Does he ever talk about anything else besides business?
Aiden answers undaunted. “Yeah, I saw it earlier.”
“You better fix it right away.”
I walk into the foyer. “Hello, Graham. It’s nice seeing you. Can I get you a drink?”
Graham takes his Akubra off and thumbs around the edging. “Hello, Holly. A drink would be great.”
Smiling politely, I ask, “Will ice water do or would you rather a cuppa?”
“A cuppa would be grand.”
I head to the kitchen to get the drinks, but with Graham’s loud tone I can hear everything he says.
“Aiden, I see Jess’s ute outside. Where is she?”
“She’s, uhh, outside with Toddy.”
“Oh, I thought maybe she’d be in here with you.”
“Why would you think that?”
“I spoke to her today and she said she was coming to see you.”
“Why were you speaking to her?”
“I wanted to find out how Shirley was doing. That Jess sure is a nice girl, son.”
“Yeah, I only just heard Shirley’s in the hospital.”
“Why don’t you show me the yards and we can have a chat out there.”
“Yeah, of course. On the way, I’ll show you an idea I’m working on in the shed.”
They walk outside while I finish making a cup of tea for Graham.
The kettle whistles and I pull it off the heat, pouring water on the tea bag resting in the mug. After letting it steep for a minute, I carry it out to the shed.
Graham’s thundering voice is hard to ignore as I approach the shed door.
“…I think Jess is still keen on you, son. Aren’t you interested?”
I stop dead in my tracks, waiting to hear Aiden’s answer.
“No. Holly is the one for me.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, silently thanking God for Aiden’s answer.
Graham needs to visit the stables. Maybe the sight of Jess fooling around with Toddy will shut down his way of thinking.
“Holly’s lovely, but isn’t it better to be with an Australian girl? No cultural issues.”
Seriously? How archaic is this man?
“She’s American. I don’t think there are big cultural issues.”
“You’d be surprised, son. Besides, Jess said Holly’s from the city.”
“And why does that matter?”
“How’s she going to help if she doesn’t know what she’s doing? You need a woman that can help you build your business, son.”
“Come on, Dad. You sound old-fashioned. Don’t you remember telling me that you can’t help who you fall in love with? And I don’t remember you saying business has anything to do with who I date.”
What’s up with people thinking they must stick to their own out here? As if an American girl can’t hack it here in the country. Whatever happened to giving everyone a fair go? Isn’t that the Australian-way? Always hoping the underdog wins.
I stare at the mug in my hand. If I’m honest, I would never have contemplated a life out here if it weren’t for the circumstances I found myself in, but like Aiden said, ‘you can’t help who you fall in love with’. And I’m falling in love with more than just Aiden. I’m falling in love with life out here.
Graham continues in his businesslike tone. “Look, don’t get me wrong, I like Holly. It’s just Jess may be a better fit for you. I want to make sure you do well with this property.”
“Then leave it to me. Trust that you taught me well. Who I happen to love doesn’t affect the success of my property.”
“You like this girl that much?”
“Yes, I do.”
My heart skips a beat hearing those words.
“Son, you could try things with Jess before you dismiss her as a possibility. Holly doesn’t have to know.”
Is he telling his son to cheat? What an asshole! Maybe Graham isn’t as morally upstanding as he tries to make everyone think.
Aiden tries to interrupt. “Dad…”
But Graham continues. “Holly may be the type of girl you have fun with for a night or two, but marriage is another thing. Jess, however, could help you make this property into something big.”
Does he think that’s an honourable thing to say about me? I should throw this hot cup of tea in his face!
“Dad.” Aiden’s voice is stern. “How dare you! Don’t ever speak about Holly like that. She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
Good on you, Aiden. You tell him! Don’t let him push you around.
“Fine, son. I won’t discuss it anymore.” Graham sounds annoyed.
“Good.”
“Now, what was it you wanted to show me?”
I’m not sure if I should take him his tea anymore.
He doesn’t deserve my kindness, but I guess I have to play nice for Aiden’s sake.
Taking a breath, I swallow away my frustration and walk into the shed.
Aiden speaks confidently as he picks up a machine from the bench. “Dad, this is a drone I picked up.”
Graham is examining the device. “What do you use this for?”
Aiden winks at me.
“Here is your tea, Graham.” I hand him the mug.
Graham takes a sip. “Ah, that’s a great cuppa.”
I’m not as useless as you seem to think, Graham.
Aiden hands the drone to his dad. “We could use these to check over the property, see how the crops are doing, check fences or animals, that sort of thing. It wouldn’t be expensive to implement.”
Graham turns the drone around to inspect it. “How would we get trained to use them?”
“They’re easy to work.”
“Son, I don’t think a machine can replace the job of a stockman.”
“I’m not expecting to replace people completely. I thought it’d be another way to modernise and streamline some areas of the business.”
“The old ways have always worked for our family, so I don’t think we should change them?”
“But times are changing, Dad, and we need to change with them. Could be a way to cut some costs, too. We can use them to monitor things around the property like soil dryness or crop growth.”
“Have you spoken to your brothers about this?”
“Yeah, they seem keen to try it. They agree we should work smarter, not harder.”
Graham rubs his chin, again studying the drone resting in his hand. “Can you give me a demonstration?”
“Sure.” Aiden grabs the controller.
Graham takes a couple mouthfuls of tea, then puts the cup on the workbench.
Politely, I excuse myself. “I can take your mug if you are finished, Graham.”
“Thanks, Holly.”
Maybe once he gets to know me better, he will realise I’m the perfect woman for Aiden.
I glance at Aiden, then look towards Graham. “Will you be joining us for dinner?”
“Not tonight, I have to get back home, but thanks anyway.” He smiles warmly as he hands me the mug.
Good. I’m glad you won’t be staying tonight after how you just spoke about me. I guess you’re not such a genteel person behind closed doors. I wonder when the rest of the world will find this out?
“No worries. We’ll have dinner another time when Vicki is available.” I leave Aiden with his father as the drone whirs to life and takes off across the property.
I wonder what Aiden’s mom thinks of me. Is she like Graham and only focused on the business or is she jovial and wanting to care for everyone like a 1950s housewife? He’s such a contradiction compared to what Aiden has been teaching me about life in the country.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
AFTER WE BARBECUE a few steaks for dinner, the four of us sit down and watch a movie. I drift off to sleep somewhere between action scenes but wake up when someone nudges me.
Squinting, I find Aiden standing above me with a pool cue in his hand.
“Honey, Toddy and I are going to
play pool, but Jess is upstairs yelling for me.”
“What?” I stretch my arms, uncurling my body. “What do you mean she’s yelling for you?”
“She’s staying the night and went upstairs to take a shower. She probably needs shampoo or something. Do you mind helping her out?”
I yawn. “Sure, I’ll go see what she needs.”
“Thanks, hon. I won’t be too long. Why don’t you warm up our bed and I’ll be up to snuggle soon?” He runs his hand along my arm.
I rub the sleep from my eyes before ambling up the stairs.
“Aiden, are you coming?” Jess shouts from the guest bedroom.
Why doesn’t she yell for Toddy?
Adjusting my hair, I push open the door. My jaw drops.
Jess is posing next to the bed, half-naked in a pink lace push-up bra and matching thong panties.
Are you fucking kidding me? What a bitch! I knew it. She has been after Aiden this whole time.
“Oh, shit! It’s you, Holly!” Fumbling, Jess grabs the comforter from the bed to cover herself. “Where is, uh, why are you here?”
“Aiden asked me to help you.” I blink, stunned at the thought Jess would try to seduce Aiden while I was asleep downstairs.
She stumbles over her words. “Umm, I was…”
I interrupt her, rage flowing through me. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
Wrapping the comforter tighter around her exposed skin, she tilts her head and speaks. “You were supposed to be Aiden.”
“Fuck you.” My anger boils over. “You are such a bitch. I mean, geez, Jess. Didn’t you get enough this afternoon with Toddy?”
“What?” She pauses, confusion flashing across her face. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t play coy with me. Aiden and I saw you two in the stables.” My eyes narrow onto her as I move closer. “So, who is it you’re after? Toddy or Aiden?”
She bites her lip and says nothing.
I place my hands squarely on my hips. “You could make this real easy on yourself. Why don’t you just ask Aiden if he wants you?”
Closing her eyes, she shakes her head and lets out a vicious laugh. “Holly, you don’t know anything.” Staring at me, her lips curl into a smug smile. “Why don’t you ask him about the night we had together.”
My head gets dizzy and I fight to remain composed. “What night?” I stumble over the words while bile creeps up into my throat.
Aiden said nothing ever happened between them.
She sneers, condescension coating her words. “Oh, you didn’t know we shared a hot night together, did you?” Cackling, she tries to rub salt into the wound.
My fingers coil, nails cutting into my palms as I fight the urge to tear her to shreds. If I weren’t raised better, I would smack that smirk straight off her face. I swallow the bile moving up my throat, trying to keep a cool head. I will not give her the satisfaction of bringing me down.
Aiden said he never had feelings for her. Why would he lie?
Relishing in my discomfort, she laughs as she speaks. “Holly, you’re not the first girl I’ve chased away. When it comes to Aiden, I always win.”
I stare into her deceitful eyes. “If you were winning, you’d be the one living with him.”
Her smirk fades as she clenches her fists. “It’s only a matter of time before he’s bored with you.”
Aiden walks into the room, panic flashing across his face as he looks to me and then to Jess. “What are you doing, Jess?”
I interrupt before she can answer. “Aiden, is it true?”
Confused, Aiden hesitates, taking his time to get his words out. “Is what true?”
My voice cracks as I ask the question I don’t know I want to be answered. “Did you sleep with Jess?”
Aiden snaps his gaze to Jess. “How dare you!”
They slept together? I’m going to faint. Aiden said nothing happened between them. I hate lies. Am I a total chump or what?
Jess shrugs. “Aiden, it’s the truth. You need to tell her. We had an amazing time together.”
“No, Jess, we didn’t. It was a big mistake. I don’t remember any of it.”
Tears build in my eyes, but I fight them with every fibre of my being. I won’t give this bitch the satisfaction of crying in front of her.
Rolling her eyes, Jess uses a sanctimonious tone, each word dripping with saccharine. “Come on, Aiden. You were totally into it and loved every minute.”
Fixing my eyes squarely on Aiden, I take a deep breath, hoping to hide the extent of my pain. “I want to know what the fuck happened between you two.”
Jess looks at Aiden, smug and satisfied with what she’s done. “Why don’t you tell her?”
Aiden’s shoulders slump. Dread spreads across his face as peers down to his feet. “Something happened the night Toddy had his accident.” He shakes his head, then looks at me, pleading. “But I don’t know what exactly. All I know is that I woke up next to Jess.”
Jess speaks confidently. “You know what happened, Aiden.”
He glares at her. “No, I don’t remember a thing.”
She scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Well, I remember. It was the hottest night of my life, making love to you.”
Aiden is fuming. “I don’t remember doing anything like that.”
Jess moves towards Aiden, the comforter dropping and exposing her bare shoulders. “You mean, you don’t remember my lips all over you, our naked bodies pressed together, you screaming out wanting more?” She reaches out to touch his arm.
Aiden jerks away from her as though her touch scalded his flesh.
Oh, my God! How dare she keep trying to touch him! I’m going to scratch her eyes out. Or I’m going to puke.
Aiden speaks through gritted teeth. “Shut up, Jess. And don’t touch me.”
Still trying to keep from crying, I turn to Aiden. “I’m confused. Why don’t you remember anything?”
He looks at me with haunted eyes. “I don’t know. All I remember is hearing the crash, and when I opened my eyes, I saw Jess lying next to me.”
“Naked.” Jess bats her eyes at me.
I wince and rub my temples.
Have I found myself in another love triangle?
Aiden moves closer towards me, reaching to take my hand in his.
I push his hand away. “Don’t touch me.” I look towards Jess and glare at her. “You’re such a miserable bitch.”
She stands there, giving me a devilish smirk.
You satisfied now, bitch? I knew you weren’t so innocent and it was all an act to steal Aiden.
Aiden moves between us, his eyes heavy as he stares at me. “Holly, I love you. I’m sorry.”
I’m too upset to speak.
“Holly, please talk to me.”
I close my eyes and again rub my temples.
Aiden’s fingers stroke my cheek. “Please say something.”
I open my eyes and study his expression, searching for remorse.
He cups his hand on my cheek. “Holly, please.”
Breaking away from his gaze, I hold his hand against my face before pushing it away. “I can’t.” I turn to leave the room.
Aiden grabs at my waist, but I push his hands off me. “Holly?”
Continuing to the bedroom, I turn and let my eyes meet Aiden’s before shutting the door.
I collapse on the bed, the smooth cotton duvet my only comfort.
The sound of a slamming door resonates through the house.
I love Aiden so much, how could this be happening? Why did he lie?
I’M NOT SURE how much time passes. I’m a mess, lying on the bed, confused. I wipe my tear-stained face as I get up and walk to the bathroom sink.
I take a few mouthfuls from the tap and splash some water on my face. Turning around, I lean against the vanity and stare across the room.
Aiden has tried so hard to give me what he thinks would make me happy. Have I been happy here?
Yes, I have been happy. Until ton
ight.
Do I want to go back to my old life?
No.
Should I give Aiden a chance to explain or make amends?
I just don’t know.
Maybe Jess is manipulating me as well? I can’t let another sneaky bitch win.
A shout from downstairs echoes across the silence.
Who is shouting?
I walk to the bedroom door and press my ear against it.
The grave voice is unmistakably Aiden’s. “Jess, why are you still here?”
“What do you mean? Toddy told me he thought she was leaving.”
“Even if she was, I don’t want you here. You need to leave now.”
“Oh, come on, Aiden. You aren’t mad, are you?” Her tone is dripping with sugar.
Oh, that tart! Does she think Aiden is going to keep buying this sweet, innocent act?
“Yes, I’m furious. That little stunt may have cost me the one person I love more than anything in the world.”
I carefully open the door and tiptoe towards the balustrade. I look across to the oversized mirror. In it, I can see the reflection of Aiden and Toddy sitting on the kitchen stools. Jess is standing near the back door, her clothes all dishevelled.
“Aiden, you can’t possibly love her. She’s a city girl. You need a good country girl like me.”
“You don’t know what I need.” He sits up tall and puffs out his chest. “And how dare you tell Holly something I don’t even remember happening. I’ve told you over and over I don’t remember that night.”
Jess stands with one hand on her hip, playing nervously with the end of her ponytail. “I’m only trying to help you.” She moves closer to Aiden. “I care so much about you. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Aiden glowers at her. “Well, you sure have a funny way of showing it. You don’t want to see me hurt, yet that’s exactly what you did. That makes a whole lot of sense.”
Jess leans in closer to Aiden. “She could never love you like I can.”
“You don’t know anything about Holly, so don’t make assumptions. It makes you look like a fool.”
“Come on. I did you a favour.” She reaches over and teases his forearm with her finger.
Leading Hand (The Dusty Rider Series Book 2) Page 17