Page 87 of In Full Bloom

DALLAS

I bringthe motorbike around and meet Katie where she left the ute on a barely used gravel road that borders the bush block. She helps me lift the bike onto the back tray, then I find her a fleece pullover in the back seat that she slips over her ruined outfit.

The skirt may never recover from its adventure and the time Katie spent sitting on the ground in it, but I’m hoping the shirt will be fine and I get to enjoy it for a while longer.

Katie climbs into the passenger seat and while I get the engine started and heater blowing, she texts Olivia and Flynn, letting them know she’s okay.

“Where do you want to go?” I ask as she drops her phone back into her lap.

“The cottage,” she replies without hesitation. “Please.”

I nod and make the turn to head towards the Wildflower Ridgedriveway.

She’s quiet the rest of the drive, but she reaches out and twines our fingers together, resting them between our seats.

We turn into the driveway and for some reason, it feels different this time with Katie beside me, even though we’ve gone in and out this gateway multiple times while working together. Instead of following the road towards the main house and parking in my usual spot, I turn off and head for the cottage.

We climb out of the vehicle and I look at Flynn’s bike in the back tray. I should get it back to him.

“Flynn said not to worry about the bike,” Katie says behind me. “Said he’ll just use yours until you return his baby to him.”

I laugh and usher her into the house. The moment the door is closed I pull her to me. I wanted to outside, but Sadie will be at the main house by now and I can’t run the risk of her catching us out.

“Do you want a shower?”

“Please.”

“Or a bath?”

“Oh, that sounds good.”

I peel myself off her and head for the bathroom, turning on the hot water and dumping a load of bubblebath under the stream. I dig a fresh towel out of the cupboard and set it on the counter.

“Are you joining me?” she asks, that coy little smirk playing on her mouth again.

“Not this time,” I say and she pouts. “I thought I’d go, uh, have a chat with Sadie.”

Katie’s eyes go wide. “Oh.”

“If you’re okay with that?”

She nods. “I’d love that. Are you okay with that?”

“God, yes. Do you know how many times I’ve almost blown it by kissing you in front of her already?”

Katie laughs. “Alright, cowboy. I’ll have my bath alone. You go take care of your girl.”

I reach out and brush a lock of hair back from her face. “Our girl.”

“Our girl,” she echoes, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I hope it goes okay. I’ll be here when you get back … Or I can be gone too if you need.” She runs a hand across my cheek. “If you and Sadie need some space.”

“Thank you.” I cover her mouth with mine for the softest of kisses, then leave her to her giant bubble bath and go to find my daughter.

Olivia meets me on the front porch of the main house, with Flynn barely two steps behind her.

“She’s fine,” I say before they can even ask. “I promise. She’s good. She’s at the cottage right now.”

“Then why the hell are you here?” Flynn asks.

---