Second Chance At the Ranch

by Maxine Morrey

  Nick shrugged. ‘I wasn’t thinking anything.’

  From under the shade of the battered Akubra hat she’d found on the coat rack, Hero rolled her eyes.

  ‘Nick, you have never treated me with kid gloves. Please don’t start now.’

  Smiling now, Nick faced her. ‘Right-oh. So what was I thinking?’

  Hero turned back to the animals. ‘You’re thinking that everything’s always been pretty much ready and waiting for me in my life.’

  Nick smiled and shook his head, but his lack of response made her think that perhaps the thought had crossed his mind, even briefly.

  Hero stepped down off the fence. ‘I guess I’m paying for it now,’ she said, taking a step back towards the kitchen.

  Nick’s expression darkened as he straightened away from the fence sharply and stepped across Hero’s path, his face inches away from hers as he looked down.

  ‘You’re not paying for anything. What happened wasn’t some sort of retribution, Hero. Don’t even begin thinking that. It was an accident. A horrible accident – wrong place, wrong time. But that’s it. End of story. Understood?’

  Hero nodded, green eyes wide, stunned at the emotion in Nick’s voice.

  ‘Right. Good,’ he continued, clearing his throat, his tone calmer now. ‘You were right before. I’ve never treated you with kid gloves. I don’t believe in it. And you’ve never indulged in self-pity before.’

  ‘I didn’t have to before.’

  ‘But you could have done. Your parents’ attitude to you could have made you bitter, but it didn’t. I think it just made you afraid. But that’s all in the past now, Hero. You’re in a place where people love you.’ She was looking at him so intensely with those incredible green eyes … Nick gripped the set of keys in his hand tighter, rushing on. ‘We’ll make a deal. If I don’t treat you with kid gloves, you don’t indulge in navel gazing. Deal?’

  His terminology brought a smile to her face, and she held out a hand. ‘Deal.’

  ‘Good.’ He shook the offered hand. ‘Now, do you want to come out and check the fences with me?’

  Hero’s smile faded, replaced by a look of awkwardness as she cast her eyes down, then back across to the house. Everywhere but at him.

  ‘I … won’t be able to ride again for a while yet. If ever. But thanks for the offer.’ Her tone was civil, but he knew that hint of defensiveness from old. Stepping around him, she made to walk off.

  Nick grinned, glad to see that the fire was still burning in there somewhere. Reaching out, he grabbed her shirtsleeve.

  ‘Still got that stroppy streak then I see?’

  Hero blinked as he stopped her, catching her breath. Nick’s confident, lazy smile should really have infuriated her, but it was having quite the opposite effect. She tried to think of a suitably pithy comeback, but all her mind could focus on was Nick’s strong hand which had now wrapped loosely around her wrist. Deciding the best thing was to keep silent, Hero raised her eyes in question instead.

  ‘I wasn’t going on horseback. I’m taking the bike.’ He nodded at the off-roader parked next to the barn. ‘It’s a bit bumpy. Think you’re up to it?’

  ‘Yes,’ Hero replied without hesitation, just as Nick knew she would if she thought he was challenging her. It was instinctive. Hero had had to prove herself one way or another her entire life. That wasn’t something you could just switch off. It would take time, but Nick hoped that, out here, she’d learn that she didn’t have to prove herself anymore. That it was OK to want to from time to time, but that there was a big difference between wanting to, and feeling like you had to every single day of your life.

  Walking over to the bike, Nick swung one long leg over the saddle, then started the engine.

  ‘You know, you don’t need to change the way you do things just to make me feel included.’ Hero hesitated beside the machine, her voice raised to be heard over the motor.

  Nick looked round at her and rolled his eyes. ‘Just get on the bike,’ he said, holding out a hand for Hero to steady herself as she climbed on. As she did so, memories from taking limo-bikes around the various Fashion Week cities flashed in her mind. Nick kept the bike steady as she landed a little heavily on the seat behind him, waiting as she adjusted her position in order to find the most comfortable position for her damaged leg.

  ‘Ready?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘For God’s sake hold on. I don’t want to face your sister if you fall off.’

  ‘I won’t.’ Hero wrapped her arms around Nick’s waist. ‘Just go!’ she called, urging him on. Nick grinned, hearing the smile in her voice.

  Hero knew Nick was taking it easy, but the sensation was still wonderful. Her hat now hung down against her back and the breeze whipped the hair from her face, exposing the scar she did her best to hide at all other times. They rode along the fence lines, checking for damage and, when they stopped, Hero noted down the places that would need to be revisited in the ute with new fencing and tools.

  ‘Thanks,’ Hero said, handing Nick back the water bottle he’d brought as they leant back under the shade of a tree for five minutes. ‘By the way, you didn’t answer my question earlier. I thought you normally check the fences on horseback. Did you take the bike today for my benefit?’

  Nick sighed. ‘Some and some. But the bike needed a run and so did you.’

  ‘Oh I did, did I?’

  Nick had been resting back on his elbows, but at Hero’s question, he rolled on his hip to face her.

  ‘You’re enjoying it, aren’t you?’

  Hero looked back at him, seeing that expression of certainty on his face. He smiled. She was doing her best to maintain a cool expression, but he could see the humour in her eyes.

  ‘It must be such a strain being right all the time.’

  Nick stretched onto his back as he answered. ‘Yeah, it can be, but you learn to deal with it.’

  ‘Wow,’ she answered flatly.

  Nick laughed, even white teeth showing against his tanned face. He stretched again. Hero watched him, unable to look away. No one had ever caused the kind of feelings that Nick fired in her and no matter what she did, she couldn’t stop them. It had happened the first time they had met, only increasing with every visit. It didn’t matter if they were arguing or laughing – Nick Webster was still the only man she had ever wanted with so much desire. Tearing her gaze away, Hero got up and went over to lean on a fence post, staring out at the paddocks stretching before her. She and Nick had flirted before the accident but they both knew it was just entertainment, a battle of wills. He’d found her attractive, she knew that, and the feeling had certainly been mutual. Of course, there was no need for him to know that she’d never felt like this about anyone before, so overwhelmed with her feelings and desire. He seemed to believe that she was an experienced woman of the world, and so she’d let him think that. But then she’d lowered her guard with him at the wedding. He’d come to her when she’d felt lost, and alone, and the way he had made her feel – protected, safe – had felt so right, like a perfect fit. But it also terrified her. That feeling that someone else could be responsible for her feelings, her heart. As much as she wanted him, she knew it was too much of a risk and promised herself that she would never let him that close again.

  After that, the only time she’d ever really relaxed with Nick was when they discussed aspects of the station, the jobs to be done, and the reasons why. Hero allowed her real character to show on these occasions, excusing herself with the reasoning that talking about the life here couldn’t be personal. It was these moments Nick had cherished. Her occasional moments of haughtiness irritated him, but she was a good verbal sparring partner and once the children had arrived, she’d begun visiting every few months and the discussions about the station had also started to become more frequent, both of them finding ways to spend time together without facing up to why.

  But none of that mattered now. Nick Webster was one of the most eligible bachelors in the district. Han
dsome, intelligent, with a slight bad boy taint from his younger days when he had got into more than his fair share of scrapes. Many of the single women had their eye on him, as well as a few married ones. Mothers pretended to disapprove but he was courteous and respectful of women, and as his temper had calmed with maturity, they had soon come around. The fathers were less of a problem. Nick was honest, could defend himself if needs be, and owned half of one of the largest, and most successful properties in the area. Any daughter could do worse. Nick certainly had his choice of women and Hero wasn’t stupid. Plenty of them were vying for his attention. Before the accident, she might have been able to compete with them, at least on a looks basis, but not now. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on her. Since the accident she no longer wore the mask that had so irked Nick in the past but now that she could finally be herself, it was clear that friendship was the only relationship Nick was interested in.

  ‘We’d better get back,’ Nick said, getting up and busying himself with strapping the water bottle back on the bike.

  His head was down, and Hero took the opportunity to thank him for the flowers he had sent to the hospital. It was easier to do if she didn’t have to look into those melting brown eyes.

  ‘I know it’s rather late, but I don’t think I thanked you for the flowers you sent. After the accident. They were beautiful.’

  Nick swung a leg over the bike. ‘No worries,’ he replied, sitting up and meeting her eyes.

  Damn. Hero smiled briefly and then looked down, studying the ground for dips as she walked the short distance back to the bike.

  ‘I thought Juliet said you sent all the flowers away?’ His voice was soft, enquiring.

  ‘I did. Mostly.’

  ‘Right,’ he said when nothing else came to mind.

  She was at the bike and level with him, now that he was sitting.

  ‘I’ve had a lot of time to assess the way I’ve treated people. I tried to be all cool and in control, but I think it came across as … uncaring, and I’m sorry for that.’ She raised her eyebrows and smiled awkwardly. ‘I don’t know why I’m telling you all this now. Anyway, the flowers were lovely and much appreciated. I’m not sure they were deserved because I’ve been fairly beastly to you, in the nicest possible way of course, ever since we met.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t know. I think the beastliness was pretty even. And besides, you have your moments.’

  His expression was serious, but his voice was soft as he held out a hand to assist Hero onto the bike. She reached for him, her eyes missing the rut that her foot twisted into. Grabbing for her, Nick leant further, at the same time ensuring the bike didn’t fall on top of them. Hero tumbled away from him, brushing his fingertips as she fell. Wincing, Nick swore and was already off the bike as she landed heavily on her bad leg.

  ‘Are you all right?’ He bent down, trying to put an arm around Hero to help her up but she waved him off, pushing herself up from the ground with her palms.

  ‘I’m fine.’

  But Nick had seen the pain in her face as she landed. He rubbed his forehead in irritation.

  ‘You know, it’s all right to ask for help sometimes. It doesn’t make you a bad person.’

  ‘Stop fussing. I tripped. It’s no big deal.’

  Nick squinted at her, then turned away, lifting the bike back up off its side. Climbing back on, he reached out, holding Hero’s arm tightly as she got on. Feeling her body slide against his own and her arms wrap around him, he started the engine.

  Juliet was just coming out of the house as they rode up. She smiled and waved, her expression changing as she realised who the bike pillion was. Changing direction, she headed straight for them.

  ‘What the hell are you doing?’ she yelled at her sister as Nick steadied Hero’s dismount.

  ‘Checking fence lines,’ Hero replied calmly. ‘Thanks for the ride, Nick.’ She turned away and began walking towards the house. Giving her brother-in-law a glare, Juliet then tilted her head, brow furrowed as she watched her sister. Nick followed her sight line. They both saw it – she was limping more heavily than usual.

  ‘You fell off, didn’t you?’

  ‘No,’ Hero replied, turning. Her face was impassive.

  Juliet turned to Nick. He, on the other hand, had guilt written all over him as he pointedly studied the bike.

  ‘I knew it! What were you thinking taking her out on that?’

  ‘Oh, for God’s sake, Juliet!’ Hero took the few steps back to them. ‘He didn’t kidnap me! He asked if I wanted to go and I said yes. And I’m glad I did. For the first time in months I actually felt like I was alive!’

  They were both staring at her. Juliet spoke first, softer now. ‘But you did fall off?’

  ‘No. In order to have fallen off, I would have had to have been on the bike in the first place. I stepped in a rut and lost my balance. I could have done that anywhere.’

  Juliet looked back at Nick. His expression had cleared. Her sister was apparently telling the truth.

  ‘Now, if it’s all right with you I’m going to go and soak my bruised bum in a nice hot bath.’ Hero didn’t wait for a reply before turning back and heading in towards the house.

  ‘And you can wipe that grin off your face!’ Juliet said, eyebrows raised at Nick, whose mind was pleasantly engaged in thoughts of Hero soaking anything in a nice hot bath.

  ‘Heard you went out on the bike earlier?’ Pete grinned at his brother as they sat on the verandah for lunch.

  ‘Don’t you start.’

  Juliet came out from the house, placing two cold beers in front of the men, before taking a vacant chair.

  ‘Many fences down?’

  ‘Couple need repairing out on the south paddock. Nothing too bad.’

  Pete nodded, making a mental note as he took a bite of his sandwich. Nick picked up his own, before putting it down again, his mind elsewhere.

  ‘Is she OK?’ he asked, now looking direct at Juliet as the moment replayed on a loop in his mind. ‘I tried to grab her as she fell but I was on the bike, and she was just out of reach. I couldn’t get to her.’

  Juliet smiled softly at him and patted his arm. ‘She’ll be fine. She’ll be down soon.’

  ‘She didn’t cry,’ he said, switching focus between his two companions. ‘She really went down hard on that leg and barely made a sound.’

  Juliet craned her neck and looked back through the window, checking for her sister. ‘At school, we had a very strict headmistress. She caught Hero crying once, shortly after my mother had been particularly cruel and she was understandably rather upset. Anyway, this awful woman laid into Hero about crying being a sign of weakness and all that crap, gave her the cane. I think she was trying to make her cry again. But she never did. Even to this day, as far as I know.’

  ‘But she must have done after the accident. Losing her best friend like that?’

  ‘You would have thought so, wouldn’t you? But she couldn’t. She wanted to, I know, and she feels like she’s a terrible person for not doing it but … it’s like she’s forgotten how.’

  ***

  The children were bouncing to get out of the car before Jack had even pulled it to a stop outside the house. They raced up to Juliet, powering into her as they wrapped their arms tightly around her, accepting her kisses before seeing their father and uncle pull up in the ute.

  ‘Dad!’

  Marcus was hugged, kissed, swung around and dangled upside down, giggling all the while. Bridie was content to be picked up by her uncle, cuddle his neck and survey the world serenely from this new perspective.

  ‘Where’s Auntie Hero?’

  ‘I think she’s out feeding the chooks.’

  Nick plopped Bridie back down and she and Marcus broke into a run. Their aunt appeared a couple of minutes later with a child firmly attached to each hand. She wore a pastel-blue ankle-length sundress with a white linen shirt open over the top to protect her from the sun. Her hair was loose with a wide ribbon of the same blue acti
ng as a headband, and today, as had become the norm since she had arrived, her face was free of make-up. Pete watched his brother from the corner of his eye, smiling as he, in turn, watched her approach.

  ‘There’s someone else who’ll be eager to see you.’ Pete smiled as she came up to them. He tilted his head back towards his parents’ car. Jack and Gill were staying over for a few days, and Joe was now busy helping them unload their bags.

  ‘The kids had strict instructions not to tell him you were here. He thinks you’re arriving next week. You didn’t tell him, did you?’ Pete asked the children in a serious voice. They both shook their heads vigorously, proud that they had been included in the keeping of this important secret. Hero stroked Bridie’s hair as Marcus moved on to his uncle and began trying to tackle his left leg. Nick swept him up in one easy motion and tucked him under his arm.

  ‘Shall we?’ he asked Hero, indicating the way with his free arm as if they were preparing to enter a formal dinner.

  She nodded, blinking slowly in acceptance, her smile widening as his own showed. They began walking towards his parents’ car, Bridie still clinging to Hero’s hand as Nick’s captive wriggled and giggled under his arm. Pete walked alongside his brother.

  ‘Dad! Help!’ Marcus was now hiccupping in laughter.

  Pete looked around. ‘Did you hear something?’

  ‘Dad!’ Marcus squirmed, his giggles infectious.

  Nick stopped, turning one way, and then the other. ‘I’m sure I heard something.’ Marcus giggled even more, setting off both his sister and his aunt. Winking at Hero, Nick then carried on walking. A little flushed, Hero was glad she could use the weather as an explanation although she knew the true reason for the sudden rush of blood was due to something far closer to home than the sun.

  Juliet and the new arrivals turned as the commotion got closer. Laughing, Joe then did a double take as he realised just who was holding Bridie’s hand.

  ‘Hero!’ He hurried up to her, flinging his arms around her, nearly knocking her off her feet in the process. Nick’s free hand was at her back, steadying her, warm and strong through the thin fabric of her dress.