The Long Paddock, page 19
He glanced up. ‘Anyone have old man Collins’s number? I thought I did as this is my old SIM card.’
‘His number wouldn’t help even if you did have it. He’s long gone. But …’ She too scrolled through her phone. ‘I have the next best thing. The number of the man leasing his place. Here’s Tanner’s number.’
Denham’s eyes briefly met hers before he accepted her phone.
It was Fliss who commented on the unfamiliar name. ‘Now there’s someone who’s not local. You haven’t mentioned him so he mustn’t be very newsworthy.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I thought tall, tanned and blond was your type.’
‘It is, but if Tanner really matched that description, someone in Woodlea would be talking about him. I bet he’s a sweet old man, with a beer belly and five kids.’
Cressy arched a brow.
Fliss’s eyes grew round. ‘You’re not joking.’
Cressy smiled.
Denham handed Cressy back her phone. ‘You can see for yourself, Fliss, he’s coming to help.’
Cressy followed Denham as he strode to the back of his ute. ‘Are you getting what I think you are because I also have a pair in my ute.’
Denham flipped open the toolbox and pulled out some wire cutters. ‘Yes. Tanner’s fine with the fence being cut. The closest gate is at least a kilometre away and he agrees the cattle will head back to where they entered the paddock.’
As they walked side-by-side towards the fence, Denham glanced her way. The shadows masked his expression. ‘He sounds like a nice guy.’
‘He is. I was hoping you’d have a chance to meet.’
Denham nodded but didn’t make any more comment. He stepped in close to the fence and cut the wire. Cressy remained amazed at how easily a fence could be dismantled. The rural fire brigade had cut through several fences to reach the fire started on Glenmore by the fencing contractor. It wasn’t then quick or easy to fix the broken fences.
Denham pulled the largest portion of the loose wire back until it ran alongside the wire tape. The resulting right-angled corner would make any cow think twice about breaking through the tape and using the makeshift gateway. He returned to his ute and angled the lights so they weren’t shining directly on the gap. The three cows would have enough light to see the opening but not be frightened.
Cressy drove her ag bike slowly past the portable yard and over to the fence. As she’d hoped the cattle didn’t react to the quiet and familiar engine noise. Before she could talk to Denham about the best way to find the missing cows, his mobile rang.
He answered the call and turned to scan the night-shrouded paddock.
‘You have? Great. One of us will be over soon with the ag bike.’
Denham returned the phone to his pocket with a smile. ‘Tanner’s on horseback and has spotted what he thinks are your cows near the dam. He can see our lights and said to head left once through the fence. Do you want to help him bring them in or shall I go?’
Cressy slid off the bike. ‘You go. I’ve spare posts so Fliss and I will string tape from the cut fence to the holding yard entrance. That way the cattle can’t go anywhere but where we want them to.’
Denham nodded and whistled to Tippy who jumped onto the dog board on the back of the bike. As they vanished into the night, Cressy and Fliss set up the temporary cattle race. When they’d finished Cressy stayed with the cattle while Fliss stoked the campfire. When flames again danced, she put the kettle on. She returned with two steaming mugs of tea.
‘Thanks,’ Cressy said as she took hold of the mug handle. ‘This is exactly what I need right now.’
Fliss smiled. ‘See, bossy big sisters can come in handy.’
They sipped their tea in companionable silence and stared in the direction Denham and Tippy had taken.
The thin light from the ag bike flickered and then shone through the darkness before three distorted dark shapes materialised out of the gloom. Cressy moved to unhook the tape separating the laneway from the holding yard. She then positioned herself away from the wire fence, but close enough to help.
Denham and Tippy trailed behind the cows, keeping to their left. Tanner and Arrow soon appeared on the right. Beneath the pale moonlight, the mustang’s mane and tail gleamed gold. But her sister’s attention wasn’t on Arrow but the broad-shouldered drover as he sat relaxed in the saddle.
Cressy smiled. ‘Fliss, close your mouth. I’m sure Anthony would look just as good on a horse.’
But instead of Fliss firing back her usual quick-witted response, she looked away from Tanner and swallowed. Cressy’s amusement died as pain etched itself on her sister’s face.
‘Fliss … is everything okay? You’re not just tired from the long-haul plane flight are you?’
‘No, I’m not, and no, everything isn’t okay.’ Sadness tugged at her mouth. ‘I might have really liked Anthony but it turns out his refusal to come to London wasn’t due to his hospital workload but the cleavage of his latest intern.’
‘I’m so sorry.’ Cressy gave her sister a tight hug. Fliss’s bad luck when it came to men continued. ‘When did you find out?’
‘Yesterday. I decided to surprise him by going straight from the airport to his apartment. The trouble was he wasn’t … alone.’
‘Oops.’
‘Yes, oops all right. I confess I might have just been a little tired and didn’t hold back when I told them exactly what I thought.’
‘Good on you. So I’m guessing there’ll be no second chances for Anthony?’
‘None at all.’
‘Just as well. Reggie would hate him. He’d never pass the carrot test.’
Fliss gave her a wan smile.
Their conversation stopped as the three black cows approached the cut fence. Uncertain, their pace slowed. Denham spoke softly as Tippy inched closer. Tanner kept Arrow back in case they dashed along the fence line. But tired, and seeking the company of the main herd, they walked through the gap, along the race and into the main yard.
Cressy wasted no time re-hooking the tape to secure the larger yard closed.
‘Mission accomplished,’ she said, stepping back and rolling her tight shoulders. ‘I think we deserve some dessert, not to mention some wine.’
‘I second that,’ Fliss said. ‘I’m going to drown my sorrows in sugar. Have you seen the size of Meredith’s lemon meringue pie? Maybe Tanner would like a piece?’
‘I’ll ask him.’
Cressy turned to look where Tanner and Denham stood inside the cut fence. Arrow’s reins were looped over Tanner’s arm. The gelding turned his head to watch Tippy as the kelpie followed Fliss over to the now-righted table. Denham’s gestures and Tanner’s nod communicated that Denham had already asked Tanner to join them.
Denham moved to turn his ute headlights off while Tanner walked the palomino closer to the fire before tying him to a tree. As Denham passed the gelding he lowered his head for Denham to rub his forehead. Denham and Tanner were soon again deep in conversation.
Fliss threw the two men an amused glance as she collected four bowls from the picnic basket.
‘Nothing like chasing cattle to bring two cowboys together.’
‘I know.’ Cressy placed a bowl of cream on the table. ‘I thought they’d have a lot in common.’
‘Well, if they don’t hurry up that’s all they’ll have,’ she said, scooping an oversized piece of pie onto her plate. ‘There’ll be no dessert left.’
As Denham glanced her way, Cressy held up a bowl. He nodded before he and Tanner strode over to the campfire. Cressy introduced Fliss to Tanner before serving the men two full bowls of dessert. They settled themselves into the wrought-iron chairs. Cressy sat in her camp chair and balanced her bowl on her knees. Tippy made herself comfortable on the ground beside her boots, her eyes trained on Cressy’s bowl. Cressy smiled and broke off a small piece of crust for the kelpie.
‘This beats sitting inside watching television by myself,’ Tanner said with a slow smile as he sampled Meredith’s pie.
Everyone nodded as they too tucked into the delicious dessert.
‘Thanks for helping out,’ Cressy said, in between mouthfuls. ‘Arrow didn’t mind having his sleep interrupted?’
‘No,’ Tanner said, ‘he’s usually up for anything. I guess being on the road has prepared him for the unexpected.’
‘Maybe that’s what Bandit needs,’ Cressy said, glancing at Denham. ‘Droving might take the edge off his attitude?’
In the firelight Denham’s smile flashed white. ‘I don’t think the long paddock is ready for Bandit.’
‘Or my nerves,’ Fliss added, smothering a yawn. ‘I can’t watch you ride him. He’s one bad-tempered horse.’
Cressy stifled her own yawn.
‘He has his moments but I’ve never known a horse with such heart.’ Denham leant forward in his chair to set his empty bowl on the table. ‘Now I’d better get the fence fixed so I can take you home, Fliss.’
Tanner too set his bowl on the table. ‘I’ll help.’
‘Sorry boys,’ Cressy said, her tone firm and smile sweet. ‘My cattle, my fence problem. I’ll fix it. And yes, Fliss, you need to go home and get some sleep.’
‘I do …’ Fliss glanced towards Cressy’s rolled-up canvas swag that sat against the side of the caravan. ‘But it really isn’t that late. There’s also still half a bottle of wine left. Why don’t you stay, Denham? Cressy has a swag or the caravan that you could bunk down in. And I’ll be careful driving your precious ute home.’
Cressy shot Denham a quick glance even as her cheeks warmed. Denham staying was asking for trouble. All her good intentions about proceeding with caution and discovering why he thought she’d be better off without him already wavered. She was having trouble keeping her attention from off his mouth. One heady car park kiss would never be enough. Surely he too would know it was a bad idea?
To her surprise, he nodded. ‘I know you will be and that’s a good idea. Cressy can call it a night and Tanner and I can fix the fence.’
‘No—’ Cressy’s reply stopped at one word as three sets of eyes settled on her. She pursed her lips and frowned. Against one strong will she’d have stood a chance. But against three people determined that she sleep instead of fix the fence she didn’t stand a chance. ‘Okay, all right, yes. Thank you. I do have to be up early tomorrow.’
Fliss stood. ‘Right, Mr Bull Rider,’ she said to Denham, ‘hand over those keys.’
Denham tossed them across to her and she caught them with one hand. ‘Thanks. Your ute and I will see you tomorrow.’ She smiled at Tanner. ‘And I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again soon too.’
He nodded with a grin.
Cressy came to her feet to walk Fliss over to Denham’s ute. ‘Have fun,’ Fliss said, as she opened the driver’s side door. The poor light hid the twinkle that had to be in her eyes but not the mischief in her voice.
‘The only fun I’ll have will be sleeping,’ Cressy said as she gave Fliss a goodbye hug.
Cressy watched until the glow of the red tail-lights had dulled before she made her way back to camp. She didn’t return to her seat. To survive the night ahead she had to minimise all risk. There’d be no staying up late with Denham, surrounded by the scent of wood smoke and the memories of when they’d shared a swag and woken up in each other’s arms. She’d leave the two cowboys to reminisce about their Montana days and to deal with the fence repairs.
‘I’ll call it a night.’ She briefly glanced at Denham. ‘Are you okay with the swag, if I take the caravan?’
‘Yes.’ His dark eyes were unreadable. ‘See you in the morning.’
‘Will do.’ She turned to Tanner. ‘Thanks again for all of your help.’
‘No worries. I was glad to help out.’
With Tippy by her side she headed for the caravan. She fell asleep to the sound of crickets, the rumble of deep voices and quiet laughter.
***
In the morning Cressy awoke to the loud hum of cicadas and the cackle of a kookaburra down by the creek. Bright sunshine flooded the caravan. She sat up, wide awake. She’d not only slept through the night but she’d also slept in.
‘Wake up, Tip. The one day we need to get up early and to keep busy, we oversleep.’
She pushed back the bedcovers when the phone on the shelf beside her rang. Tippy rested her head back on the covers where she slept at the end of Cressy’s bed.
Cressy grabbed her phone and a picture of Ella cuddling a fluffy white puppy filled the screen.
‘Hi,’ Cressy said.
‘Hi. Sorry, did I wake you? I thought you’d be up.’
‘I usually am. I had a busy night.’
‘I know, Denham texted. He said one of your cows has a gash on its leg?’
Cressy swallowed. Great drover she was, she didn’t even notice. ‘To be honest I didn’t know.’
‘Denham said it isn’t bad, the cow’s not limping, and it would be hard to see in the dark. But if she gets worse and you need some penicillin let me know and I’ll bring out a shot.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Hopefully this will be the end of your droving dramas?’
‘I hope so. Between dirt bikes and trucks, life out on the long paddock hasn’t exactly been idyllic. I feel like attaching flags or fireworks to my signs so people can’t ignore there are cattle close by.’
‘Or you could just have Denham hang around. Everyone’s talking about how he gave the truckie a serve on the UHF radio.’
Cressy frowned. ‘Did he? I had no idea.’ The smile in Ella’s voice said this wasn’t the only thing on the town conversation list. ‘What else are they talking about?’
‘Oh, you know, the usual stuff … that Denham is hot and a hero, that every single girl wants to marry him, that Cressida Knight must be sleeping with him because otherwise why would he be out there with her.’
‘They’re not … saying that last one.’ Cressy held her breath for Ella’s answer. She could only imagine the gossip frenzy that would take place if it was common knowledge that Denham had now stayed the night.
Ella giggled. ‘No, they’re not. That’s just my wishful thinking.’
‘Ella.’
‘What? You two belong together.’
‘I won’t be telling him that when I see him for breakfast.’
‘What, is he still there?’
‘Yes and before you ask … no … nothing happened last night. I didn’t even leave the caravan.’
Ella chuckled. ‘Well, there’s still time this morning—’ Knocking sounded in the background. ‘Talk later, there’s someone at my door.’
‘Okay. See you.’
Cressy returned the phone to the small shelf.
‘Tippy, don’t look at me like that. You and Ella are as bad as each other. I know you love Denham but even if we go out there and his hair’s tousled and his shirt’s off, nothing can happen between us.’ She flipped the bedcovers off her bare legs. ‘Now let’s get busy. We’ve got cows to move.’
***
Denham tunnelled a hand through his wet hair and sat his cowboy boots beside Cressy’s rolled-up swag. He’d taken a swim in the creek to chase away the tiredness that dragged at his muscles. He’d used his shirt to dry himself but cold droplets still ran from his hair over his chest and back. He’d put water on to boil for a coffee and let himself dry.
He glanced towards the still-closed caravan door. The reason for his poor sleep still hadn’t surfaced. Which didn’t surprise him. Cressy had looked worn out when she’d headed to bed last night. He and Tanner had fixed the fence and had talked until late but sleep still hadn’t followed.
Even when there was no sound but the crackle and hiss of the flames beside him he couldn’t drift into oblivion. All he could smell was the floral scent of Cressy’s hair that lingered on the canvas of her swag. All he could see was the teasing laughter in her eyes when she’d told him Bandit needed to go droving for an attitude readjustment.
It was such moments that would sustain him when Cressy was no longer single. He had to be content with being both a neighbour and a friend. He could be nothing more. He reached for his shirt that hung on a nearby branch. He also had to make sure their chemistry didn’t lead them down a road they shouldn’t travel. All he could focus on during their dinner was how it felt to tangle his hands in her silken hair and steal her breath until her cheeks flushed. He shrugged on his shirt, the wet cotton dragging on his damp skin. He’d managed to get the shirt past his biceps when the caravan door swung open.
Cressy froze on the second step. Surprise, shock and wariness raced across her face. But it was the longing that intensified the green in her eyes that made his stomach clench. His own need would be reflected in his eyes. If she touched him, even just a light caress like she had after their kiss, he couldn’t guarantee his self-control would hold.
Tippy dashed past Cressy and down the caravan steps. Cressy glanced away to watch where Tippy ran to and the moment was broken. He pulled on his shirt and secured the buttons with unsteady fingers.
‘Morning,’ she said, not looking at him as she approached. She settled her black cap on her head and pulled her ponytail through the gap in the back. ‘Sleep well?’
‘Well enough.’
His tension must have rasped in his words because she flicked him a quick look.
The camp kettle whistled. ‘Tea or coffee?’ he asked, forcing his voice to sound normal.
‘Tea, thanks. I usually have cereal for breakfast but do have bacon and eggs if you’d like some?’
‘If you have enough, that’d be great.’
‘More than enough.’
He tugged on his boots. Tippy came to his side. Her paws were wet from where she too had been in the creek.
‘Do you want me to set up the signs and let the cattle out?’
‘Thanks.’ This time Cressy’s gaze met his. ‘I can’t believe I slept in. The cattle will be wondering what’s going on.’
He and Tippy used the motorbike to set up the road signs before opening the holding yard gate. The cattle ambled through. The older cow who’d gashed her leg after jumping the fence walked with no sign of a limp.
