I shout to Toddy as my body leans to the side of the saddle. “I think I’m going to fall.”
Toddy runs towards me and in one firm motion, pulls me off the horse.
Both of us tumble to the ground, our bodies rolling against each other as I cry out in pain.
As we come to a stop, Toddy is on top of me. His arms are wrapped tight around my waist.
I’m breathless, holding my eyes shut. I gently wriggle my fingers and toes. So far everything seems intact.
“You okay?” His voice is raspy while his hot breath wafts across my skin.
I open my eyes and see his face is only inches away from mine. I try to move, but there is nowhere to go as he hovers above me, holding me in place.
With an eager smile, he stares into my eyes.
Is this friendly concern or is he crossing the bounds of his friendship with Aiden?
I can’t help but stare back, entranced.
I have an overwhelming urge to get away, yet somehow, I still don’t move as fast as I should. My words come out snippy. “Why did you pull me off the horse?”
“You looked like you were in trouble. I didn’t want you to get hurt.”
I abruptly push him off me. Sitting up, I dust off my sleeves.
Toddy gets up, reaches out and helps me stand.
I stretch my back and find everything is fine physically.
Why didn’t he just wait to let her slow down on her own? Aiden told me she was gentle.
Dusting off my jeans, I notice a pickup truck coming up the long driveway.
Thank goodness, Aiden’s home.
Scout and Rusty come bounding over the paddock, yapping at Aiden’s truck.
“I think our lesson’s over.” Toddy abruptly walks towards the horse, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the paddock.
I go to greet Aiden as he pulls to a stop.
The kelpies stride past me, catching up to Aiden’s truck.
Before I can reach him, he hops out. His nostrils flare as he glares straight at Toddy.
CHAPTER SIX
SLAMMING THE DOOR of his truck, Aiden strides towards me. He glares at Toddy with eyes that could set the man alight like gasoline thrown on a bonfire.
I grab his hand, trying to turn his attention back to me. “How did your meeting go?”
Still staring at Toddy, irritation boils through his words. “What’s Toddy doing with you out here?”
I clear my throat, but my words still come out timidly. “He wanted to get me on a horse. He said you wouldn’t mind.”
“What?” Aiden snaps his head in my direction.
I stumble over my words. “He said you wouldn’t mind since he has taught others to ride.”
Looking towards the sky, he shakes his head and exhales forcefully. “Why does he always do this?”
“Always do what?” I pause, waiting for an answer, but he doesn’t reply. “Aiden?”
Closing his eyes, he runs his hand through his hair. “He always pulls this kind of shit on me.”
Reaching up, I stroke his cheek. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you.”
Even though his lips are tight, his tone is kind. “I’m upset, but not at you.” He stares back at Toddy, his expression turning dark. “I’ll explain it to you later, but right now, I’m going to deal with him.”
He trudges off towards Toddy.
Scout sits by my side while I’m left wondering what’s going through Aiden’s mind.
Aiden’s unyielding voice penetrates across the paddock. “Toddy, did you get the tractor working?”
“Yeah, she’s running now. I got it done quicker than I thought.”
“What about the other things I asked you to do?”
“I’ve started them. Don’t worry. It’ll all get done.”
Aiden glares at Toddy. “If you still had work to do, then what are you doing out here with Holly?”
Smiling, he answers jovially. “She asked me about learning to ride. I figured I’d help you out.”
Wait a minute! Did Toddy just say it was my idea?
Frustrated, I start marching across the paddock. I want a view of Toddy’s face when I correct his statement.
As I get closer, Toddy sees me and shifts on his feet nervously. Looking back at Aiden, he changes the subject. “Hey, uh, how come you didn’t tell me about Dusty?”
Aiden hesitates before speaking. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.” He lifts his chin, glaring down his nose at Toddy. “Next time let me teach Holly what I think she needs to know.”
Light-heartedly, Toddy hits Aiden against the shoulder. “Come on, mate. No harm has been done.”
When I reach where they are standing, Aiden glances at me, then back at Toddy. “Just do the things I tell you to do, Toddy. Nothing extra anymore.”
“No worries, mate.” Smiling, he saunters off to the shed before I have a chance to call him out on his lie.
Aiden scowls, watching Toddy’s every move as he heads back to work.
I remain quiet, giving him a moment to cool off.
Once Toddy is out of sight, Aiden looks at me and his expression softens. He tilts his head, motioning towards the house.
Holding my hand, together we walk back to the pickup. Aiden pulls a few bags out and we carry them to the front door, neither of us saying a word.
INSIDE THE HOUSE, Aiden drops the bags and hugs me tightly. Cupping his hand behind my head, he holds me against his chest for a moment.
The feel of his cotton shirt against my skin is comforting. With my arms wrapped around his waist, I mumble against his chest. “How did your meeting go?”
“Fine. They didn’t ask anything out of the ordinary.”
Relief washes over me. “Good.”
He runs his fingers through my hair and leans down to kiss the top of my head. He takes a moment, inhaling my scent. He murmurs in an affectionate tone. “Yeah, it is good.”
“I’m sorry if I upset you by riding with Toddy.”
Do I say anything about Toddy’s lie? Or am I making a big deal out of nothing? I don’t want to cause a problem for no reason.
“I’m not upset. I just would’ve liked to give you your first lesson, but Toddy’s a good teacher, so I guess it’s fine.”
“Well, in the future I’ll take my lessons from you.”
He exhales as his expression relaxes. “It’s probably better that way. I want to keep you safe.”
“Aiden, is there something up between you and Toddy?” I search his eyes, watching for any reaction.
He steps back and looks down towards the bags. “He just has a way about him. I wouldn’t say he’s jealous, but he has always wanted whatever I’ve had. Like we’re always in competition. And I don’t want to compete, but he insists on turning everything into a game or conquest between us. He seems to think that whatever is mine, is his. Including any women, I date.”
“And yet you’ve remained friends all these years?”
“Our families are close and he’s like another brother, so I’m always giving him second chances. I don’t think he means any harm and my family is more fortunate than his, so I figure he needs all the help I can give him.” He pauses, giving me a concerned look. “Just promise me you won’t let him try anything on you?”
I decide not to mention the way Toddy pulled me off the horse. I’m the new person out here, and I don’t know their history well enough to say anything.
It probably isn’t a big deal anyway and maybe Toddy really did think I was going to fall and hurt myself.
“I’m only interested in you, so I doubt he will try anything on me.”
“Oh, he will try something, don’t you doubt it. It’s in his nature and he can’t help himself. He’s like a fox in a hen house when it comes to women.”
Is this why I get a sense of unease around him?
Standing high on my toes, I kiss Aiden on the cheek. “If he does try anything, don’t worry. He won’t get far because I’m all yours.”
Half smiling, Aiden looks as if he’s unconvinced by my words. He bends down and picks up the remaining bags resting near his feet. “I’m surprised he took a break from his work. I left him with quite a bit to do. Did he come and find you in the house after I left?”
“Yeah, he came in to make himself lunch.”
He stops unpacking the bag and stares at me. “That’s odd. I thought he told me he brought something to eat in his esky cooler.”
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
Grabbing a few things off the counter, Aiden shakes his head as he walks into the pantry. “I told him to help himself to things around here, but I didn’t mean for him to help himself to you.”
Before I have a chance to reply, the phone rings.
Aiden pulls it out of his pocket and stares at me while answering. “Hey, Mum. Everything okay?”
I continue unpacking the bags while he talks on the phone.
“Yes, Toddy’s here helping out.” Resting his phone between his ear and shoulder, Aiden paces between the pantry and counter, putting the shopping away. “Dinner on Sunday?” He looks at me quizzically. “Sure, I’ll be there, but is it all right if I bring someone?”
He wants me to meet his parents? Am I ready for that?
He turns, walking back into the pantry. “Mum, I can’t talk about it now.” Talking between clenched teeth, he says, “It’s a friend who I hope will stay on the property for a while, okay?”
A lump builds in my throat as nervous tension takes over my body.
Walking back towards the counter, Aiden winks at me. “Do you need me to bring anything?” He touches my forearm before reaching into the next bag. “No worries. I’ll see you on Sunday.” He hangs up, placing his phone on the counter.
I question coyly, “Dinner on Sunday with your parents?”
A sappy smile stretches across Aiden’s face. “I don’t think I’ll be able to get out of going and I don’t want to leave you here alone again.” Tilting his head to one side, he reaches out and strokes my cheek. “Holly, I love you and want a future with you. Now is as good a time as any for me to introduce you to my parents. So, will you come with me to dinner?”
Am I ready for all the questions I’m still not sure how to answer? Do I want to take such a big step in our new relationship?
Trying to reassure me, Aiden puts his hand on my shoulder. “I promise it won’t be so bad. And if you think I’m a good cook, wait until you have my mum’s cooking.”
Closing my eyes, I nod. “Okay, I’ll go.”
I hope I don’t regret this.
He wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me close. “I think this is the first time I have ever wanted to take someone to my parents for Sunday roast dinner.”
I turn my head, resting my cheek against him. Closing my eyes, I breathe in his hypnotic scent of sandalwood and leather.
The creak of the door, along with Toddy’s gravelly voice, breaks our embrace. “Oh, sorry.”
Seeing Toddy at the door, Aiden releases his grip on my waist. “It’s all right. What do you need, mate?”
“Are you able to come out and help me for a second?”
“Yeah.” Aiden looks at the remaining bags.
I reach out and touch his arm. “You go. I’ll finish putting things away.”
“Thanks, hon.”
They walk outside, leaving me to admire the view as the screen door gently slaps against Aiden’s sculpted backside.
THE SUNSET TRANSFORMS the surrounding paddocks into a vivid canvas of colours. It has been well over an hour, and Aiden hasn’t returned from the shed. Unsure of how long he’ll be, I decide to stay busy by cooking dinner.
I’m not sure what Aiden wants, but I know everyone loves spaghetti.
While the pasta is boiling, Aiden walks through the back door with Toddy.
Aiden places his Akubra on the shelf. “Smells great in here, darling. You’re a lifesaver for making dinner.”
“I figured you must have had your hands full.”
Aiden walks up behind me, picks up a lingering piece of chopped tomato from the cutting board and pops it into his mouth. “By any chance did you make enough for Toddy to join us? His ute is shot, so he’ll be staying the night here.”
“Yeah, I think I made enough.” I turn and look at Aiden before glancing over at Toddy.
Toddy staying the night here?
Toddy sits at the bench. “Thanks, Holly.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and turn my attention back to Aiden.
Just focus on the man you love, Holly.
Stirring the pasta sauce, I bite my lip. “What’s a ute?”
“It’s like a small truck. We can’t get it started, so we’ll have to fix it in the morning.”
Aiden walks towards the fridge. “Toddy, help me set the table. Grab some dishes and cutlery. I’ll grab you a beer. Holly, did you want one?”
“I think I’m going to stick to water tonight.”
Aiden leans in close to my ear and whispers. “Still not feeling so great?”
I nod.
“Well, how about another massage after dinner?”
My eyes meet his and I answer him with a grin.
He rubs the back of his hand against my arm, giving me goose bumps and leaving me craving more of his touch.
He turns around to get our drinks while Toddy is busy rummaging through the kitchen drawers getting forks and knives for the table.
Once the table is set, we all sit down to eat.
I decide to break the ice between the three of us with some small talk. “Toddy, Aiden tells me your family owns a property nearby.”
“Yeah, it’s been in our family a long time, though the last few years have been pretty tough with the lingering drought.”
“Has it been that bad?”
“It’s been so bad that in a few spots we have wide enough cracks that you can stick your arm straight into them.”
My nose scrunches at the thought. “So, you’ve had no rain at all?”
Toddy shrugs. “Nothing that’s made a difference. Everyone keeps saying that it has to break sometime but waiting for it to has been like waiting for the Wallabies to win another Rugby World Cup.”
Aiden laughs, shaking his head. “I don’t think Holly gets rugby talk yet, Toddy.”
I twirl my fork in my spaghetti. “No, it’s fine. I think I understand what you’re saying.”
Toddy looks over at Aiden. “Do you remember how much fun we used to have at the coast when we were kids?”
“Those were some good times.” Aiden smiles at the memories.
“Too bad we stopped going. I never knew why my dad said we couldn’t go those last two years we were in high school.”
Aiden peers at his plate. “Who knows what parents ever think?”
Toddy’s expression changes to one of concern. “Aiden, what happened with Dusty?”
I slowly inhale, studying Aiden’s reaction.
Putting down his fork, Aiden leans onto his elbow, resting his chin in his hand. “Snake bite in a bad place. He wasn’t going to make it.” He sucks in his bottom lip, fighting back tears as he recounts the story. “I couldn’t let him suffer.”
Toddy’s expression softens as he nods. “I’m sorry, mate.”
Aiden closes his pained eyes, trying to contain his grief.
For a moment, we sit in silence, giving Aiden a chance to gather himself. Clearing his throat, he finally lifts his head to speak. “Holly, I never got around to telling you about Dusty’s siblings. Toddy has a mare that’s his sister.”
“That’s…”
Toddy interrupts me. “And Jess has a stallion from the same lineage.”
I turn towards Aiden. “Who’s Jess?”
Toddy smirks as he picks up his beer. “Just the daughter of another family friend with a farm not too far from here.”
Why is Toddy smiling like a cat that just caught a rat?
Confused, I wrinkle my nose.
Ai
den, noticing my look, reaches out and touches my arm. “Jess is a bit younger and has a horse that’s Dusty’s brother.”
Studying both of their faces for any trace of what Jess may mean to them, I see nothing.
I need to stop over analysing everything Toddy says or does, or I am going to drive myself crazy.
Changing the subject, I remind Aiden of the pregnant horse. “Aiden, did you tell Toddy one of the mares is pregnant from Dusty?”
Toddy raises his eyebrow. “Really? That’s great. You may get a Dusty Junior.”
Aiden nods. “That would be good. Though, it’ll be hard to replace him. He meant more to me than anything else ever has. Such good times with that horse. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Trying to keep the conversation light, I ask more about horses. “Is there a reason someone would want a female versus male horse?”
Aiden drinks from his glass. “I got the firstborn and it happened to be a male.”
Toddy grins at me from across the table. “I prefer female horses. I like riding the ladies, whereas Aiden, well, he likes to have a male under him.”
My jaw drops.
Aiden laughs, almost spitting out his food. “Toddy, you’re such a larrikin. Are you ever going to grow up and stop making jokes about everything?”
“No way. Who wants to grow up? I’ve got plenty of time for that.”
Over the next hour, Toddy and Aiden continue to joke around, laughing about some of the things they got up to when they were younger. When we finish dinner, we decide to play a few games of pool.
Aiden beats Toddy in the first game. During the second game, I struggle to sink any balls into the pockets.
Sighing, I am beyond annoyed. “This is getting frustrating. I can normally sink a few more shots than this.”
Leaning down to take my next shot, Toddy moves next to me, offering some help. “I would angle that shot a bit more to the left.”
I stand upright to reassess my move. “You think?” I tilt my head to the side, trying to see the angle he’s suggesting.
Aiden, standing on the other side of the table, jokes about my taking advice from Toddy. “You sure you want to listen to him? You saw how I ran over him in the last game.”
Toddy stares at Aiden. “Ah, come on, mate. You know I’m normally better.”
Leading Hand (The Dusty Rider Series Book 2) Page 6