My jaw drops. “How did you hear that?”
Carly leans close. “Oh, honey. This is a much smaller place than you realise. Word travels fast through this town.”
“I’ll have to remember that.”
She inhales, then blows out a puff of smoke. “Don’t worry, we all think Jess had it coming.”
I smirk through tight lips. “What did you hear, exactly?”
Tapping her cigarette above the ashtray, she smiles. “We heard she tried to throw herself at Aiden and he turned her down.”
I shake my head. “That’s an understatement. Try this on for size. She stripped down to her bra and panties, hoping to seduce him while I was asleep on the couch.”
This time, it’s Carly’s jaw that drops.
The waitress delivers several schooners, foam dripping down the sides.
I pick one up and swallow a mouthful before continuing. “Only Jess’s plan didn’t work. When she called for him, Aiden asked me to go upstairs, so I was the one who found her. Aiden was beyond pissed and threw her out.”
Carly snorts, almost spitting out her beer. “I knew she was desperate, but I didn’t think that desperate.” She takes another drag on her cigarette. “Well, good riddance, I say. Though, her family can be a bit persuasive.”
I push an errant lock of hair behind my ears. “What do you mean?”
She tilts her head and stamps her butt into the ashtray. “They just have a way about them.”
What an odd thing to say. How could Jess’s family have any influence over Aiden or anyone else for that matter?
Aiden walks over and takes a beer. “You two having fun? Want to join a game when we finish this one?”
Hearing the laughter and shouts from the dance floor, a better idea crosses my mind. “After your game, let’s go have a dance, Aiden.”
An older man walks over and gives Aiden a friendly slap on the back. “Hey, stranger. I heard you’re back in town.”
Aiden turns around, smiling cheerfully when he sees his old friend. “Gus, how are you, buddy?”
“Good, mate, good. What’s been happening?”
“Just settling in.” He motions towards me. “Gus, this is Holly.”
He stretches out his arm for a handshake. “Hiya, Holly. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.”
“What are you doing out here with Aiden?” He grins warmly.
Aiden speaks before I can answer. “She’s helping me with the place.”
Toddy motions to Aiden that it’s his shot on the table.
Gus swigs his beer and stares at me. “Well, it’s the best place to work out here, if you ask me. Aiden and his family are good people.”
Carly hands me a new beer. “Gussy is right. They’re pretty respected in these parts.”
I slurp the foam off the top of the beer. As I look up, Aiden returns, setting his empty glass down.
He grabs my hand. “Want that dance now, gorgeous?”
My eyes light up with excitement. “Sure.”
Carly shouts to James. “James, dear, you better dance with me or else you won’t be getting anything later.”
I look at her and laugh.
She beams. “The only way I can get James to be romantic is if I threaten to not give him anything in the sack.”
I lift my beer and give her cheers. I down the malty, golden ale, before taking Aiden’s hand.
He whisks me to the dance floor, a smile plastered on his face.
We dance and laugh through a number of songs, every so often stopping to have another beer.
I’m having such a good time. It’s so much more relaxed than those stuffy, pretentious nightclubs I used to frequent. Everyone is so friendly and fun.
Breathless, I stop to have a few mouthfuls of my beer.
Aiden cups his hand on my cheek, leans in and kisses me. “I love seeing your smile and hearing your laughter. It’s the best sound in the world.”
“I’m having so much fun. I just love this crowd.”
Aiden glances around, grinning. “There are some great folks around here.” Seeing my empty glass, he takes it and his own to the bar. Moments later, he returns with several fresh schooners on a tray. He hands them out to everyone, then takes my hand, swinging me back onto the dance floor.
A slow song comes on, and he pulls me close, holding my hand against his chest while we dance.
For as long as the music plays, we are lost in each other’s eyes, connected by the memory of what has passed between us and the rising anticipation of what is to come.
Another song comes on, this time a quick beat takes over the room.
Everyone cheers while Aiden twirls me around.
Laughing, I whirl and spin, feeling uninhibited. Stopping to catch my breath, I gaze at Aiden.
I’m lucky to have a man like this. One who always wants to make me smile.
As if he can read my thoughts, he comes close, giving me a quick dip backwards to finish off our dance.
I giggle, still winded. Back upright, I lean close to Aiden.
My lips almost meet his when a threatening sound steals the moment.
Clap, clap, clap.
It’s a solitary jeer that draws my attention before a familiar voice stops me in my place.
“Well, aren’t you proud of yourself, Holly?”
My blood runs cold.
That voice!
A lump in my throat blocks the air from reaching my lungs. Turning around, I know who it is before I even open my eyes.
How did he find me?
Shaking his head, his voice exudes contempt, and once again he mocks me, clapping his hands together slowly. “I can’t believe you’ve been out here slumming it all this time.” His eyes are wild as he stares me down.
My voice cracks. “Tom.”
Aiden moves next to me, standing tall with his eyes narrowed on Tom.
Toddy moves close to Aiden, puffing out his chest. “Who are you?”
Cocking his head to the side, Tom smirks. “Why don’t you ask Holly?”
The whole room is still. Gus, Sam and a few other patrons step behind us, signalling their willingness to help if Tom gives us any trouble.
Frozen in place, I study Tom’s expression, struggling to get my words out. “How…how did you find me?”
Tom looks down, laughing to himself. “Did you think I was that much of an idiot?” He stops and scratches at his cheek. “I have my ways.”
Glancing at my feet, I clear my throat. “What do you want?”
Crossing his arms in front of his chest, Tom glares at me. “I’m here to take you home.”
Aiden moves closer to my side. “Why don’t you leave before you get yourself in trouble?”
Tom scoffs. “Don’t tell me what to do, country boy.”
Toddy clicks his tongue. “Be careful. You don’t want to mess with anyone here.”
Tom laughs to himself. “You think I’m scared of you.”
Aiden continues to glare fiercely down his nose at Tom.
Shifting on his feet, Tom picks at a scab on his forearm. “Look, I don’t have any issues with you. I don’t even know you.” His face is stern as he stares at Aiden. “I’m only here to take my wife Holly home where she belongs.”
My voice cracks, but I remain calm. “Tom, I’m not going anywhere with you.”
He moves closer towards me and snarls. “Yes, you are.”
I look at Aiden, but he’s unflinching, glaring at Tom.
I speak through a clenched jaw. “Tom, please leave.”
He jeers, shaking his head, peering around the pub “How could you possibly like it out here?” He raises his eyebrows and sniffs in disgust. “Look at how dreary this place is? I bet they don’t even have a bottle of champagne to keep up with your tastes.”
Aiden’s eyes narrow at Tom. “Look, mate, you need to let her go.”
Tom sucks in his cheeks. “Don’t tell me what I need.” He looks Aiden up and down, tilting his hea
d as he glares at me once again. “Is this who you’ve replaced me with? How could he possibly keep someone as high maintenance as you happy?”
Aiden shakes his head. “I don’t understand guys like you. Why would you keep around a woman you can’t be bothered to treat right when there are plenty of men who would kill for the chance to make her smile?”
Tom scoffs. “I didn’t ask your opinion.”
Aiden laughs through his mocking glare. “I’m going to give it to you anyway. It’s time you realise you fucked up with Holly and took her for granted. Stand aside, let the better man have a chance.”
Tom’s eyes are wild. “Well, you know what I have to say about that?”
Aiden’s nostrils flare and his fists clench. “I don’t care what you have to say.”
Tom lifts his chin, challenging Aiden. “Fuck you.”
Aiden sniggers as he shakes his head. “You know, you’re much smaller than I imagined.” His jaw goes tight and he glares at Tom, waiting for him to make his move.
Tom breaks Aiden’s stare down and turns to Holly. “I can’t imagine what your parents would think if they could see you now. I’m sure they’d think you’d gone completely insane.” He fiddles with the silver watch around his wrist. “How could spoilt, little Holly be happy, living like trailer trash?”
I grimace. “It’s not like that here, Tom.”
There’s no way I’m going to let him get the best of me or talk crap about the people and place I have fallen in love with.
Sneering, he shifts closer. “Poor, dear, Holly. You can’t possibly be happy without endless shopping at Chanel and days at the spa.”
Standing firmly in place, I speak with self-assurance. “I’m happy here and I’m not leaving.”
He tilts his head to the side, motioning to Aiden. “Am I to think that this man can give you the life you actually want?”
My jaw remains tight. “Yes, he can.”
Tom shakes his head, repeating my name with condescension. “Holly, Holly, Holly. When will you ever learn? There’s no way he can afford you.”
I steeple my hands in front of my chin. “Aiden already takes care of me in ways you never could.”
Tom eyes Aiden up and down. “I doubt that.”
I speak through my fingers. “Tom, please just go.”
He smirks. “See, now that is where we have a problem. I’m not going without you.” His eyes burn through me as he narrows his gaze.
I’ve seen that look of rage on him before. But this time, I’m not afraid.
Aiden is the man Tom never could be. And Aiden will not let Tom hurt me.
Tom reaches out to grab my arm. “Let’s go.”
Toddy pushes forward, batting Tom’s arm away. “Don’t touch her, mate.”
Tom snaps his head to Toddy. “I’m not your mate.”
Toddy smirks. “Thank God for that.” He wipes a bead of sweat from his brow. “I think you better leave like the lady asked.”
Cocking his head to the side, Tom narrows his eyes, glancing from Toddy to Aiden. “I’m not going without her.”
Aiden keeps his fists at his side. “I’m going to give you one chance to leave.” He pauses. “If you don’t, I’ll help you find your way out.”
Everyone behind Aiden moves closer, glaring at Tom, ready to pounce if need be.
I find the courage to say what I’ve wanted to say for so long. “Just go, Tom. You had your chance with me, but you blew it. Why don’t you run back to Beth and accept that I’m no longer in love with you?”
I can’t believe I just said that! It feels so good getting that off my chest.
Tom curves his fingers around his fist as though he’s grinding a mortar and pestle. He looks down, realising he is outnumbered.
It’s so quiet in the pub that even the music has stopped. Everyone is focused on the altercation, waiting to see what Tom chooses to do.
Tom throws his hands in the air and backs away. He walks out of the bar, slamming the door behind him.
Aiden wraps his arms around me. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I let my face rest against his muscled chest. “Thank you.”
He lifts my chin. “No need to thank me. Like I always tell you, I just want you to be happy.”
I gaze into his eyes. “I am.”
A hum builds in the pub as the music starts again and people go back to whatever it was they were doing prior to Tom interrupting us.
Toddy brings over three schooners, foam dripping down the sides of the glasses.
I take one, letting the beer quench my parched throat. I can’t believe I saw Tom for the first time since I was taken outback. He’s so different from what I remember. The strong surfer boy I knew seemed haggard and thin, a shadow of the man I once loved.
When I think of myself and my life with Tom, I can see how much I’ve grown since coming here. Living with Aiden has made me look at life in a completely different way and I’m no longer blinded by what I thought was love.
The girl who loved Tom no longer exists. My eyes have been opened to the truth of who he is, and the truth of who I am now.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
WATER DANCES DOWN our skin while rising steam blankets us in a soothing cloud.
Aiden lathers shampoo into my hair.
Closing my eyes, I ease into the sensation of his dextrous fingers on my scalp. “After what happened tonight, you know the police are probably coming.”
“I figure as much. Tom was beyond pissed, so it’s only wise to assume he’s called them.”
Keeping my eyes closed, I blindly run my soapy hands over Aiden’s shoulders. “I’d like to think Tom would do the right thing and let me go, but he was always a sore loser.”
Stepping under the spray of water, I rinse the shampoo from my hair.
Aiden pulls me close while the suds run down my back. “How are you feeling about everything?”
I lean out of the spray and gaze into his eyes. “I’m fine. Actually, I’m more than fine.” I press my lips together, letting several droplets of water roll down off my chin. “I’m here with you, and that’s all I need.”
Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he draws me close. “No matter what happens, you’ll be all right. I won’t let him hurt you, Holly.”
THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON, Aiden and I are relaxing on the veranda swing, watching the steady rain fall around the veranda and surrounding paddocks.
Swaying gently backward, Aiden stretches his arm around me and grumbles through a yawn.
I touch the hand he has resting on my shoulder. “Everything all right?”
“Just a bit frustrated. I’m grateful the ground is getting a good soaking, but I’m itching to get stuff done.”
Tilting my head, I tease him with a seductive grin. “I have a few ideas that might keep you busy while you wait.”
“I’d love to try all of your ideas, and a few of my own.” He licks his lips and kisses the nape of my neck, letting his tongue make delicate provocations against my flesh.
I laugh and nuzzle against him.
He murmurs through his kiss, sending a luscious vibration through my body.
Grabbing his hand, I stand to go inside but stop mid-motion. There’s a car coming up the driveway. As it moves closer, the markings and roof lights become clear.
The bastard! I can’t believe Tom really did call the cops! I guess that last shred of humanity I thought he had is completely gone.
Sighing, I look at Aiden, expecting to see him unsettled. But he’s not. He seems calm as though he’s always been prepared to be questioned. He takes my hand and squeezes it.
He loosens his grip, but I tighten my fingers around his, not wanting to let go while we go to greet the pair of policemen on the front porch.
Aiden takes a breath while they walk towards us. “Hello, officers.”
One of the men takes off his sunglasses. “Hey, Aiden. How are you, mate?”
They know each other? I keep forgetting this
sort of thing happens in the country.
Aiden’s expression relaxes. “Hey, Matt. I didn’t recognise you with the short hair.”
“Yeah, I had to cut it for work. How are you and the family doing?”
Aiden nods. “Everyone’s doing well. How about you and yours?”
“We just had our third.”
“Wow. Three kids?”
“Yeah, hard to believe. I spoke to your brother Heath the other day. The missus and I are planning on going up to Winton to see him.”
I shift on my feet. This is not how I expected things to go. I never thought the cops would know Aiden and his family.
Matt tilts his head to the side. “Ahh, Aiden, I’m really sorry to bother you, but we had a report made regarding you and a missing woman.” He glances in my direction.
Aiden looks down and scratches at his neck. “Let me guess. It was from a guy named Tom?”
Matt nods. “Yeah.”
Aiden lifts his chin, shaking his head in disbelief. “Sorry, he’s troubled you with this.”
Matt looks at me, crossing his arms over his chest. “Am I correct to assume you’re Holly?”
I look Matt straight in the face. “Yes, I am, officer.”
He smiles tight lipped. “There’s no need to be so formal. You can call me Matt.” He relaxes his stance, letting his arms rest down by his sides. “I’m sorry to do this, Holly, but I’m going to have to ask you to follow me to my car.”
“All right.” I follow Officer Matt to his car while the other officer stays with Aiden at the front door.
Once we are near his car, he stands in front of me, blocking my view of Aiden. “I need to know if you’re being held here against your will?”
My eyes go wide. “No, I’m not.”
“Do you think that you’re in any danger?”
“No, not at all.”
He rubs his chin. “Well, here’s the thing. Your husband seems to think you are. Is there any way you would come down to the station with me?”
To the station? Why? I’ve not committed any crime.
I clench my jaw. “Is that really necessary?”
“I will need you to come and make a formal statement.” He exhales. “In this case, we need to follow protocol. I don’t think your husband is going to leave us alone unless we do.”
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