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  Leaving the café, he saw Scott leaning back against the front of the fire truck. “Can we swing past Mrs Tanner’s house?”

  “You’re going to feed Arthur?”

  “I’ll do that after work. I just want to see if we can spot him as we drive past.”

  Scott opened the truck door. “Just try not to embarrass us again.”

  ~*~

  “It’s so good to see you after all this time.” Carrying one of the suitcases, Ash led Elissa into the house. “I thought you were never coming.”

  “I was coming, don’t worry.” Following her with the second suitcase, Elissa laughed. “As if I could not see you married.”

  “I know.” Ash flashed a grin over her shoulder. “I never thought I’d get married, yet here I am, engaged and about to get the old ball and chain.”

  “I thought it was the men who got the ball and chain?”

  “Not according to Dee and Del.” Ash walked down the hallway.

  “Ah, your Gully’s Fall cronies.”

  “Two of the three, ‘cause there’s also Molly. You’ll love them, Elissa, I promise you.”

  “Chickie, from what I’ve heard about them, I don’t doubt it.”

  Stopping at a door near the back of the hallway, Ash pushed open the door. “This is your bedroom. Hope you like it.”

  Stepping through, Elissa gazed around. The house was old, though in good repair. The furniture and decor echoed a country theme, nothing fancy but very comfortable. The bedroom was restful - a big double bed covered by a patchwork quilt, dark wood furniture, a flowered armchair in the corner, curtains at the window. A couple of little knick-knacks to give it a lived-in feel, a painting of a farmhouse on the wall. The room was old fashioned and so comfortable.

  “It’s perfect.” She dropped the suitcase on the floor and crossed to the window, pulling the curtain back to peer out at the yard. “I love the house from what I’ve seen so far.”

  “I’ll let you settle in while I put the kettle on, then we’ll do the tour.” Ash tapped her shoulder. “I am so glad you’re here, Elissa.”

  Turning, Elissa pulled her friend in for a hug, both of them clinging to each other.

  “I’m so grateful Scott came into your life.” Elissa hugged Ash tighter. “You deserve all the love that life can give you.”

  “And you?” Ash pulled back a little to study her.

  “And me what?” Elissa smiled, knowing full well to what her friend was referring.

  “How are you, Elissa? Really?” The worry was evident in Ash’s face.

  Elissa gave a small laugh. “You know me, I’m always okay.”

  “Are you?” Ash’s gaze was probing, trying to see past the façade Elissa determinedly kept. “Are you really?”

  “I’m here to be my best friend’s maid of honour. Of course I’m all right.”

  “Elissa-”

  “Good God, woman, stop worrying. Everything is fine with me.” Elissa gave her another quick squeeze before releasing her. “I’ll just freshen up then how about that cuppa, hey? I’m parched, not to mention my arse is numb from sitting on the bus.”

  Ash looked searchingly at her for several seconds before she nodded slightly. “Fine.”

  Thank God she wasn’t going to continue asking questions. At least, not yet. Elissa knew her friend too well to think she’d give up, but for now she had a reprieve.

  “But just remember,” Ash walked towards the door, “I wanted to go to Ellor’s Loop to pick you up. You’re the one who insisted on finishing the trip by bus.”

  “I wanted to check out the bus driver. I’d heard he was worth the trip.”

  “And was he?”

  “Oh, he was cute. But,” Elissa screwed up her nose while holding up her ring finger, “he was sporting that gold band. That put him in the ‘no go’ zone.”

  “Serve you right.” Ash smiled at her before disappearing down the hallway.

  Elissa blew out a deep breath of air. The bus trip wasn’t one she’d particularly enjoyed, but the chance to just sit in silence and lose herself in her thoughts was one she’d needed. It wasn’t necessarily a wise choice but it was done. She’d had her thoughts and she was still undecided.

  At least coming to Gully’s Fall, the little old, quaint town in a farming community, was a long way from the city on the other side of the country, a long way from troubles and issues and…things she didn’t want to think about right then when her best friend was waiting in the kitchen for her, and she was away from it all.

  For now. Her thoughts couldn’t be pushed away forever, nor her actions. Everything came at a price.

  One of those prices, in fact, had fallen almost at her feet.

  Oh God, Simon’s here.

  Leaning back against the wall, Elissa rubbed her brow. Cripes, he shouldn’t have been here! She’d never made the connection between the Simon she’d met that horrible night and the Simon Ash had talked about. But one look at his face and she recognised him instantly.

  How could she not? She hadn’t forgotten him, hadn’t forgotten his kindness, the kiss…hadn’t forgotten how she’d made her escape while he’d gone to get his mobile phone. She cringed inwardly just thinking about it.

  That night wasn’t one she’d ever forgotten. One minute she’d been alone, crying her eyes out, the next thing a tall, muscular man with kindness on his face and an easy-going way about him had brought her water, sat beside her, and then - surprise surprise - shown an interest in getting to know her more. But she’d cut him loose before he could even attempt to get a tie to her. She came with too much baggage, had too many problems of her own to sort out before she could even contemplate a relationship with a man, however yummy.

  Christ, was Simon yummy. The dim lights of the balcony had picked out his muscular build, the low riding jeans showcasing narrow hips and long legs. Being shirtless had exposed his upper body, and man, what a body. He had a six pack to die for, muscular pecs that had made her hands itch to spread against, and biceps and triceps that bunched and flexed whenever he moved his arms.

  No wonder he had such a mouth-watering build, he obviously kept in shape for his job. She knew from Ash that the fire fighters were expected to maintain good condition and had exercise equipment at the fire station.

  But his face, oh man, his face invaded her dreams many times. Okay, his magnificent body, too, but his face - handsome, almost classical, lips that were full yet had a masculinity to them that prevented them from looking girly, a strong jaw, steady hazel eyes, a crooked grin, a nose that was straight with a slight unevenness to it that bespoke a broken nose not set quite perfectly, a sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of it that was just damned cute, and above it all a thick thatch of red hair. Deep, rich red, a hint of brown, a hint of copper, a hint of ginger, some of everything but not all of one thing. Rich red. There was no other word for it.

  And he was here. Crap. Crap crap crap! Had he told his friends about her? Would he tell them now? She hoped not, prayed not. As soon as the shock of recognising him had passed she’d kept that famous Baylon stiff upper lip, acted as though they’d just met for the first time.

  No doubting he recognised her. Surprise, a touch of pleasure, then bafflement as she’d just looked at him without recognition. One of those dark red eyebrows had arched up, his gaze had gone all lazy as they slid over her and back up, his hazel eyes anything but as they’d locked onto hers. The gleam in his eyes let her know he was onto her, there was no doubt she hadn’t seen or heard the last from him. Not that she would, he was a close friend of Ash and Scott’s, but she had no doubt from the way he’d looked at her that he was going to want answers.

  To be truthful, she’d felt like a real bitch when his pleasure had turned to bafflement. He was so handsome, so nice, so kind, that hurting him had been the last thing she’d wanted, but neither had she wanted him to reveal anything to Ash.

  Thank God both their reactions had happened within seconds, apparently quick enough that no one
else noticed.

  Cripes, what a mess. Maybe. Kind of. Didn’t have to be, she’d talk to him later. Yeah, apologise and stuff. Nothing she could do about it now, anyway, all she could do was continue onwards.

  Rolling her shoulders, she dropped the suitcases onto the bed to unpack later and went in search of the bathroom to freshen up.

  It was while she was washing her hands in the bathroom that she became aware of being watched.

  Looking over her shoulder, she saw a fat tabby sitting in the doorway gazing at her. Big gold eyes looked her up and down, little grey nose twitching, but the cat didn’t shift. Little fat bottom and sturdy little front paws were firmly planted on the wood floor, grey-striped tail flicking on top of the runner.

  “Hi,” Elissa said.

  The tabby eyed her narrowly.

  Turning, she knelt down, extending one arm and rubbing her thumb and forefinger together. “Come here, baby. I like kitties.”

  That didn’t seem to impress the tabby at all. Her nose went up in the air a little while she contemplated her.

  “Okay. What do I need to do to win you over?” When the tabby looked away in the direction Ash had disappeared into, Elissa added, “Food? Will that win you over?”

  If a cat could give a scornful look, the tabby did it. It also stood up, turned and walked away with a decided waddle.

  Scorned by her best friend’s cat. Wow. If she was superstitious she could take that as a bad omen.

  Amused, Elissa followed the cat down the hallway and through a doorway on the right side, coming out into a big country kitchen complete with a wooden table, wooden chairs with cushions, a vase of roses in the middle of the table, and curtains tied back at the big window above the sink.

  Ash was standing at the kitchen bench dropping tea bags into two tea cups. She looked up and smiled widely. “I see you met Tilly.”

  “How did you know?”

  “You have that same half amused, half bemused look on your face that most people have when they first meet her.”

  “I think she’s a force to be reckoned with.”

  “Don’t worry, just acknowledge that she is queen of her castle and all she surveys and you’ll get on just fine.”

  “You spoiled her.”

  “No, Scott did. He had Tilly long before I met him. Tilly is his baby girl, so just remember that if you’re ever tempted to say something nasty about her in his hearing.”

  “Good grief. That big, handsome firie is a sap for his cat?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “And a sap for his fiancé, too.” Elissa winked.

  Ash blushed a little, but she couldn’t stop the small smile. “Maybe.”

  “There’s no maybe about it. The way he looks at you? You only have to ask for something and he’d shift Heaven and Hell to get it for you.”

  “I’d do the same for him.”

  Elissa studied her friend. “You’re so happy, Ash.”

  “Yes. Yes, I am. Happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”

  “It’s good to see. After what happened…” Shit, maybe she shouldn’t have brought that up.

  They looked at each other.

  “It’s all right,” Ash said quietly. “I was raped. Scott knows, remember?”

  Reaching out, Elissa laid her hand over Ash’s where it rested on the bench. “He’s a good man.”

  “He’s the best He taught me to feel again, to have confidence. To touch, be intimate, to like it.” She paused, cheeks colouring. “And I’m not going further into that.”

  “Thank God. I thought I was going to have heart palpitations from information overload.”

  Ash laughed.

  “So you’ve settled in well.” Elissa looked around while Ash poured hot water into the tea cups. “I really like this house. It has character and warmth.”

  “Yep. Scott bought it for that very reason, plus he grew up here so he knew what he wanted when he moved back to Gully’s Fall.” Ash wrapped the string of each tea bag around the teaspoon to squeeze out the liquid before dropping them into the little bin and handing Elissa a cup. “Here.”

  “Thanks.” Elissa crossed to the table and dropped down, kicking off her high-heeled sandals with a sigh of relief while wriggling her toes against the cool lino. “Oh man, I know this isn’t considered polite but I needed to do that.”

  “My home is your home. You can run around bare-foot all day and I wouldn’t care.”

  “Can I sprawl, too?” Stretching out her legs, Elissa leaned back in the chair.

  “Absolutely. I expect you to flop in the hammock out back, sleep in late, and walk around in thongs.”

  “While that sounds heavenly, I think the thongs part is out.” Elissa slanted Ash a wry look. “And a touch of insomnia means sleep-ins are something I don’t do that often.”

  Blowing on the hot liquid in the cup she held, Ash studied her. “Why?”

  “No big reason. Now tell me all about this wedding and the plans, because I have to tell you, it sounds very laid-back.”

  “Elissa-”

  “You didn’t tell me a lot on the phone or in the emails.” Refusing to be drawn into her troubles, Elissa determinedly steered away from what Ash wanted to know. “Basically, you told me to turn up to be your maid of honour with a pretty dress of my choice. That was it.”

  Ash looked at her steadily.

  Elissa met her gaze with a bland expression.

  “Elissa-”

  “I’m not doing it, Ash. Not yet, anyway.”

  Ash pursed her lips.

  “You can yell at me - which you won’t - and you can wheedle and beg all you like, I’m not prepared to discuss anything else right now except your wedding.”

  “I worry about you.”

  “Can’t hear you.” Elissa stuck her fingers in her ears. “La-la-la!”

  “That’s childish.”

  “Don’t care. Right now I’m enjoying the company of my best friend and it’s her I want to talk about. Her and that handsome firie fiancée of hers.” She paused. “Actually, do all the men here look like those three?”

  “Not all.” Ash grinned. “Scott, Ryder and Simon are three of what were considered the four most eligible bachelors in Gully’s Fall and beyond, pretty much into the next towns even. In fact, Ryder has probably shagged most of here and beyond.” It was her turn to pause. “He’s a bit of a man-whore. Or was.”

  “Ah, that was until Dee sorted him out.”

  “You could say that.”

  “So who was the fourth?”

  “Kirk. Local cop.”

  “Uh huh. So three are taken off the market, and that leaves…?”

  “Simon.”

  “The redhead who fell out of the tree.”

  “Yep. And I’m not so sure anyone is going to capture Simon.”

  “Hard to catch?”

  “So laid-back that women’s affections roll right off him.”

  “Laid back?” Elissa’s brows rose. “You think?”

  “Absolutely. You haven’t seen him in action. He’s so easy-going and laid-back that Ryder says he’s almost horizontal. He wouldn’t be far wrong.” Ash grinned. “You’ll like Simon. You’ll like them all.”

  “From what you’ve told me over the phone, they sound a good mob.”

  “They are. And they’ll like you, too.”

  This time Elissa’s smile was a touch ironic. “Will they just?”

  “Once they get to know you like I do, they’ll love you.”

  “Except the redhead, because he doesn’t love anyone.” If you only knew what kind of impression I’ve already made on him.

  “I wouldn’t say Simon doesn’t love anyone. He loves his friends.”

  “Not his family?”

  Ash took a thoughtful sip of hot tea. “He doesn’t talk much about his family. Oh, he’s made a reference here and there, but not a lot.” Placing the cup back on the table, she frowned. “Huh, now that I think about it…”

  “Don’t know a
lot about him?”

  “Well, I do, but… He doesn’t talk a lot about his past.” Ash shook her head. “I never really thought about it.”

  “Maybe he’s not as easygoing as you think.” For sure, Elissa wasn’t so certain of it.

  “I’ve never seen Simon angry. I don’t think he has a temper.”

  “Trust me, Ash, everyone has a temper. It just depends on how much they reveal.” This time she slanted Ash an amused look. “Even you have one, though it kind of comes off as sweetly disturbed.”

  “Disturbed?”

  “Sweetly annoyed, then. Look, even now your temper is showing.” Elissa gave a burst of surprised laughter when Ash flipped her the bird. “Cripes, I never thought I’d see you do that again!”

  “Scott’s taught me more than just to like myself again,” Ash retorted.

  “So I see. He’s a bad influence.”

  “No, he’s the best influence.”

  There was no doubting the happiness in her friend’s eyes, and it warmed Elissa. Looking at the happy woman full of quiet confidence, it was a stark difference to the shattered, tightly-held together woman who’d left NSW to travel to the other side of Australia after a violent rape. Alone. But she’d done it, and she’d done it with Elissa’s support while everyone else had been dead-set against it. Even Moz, Ash’s friend and Elissa’s brother, hadn’t been happy with Ash’s decision, had argued long and hard with both women, but that wasn’t because he was a moron, that was because Moz’s protectiveness of those he loved was almost legendary. The thought of Ash driving long miles alone had almost given him a heart attack. In the end he’d folded, though, mainly because he couldn’t stop her.

  Secretly, Elissa had hoped for years that something romantic between Moz and Ash would develop but it never had, and now as she looked at Ash, had met Scott for however briefly, she knew that Ash’s happily-ever-after was with her firie.

  At least one of us has what we want.

  God, didn’t that sound sour?

  Dragging her thoughts from the morose depths of her mind, she focussed on Ash. “Okay, you got the hot firie. Your friends are a hot cop and a hot ambo, and their ladies. And another hot firie. Is he with Del?”