Page 18 of Jillaroo from Jacaranda

Holding her gaze a little longer than she was prepared for, he cleared his throat and ran a hand over the back of his neck. ‘I’ll just go and grab my bag and say goodbye to your mum, if she’s awake.’

‘She should be by now.’ Her pulse sprinting once again, she looked to her laced-up hiking boots. ‘I’ll wait out here for you, though, so I don’t have to take my boots off.’

‘Sure thing. Mine are a cinch to get off.’ To prove his point, he comically kicked them off in mere seconds, grinned, then disappeared into the homestead.

Rose took the few minutes he was inside to try to regather and regroup her zigzagging emotions. Only a week ago, she’d been completely torn up over Finley, and now here she was, enjoying Ty’s company. She silently reprimanded herself for feeling so attracted to him. It was a total mind maze, to say the least, and it was also the last thing she needed right now.

Is it?

No. She was meant to be healing, not swooning. What was the universe playing at, bringing him into her line of vision now, of all times? She really needed to get a damn grip of the reins of the horse Ty Parker had come in on, before she became reckless and rode off into the sunset with him.

Oh, in a perfect world …

The sound of Ty returning snapped her from her thoughts of galloping across a golden field, cuddled up behind Ty, and back to the present moment. ‘Ready to head off then?’

‘Sure am.’ He slipped his socked feet back into his boots.

‘You see Mum?’

‘Yup. I got to say goodbye to the whole lot of them.’ He thumbed over his shoulder. ‘They’re all in the kitchen, getting breakfast on the way. It smells bloody delicious, I have to say.’

‘You can stay for some brekkie, if you like?’ Rose hoped she didn’t sound as desperate as she felt for him to do so.

‘Your mum already offered, but as inviting as it is, I really should head back to Wildstone Station. I’ve got heaps to catch up on after being away for a few days. And I need to let the old bloke looking after my place get back to his place.’

Knowing the amount of blood, sweat and tears it took to run a cattle property, Rose nodded. ‘Totally understand.’ With Rose leading the way, they wandered down the front steps and towards where his four-wheel drive was parked beneath a towering paperbark tree.

Tossing the bag into the trayback, Ty stopped short of her, shoved his hands into his pockets and then rocked back on his heels. ‘So, Rose Jones. Hopefully I’ll see you soon, out at my station, if you accept my offer of a little stay-cay.’

Raising a hand, Rose shielded her eyes from the brilliance of the sunrise. ‘Yeah, we’ll see.’

‘We surely will.’ Ty lingered in a moment of hesitation before leaning in and brushing an awkward kiss on her cheek. ‘Bye then.’

Rose found his unease endearing, as was the fact he’d just planted a kiss on her. ‘Bye, Mr Parker.’

Settling in behind the wheel of his LandCruiser, Ty slipped his sunglasses on and revved the engine to life. ‘Thanks again for having me, Rose. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and the family.’ His lips curved upwards, deepening his dimples. ‘They’re a real good herd, your lot. You’re very lucky to have such a loving, supportive family.’

‘Yeah, they sure are, and don’t I know it.’ Taking a step closer, she rested her hands on his windowsill – such a big part of her didn’t want him to leave. A silent, fleeting moment passed between them, one filled with a profound connection. ‘It’s been fun hanging out. I’m so glad you enjoyed Christmas with us.’ She stepped back a little to let him go. ‘Let me know when you get home safe and sound, okay?’

‘Will do.’ He tipped his hat to her. ‘And let me know when you decide if you’re going to come stay. I reckon you might find you love it out in my yonder.’

‘I’ve got a feeling I will too.’ A deep feeling of gratitude washed over her. ‘I’ll have an answer for you by tomorrow.’ She kind of already knew what it was going to be.

‘All good. Chat then.’ He offered her one last charming smile then drove away.

Rose watched the dust spiralling out behind him until he was completely out of sight. She felt a tiny tug on her heart the instant he was, as if he was dragging a little piece of her away with him. How could someone make such an impact on her in such a short amount of time? Looking to the sky, as if she were about to find answers there, she drew in a slow, calming breath, trying to make sense of this crazy situation. A week ago, she’d never in a million years have believed that she would cross paths with a man, a professional bull rider to be exact, who would make her feel so … well, for lack of a better explanation, so much, and so quickly.

All in all, whatever powers were at play, she knew in her heart of hearts that one very special man had just left – she wasn’t sure that spending the next three or four weeks around him was going to be wise. Then again, she’d always been one to preach being happy, and sometimes wise and happy didn’t go hand in hand. But maybe it was time she put her happiness above all else.

A couple of hours later, her belly filled to the brim with a lavish breakfast of Christmas leftovers rebirthed by her mother’s amazing cooking skills, she was bent over at Buck’s rear end, his foot in one hand and a hoof pick in the other. Lost in her thoughts, with Ty’s face front and centre, she barely avoided a slap to her face from Buck’s swaying tail. She chuckled as she straightened and place a hand to her aching lower back. It wasn’t Buck’s fault – the flies were relentless today, as was the sweltering summer heat beating down upon the awning above. Waving her hands about her face, she tried to shoo the pesky buggers away.

‘Hey, my handsome boy.’ She scratched Buck beneath his muzzle. ‘How would you feel about going on a little adventure to Charters Towers with me?’

Buck dipped his head and gave her a little shove to her chest – his way of letting her know he wanted a hug. ‘Oh, mate, you’re just too loveable.’ She wrapped her arms around his neck. ‘I have to make my mind up by tomorrow, so let’s just hope I make the right decision, hey?’ She sighed. ‘I know I should probably talk to Mum about it, but I feel bad taking off so soon after losing Great-Grandma. I feel like I’m being selfish and deserting everyone who’s been here for me.’ Hopefully, her ride over to Aunty Jade’s place was going to help put her mind into some kind of coherent order.

Buck whinnied and she chuckled ‘Yeah, yeah, I know, Mr Impatience. We need to get moving.’

Slipping her boot into the stirrup, she tugged herself up and into her leisurely riding Western-style saddle. ‘Right, my awesome mate. Let’s hit the trail.’