by Suzanne Cass
Her aunt and uncle had become accomplices in her dream. They’d been the ones to plant the seed in the first place after all, and they were only too happy to help her out now.
‘Wow. Oh, wow.’ Dusty’s eyes went as wide as saucers. ‘These are amazing.’ He trailed slowly down the first row of paintings, looking at each one. ‘You are amazing.’ He stopped and stared at her. ‘You should definitely sell these.’
‘Thank you.’ She was genuinely humbled by his reaction. It was a reaction she’d been hoping for, but had never truly believed would happen. Until now. Her heart swelled as she contemplated Dusty. The look of awe grew on his face as he kept moving and she trailed slowly after him. Tom and Joyce stood in the doorway and watched. ‘Actually, you’re a bit of a guinea pig for this whole thing.’
‘What?’ Confusion replaced the awe on his features.
‘Well, Joyce has helped me organise an exhibition in a small local gallery. Her friend runs it, and they happened to have an opening where I can showcase my collection next month. And I have a professional photographer coming to take photos tomorrow. To send to a big dealer in Sydney, who’s interested in displaying some of my paintings in their gallery.’
‘That’s great news, Lana.’
‘I know. But if you hated it, then I was going to cancel it all.’
‘You’re kidding. Why?’ There was shock in his deep voice.
‘Because I trust your judgment. And because it’s a really big, scary step for me.’
‘I’m not sure I’m the best person to ask,’ Dusty said with a grimace and looked towards Joyce and Tom for assistance. They nodded at him encouragingly. ‘But it you want my opinion, then you should go for it. These paintings are the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. They deserve to be put in the spotlight, so other people can see how talented you are.’
‘Really? You really think so?’
‘Yes. I know so.’ The shine in his eyes told her everything he was trying to convey in those few words. But she had more to tell him. And she hoped he liked this news just as much.
‘Also, I’ve moved out here temporarily. I’m going to live with Tom and Joyce for six months. I’ve taken leave without pay, to see how it goes.’ And hadn’t her father just loved that news. But she’d weathered the storm and stuck to her guns. And she was so glad she had. It was giving her the chance to follow her dreams. ‘So, you know, if you’re free for dinner one night, I’m a pretty good cook, too.’
‘Are you asking me on a date?’ He stepped in closer to her. So close she could feel his breath pulse past her cheek.
‘I guess I am.’ He closed the gap between them, until there was nowhere for her to go and her heart fluttered in her chest. Then she glanced towards the door guiltily, but Tom and Joyce were nowhere to be seen. They were alone.
‘Then my answer is yes.’ His strong arms came up and gathered her into his chest. Oh God, that same feeling came flooding back. The one when she’d laid in his arms in the hut. A buzzing need, a rightness, a sincerity. Her blood turned molten in her veins. Then he leaned in and kissed her and all other thoughts fled. It was just her and Dusty. Together. At last.
Suzanne Cass is the author of ISLAND REDEMPTION, a contemporary romance set on a desert island, for fans of the Survivor TV show. (Winner of the RWA Australia Emerald Competition for best unpublished romance manuscript in 2016.)
And CHASING BULLETS a romantic suspense set in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay, exploring the depths of courage versus love between two ex-police partners who must rekindle their past to stop a terrorist bombing on Australian soil.
Suzanne has always had a fascination with the tough resilience of people who live in our amazing red-dirt country of Australia. Much of her adolescence was spent working as a jillaroo in the Snowy Mountains, forming her love of enigmatic, outback heroes in wild, passionate, dangerous stories. When not writing about the characters inhabiting her head, Suzanne can be found roaming the Perth beaches with her border collie.
For more action romance info and upcoming release dates, free books, or to sign up for the latest newsletter click here for her website. You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
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