by Mandy Magro
Ivy glanced up at the doctor as her cheeks flamed. ‘Oh, no, Ronny’s not my boyfriend.’
The doctor smiled for the first time. ‘Oh, pardon me, but with the way you two are around each other, I just gathered that was the case.’ He shrugged. ‘My wife is always telling me I’m too quick to assume.’
Feeling uplifted by the doctor’s incorrect but very agreeable observation, Ronny reached out and lightly squeezed Ivy’s arm. ‘I can handle the renovations on my own. You can be the supervisor – just tell me what needs doing, and I’ll do it. Simple. So don’t stress, okay?’
Ivy’s desolation was written all over her face as she shook her head. ‘No way, Ronny, not for a measly seven hundred bucks a week, you’re not. It’d be wrong of me to expect so much of you.’
Ronny gave her a playful don’t-mess-with-me look. ‘I’m not taking no for an answer, Miss Tucker, so you better get used to the idea.’
The doctor cut into their conversation as he tapped his watch. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but I have to run – we’re understaffed, as per usual.’ He patted Ivy’s leg. ‘I would highly recommend using crutches to get around with, too, Ivy, otherwise you could risk putting unnecessary pressure on your ankle. The nurse will take care of organising some for you.’ He left the room, still talking over his shoulder. ‘Say hi to May and Alice for me, won’t you?’
‘Will do, thanks, Dr Miller – again.’ Ivy turned to Ronny, who was now seated on the end of the bed. ‘Why are you being so nice to me?’
Ronny gave her a brazen smile. ‘Dunno, maybe I’ve lost my mind.’
Ivy slapped him playfully. ‘Oi, thanks a lot.’ She eyed him thoughtfully. ‘But seriously, tell me, why are you going out of your way to help three women you hardly even know?’
Ronny wished he could pour his heart out to Ivy and tell her everything there was to know, but he couldn’t. Instead, he grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘Just because I can, and just because you’re one of the most likeable chicks I’ve ever met.’
‘Oh, shucks, thanks.’ Ivy tried to hide her shyness by laughing his comment off, endearing her to Ronny even more. This beautiful woman deserved every compliment under the sun, and he wished with every inch of him that they’d met under different circumstances so he could have the chance to compliment her properly, to love her how she should be loved, and to protect her every single day for the rest of his life.
Ivy placed her hand on his arm. ‘I think you’ve certainly fulfilled your slave duties for the day. So how about we leave the cottage until tomorrow now, and instead I can give you a guided tour of Healing Hills.’
‘Are you sure you’re up for that?’ Ronny pointed to her ankle. ‘I think you might be forgetting you’re a little incapacitated.’
‘I’ll be right, it’s not like I haven’t injured myself loads of times before. And the painkillers the doc gave me are kicking in nicely.’ She smiled stupidly in an effort to make him laugh, and it worked. ‘I’ll ride shotgun and just point out all the good bits along the way, kind of like a tour guide. And then, if you like, you can join us for dinner. Aunt Alice has her famous lamb and barley stew in the slow cooker, and believe me when I say it’s to die for.’ She rolled her eyes in pleasure.
Say no! SAY NO! Ronny ignored the little voice in his head and nodded. ‘I reckon that sounds like a brilliant plan.’
‘Good, that’s settled. First things first, though, we better organise some crutches.’ Ivy began to ease her way off the bed, wincing and groaning as she did. The sheet beneath her butt slipped and she just barely stopped herself from hitting the deck for the second time that day.
Ronny shot to her side. ‘Hang on a minute; let me get a wheelchair first. I think it might be a safer bet until we get those crutches.’
Ivy laughed. ‘You already know me so very well.’
Ronny grinned cheekily. ‘I’m working you out.’ He motioned to the door. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I get us some wheels.’
‘Cool, thanks.’
Ronny headed out the door. He knew it was crossing the line, accepting Ivy’s offer, but he couldn’t help himself. He loved being around her and it felt good to enjoy a woman’s company after eight years in the slammer.
***
Ronny pulled the Kingswood up beside the fenced paddock and switched the ignition off, lips stretched in a broad smile. The last hour had been wonderful, casually driving about Healing Hills while Ivy proudly showed him around. The view from the cliffs was amazing, the glistening dam and flowing creek were inviting and he hoped to one day dunk himself in the crystal-clear water. Learning of the history behind the place had been fascinating, with her family being here for generations. But he thought he had noticed a shift in Ivy’s mood whilst they’d been gazing out at the valley below, very fleeting, but it made him wonder what had consumed her for those few seconds. But this, right here, was what he’d really been yearning to see. The sun was just beginning to set, painting the landscape sparkling gold and the limitless sky pink and fiery crimson. ‘They are just the most magnificent creatures,’ he said dreamily, the sight of the healing horses tugging at something deep inside of him.
‘They sure are,’ Ivy replied, just as dreamily. ‘They never cease to amaze me with how they can help heal people.’
Ronny turned to her. ‘You have such a wonderful job, getting to work with them every day. I’m envious.’
‘Uh huh. I certainly count my lucky stars, although, it does come with its challenges too. It can be really tough, watching people suffer the way they do, especially children.’
‘Yeah, I reckon it would be. I’d have a hard time keeping it together seeing kids’ hearts broken, but on the plus side, you get to guide them towards healing, and in turn a fulfilling life.’ He smiled softly. ‘And that is an amazing thing to be doing for people, Ivy.’
‘Thank you. I like to think I’m making a difference in the world, even if it’s small.’
‘You are, as are May and Alice, and I admire you all for it.’ He rubbed a hand over his five o’clock shadow as he rested his head back. ‘I would love to be able to do something like this one day. I studied meditation …’ He paused, realizing he was almost about to say in prison. ‘And I’d love to put it to good use by teaching other people how to use it to better their lives.’
Ivy looked impressed. ‘Really? Have you got accreditation?’
Ronny nodded. ‘I sure do. It took nine months to get it, and loads of intense study, but it was well worth it. Meditation has got me through so much in the past few years.’
‘Yeah, it’s helped me through a lot of stuff too.’ Ivy reached out and lightly touched the om tattoo at the side of his neck and he had to fight from shivering beneath her touch. ‘This has intrigued me since the first time I saw it when you were up on stage at the auction. I never would have picked you for a man who had studied something like meditation – but hearing that now explains everything.’ She smiled in a way that made him long to reach out and pull her into a slow, passionate kiss. ‘You’re a very deep man, Mister Sinclair. It’s a nice change to meet a man with spiritual interests. I really like that about you.’
Not used to such openness from Ivy, or to such overt compliments, Ronny smiled shyly. ‘Why thankya, ma’am.’ He tipped his hat playfully.
‘Don’t mention it, cowboy.’ She replied with equal light-heartedness. ‘And I’ll hold onto that info – we may be in need of a meditation teacher once we start our new programs here.’
Ronny sat up straighter. ‘Seriously?’
‘Seriously.’ She arched a brow. ‘Although that’s not only up to me, of course – it would be May’s and Alice’s decision too. And to do that we’d also have to do a background check on you, seeing as we’re an accredited healing centre.’ She smiled. ‘Not that that would cause a problem, being the wholesome country bloke I think you are.’
Ronny’s heart felt as though he’d just jabbed it with adrenaline, and he fought to keep his voice calm. There was no w
ay in hell he’d ever be teaching meditation here. He thought quickly, not wanting to knock back another of Ivy’s kind offers of work. ‘Let’s just see how we go working together on the renovations first, hey? You might be happy to see the back of me by the time we’re finished.’ He grinned as playfully as he could and then gestured out the window. ‘Do you mind if I go say hi to the horses?’
Ivy shook her head, smiling. ‘Of course not.’
He eagerly leapt out his door, needing to get away from her questioning gaze. ‘Be back in a few minutes.’
***
Savouring her last mouthful of Baileys-infused tiramisu, Ivy gazed across the dining table at Ronny, the flickering candlelight emphasising his chiselled ruggedness. She was in complete awe at how he’d kept her, Alice and May laughing until their sides ached over dinner and into dessert. It was so nice to be in the company of a man who could hold a decent conversation, and a witty one at that. He’d even insisted on helping May and Alice clear the dinner dishes so they could make room for the dessert plates, with a firm request that Ivy stay seated. The laughter that had floated into the dining room from the kitchen as they cleaned up had been uplifting, making her wish her damn ankle wasn’t knackered so she could have joined in on the fun – it was one of the first times in her life she was super keen to help with the dishes. He was the perfect guest, in every way.
Ivy sighed quietly as she sat back, her belly now filled to the brim with yummy food. The more time she spent with Ronny, the more she liked him, and that scared the wits out of her. She couldn’t like him – she wasn’t ready for a man to be in her life again and on top of that, he was spoken for, even if it was by Amy Mayberry; Ivy wasn’t one to condone cheating, in any way, shape or form. She really needed to get a grip on her emotions, and her desire to rip every shred of his clothing off, before she found herself in a predicament she didn’t need – or want – to be in.
As if feeling her eyes upon him, Ronny captured her gaze with his for the briefest of moments, the pull of attraction shimmering between them, the energy passing between them unfathomable. Her cheeks flamed, as did every inch of her body – her longing for him escalating with the intensity in his eyes. She couldn’t deny there was a spark any longer; actually, it was more like a blaze. It was disheartening to know it wasn’t going to get them anywhere. Settling further back in her chair with her one and only glass of red wine (she shouldn’t have had any with the painkillers but she couldn’t resist having a wine with dinner) she recalled the way he’d approached the horses a few hours ago with such tenderness and with such insight into how a horse ticked. The sight of him caressing their coats as he’d spoken so softly to them, and the genuine pleasure on his face as the horses had responded to his gentleness, had set her heart aflame. In her eyes, there was nothing sexier than a man who could speak the language of horses, and Ronny spoke it extremely well.
His last mouthful of dessert finished, Ronny sat back and moaned. ‘I’m so full I feel like I’m going to explode.’
‘Me too,’ Ivy said. ‘I had to undo my belt and top button after the stew, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to fit dessert in – and there was no way I was going to let that happen when tiramisu is my favourite.’
Ronny laughed and pointed to where his belt also hung open. ‘I hear you loud and clear.’ He turned his attention to May and Alice. ‘You’re bloody good cooks. I reckon I might have to move in.’
‘Okay, it’s a deal. I’ll provide the food and you provide the muscles. We could do with a man around the house, especially one as lovely as you,’ Alice said, chuckling.
‘No complaints here about that idea,’ May added. Her cheeks were flushed after two glasses of wine.
Ivy laughed at the pair of them then joined in with the playful banter. ‘Now, now, you two, Ronny has his own place to look after, so don’t go getting too hooked on the idea.’
May and Alice feigned dejection.
Ronny chuckled at their exaggerated sad faces. Then, glancing at his watch, his eyebrows shot up. ‘Wow, I didn’t know it was that late.’
‘Time flies when you’re having fun,’ Alice said perkily.
‘It sure does. I reckon I might have to hit the road. I want to have heaps of energy for my second day of slave duties tomorrow – it sounds like there’s a lot to do in a short amount of time.’
‘Yeah, you better get some rest. Who knows, I might break a leg tomorrow,’ Ivy said, laughing.
‘With the way you’re moving about on those crutches that could be a huge possibility,’ Ronny said, smiling cheekily.
‘I’ll have you know they’re bloody hard to drive.’
‘I’ll have to take your word on that,’ Ronny said as he pushed his chair back and stood. He began gathering the dessert bowls from the table.
Alice stood and took the plates from his hands. ‘You leave them, Ronny. We’ll clean up the rest – you’ve been helpful enough already. You get yourself home to bed.’
‘You sure? I don’t mind helping.’
‘Positive,’ May said as she joined Alice in clearing the table.
Ronny did his belt up and then pulled his keys from his pocket. ‘Okay, if you insist. Thanks for having me for dinner, I really enjoyed it.’
Alice reached out and touched his arm. ‘We’ve really enjoyed having you. It’s been a lovely night.’
‘Yes, it has been. I haven’t laughed so much in ages. You’re welcome any time, Ronny,’ May said. She leant in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. ‘Catch you tomorrow, I’m off to stick these plates in the dishwasher.’ She smirked good-naturedly at Alice. ‘In a very disorderly fashion, no doubt.’
Alice pulled Ronny into a hug and squeezed him tight before stepping back. ‘And I better go help her, otherwise there’ll be plates where there should be glasses, and cutlery where there should be plates – May is shocking at packing a dishwasher.’ She smiled broadly. ‘Night, Ronny.’
‘Night, May, night, Alice.’
Ivy manoeuvred herself upright by holding onto the side of the table, and then began trying to place the crutches under her arms. ‘I’ll hobble you out, Ronny, once I get these buggers sorted.’ One of the crutches fell sideways, bounced off the side of the table and then crashed to the floor. Ivy looked at Ronny and grinned sheepishly. ‘I think I need to get a licence for these things, they’re lethal.’
‘Here, let me help you.’ Ronny retrieved the crutch from the floor and then wrapped an arm tightly around her waist as he placed it under her arm.
The heat of his body permeated Ivy’s skin, making her feel a little giddy as her pulse quickened. God, how she wanted to kiss him. This hunk of a man was like a damn drug, sending her skittish each and every time he was anywhere near her, and something told her, if she dared have a taste of him, just like a drug, she’d be addicted to him.
Once the crutch was positioned properly, and she was as balanced as she could be, he loosened his grip. ‘Is it safe to let you go now?’
‘Maybe,’ was all Ivy could say as she gazed into his golden eyes. Their lips were so close she could feel his breath upon her skin, and the way his chest was peeking out at her from the collar of his shirt made her want to tear his clothes off him. She hungered to lean in and taste his lips and it took every bit of her resolve not to.
Ronny broke the intense moment as he stepped back and cleared his throat. ‘Well, I better get going. I think it might be best if I walk myself out. It’s a long hallway with plenty of obstacles for you to trip over – which you’re a champ at, by the sounds of the stories your aunts were telling tonight.’
Ivy grinned at his teasing. ‘I like to perfect everything I do, even tripping over. Practice makes perfect, as they say.’
Ronny flashed a charming smile before he leant in and kissed her cheek. ‘Night, Ivy, thanks again for dinner.’
‘Thanks for joining us. Night, catch you bright and early.’
‘You certainly will,’ Ronny said as he disappeared down the doorway.
Listening to his footsteps fade, Ivy’s hand went to the place on her cheek that still burned pleasurably from his kiss. If only she could make him hers.
CHAPTER
15
Coffee in hand, Ronny spun around, the bemused look on his face making Ivy giggle. She was balancing on her crutches in the doorway of the bathroom, demolishing an iced vovo – her favourite biscuit of all time, as she had told him several times while devouring almost half of the packet at smoko. She’d certainly impressed him with her scoffing skills. Being a lover of food he adored a woman who could chow down without worrying about how many hundredths of a millimetre it was going to add to her waistline, and what a sexy waist she had along with all the other womanly curves that were in all the right places.
What I’d give to be that biscuit …
Mentally clouting himself for having such carnal thoughts – he’d had enough of them last night on his drive home after dinner, and then in his dreams – Ronny diverted his attention to Bo and Jessie, sitting on either side of Ivy. The dogs were still panting after playing fetch in the backyard with him and drool hung from their lips as they eyed Ivy’s biscuit. He was full to the brim himself, having savoured every crumb of May’s banana cake, though he was regretting eating a third piece now.
‘I told you it was pretty bad.’ Ivy smiled and then licked the coconut from her fingertips before pointing to the head-spinning design of pink, green and purple tiles in the shower recess. ‘God only knows what they were thinking when they chose the colours back then, but with the pain I’m in at the moment, I wouldn’t mind a bit of whatever they were on. It might just take the edge off a little.’
‘Uh huh,’ Ronny said. He contemplated the pink bathtub with a shake of his head, and then turned back to her. The dogs had given up any hope of getting the biscuit and were making themselves comfy on the floor near the doorway. ‘I think whatever they were on back then would do a lot more than take the edge off, Ivy. I reckon you’d quite possibly be wasted for days.’