Outback Sisters

by Rachael Johns

  And the way he’d kept looking at her all day … that was because she was about the only person he knew.

  ‘Hey,’ he said, trying not to stare at the way her deep blue strapless bridesmaid dress hugged her body and enhanced her already impressive cleavage.

  ‘You could at least make a little bit of effort with my sister,’ she hissed, staring at the dance floor as if she weren’t actually talking to him.

  ‘What?’ She had to be kidding. ‘I don’t want to give Frankie any false expectations.’

  She scoffed. ‘There’s no danger of that, Angus. You’ve got tickets on yourself if you think she’ll fall in love with you simply because you act a little pleasant. You’re not that irresistible, you know.’

  Damn, she was hot when her nostrils flared. ‘You didn’t seem to feel that way last night.’

  ‘Shh!’ She turned her head to glare at him. ‘Someone might hear you.’

  He shrugged one shoulder and nodded towards the dance floor. ‘Doubt that.’ The closest person to them was sitting two tables away and had a hearing aid in each ear. ‘I take it you haven’t told Logan you’re breaking up with him yet?’

  ‘Who said I am?’

  Now it was his turn to glare.

  She smiled at him but it wasn’t warm at all. ‘You made it clear that last night was a big mistake, that you aren’t interested in more, so why should I ruin a good thing with someone who does?’

  ‘Because …’ His jaw was clenched so hard it felt like it might snap at any moment. He’d told Simone he didn’t want to ruin things between her and Logan, but she couldn’t be serious about continuing to see him. If she’d felt anything at all for Logan, she wouldn’t have done what she’d done with him last night.

  ‘Relax,’ she said. ‘I’m going to end it with him. Tonight. As soon as the reception is over and then we can all escape to bed.’

  Although Angus knew Simone didn’t mean she would be doing so with him, his mind conjured up fantasies of another hot night between the sheets with her. ‘Good,’ he grunted as he pushed back his chair and stood. ‘Good luck with that. I’m going to call it a night.’

  ‘What? You’re going already?’ She looked and sounded disappointed, and he couldn’t help wishing the situation was different. He’d have happily danced with Simone again. Last night hadn’t been so bad with her by his side.

  ‘I only met Adam and Stella yesterday,’ he said, ‘and I’m tired. No-one is going to miss me if you don’t make a big deal of it.’

  ‘Hey.’ She held up her hands in surrender. ‘I couldn’t care less what you do. Sweet dreams.’

  Angus hated to leave things between them like this, but really, what choice did he have? It was probably better if she hated him. Without another word, he turned and made a quiet exit.

  * * *

  Simone watched Angus go and then dropped her head into her hands, hoping to suppress the tears that were threatening. The fact she could barely keep her eyes open from fatigue didn’t help the guilt, sadness and desire mashed up inside her. The intoxicating scent of him still lingered in the air and she inhaled deeply despite herself.

  ‘Simone?’

  She dropped her hands from her face and straightened at the sound of Logan approaching.

  He looked down, concern in his eyes. ‘You all right?’

  ‘Yep. Fine.’ She forced a smile. ‘Just tired—’ oh so tired ‘—and I think I maybe had a touch too much to drink. One day I’ll learn.’

  He smiled warmly, pulled out the seat beside her—the seat Angus had been warming less than a minute ago—and sat. ‘Where’d my brother go?’

  ‘Back to your villa. Something about a headache. I think he was lying. You’re right, he is a grump.’

  He chuckled. ‘I suppose being on his best behaviour for two nights in a row was just too hard.’

  Simone raised an eyebrow, wondering if Logan would think Angus well behaved if he knew what they’d gotten up to last night. Just talking about him with Logan made her feel as if her stomach might expel her dinner at any moment.

  ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ Logan placed a hand across her forehead. It was warm, but it didn’t make her heart stop. ‘You look a bit pale. Why don’t we go outside for a bit of fresh air?’

  She gulped at the thought. Outside alone he might try to kiss her. No, surely he wouldn’t try anything when he thought she was ill. And maybe it would be a good chance for them to have the talk they had to have. That thought made her feel sick again—she’d never dumped anyone in her life—but she steeled herself and nodded. ‘Okay.’

  Logan stood and offered her his arm. Feeling like a fraud, she linked hers through his and allowed him to lead her through the tables and past the dance floor to the exit. Frankie looked up from where she was twirling Heidi around and gave her a smile, no doubt thinking that she and Logan were sneaking off to get up to mischief. She’d have to think of something to tell her later, and the girls, who were going to be disappointed their attempt at matchmaking didn’t prove successful.

  ‘It was a good wedding,’ Logan said, when they emerged into the fresh evening air.

  They sat down on a bench a little way along the verandah.

  ‘Have you had a good day?’ he asked.

  She nodded. ‘Yes, it was gorgeous. I just love weddings—the dresses, the flowers, the dancing. Oh, and weren’t Adam’s and Stella’s vows just lovely? I honestly can’t recall another couple quite as perfect for each other as those two. I’m not sure who Adam fell in love with first, Heidi or Stella, but I know he thinks of Heidi as his own. I wonder if they’ll have any more children. Probably, I mean—’ She stopped abruptly, realising she was babbling. Damn nerves.

  ‘You’re right,’ Logan said. ‘It was a perfect day. Thanks for inviting me.’

  Oh, he was just so pleasant. Why couldn’t she like him the way she liked Angus? He was by far the nicer brother. But although Logan was kind and good-looking in a football hero kind of way, he didn’t push her buttons the way Angus did and she couldn’t keep up this façade any longer.

  ‘You’re welcome. I hope you had a good time,’ she said, dithering.

  ‘I did. Your friends and family are really great …’

  Why did it sound like there was a ‘but’ coming? Was he about to say ‘but now I want to be alone with you’? Oh God.

  ‘But,’ he continued. ‘I’m not sure … this thing between us … are you feeling it?’

  He knows. Her stomach turned inside out at the prospect that he knew, but she didn’t want to give anything away in case he didn’t. ‘Um … It’s just … this is all very new.’ Dammit, why couldn’t she just admit the truth. No, I don’t want to jump your bones the way I did your brother. Of course, she couldn’t say that because she wanted to keep Angus out of it. Even if he didn’t deserve her protection, she didn’t want to hurt Logan any more than necessary.

  ‘I’m not sure that’s it,’ Logan said, a resigned look in his eyes. ‘You’re a beautiful woman, Simone, and I’ve had lots of fun getting to know you, but I just don’t think there’s any chemistry between us. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because you’re still in love with your husband—and I wouldn’t blame you for that—but I don’t think we should try to force something that’s not there.’

  ‘What are you saying?’

  He took a deep breath. ‘I think we should just be friends.’

  He was dumping her? Why hadn’t she seen that coming? Despite the fact she’d been about to do the same, his confession that he didn’t feel any spark still hurt. It’s for the best, she told herself; her pride hurt far more than her heart. Of course they couldn’t really stay friends after this—the fact of the matter was they would never have attempted a relationship in the first place if it wasn’t for her conniving daughters. And now, after Angus …

  ‘I agree,’ she said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. ‘You’re such a good man, Logan Knight, and I know there’s a very special woman waiting somewhere out the
re for you.’

  He didn’t say anything, simply smiled and then snuck his hand out from hers. They sat in silence for a few moments longer, the music from the reception overpowering the sound of the waves lapping against the shore only a few hundred metres away.

  ‘You feeling any better now?’ Logan asked eventually. ‘Do you need me to go and get you a drink of water or something?’

  ‘No.’ She waved his suggestion away with her hand. ‘We should probably go back inside. I think the happy couple will be making their big exit very soon.’

  Logan smiled at her. ‘Good idea. We wouldn’t want to miss that. Maybe you’ll catch the bouquet.’

  She laughed, feeling better already now that Logan had had the awkward conversation for her. ‘As long as Harriet doesn’t. I’m not ready to be mother-of-the-bride just yet.’

  As they re-entered the function room, the last song was just wrapping up and Adam and Stella were the only ones still on the dance floor.

  ‘Hey Mum,’ said Grace, coming over to them. Harriet was a step behind, carrying a sleepy Heidi in her arms. Her eldest daughter actually smiled at her, making Simone wonder if she hadn’t snuck some alcohol.

  ‘Adam and Stella are about to leave,’ Harriet said.

  ‘Oh, good.’ Simone nodded and reached out to sweep Heidi’s hair out of her eyes.

  ‘Well, folks,’ announced Monty, who’d been acting as MC as well as best man, ‘it’s time for our blushing bride and her lucky groom to call it a night, but we’ve got one last thing to do before they go. Can I have all the single ladies on the dance floor, please?’

  ‘Ooh, me, me, me.’ Without asking Simone’s permission, Harriet thrust Heidi towards her and flounced over to Monty.

  ‘Anyone else?’ he asked, looking around. ‘Come on, Frankie.’

  Looking as if she were stepping towards her executioner, Frankie walked over to join Harriet and Monty.

  ‘Simone?’ Monty looked to her expectantly. She cradled Heidi against her and shook her head, taking comfort in the little girl’s warm body. It seemed so long since Harriet and Grace were this small.

  Ruth came over. ‘You may as well go too,’ she said to Grace, ushering her granddaughter onto the dance floor. ‘This wedding is seriously devoid of single women.’

  ‘All right, Stella,’ Monty said into the microphone as Grace arrived beside her sister and her aunt, looking like a kangaroo caught in the headlights, ‘turn around and give us your best throw.’

  It felt like the whole room held their breath as Stella grinned and then hurled her beautiful rose bouquet over her head with both hands. Grace stayed frozen, Harriet dived for it like a star footballer, but she stumbled and Frankie’s hand shot out and closed around it. She looked surprised and uncertain as everyone cheered.

  Although Simone wasn’t superstitious, she couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Her sister deserved to find a good man and she was ready to settle down and start a family, whereas her daughters had plenty of time.

  ‘Congratulations, Frankie,’ Monty said. ‘About time we got you married off.’

  Frankie stuck her tongue out at him and then, clutching the bouquet, joined Simone.

  ‘Congrats, little sis.’ Simone smiled at her. ‘Just promise me you won’t make me wear a pink bridesmaid dress—you know how pink clashes with our hair.’

  Before Frankie could reply, Monty spoke again. ‘And now it’s time for the garter toss. Come on, Adam and Stella, don’t be shy.’

  Monty sounded like he was enjoying this gig and in the unlikely event of Simone tying the knot again, she made a mental note to ask him to be her master of ceremonies as well. Under Monty’s instruction, Drew carried a chair onto the dance floor for Stella to sit on and as Joe Cocker’s ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ started playing, Adam knelt down in front of his bride. Everyone laughed at the song choice but the love between the bride and groom was obvious.

  Adam’s smile looked fit to burst as he snuck his hands under Stella’s dress. She blushed and giggled terribly and Simone suspected he was taking his time on purpose, but finally he made a whoop of victory and a few moments later, he’d slid the pretty lace garter down her leg and over her sparkly heels.

  The crowd applauded as Monty gathered the single men—Logan and a couple of Adam’s football mates. The footballers were so drunk they could barely stand up, so it was no surprise when Logan reached up and caught the garter as if it were something he did everyday.

  ‘Well, well, well,’ Monty said, half-laughing. ‘Frankie get back here so you can get a photo with Logan.’

  With an awkward glance at Simone, Frankie headed back to the dance floor and the two of them stood there looking as if they’d rather be anywhere else as the wedding photographer snapped a shot.

  ‘I won’t predict you’ll be marrying each other,’ Monty continued, looking towards Simone, ‘because Simmo might murder me, but maybe there’ll be wedding bells for our favourite sisters very soon.’

  Both Frankie and Logan turned a bright shade of red, glancing at each other and then quickly looking away again. Simone suddenly saw how perfect they would be together—they were both neat freaks, they both loved cooking and reading, they were closer in age, and neither of them had kids yet but they’d both make awesome parents. Not to mention the fact that standing next to each other right now, they looked really cute together. But how weird would that be? Quite aside from the fact she’d dated Logan herself, how would she deal with being related to Angus if Logan and Frankie got married? Awkward. Definitely not something she wanted to suggest.

  ‘Now, the time has come to farewell Mr and Mrs Burton,’ Monty announced.

  Adam took Stella’s hand and held it up to the crowd. ‘Thanks everyone for joining us for our big day. It’s been amazing and we’re so glad we had each and every one of you here to help make it so special. Now if you don’t mind, it’s time to take my bride to bed.’

  Simone didn’t think those two would be getting much sleep that night.

  With this announcement, he swept Stella up into his arms and she squealed like a little girl. They paused briefly to kiss Heidi goodnight, and then Stella waved goodbye to everyone as Adam carried her off into the night. Simone couldn’t help thinking about her own wedding night—being heavily pregnant hadn’t stopped her and Jason making the most of their first night as husband and wife. She smiled at the memory. Although she still missed him, it was getting easier each day, and however much of a debacle sleeping with Angus was, it made her feel confident that when the right man came along, she would be able to enjoy another relationship.

  ‘What are you smiling about, Mum?’ Harriet asked.

  Simone looked down at her daughter. ‘Just remembering my wedding night with your father.’

  Harriet made a face. ‘Eugh, yuck. TMI!’

  Despite the fact that she hadn’t actually given Harriet any information, Simone laughed. ‘I was young once too, you know.’

  Harriet put her hands over her ears as Aunty Esther and Uncle Dave came up to join them. She held out her arms to Simone.

  ‘Can I steal our darling girl?’ she asked. ‘It’s been a long day for her and I want to get her into bed ASAP.’

  ‘Of course.’ Simone reluctantly handed Heidi over to her new grandmother and kissed her on the forehead. ‘Sweet dreams, sweet girl.’

  ‘Night, everyone,’ said Esther and Dave in unison. ‘See you in the morning.’

  The hordes departed pretty fast—the snoozing elderly relatives needed to be awoken and the drunken footballers assisted out the door.

  ‘What a beautiful wedding,’ said Ruth, with a yawn. Simone caught it immediately, the lack of sleep finally catching up with her. ‘Come on, young ladies, time to get you to bed.’

  ‘Night, Mum.’ Grace hugged Simone and she squeezed back tightly, not wanting to let her go. After the events of the last twenty-four hours, she needed the comfort of her girls.

  ‘Good night, my sweet.’ She looked to Harri
et. ‘Do you have a hug for your old mum, too?’

  Harriet rolled her eyes but she obliged, giving Simone the quickest of hugs before pulling back. ‘Whatever you and Logan get up to tonight, I do not want to hear about it.’ She pointed her finger as if she were a teacher telling off a student. ‘Understood?’

  ‘Goodnight, Harriet,’ Simone said, wishing for an earthquake that might split the floor and swallow her. She didn’t know what was worse—letting them think she and Logan were off for a dirty night together or telling them they’d broken up. Luckily her mum and stepfather whisked her girls away before she had to confess anything.

  ‘Well, I guess I’ll see you guys later.’ Frankie wiggled her fingers at Simone and Logan. ‘Have a good night.’

  ‘Actually,’ Simone said, ‘I’m coming with you. Goodnight, Logan.’

  ‘Goodnight, Simone,’ Logan said at the same moment as Frankie said, ‘Oh?’

  ‘I’ll see you both tomorrow before we go?’

  Simone nodded at Logan. ‘Of course and thanks again for coming.’ She couldn’t bring herself to tell him to thank Angus.

  The three of them left the function room together and then Logan walked towards his villa and she and Frankie went in the opposite direction. Simone expected the Spanish Inquisition from Frankie but maybe she was tired, because all she said was, ‘You okay?’

  ‘Uh huh.’ Simone nodded, feeling anything but. ‘Logan and I have decided to call it quits.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ Frankie wrapped her arm around Simone’s shoulder, comforting her as they walked.

  ‘It’s all right.’ Simone leaned her head against her sister. ‘It’s not like I need a man in my life. Remember after Ryan came out of the closet? I said I had a beautiful marriage once and maybe that should be enough. Well, I think the universe is trying to remind me of that.’

  ‘Just because Logan isn’t The One doesn’t mean he isn’t out there,’ Frankie said.

  Simone shrugged. ‘Whatever. Right now all I want to do is go to bed.’