Page 5 of Where She Is
“Good.” He smiles and strokes the mischievous black horse along its sleek satin neck before his outstretched hand sweeps ahead in a ‘ladies first’ motion.
“Why haven’t I heard more about you, Hannah? I mean, I’ve known Richard for years. Have we spoken? We must have once or twice?”
I’m sure I haven’t. I wouldn’t forget his swirling tone. “Idon’t think so although I know your assistant, Jennifer, very well. I’m looking forward to meeting her in person.” My professional brain is back in gear.
“And you’ve been in the country how long?”
I look up at the sun and close my eyes against the blinding rays. “Four weeks… no, five.” I turn back to him, wishing I’d brought my sunglasses out with me. As if he’s read my mind, he removes his hat, then places it on my fevered head while swatting away more flies.
“Thank you.” I smile, noting his focus lingers over my lips, which prompts me to run my tongue across my mouth. I have no idea why I do it.
His speech slows almost shaking himself to the here and now. “And what do you think of this magnificent country of ours?” he says, while dragging his eyes back to meet mine. His mouth slightly parted, and his tone deep.
I sigh, “It’s difficult, really. I haven’t seen much of it at all.” Now it’s my turn to shake my thoughts back together. “Everything has been so busy with the move, the only sightseeing I’ve managed is the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the office window.”
Daniel’s eyebrows raise. “Not good. I can’t have you complaining to your folks back home about how Australia isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!”
I smile a little as the enormous lump in my throat blocks my vocal chords at the mere mention of home. He must sense a shift in my mood because he briefly places his hand on my arm, sending electric shocks to my heart. I can’t tell if it’s comfort or excitement. Maybe both.
“I hope you’re not having any second thoughts?” I’m surprised I miss his touch when his hand drops to his side.
“No, no second thoughts,” I laugh lightly, trying to convince myself as much as him. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
He touches my arm once more, instigating a sudden stop. “It’s okay to be homesick, Hannah.” The proximity of his tall frame causes my breath to hitch. I only return to normality when he smiles, then gestures again for me to walk on, giving me a few moments to gain control. “If you’re looking for a guide, maybe I could help you out?” His deep Australian tone penetrates my skin.
“I’d like that.”
As we walk further from the main house and the line of stables, our fenced barriers fade away. All we see is open fields and striped, brown and green landscape. In the distance, I spot a scattering of cattle and a solitary tree, its branches illuminated by the setting sun. The sight is nothing short of glorious. I’m caught in its beauty for a while until his voice breaks the spell. “Incredible, isn’t it?”
“It is,” I smile. “You’re lucky to live in such an amazing country. The landscape is endless.”
“You’re right, there. You can go for days without seeing a soul.”
“Note to self, no backpacking on my own then.”
“A woman travelling on her own is not a good idea.” His serious eyes lock with mine for a split second. “Travelling in pairs is always a safer option.”
“Of course.” I don’t challenge his no-nonsense tone because I like the protection it offers.
“It must be hard settling into a new country. How’s the social life going?”
I sigh out, “Not great. I’ve had no free time so far.”
“The dinner tonight should be a good chance for you to meet some new people,” he continues, while my inner stream of butterflies’ somersault. They’re all down to him. Does he feel it too? I should be on my best behaviour because of who he is, but I don’t want this feeling to stop. He is gorgeous, tall, and oh so lickable. I wonder what his lips taste like, how his skin would feel next to mine. I want to study every feature of his beautifulface, but I have to pull myself together. He’s my boss, for Christ’s sake! If Richard got so much of a whiff of what I’m thinking, I’d be in a whole load of trouble. I have to gain some self-control.
He points to a greener, steeper part of the landscape and I’m sure I can make out some kind of stream ahead. “It’s a bit of a trek, but worth it. The view is incredible.” For less than a second, his finger brushes my back. All sensible thoughts of pulling myself together are lost. Especially when he smiles. “Tell me about London.”
I’d much rather hear about him. I could drown in his baritone voice, which steals my breath. “It’s hard to think about when you’re standing in front of this view,” I say while trying to concentrate on where I am rather than how fabulous his arse is. “But London is cold and often foggy. That’s not a myth, by the way.” He laughs before I continue. “But I love it. Something about the city excites me. It has an atmosphere like no other. On the other hand, I’m falling in love with Sydney too. It has a similar buzz to London, but with better weather and not so much smog. And the people seem happier and laid-back. The sun shines continuously and you live life to the fullest. Everyone surfs, swims, sails, you name it.” I stop mid-step and look up at him. “You’re so lucky to live here.”
He seems lost in thought for a moment. “I haven’t gone to the city for a while now. I’m more of a country boy. The air feels fresh, the pace of life is slower and I feel more at ease. There’s no pressure, no sense of urgency. I like that.” He talks so passionately, and I’m mesmerised by him as he stands with one leg arched against a rock. “How could anyone be unimpressed by this?” A mountain range unfolds into unique shades of green as it spreads across the landscape with only faint clouds in the sky now. The sun continues to beat down and illuminate the rocks while displaying so many colours. From here, it looks as if a carpet of land sits on each shelf. We must be the only peoplearound for miles. It’s as if we’ve walked over a hill to discover something so overwhelming and beautiful, that no other person knows about it. My breath is literally heaving from my lungs.
“You were right, it is amazing out here.” We stand in silence for a while, taking in our panoramic view. He turns towards me, offering his hand to help me down a steep ridge. When I take it, the prickle of electricity heats my skin, but I mask my reaction as we begin our descent to the farm. “How do you make all this work? Being out here and having the office in Sydney, I mean.”
“I can do everything from here or my house in Seaforth.”
“Oh, so you don’t live here?” I say while regretting letting go of his hand so quickly.
A look of horror crosses his beautiful face, “Christ, no. I love my parents, but I couldn’t live with them.”
