Under Christmas Stars

by Alissa Callen

  Despite his reassurance, her brow remained furrowed. The wind rushed by, tugging at the tin sign he’d secured to the fence and blowing strands of hair across Freya’s face.

  It was an automatic, simple reaction to smooth the wisps away from her cheek. But when his fingers brushed her soft skin, and tangled in her silken hair, the need that kicked deep inside wasn’t simple. His hand lingered on her cheek.

  Freya didn’t move or look away at the lights that mirrored the stars above them. Her intense stillness and the way her eyes held his said she wanted what was about to happen as much as he did. He took his time to close the distance between them and to lower his mouth to hers. His tender kiss was supposed to say they’d take things slow. His restrained touch was supposed to prove to himself he was in control.

  But then her lips parted and the world as he knew it fragmented. There was nothing but urgency and a heat so intense it consumed him. Freya’s passion burned as bright as her hair and fuelled his own raw need. She filled his arms like no other woman had and unlocked emotions he’d kept off-limits. He moved away from the bull bar to step between her legs. She smiled against his mouth, her hands slipping beneath his shirt, pressing him even closer. His lips followed the creamy, smooth arc of her neck as she tipped her head back.

  The squeal of a car horn delivered a jarring reality check. He lifted his head. The world zeroed back into focus.

  ‘Drew.’ Her breaths were as rushed as his. ‘It’s okay.’

  He shook his head. How could he have been so unguarded? He’d just put Freya in the gossip firing line. He went to ease himself away but she held him fast, her hands remaining splayed across his shoulder blades.

  ‘Freya … that was a farm ute and would have been someone local. I give Edna fifteen minutes and she’ll be calling. I’ve just caused trouble for you.’

  ‘No, you haven’t. I’m a single, grown woman who can kiss who I want, when I want.’ She slid her hands out from beneath his shirt and ran her fingertips along his tight jaw. ‘I’ve been wanting to kiss you since you walked into the schoolyard and smiled at me.’

  The need in her large eyes and the huskiness of her voice had him kissing her again to let her know he’d shared the instant awareness between them. This time he made sure he remained aware of his surroundings. When he heard another car engine, his mouth left hers.

  He went to speak.

  She placed a finger on his lips. ‘You don’t need to say anything. I know … it’s not a good time for things to get out of hand. This will just be a one-off … for now.’

  Car headlights approached. He framed her face with his hands and gave her a last quick kiss before turning away so he wouldn’t be seen holding her again.

  Just like the fairy lights shining before him, Freya had imparted warmth and brilliance to his life. But the acknowledgment didn’t bring him the joy it should. His heart grew heavy. No longer was he distant Drew. He’d become a liability. He’d become distracted Drew.

  Chapter Six

  ‘So how does it feel to break the Woodlea grapevine?’ Cressy asked from across the Inglewood kitchen table as her knitting needles clicked.

  Freya stopped crocheting. ‘I think the grapevine’s much like the internet. It’s impossible to break.’

  Cressy raised her eyebrows. Like Fliss, she had expressive hazel eyes and dark hair. But unlike her older sister, she had fair skin and she’d missed the height gene. This morning the no-frills cowgirl wore her usual jeans, boots and blue work shirt. But today she also wore her engagement ring and the diamond glittered whenever her hand moved. After the tragedy of losing Brett and Sarah, locals were looking forward to autumn when the bell in the historic Woodlea stone church would ring out in celebration.

  ‘Is that all everyone’s really talking about today?’

  ‘Sorry, it is. Drew being seen kissing you has caused quite a stir. Everyone’s been holding their breath waiting to see who’d crack that workaholic bachelor shell of his. I’m surprised Edna hasn’t been over to find out what’s going on.’

  ‘I must admit I was expecting her to call. But so far there’s been nothing.’

  Freya concentrated on crocheting her red star. At the rate she was going she’d never have a finished example for her next Christmas craft class. If it wasn’t thoughts of how perfect it felt to be moulded against Drew distracting her, it was her guilt at sabotaging his anonymity. The last thing Drew needed, especially at this time of year, was extra attention and scrutiny.

  Cressy spoke softly. ‘Of course, Fliss and I always knew it would be you.’

  The cool air-conditioned air had no hope of stripping the heat from Freya’s face. ‘Has it been that obvious, at least from my side, that I’ve been drawn to him from the beginning?’

  ‘No, not at all. We knew from Drew. We’ve known him all our lives. When he mentioned your name twice, and then invited you to stay, we hoped you’d be the one.’

  ‘I’m not so sure I’ve cracked that hard shell of his. We had a moment … but that’s all it can be for now. This is his first Christmas without Brett and Sarah and harvest’s still on.’

  Cressy slipped the delicate white star from her knitting needle before looking at Freya. ‘That moment you had shouldn’t be underestimated. You’ve done what no one else has been able to do. You’ve reached him.’

  Freya sighed. ‘Time will tell.’

  The regret in his dark eyes after the car horn had blared remained with her. It didn’t matter that his touch had communicated that the kiss had meant something to him too. She still wasn’t sure he’d let her in at all.

  ‘It will.’ Cressy glanced at her engagement ring and smiled. ‘And when it does, it’s more than worth the wait.’

  Freya smiled too. Cressy had filled her in on the demons Denham had to fight before he and the cowgirl could finally be together.

  Cressy held up the knitted white star. ‘This pattern’s a success and won’t be too hard for the knitters you have coming. How’s your star coming along?’

  ‘I’m almost done.’

  Cressy stretched and looked out the window to where Liberty dozed beside Panda beneath her favourite tree. Before they’d started their craft projects, they’d hosed down her injured leg.

  ‘It’s a hot one again today,’ the cowgirl said. ‘I don’t envy Drew being out harvesting. I’m glad we’ve finished at Glenmore. Last night was my first full night’s sleep in weeks.’ She glanced at Freya. ‘Any luck getting Drew to come to Christmas lunch?’

  ‘No, but I’ll ask him again when harvest’s over.’

  ‘I’ll give him a call, too. It’d be good for him to come to the Woodlea Christmas party next weekend even if he won’t come to lunch.’

  ‘He hasn’t said anything about the party, even when Ella mentioned it when she came to treat Liberty.’

  Cressy nodded as she used a large needle to weave and secure the loose end of her star. ‘I think the last town Christmas party Drew went to I was telling him about some out-of-towners trying to ride Reggie. That was years ago now.’

  Freya smiled. The Brahman-cross bull Cressy had rescued from the long paddock as a calf was the size of a mountain. His size and strength was only equalled by his reputation as being a bull with attitude. When around Cressy and Fliss, Freya had also seen how gentle and docile he could be. ‘I’m guessing Reggie’s getting carrots for Christmas?’

  ‘That goes without saying. He loves his daily carrots. You know, there’s one thing not so well known about Reggie. He’s a good judge of character. Ask Fliss. If he met Drew I’ve no doubt he’d like him.’

  Before Freya could discover the reason for the sudden twinkle in Cressy’s eyes, her mobile rang. Drew’s name flashed on the screen. They’d swapped numbers on their trip to Woodlea but this was the first time he’d called. She bit the inside of her cheek.

  The wheat truck hitting her house had illustrated that this time of year could be hazardous. As well as fatigue, the high temperatures and dry, windy condi
tions only added to the high summer bushfire risk. A local header had caught on fire when harvesting chickpeas thanks to the flammable crop dust.

  ‘Drew, is everything okay?’

  Across the table, Cressy stopped knitting her second star. The cowgirl was a volunteer member of the State Emergency Service and always ready for a call-out.

  ‘Hi. No, everything should be fine. I just wanted to give you a heads up—I saw Edna’s four-wheel drive go past. She’d be on her way to Inglewood. I’ll be home soon.’

  The phone line magnified the deep, husky timbre of his voice and reminded Freya how much she missed not having him close to home today. ‘No, it’s okay. You don’t need to come back, you’re busy.’

  Drew didn’t immediately reply.

  The line crackled and she spoke again. ‘Drew?’

  ‘Yes, sorry, it’s patchy reception here. No, I’ll still come. Edna will be in fine form.’

  Freya used her best Miss George voice. ‘I can handle Edna, you stay on that header.’

  He chuckled. ‘I have no doubt you can. I’ll finish this row and check in again to see if you need any backup.’

  The line dropped out before she could say she’d be fine.

  ‘I take it we’re about to have a certain visitor,’ Cressy said, tone wry. ‘I knew Edna wouldn’t stay away.’

  ‘We’d better brace ourselves.’ Freya stood to remove the plate of vanilla cupcakes decorated with white icing and sprinkled with candy cane fragments.

  Cressy laughed. ‘You’re a wise woman.’

  ‘I’m just picking my battles.’

  Freya put the cupcakes in the pantry and flicked on the electric kettle. A plume of red dust along the driveway said Edna would arrive in the next few minutes. As if on cue, Bailey barked as Edna’s four-wheel drive appeared and then slowed to park beside Cressy’s battered silver ute.

  Edna’s walk was brisk as she covered the lawn to the front door. Freya smoothed her hands down the skirt of her floral print dress, thankful Edna wouldn’t be seeing her in her farm clothes. She needed to appear just like she usually did, otherwise Edna would know that moving to Inglewood had changed more than what she wore.

  ‘Anyone home?’ Edna’s strident voice sounded from the front of the homestead. Freya shared a look with Cressy who mouthed ‘good luck’ before Freya set off along the hallway.

  She opened the door to the strong fragrance of Edna’s distinctive perfume. Dressed in her power outfit of a crisp white linen blouse and navy skirt, her grey hair was freshly styled and pearls hung around her neck. No wonder Edna hadn’t put in an appearance earlier, she’d been seeing Taylor at the hair salon.

  ‘Morning, Freya.’

  ‘Morning, Edna. What brings you out this way?’

  ‘Let’s just say I’m here on … town business.’

  ‘That sounds intriguing.’ Freya stepped aside to let Edna into the cool of the house. ‘Have you time for a cuppa or a cold drink?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Perfect.’

  Freya led the way to the kitchen, conscious of Edna scrutinising every room they passed. She paused at the open doorway of the living room. For a moment her eyes softened and then her lips pressed together.

  ‘You have been busy since you moved in.’

  Freya smiled sweetly. ‘I’m Drew’s guest, remember. I haven’t exactly moved in.’

  Edna’s only response was the slight lift of a pencilled brow.

  In the kitchen Freya busied herself making Edna a cup of tea the way she liked it, milky with two sugars.

  As soon as Freya slipped into her seat, Edna got right down to business.

  ‘So, Freya … the reason for my visit is that I’m concerned about you and Drew. Last night you were seen kissing at the front gate.’

  ‘Yes, we were.’

  Edna’s gaze sharpened. ‘You admit it.’

  ‘It’s not a crime. We’re both single adults. Really it’s no one’s business but our own.’

  ‘I’m sure Drew had no problem with the kiss,’ Cressy said with a grin to lighten the strain.

  Edna frowned. ‘Cressida, that isn’t helpful.’

  ‘It wasn’t meant to be. It’s the truth. Edna, you tell me one single man in Woodlea who wouldn’t like kissing a woman like Freya beneath the stars.’

  Edna pursed her lips.

  Freya spoke. ‘Edna … I know Drew just lost his best friend and is busy running the farm. I’m not here to cause trouble for him or anyone else. We had a moment. That’s all it was. I’m not in a rush to have my heart broken again and I’m sure Drew isn’t in a rush to have his broken either.’

  Bailey barked again. Cressy met Freya’s eyes. They both knew whose diesel ute had sped along the driveway.

  * * *

  Drew took the veranda steps two at a time. He shouldn’t be leaving his workmen with the brunt of the harvest work, he always led by example, but he couldn’t allow Freya to face Edna alone. He had no doubt if Freya could handle the youngest Ridley boy she would be more than a match for Edna, but he hadn’t been raised to shirk his responsibilities. He’d instigated the kiss and he now had to make things right for Freya. Small towns could have long memories. He tugged off his boots and entered the kitchen.

  Freya flashed him a calm smile from where she sat to the right of Edna. Across the table, Cressy gave him her you-are-so-busted look he remembered from school. Edna stared at him through narrowed eyes before her face broke into a smile. In front of her sat an untouched cup of tea.

  ‘Well, hello, Drew, this is an unexpected surprise.’

  He nodded as he took the chair beside Freya. ‘Let’s just say it’s going to be another one of those days.’

  Edna nodded sympathetically. ‘I know what they’re like. This harvest Noel’s had so many breakdowns, I’m always going to town for parts.’

  Amusement tugged at Cressy’s lips. ‘Noel’s lucky you enjoy the trip so much.’

  They all knew Edna needed no excuse to go to town.

  ‘Yes, he is,’ Edna replied, not taking her attention from Drew. ‘Now, Drew, we were just discussing last night’s … incident.’

  ‘Edna,’ Freya’s quiet voice sounded, her tone firm. ‘I believe we’ve established that Drew and I are both adults, it’s no one’s business but ours and your concerns are unfounded. We’re not about to break each other’s hearts.’

  Drew held Edna’s gaze, letting her see he’d not stand for the kiss to be turned into an issue. ‘I think that covers everything.’

  Edna took her time to answer. ‘I’m so glad we had this talk. You’ve relieved my concerns. But other people might not be so understanding.’ She played with her pearls. ‘I know you’ll be going to the town Christmas party, Freya. Drew, why don’t you come too? People will then see there’s nothing to the rumour that Freya’s expecting and you’ll be married by the end of summer.’

  Cressy almost choked on her sip of water while Freya’s cheeks lost all colour.

  ‘Edna …’ His voice emerged low, hard and uncompromising. ‘Call Mrs Knox now and set the record straight. This is not a game. These are people’s lives you’re playing with.’

  Edna blinked but instead of displeasure sparking in her eyes, he only saw admiration. His brusqueness hadn’t cost him his place on her potential-son-in-law list.

  ‘My, my … I’d forgotten how strong the Macgregor will can be. It would be my pleasure to correct any wrong assumptions.’

  ‘Thank you. And yes, I’ll be at the Christmas party.’

  Edna left the kitchen, her phone in her hand to call Mrs Knox.

  Cressy came to her feet. ‘I’ll hose Liberty’s leg again.’ She smiled at Freya before squeezing his shoulder as she passed. ‘Well played, both of you.’

  When he and Freya were alone, he faced her.

  ‘Thanks for coming home.’ Worry pinched her fine features. ‘To think one kiss started all of this? All eyes will be on us at the Christmas party.’

  ‘It’ll be oka
y. Having everyone watch us will be perfect to disprove the rumours.’ Edna’s steps sounded in the hallway. But before he stood, he gave in to the need to comfort Freya. He slid his fingers into her hair and pressed a kiss to her forehead. ‘But just like you said, what happens when no one is watching is our own business.’

  Her smile stayed with him for the entire drive back to the neighbouring farm.

  * * *

  The days after Edna’s visit blurred into a haze of harvest exhaustion and sleep deprivation. But the drive to get the wheat off wasn’t why sleep eluded him. Thoughts of Freya gave him no peace. As strong as she was, knowing that people talked about her wouldn’t be easy. She’d already flagged she didn’t like any extra attention. Now, wherever she went, people would be watching and whispering. He had to silence all rumours they were together. Even if an irrational part of him wished they were true.

  He scraped a hand over his face as he walked in the darkness towards the kitchen door. Bailey had given him a sleepy welcome and then returned to bed. A light shone from the kitchen and when he stepped inside, he saw Freya reading at the table.

  ‘Bad day?’ she asked as she came to her feet.

  ‘Just the usual.’

  The aroma of lasagne wafted through the kitchen and a foil-covered dish sat on the bench.

  He busied himself with putting the ice bricks in the freezer. He needed a chance to lock down his self-control. It was bad enough that Freya waiting up for him stirred his loneliness. He also couldn’t look at her mouth and not have need twist inside. He’d already caused enough damage by kissing her.

  ‘Do you feel like dinner first or a shower?’ she asked.

  He sat the esky on the bench so it would be ready to be refilled next morning. ‘Dinner smells great but sorry, I ate earlier when I had to go to town. I did text but the message mustn’t have made it through.’

  ‘No problem. What part did you need this time?’

  ‘Header rotor belt.’

  She nodded and slid the lasagne into the fridge. When she turned she glanced out the window. ‘It’s finally cool outside and even though it’s late I thought I’d go see some of the mailboxes.’ She paused. ‘I know going out again would be the last thing you’d feel like doing, but you’re welcome to come. I’ll drive.’