Page 10 of A Chance to Believe

‘I’ll put it in the garage and bring in your luggage while you put your feet up and give the motel a call to cancel your booking.’

‘You’re assuming I’m staying.’

‘I want you to stay.’ It was surprisingly true. Or maybe not so surprising.

She sobered. ‘Thanks. I would appreciate it, so long as it won’t cause problems with the family. If you could bring in the two cases. The boxes aren’t urgent.’

Kimberley, of course. His daughter was nothing if not blunt. ‘It will be difficult for Kim. I haven’t had a woman stay here since she was small.’

‘Her mother?’

Heat swamped his throat. ‘Courtney left when Kim was two. This was someone I met shortly after. It didn’t work out.’

Her dark brows arched high, echoing the downward curve at the end of her wide mouth. ‘You were planning to marry her?’

‘I had vague hopes.’ He carefully straightened his hunched shoulders. ‘We wanted different things.’

‘So, it’s not marriage you’re against.’

‘No. Let’s say I’m wary of being caught for the wrong reasons.’

The long lashes flickered as she examined her stomach. ‘Don’t worry, Shayne Smith. I’m not on the hunt for more than a father for these children. I’m not looking for marriage with anyone.’

There was a determination behind the words that sparked his curiosity. She was an independent woman, apparently financially secure. What would persuade her into a marriage? ‘I’m relieved to hear it. I’ll leave you to your rest. Parker usually puts out some afternoon tea on the weekend. Around four o’clock.’

Her hands moved to clasp in front of her belly. He still couldn’t understand why he hadn’t seen it straight away, even with her carefully draped clothing and the bag clutching. Too distracted by the fact she’d come, maybe.

‘Will I see you then?’

He was tempted to commit to it. ‘I’m not sure. The irrigation is still waiting for me to make some adjustments.’

‘Farm life.’

‘It’s all different from what you’re used to.’

Cassie seemed to hesitate. ‘No. You’re right. I’ll see you whenever.’

For a moment he wanted to send the irrigation to perdition and stay here, but she needed a rest. She was getting paler by the minute. With a curt nod, he left the room. He had plans for Cassie Long. Patience was something he excelled at, and it looked like he had three months to get things sorted. Or two. Suddenly, it didn’t seem all that long.

Chapter 3

Cassie woke to semi-darkness. A bedside lamp had been turned on while she slept, one of those Tiffany style lamps you tapped once to turn on and another time or two to brighten. Modern but fitting the style of the room. It was on a low setting, placed close to the wall so the light didn’t shine directly on her pillow on the far side of the bed. Blinking, she scanned the room and found her luggage on the chest at the end of the bed and her handbag on a semi-circular table beside the door into the lounge area.

It was disturbing to know someone had been in the room while she was asleep. She pushed away the rug and the feeling solidified. Someone had tucked an old-fashioned crochet rug over her lower body. Had Shayne done it when he delivered her bags? The thought warmed her yet left a small prickle of dismay. Was she so easily softened by a simple, thoughtful gesture?

It was long past the afternoon teatime he’d mentioned, so she freshened up and made her way to the front lounge, poking her nose into the empty kitchen on the way. Food was bubbling on the big stovetop, the hum of the extractor fan white noise in the background. The smell was tantalising. She guessed at a chicken roasting in the large oven, and her stomach rumbled.

Parker wouldn’t welcome her intrusion, so she continued to the lounge, which already had the overhead light illuminating the room. The dog, Barney, was on the mat still, or again. He snuffled in his sleep, maybe chasing rabbits. She couldn’t remember which side of the rabbit fence the property was situated. It had to be close. She’d forgotten so much in her years in the city. She hesitated, looking around. Should she make herself comfortable or go looking for someone?

‘You’re still here.’

Kimberley emerged from the hall, scrubbed up in clean jeans and a long-sleeved checked shirt, her hair neat in a single plait over one shoulder. Cassie wondered if she owned a dress. She shook the question away. Not her business and she could hardly judge on one day’s acquaintance.

‘I’ll be living here for a while until I get something sorted.’

‘Yeah, Dad said.’ She shoved her hands into her jean pockets. ‘He also said I have to be polite to you.’

Cassie suppressed a smile. ‘I’m sure he didn’t need to remind you.’

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