Although she didn’t seem too worried about it.
He rounded the corner and spied Ryan jogging up ahead. Putting on a burst of energy he caught up with his future brother-in-law.
“Morning,” he panted.
“Hey. You’re up early?”
“Couldn’t sleep.”
Ryan slowed his pace and Jonas followed suit. Soon the two of them were walking.
“Everything, okay? Did something happen last night at the pub?” Ryan asked.
“No, nothing like that. Just a late night and other things on my mind.”
Now that he had his brother-in-law to himself, Jonas was going to ask Ryan about his sister. “Is Sindy okay? She looked a little green around the gills yesterday afternoon after she helped Pandora.”
Ryan chuckled. “She’s fine, just a little tired. We’d been up to see Scott yesterday and then we were at the surgery when she heard the gossip about the runaway bride and so she dragged me to pub.”
“How’s Scott?”
“He’s doing fine. Busy. The hospital’s undergoing a review at the moment, so he’s dealing with that. He did mention to me an idea he’s come up with about offering opportunities to young adults in town and surroundings areas, including the indigenous communities, who want to pursue a career in the medical field.”
Jonas was always proud of his older brother, but his admiration for him grew ten-fold with this initiative. “What a fantastic initiative. Creating a foundation that hands out scholarships to those students interested would be the best way to handle it, I think.”
“I agree. I’ve set up my own foundation, which provides pro-bono reconstructive/plastic surgery to those here in Bunya Junction and surrounding areas, as well as the city.”
“If you’re going to do this reconstructive surgery, what’s going to happen to the practice here? Sindy can’t run it herself.” Especially if she was pregnant. The words were on the tip of his tongue but he managed to keep them to himself.
“I know and I wouldn’t expect her to. I’ve still got connections in Sydney. Some of the plastic surgeons I know aren’t as shallow as my former partner. They’re happy to do some pro-bono work when needed. Besides, who knows what the future holds. Maybe there might be a doctor who is interested in working at the practice a couple of days a week.”
“Are you looking?”
“No, I’m not at that stage yet. There’s still a lot to do to get things set up and I like being a country GP. Sindy is looking to take things easy anyway seeing as she’s …” Ryan clamped his lips shut and quickly averted his gaze.
“Pregnant?”
Ryan’s eyes widened. “What? How did you know? Did you talk to Scott? We only told him yesterday.”
“Scott knows?”
“Yeah, she wanted her twin to know before everyone else. Just in case he was feeling nauseous all the time and didn’t know why.”
Jonas laughed at his sister’s thoughts. “I know there’ve been times when they’ve shared the same thing when they were younger. But pregnancy would have to be different. Did she really think he’d feel sick?”
“I saw firsthand the bond you’re talking about. When Sindy started having random pains in her left leg a couple of months ago she called Scott to see if he was okay and found out he’d strained his left calf.”
“I take it Scott is fine and not having any pregnancy symptoms.”
Ryan shrugged and his smile grew wider. “Over the last two weeks he’d been experiencing nausea off and on with no other symptoms and he had no idea why. He’s far from happy to be sharing morning sickness with his sister.”
Ryan had to be joking, but when it became clear he was telling the truth Jonas started to laugh. “Oh no, poor Scott. I hope he doesn’t have the whole labour pains as well.”
“Yeah, that’s what he said. But, how did you know Sindy was pregnant?”
Jonas relayed his conversation with Pandora and how she confirmed his suspicions because of what Sindy had told her. They stopped walking and he slapped Ryan on the back. “Congratulations, man, I’m super happy for you both and I can’t wait to be an uncle.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to be a dad.” A hint of wonder entered his voice.
“Do you think you’ll have twins?”
The colour drained from Ryan’s face and for a second Jonas thought he’d have to pick him up off the ground. “Shit, I hadn’t thought of that. But it’s a possibility.”
“I guess you’ll find out when you have a scan. I know that obstetrics isn’t your specialty, but will you be overseeing her care or anything?”
Ryan snorted. “Do you imagine your sister would let me do that? Nope, I’m going to be firmly in the role of dad and husband. I’ll be who Sindy will yell at during labour and I will love every minute of it.”
They were out the front of the pub again, and the sun was spreading it’s golden glow over the old building. Having been built almost a hundred years ago it should’ve been in disarray. Except, throughout the years, the town councils of Bunya Junction, and the various owners, had all worked together to make sure every part of the building was well maintained. The red-brick-and-glass structure looked as good now as it probably had when it was first built. Pride washed over him, knowing the pub was his and he would make sure, while he owned it, nothing would happen to it.
“When you guys decide to get married, you can use this place for your reception, no charge. I’ll cover everything.”
“Jonas, you don’t have to do that. I can afford to give my wife the biggest, best wedding she wants.”
“I know you can, but I want to do this, for you both.”
As if knowing that no matter what he said, Jonas wasn’t going to back down from his offer, Ryan nodded. “Thanks, I’ll let Sindy know. Now that she’s pregnant, I’m not sure if she’ll want to wait until after the baby is born or get married before.”
“Whenever you decide, it’s all yours.”
“Thanks, mate. I better get home. I’m sure Sindy is wondering where I am.”
“Good talking to you, Ryan.”
“Jonas, wait.”
“Yeah?” He paused and looked at Ryan.
“What’s happening with Pandora? Is she heading back to the city today?”
Jonas’s immediate response was to not say anything. To give Pandora some peace that she clearly wanted, but the second she stepped into the pub anytime that day, everyone would know. Although he trusted his future brother-in-law not to blab around town that the model was staying. He’d only tell Sindy and he was pretty sure she wouldn’t say anything. Well, he hoped she wouldn’t. “No, she’s staying in town for a couple of weeks. Getting some downtime.”
Ryan nodded. “Having worked on models in the past I know the stress they’re under. She’ll find the space she needs here.”
“You think? Once word gets out, no one will leave her alone.” For the first time since he’d returned, he would welcome the anonymity of the big city, for Pandora. Perhaps she’d be better off going back and holing up in her apartment? Although, maybe not. She’d have to face everything and it was clear she wanted space to work through things at the moment. Or she didn’t want to face anything yet. A waft of cold air tickled the back of his legs. He moved to the side a little to get away from the draft.
“I think you’ll find that everyone got their fill of Pandora gossip last night. Surely you know that.”
Ryan’s point was a good one and he should’ve remembered it. “You’re right. She’ll be classed as a local now.”
“Will I? After one day?”
Jonas whirled around like a spinning top and spied Pandora standing in the doorway. She was wearing a pair of jeans that hugged her long legs as if they’d been made for her. The tight T-shirt complemented the jeans and highlighted her trim figure. Her hair was brushed into a high ponytail, which, like yesterday’s far more intricate style, accentuated her long neck.
He hadn’t even heard the door open, but the bre
eze he’d felt made sense now. He could do with another waft of cold air to cool the way his body was reacting to her.
“Pandora, you’re awake. I thought you’d still be sleeping.” He cringed at how presumptuous that sounded.
“Really? And why would that be? Because I’m a model and I always sleep until midday?”
Shit, he really should’ve kept his mouth shut. Or at least thought through what to say, instead of just blurting the first thing that popped into his mind. He was smoother than this—usually. Guess he was out of practice.
“Well, I think I’ll leave you both to it. Good talk, mate.” Ryan came up and slapped him on the back. “Good luck,” he muttered under his breath before jogging off down the street.
Taking a deep breath, he faced Pandora again. “Sorry, I guess I still have that foot-in-mouth issue I had last night.”
Pandora smiled. A real smile, not the sort that he imagined she’d use when she was posing for a shot. But an honest to goodness smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes and brightened her whole demeanour. She was even more breathtaking now than she had been when she’d walked through the door yesterday as a radiant non-bride. Which made her even more dangerous. “I guess you do. Ryan’s a doctor, isn’t he? Maybe he could prescribe something for you.”
He chuckled along with her. “Maybe he can. Although prior to moving here his expertise was more of the nip/tuck variety. So he could’ve sewn my lips together.”
“Wait.” Pandora’s brow furrowed. Okay, that wasn’t the reaction he expected to get from his little quip. “Oh, now I know why he looked familiar. He’s Ryan Flanagan, the plastic surgeon.”
“Yep that’s him, although now he’s the town’s doctor.”
Pandora’s eyes widened. “He gave up his successful practice to move to this small town? Why?”
Was she horrified at the prospect of leaving the city for a place like Bunya Junction? If she was, that was another reason to keep his distance. With Sindy finding love, he was wanting that for himself. The woman who he fell in forever love with would have to love his hometown as much as he did. And the more Pandora spoke, the more she didn’t fit the bill. Only this pesky attraction that was flaring to life within him begged to differ. “Long story.”
“No bullet point version?”
“It’s a little too in depth for bullet points, but let’s just say a death brought Ryan back to town. He and Sindy worked together and fell in love. Now they’re getting married and having a baby.”
“That’s a pretty good summation. Still doesn’t explain the giving up a successful practice. From memory, he’s one of the best.”
The last thing Jonas wanted to talk about was his future brother-in-law. “Yeah, I heard he was good too. We’re lucky to have him here. Are you hungry? I can whip us up some eggs, or something else?”
He walked up the entrance of the pub and Pandora stepped to the side. He paused and studied her features, there were still dark circles under her eyes but the look of strain from the previous evening seemed to have gone. He thought about their near kiss and the fact that he was close enough to lean in and brush his lips against hers if he wanted, which he didn’t—maybe. “Did you sleep well? You still look a little tired.”
“Way to make a girl feel good.”
“What is it about you that has me saying the wrong thing all the time?” He gave into his need and brushed the back of his knuckles down her cheek.
Her tongue darted out, swiping her bottom lip and he bit back a groan. “I don’t know.”
He was in so much trouble.
Chapter Six
Pandora played with a piece of melon and gazed over at Jonas’s plate, piled high with eggs and bacon. As much as she had wanted to take him up on his offer of fixing her a plate of what he was having, after indulging in a high carb meal last night, she’d opted to have fruit.
“There’s still some bacon if you want some.”
She looked up from the tempting bacon. Jonas’s eyes sparkled with mischief and his lips were spread wide. Once they’d gotten inside he’d gone upstairs to shower and change. Like the previous day, he wore a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. Clothes that weren’t over the top, but her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him and she had trouble not staring.
He was devastatingly handsome, and she didn’t think he was even aware of it. His face could easily grace the cover of the top men’s magazines around the world. The longer she looked at him the more she could picture the two of them doing a photo shoot together. Would he be up for that?
“Pandora? Bacon—do you want some?”
She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she’d forgotten he’d offered her some food. “As much as I’d love to say yes, I’ll stick with my fruit.”
He shrugged, picking up a piece of bacon and biting into it. If she didn’t know any better she’d think he was deliberately taunting her, like one of her ex-boyfriends had done. Dom was a jerk, always teasing her with food that he knew she wanted, but couldn’t eat. She wasn’t like the models who only ate three hundred calories a day. She made sure she ate a healthy diet of lean meat with vegetables and fruit. She also exercised regularly.
“Do you need to contact Laura again? Because if you do, you’re more than welcome to use the phone in the office anytime you want.”
“Thanks. I’ll give her a call later. She said she would be able to find the address of the pub to have my stuff delivered, but I’ll check in with her soon. I should be able to pay you tomorrow for everything you’ve given me.”
Jonas waved away her concerns. “I told you it’s okay. There’s no rush.”
He might be okay with not getting payment from her, but she wasn’t. She’d never mooched off anyone and she wasn’t going to start now. “I know, but I’d feel better. What time does the pub open today? Wait, do you even work on a Sunday?”
“Yep, we’re a seven-days-a-week establishment.”
“Do you ever get a day off?” She thought modelling was intense, and it was, but at least she was able to take a break in between jobs if she wanted to. Not to mention the travel days that were incorporated if she had a shoot overseas. It sounded like Jonas didn’t get any breaks at all.
“Not really. My busy days are Fridays and the weekends. Although Thursday night trivia can go late if everyone is having a good time. Mondays and Tuesdays are my slow days, but they’re also the days I get my regular deliveries, so I need to be here.”
Pandora looked around the area they sat in. The pub had an old-world charm to it. The floor was scuffed, showing signs of age and history. The walls didn’t show any indication of cracking plaster and the bar top was shiny but, like the floor, had scuff marks. All tiny features that gave the place character and made anyone feel welcome.
Heck, she’d been given a front-row seat on how generous the town was to strangers. Did they welcome everyone and give clothes to every stranger who stumbled into town? Or was it just because they’d all mistaken her as a heartbroken bride? She couldn’t imagine it was a normal thing they did to everyone who dropped in unannounced.
“Don’t you wish for a day to yourself? Where you didn’t have to get up and worry about if today was going to be a good day and you were going to make enough to pay the bills?”
“Nope, because I’m happy doing what I’m doing. I don’t have to rely on the pub for all my income. I have other resources. The pub does okay and everyone in town supports me.”
His response was clipped. Inwardly she cringed, she’d stepped over a line she shouldn’t have. She’d basically asked him how much he earned; if the tables were turned and it was him asking her about how much she made each job, she’d be offended too. “Sorry. Looks like foot-in-mouth disease is catching.”
Jonas smiled and the knots in her stomach loosened. “Looks that way.” He pushed back from the table. “I’ve got a few things to do, but if you want we can take a walk around town later on. Not many places will be open, but if you’re staying here for
a couple of weeks, you’ll want to get acquainted with what Bunya Junction has to offer.”
Glad that they seemed to be back on even ground, she stood as well, collecting her plate. “Sounds good. Do you want some help with what you’ve got to do?”
“Do you know how to change out a keg?”
“Umm, do I get points for saying I know what a keg is?”
Jonas laughed. “Sure, but I’m a pro at this. By the time I show you what to do, I could’ve changed out two kegs.”
“Fair enough.” She walked up to him and held out her hand. “But I do know how to wash dishes. So while I clean up the kitchen, you can get a head start on what you need to do.”
“I can get on board with that.” He handed his plate to Pandora and when they reached the kitchen, he headed for a door that she assumed led to where he stored the kegs.
Before her glamorous career she’d worked in a few restaurants to make some money so that she didn’t have to rely on her parents to pay for everything while she was at university. She’d done everything—cleared tables, washed dishes and waitressed. Most people hated it, but she found it soothing to wash the dishes. There was just something about dipping her hands in the warm water and scrubbing a pot or getting the grime off plates. It allowed her mind to be free and there had been many times she’d thought about an assignment she was working on and she’d be struck with inspiration for a paper or figured out a solution to a problem.
Somehow, though, she didn’t think she would get the answer to the question of what she wanted to do with her career from washing the dishes today. Before she and Jonas left on their walk she should call Laura and find out if she’d issued a statement and what the response had been. Not to mention an ETA on when her purse and other things would arrive.
Runaway to the Outback Page 6