “is and always will be a sweetheart. My sweetheart.”

  “Jesus.” Ryder grimaced as Scott bent down to brush a soft kiss on Ash’s smiling lips. “All this sweetness is giving me heartburn.”

  Simon grinned, but his attention was on Elissa. The woman watched her friend with a smile on her lips and a touch of yearning in her eyes. There was no bitterness, no jealousy, but the sadness was evident.

  It was also swift, appearing and disappearing in an instance, but Simon recognised that look. Recognised it, catalogued it, and looked at her anew, studying her closely. Whatever had been troubling her a couple of months back was still a problem. Hmmm.

  When her gaze flicked up to his, he grinned easily. “Lovebirds. Always locked at the lips.”

  “Yes.” Elissa studied him in turn, a slight frown creasing her smooth forehead, right before a flicker of caution flashed in her eyes and she glanced away.

  Cripes, this woman was a bundle of curiosities. Outwardly smiling as though he’d noticed nothing unusual, inwardly he gauged her reaction. Why were his internal alarm bells ringing when he didn’t have a clue what was going on in her pretty head? Was it because she didn’t acknowledge him, wanted to keep their meeting a secret?

  Ash pulled away from Scott. “I better get Elissa home. She just got off the bus and I know she’s probably dying for a cuppa and to settle in. We’ll see you tonight.” She sent him a last sweet smile while hooking her hand through Elissa’s arm and turning her, leading her back to the car which was parked at the curb. “Bye, guys.”

  Simon turned to his two friends as the car drove off down the street. “So that’s Elissa.” And she wasn’t going anywhere fast, not now. Good. He had time to track her down later.

  “Yep. Talk about bad timing. Here you had the chance of looking heroic and they arrive just as you fall arse out the tree.” Scott shook his head. “I told you that you were embarrassing us.”

  “Guess she relaxed when she saw that I was here to save your life.” Smoothing his hand over his paramedic uniform, Ryder turned to Simon. “Feel free to thank me.”

  Simon flipped him the finger.

  “Lovely. Just lovely.”

  “All you did was watch me fall out the tree.”

  “So? I was here to give you the breath of life if needed.”

  “You are not getting your gob anywhere near mine.” Simon shrugged out of the heavy jacket, turning his thoughts to another, more immediate problem. “Anyone see where Arthur went?”

  Scott took hold of the ladder. “Are you going to give up this chase for him?”

  “Nope.” Simon slapped his gloves against his leg.

  “He hates your guts.”

  “Or if he didn’t then, he does now,” Ryder added.

  “Look, Mrs Tanner died a week ago. That cat is all alone.” Simon frowned. “Poor old bugger.”

  “You’re too soft,” Ryder announced.

  Scott and Simon just looked at him.

  “Jesus, running around after a cat. What the hell?”

  “Says the man with a cat and four kittens,” Scott said.

  “What’s your point?”

  Knowing he’d lost yet another chance to get the orphaned cat, Simon grabbed the other end of the ladder and strode towards the fire truck, forcing Scott to follow quickly or be dragged. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. I’m starving.”

  “Poor bastard’s no
t had anything to eat for at least an hour,” Scott informed Ryder. “Stomach must be eating his backbone by now.”

  “I can’t help having a good appetite.” Simon set his end of the ladder against the section where it was fastened when not in use. “I work hard.”

  “At chasing old cats, and even that you do badly.” Scott secured his end of the ladder and turned to Ryder. “Want us to pick you up anything from the servo for arvo tea?”

  “Nah, she’s right. I’ve got to get a move on and do that First Aid class.”

  “Cripes, you’re actually working?”

  Listening with only half an ear to his friends exchanging insults, Simon climbed into the truck and studied the direction in which the tattered old black cat had vanished, then the direction Ash’s car had driven. Hmmm, Arthur was probably heading for his old home even though no one was there, while Elissa was going to Scott’s home with Ash.

  One he could do something about now, the other would wait until later.

  Putting thoughts of her aside for now, Simon hopped out of the fire truck when it pulled into the service station. “Want anything, Scott?”

  “Just one of Robby’s iced coffees. Ta.”

  Robby braced his hands on the counter as Simon entered. “What’ll it be and how much?”

  “Just something light. Salad roll, a container of that fruit salad.” Simon eyed the display cabinet. “And I’ll take that jam roll as well.”

  “Feeling a bit peckish, huh?”

  “Just a bit. Could I also have two iced coffees as well, please, mine with ice cream.” Turning, he eyed the shelves. “Got any cat food?”

  “Trying to add some excitement to your salad roll?”

  “Trying to make Arthur like me.”

  “You still having problems catching him?” Robby shook his head as he packed the food into a small box. “Why don’t you just get a cat trap?”

  “Last resort.”

  “It’d be easier.”

  “He’d just hate me more.” Simon raised one brow. “Cat food?”

  Robby pointed towards the back of the café. “There’s a couple of tins and boxes of biscuits at the end of the shelf. Only got the one brand.”

  Finding the cat food, Simon slid his glasses on so he could read the ingredients. The tinned food seemed okay - fish, jelly, crap like that, while the cat biscuits apparently had vegetables and chicken. “That’ll do.” Folding his glasses, he slid them into his top pocket and picked up two tins and a box of cat biscuits.