Page 51 of Unspoken Hearts
“Are you wanting to order something?”
Nodding, she orders a skinny chai latte and breakfast wrap.
Remembering that, I slide my notebook away, ready to move, but my legs will me to stay. I sit down in the chair opposite her, and don’t miss the widening of her round eyes. “I’ve seen you around a few times. Did you just move here?”
She adjusts a little on the seat, and I lean back, getting ready to jump off but she smiles again.
“Small towns are so nice. I moved here from Canberra, where my parents still live. I’m still getting used to everyone introducing themselves to me. It’s a little overwhelming,” she explains.
I nod in understanding. “We don’t get heaps of new people, unless they’re tourists passing through to the mountains.” I flash her an easy grin. “I’m Macie. And that’s Laynie. She owns the cafe.”
“Delilah, but everyone calls me Delly.”
“How long are you here for?”
Her eyes flicker away for a beat out the window that overlooks the sunlit main street, and I think for a second I see her features shadowing. It’s there and gone in a blink, but I didn’t miss it.
“I work at the primary school. I’m starting next week but I wanted to get settled in the town first.”
Smiling, I nod and stand. “Well, I’m glad you came in then. Ashwood is tiny, so if you ever want to hang out…?”
Her cheeks pinch as she nods hurriedly. “That’s so nice of you. I would love that. I don’t really know anyone else here.”
“Great,” I chirp, giving her my phone to put in her number.
I walk away to make her drink as Laynie bumps hips with me. “Making friends?”
“She’s just moved here and doesn’t know anyone. And we are nice.”
“We are. I just hope Grayson agrees to this.”
I roll my eyes once again, causing her to chuckle. “If G isn’t okay with it, then maybe Delly can replace him.”
“Wow,” she gasps before moving closer to whisper in my ear, “Maybe then you’ll finally be able to make a move on Reid.”
She dashes away making kissing sounds as I try swatting her with a tea towel.
Chapter fourteen
Reid
Warmsummerairblowsthrough the open windows of my ute as we pull onto the gravel drive of the ranch, stones crunching beneath the tyres. The wooden Honey Haven sign hangs off the timber archway. Birds sing, a lawn mower is going, and grass and pollen drift up my nose.
I sigh, because this is home to me.
Slowing, I glance sideways at Macie, still wearing her ripped jean shorts and tight fitted green tank top from this morning. Her boots have been kicked off and she’s resting her feet up on my dashboard, which I’ll allow only for her. Copper hair flies about with the light breeze as she peers out the open window as we pass the pasture full of cows.
I can tell she’s smiling. It might be a sadder smile from what we spent the past two hours doing, but it’s still a smile.
Resting my arm on the door, we head off road, following the dirt tracks through clipped grass towards where my new house is being built down by the spring at the bottom of the property. Ducks swim around, and sunlight reflects off the top like glass, and butterflies mingle around the reeds.
Coming to a stop out the front of the old steel shed that’s been locked for at least a year now, I switch off the ignition before glancing sideways at her.
Macie has gorgeous legs that I want to run my hands over, feeling her smooth skin. Hair falls down her shoulders and piercing green eyes blink across at mine.
“I guess we should start unpacking before it gets too dark.” Her voice is soft like dandelions, making my toes curl in my dusty boots.
I nod, because that’s all I can manage in her presence. She flicks me a quick smile before pushing open the door and jumping out. I follow her, slamming the door of my old Ford shut and pull down the tray for easier access.
