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When Ana told Liam about yesterday’s encounter with the taipan, his eyes filled with concern and he reached for her shoulders. Ana didn’t hide her smile.
‘Thank God I wasn’t in my house alone else I’d have had no idea what to do.’
‘I’m sure you’d have managed and called someone. But just remember, snakes are harmless if left alone.’
‘Yeah, so you all say. But that doesn’t mean they’re not scary.’
Agility training was underway and once again, Ana had gained Liam’s undivided attention. He looked good, as usual, and smelled like mango after spending the morning slicing up bucket-loads of the fruit to freeze. But the sweet scent made her insides flutter, so she glanced at Louis. His tongue hung out the side of his mouth as he panted with excitement.
‘Should we do hurdles again today?’
He nodded. ‘Yeah, let’s start there.’
Ana exhaled as she followed Liam towards the hurdles. They laughed and joked as they trained Louis and watched Steph fly over the jumps. Liam was so confident with her and Steph obeyed him with such trust. Their bond only made Liam even more gorgeous. Whenever Steph finished a task, she’d stand at Liam’s feet, her mouth open in a wide smile. She was an energetic girl and so beautiful, proud of herself and pleased with Liam’s praise.
The sight brought warmth to Ana’s chest. How could she resist a man who had such a big heart for his dog? They made a great team and it wasn’t only Steph who was amazing. Liam was far too sexy as he ran with her, his commands clear, their connection unbinding. Ana shamelessly watched his strong calf muscles ripple in the sun.
‘You’re going to be as amazing as Steph one day, Louis,’ Ana whispered as she watched Liam lead Steph through a small course. Sitting beside Louis on the grass, she pulled him close and rubbed his neck. ‘You like agility, don’t you?’
Louis’ gaze darted around the park, a clear sign he wasn’t listening. Ana sighed and watched as Steph jumped over the last hurdle and ran to Liam, bouncing around in a circle before placing her paws on his thighs.
‘You two are great together,’ Ana said when they returned. She stood and dusted her hands on her thighs.
‘Thanks. We work hard, don’t we, girl?’ He beamed at his dog before meeting Ana’s gaze. ‘So, what are you doing for dinner?’
Ana blinked, her pulse spiking as she tightened Louis’ lead around her hand. ‘Tonight? Nothing. I’ll probably whip something up.’
‘Well, I was going to whip something up if you and Louis want to come over. Steph and I would enjoy the company.’
No. It was a bad idea. Such a bad idea. It’d be far more prudent if they only spent time together among the company of their friends. She should refuse. Make up an excuse. Tell him she didn’t think it was wise.
But she didn’t want to.
‘Okay. We’d love to join you.’
Liam’s blue eyes lit up and Ana’s heart flipflopped. ‘Great! If you come around at about six, there’ll be plenty of daylight left for Louis and Steph to play.’
‘Sounds good. Do you want me to bring anything or do you need any vegetarian ideas—’
He dismissed her question with a wave of his hand. ‘I’m sure I can handle it and please, only bring Louis. Now, how about we go do the tunnels?’
Nodding, Ana contained her smile as she followed Liam across the park, but her subconscious continued to reel.
What was she doing? Dinner at Liam’s house couldn’t not be a date. She may want her life back, to have friends and be happy, but she didn’t want a broken heart.
Then again, it was only dinner.
Ana sighed as they joined the line at the tunnels. Relax, dammit!
But her heart continued to pound. Hopefully, the nerves would pass.
* * *
They didn’t pass. Ana’s hands tightened around the steering wheel, butterflies fluttering in her belly as she turned into Liam’s driveway. Parking next to his LandCruiser, she let out a deep breath. Everything would be okay.
She stepped out of the car and straightened her skirt. She’d had no idea what to wear and had spent too long rummaging through her closet. Jeans would have sufficed, but she’d chosen her favourite white lace sundress because the city girl in her couldn’t fathom the idea of wearing anything less to dinner. And looking nice gave her courage.
Letting Louis out of the back seat, everything inside Ana softened as she gazed around the property. The sprawling house was well situated among the shady gum trees, the cream walls shining beneath the dying sun. The many gardens overflowed with palms and flowering bushes. Well-tended buffalo grass enhanced the greenery and split pine logs lined the gravel driveway.
Ana smiled. It was everything she’d expect of a small acreage, and the fact Liam took great pride in his yard filled her heart. Because his home ... it was as though he’d conjured it from her dreams.
She quickly shook that thought away and told herself not to be foolish. Stepping onto the verandah, she rang the doorbell.
It wasn’t Liam who answered.
‘Oh my God, it’s true.’ Steph let go of the rope tied to the handle and smiled. Despite being forewarned, it was no less surprising.
‘Hey.’ Liam strode down the hallway and opened the screen door.
‘Hi,’ she said as Steph and Louis greeted each other with sniffs and wagging tails. ‘She really opens the door.’
Liam grinned. ‘She really does. Hold on a moment, I need to shut those gates. Houdini here will escape.’
He jogged down the few steps and along the driveway. Ana watched him, admiring the easy way he moved as she held Steph by her collar. When he closed the white wooden and wire gates, Ana unclipped Louis. He and Steph scurried down the stairs and away.
‘They certainly don’t waste any time,’ Liam said, returning to the verandah.
‘They’re already best friends. So, Steph likes exploring, does she?’
‘If I leave the gates open, curiosity will get the better of her. I almost lost her when I rebuilt the fence last year. The clever girl chewed through her lead and ran off for a swim at the golf course. She still hates being tied up.’
Ana’s chest tightened. ‘Coming home and not finding Louis there is my greatest fear. If he got out, he’d chase a car for sure.’
‘Yeah, Steph probably wouldn’t do that, but I’d hate to find her gone too. She has a metal chain now if I ever need it, although she tries to chew that too.’
Ana laughed as Liam opened the door and she stepped onto the glossy floorboards in the bright entryway. There was a modest dining room with sheer curtains in front of her and a formal living area with plush blue sofas and grey carpet sat to her left. A sense of welcome washed over her as she followed Liam down a short hallway.
‘I was thinking too,’ he said over his shoulder, ‘that we could work on Louis’ car chasing on Wednesday, if you like?’
Ana nodded. Wednesday was the Australia Day public holiday, so she wouldn’t have to work. ‘That’d be great.’
They arrived in the kitchen and open plan living area, which was simply decorated and tidy. A solid square table sat by the kitchen and two cream lounges faced each other with a wooden coffee table between them. A sliding door led to the covered back deck.
Ana smiled. ‘You have a lovely home.’
‘Thanks. I try to keep it simple. What would you like to drink? I have beer, water, or white wine.’
‘Water’s great for now, but I’m happy to have a glass of wine with dinner.’ Ana didn’t ask what they were having, but the aroma drifting from the oven smelled delicious.
Liam filled them both a glass of water before inviting her onto the deck. Ana lowered herself into a padded chair at his timber table and gazed out at the massive yard. His property backed onto Shadow Creek with a six-foot wooden fence and gate separating him from the bush. A cluster of banana trees brightened one corner and what looked like a mango tree shaded a stone bench.
Ana relaxed and sipped her water. She may have grown up moving around Sydney, but she’d always loved wide-open spaces. They provided such freedom and beauty. A kookaburra laughed overhead as Steph and Louis chased each other around a palm garden.
‘This is a fantastic spot you have here.’
‘Yeah, it’s quiet and there are always birds around. That kookaburra you hear comes every afternoon until dusk and the galahs will settle on the back fence later.’
Ana swallowed. She shouldn’t mention it, but the words came before she could stop them. ‘I briefly had a nice place in Sydney with a big yard.’ The opportunity to have a yard, gardens, and a dog had added to her excitement about moving into Rick’s house, all of which she’d enjoyed during the five months she’d lived there. ‘I loved having so much space.’
‘You don’t miss the city?’
‘Not really. Some aspects maybe, but I’m only a city girl because that’s where I grew up. I’ve always imagined myself somewhere semi-rural, I just never thought I’d move this far away. But I like Elizadale. It’s small and friendly, not including the Kelly brothers, of course.’
Liam’s mouth curved as he sipped his water. ‘And you’re looking forward to school starting tomorrow?’
‘Yep.’ She grinned. ‘I love the first day of school.’
Steph barked at Louis to get him to chase her. He responded and she took off through the garden. As she watched the two border collies, Ana’s heart filled.
‘Did you always want to be a teacher?’
‘I think so.’ She tore her gaze from the dogs and met his. Liam looked incredible sitting on his back deck, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Warmth filled her belly as Steph and Louis rustled the palm fronds and the kookaburra laughed in the sunset. Ana cleared her throat and sipped her drink. Perhaps it’d be best if she kept talking. ‘I decided to be a teacher in high school and fell in love with it during my first university placement.’
‘Teaching can be a rewarding job. I know Mum thinks so.’
Ana’s system relaxed again. ‘I think it’s even more rewarding to teach in a small town.’
They continued to chat as the pink-and-grey galahs settled on the fence. Steph snuck up on the birds in her slow sheepdog trot before bolting at them. They flew off, only to repeat the process. Louis quickly picked up on the game and Ana smiled. She was glad he had a friend. Did dogs make friends? Of course, they did. And it was lovely to see Louis happy again after the months he’d spent timid and frightened.
Liam asked her more about his car herding problem and she explained the best she could. He seemed confident they’d be able to work on it though, and they agreed on a time for Wednesday. Then he told her about his role on the town committee and his goals for The Bent Banana.
‘I want it to be a place that the locals can be proud of. And that people from surrounding towns will consider to be a nice weekend outing, like saying to the kids, “Hey, let’s go to The Bent Banana”.’
Ana nodded, understanding what he meant. Sort of like visiting the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, although not to that scale. ‘I’m sure you’ll make it something very special, Liam, even with the simple food.’
‘Yeah, the menu should be fine. I hope. It’s not all simple. I don’t mind cooking and experimenting, but Luce and Aunt Wendy helped out and we made a fabulous choc avocado brownie.’
‘Sounds delicious. With Meg’s family’s avocados?’
‘Yep. But I still think people like to eat what they’re familiar with, so I’m sticking to the sandwiches, fruit muffins, ice creams, and smoothies. I also plan to make it a dog-friendly place with a separate eating area outside.’
Ana gasped. ‘That’s a great idea! Then you can sell dog treats!’
Liam paused with his water glass halfway to his mouth. ‘Well ... yeah. I didn’t think about that. I was just going to advertise as dog-friendly and have bright yellow water dishes. You mean homemade dog treats?’
Ana nodded. She and Louis had frequented a dog-friendly café in Sydney and they’d sold the cutest pupcakes. Louis had loved them. ‘You could do cakes and bickies. And bananas are popular in dog treats, so it’s perfect!’
Liam grinned. ‘In that case, you better give me some recipes. Pronto.’
She laughed. ‘I’d love to.’
Mind reeling, Ana reached for her drink. She could see it now, sitting outside The Bent Banana feeding Steph and Louis banana bones. Life in Elizadale ... the possibilities seemed too good to be true.
‘Wow ...’ Liam slowly shook his head. ‘The things you don’t think about.’
‘I’m sure you would have sorted it if people started asking. But I still think the whole concept is a great idea. I can see it being a wonderful success.’
‘I hope so, Ana.’
He may have his doubts, but he seemed confident enough and Ana had no problem providing encouragement. The more she thought about his dream, the more excited she grew herself. The café sounded like Liam, and he deserved it. He’d already achieved so much for Elizadale. They’d won a title for Tidiest Town two years ago, the locals had embraced his dog park idea, and he’d also had a hand in the construction of the walking path around town. His passion for Elizadale was inspiring and it fired a spark inside Ana as she relaxed, laughed, and enjoyed his company.
There was something welcoming about Liam, open and not at all fake. What you saw was what you got. And as unnerving as it was, Ana liked what she saw. Liam was a kind, honest country guy who loved his dog, community, and really liked to chat. If they pursued a relationship, not only could they be lovers but also good friends. And there was something to be said about that. The lust swirling through her body heated while her reasons for why she shouldn’t date him faded with the sunset.
Steph and Louis curled up under a tree, panting heavily after their galah herding. The cuckoo clock inside noted the hour. Then Liam surprised Ana by taking her hand in his. Tingles shot up her arm and sent her heart into overdrive.
‘I’m glad you’re joining me for dinner.’
‘Really?’ Heat rose in her cheeks as the word tumbled out of her mouth, but she could hardly think when Liam was looking at her as though she were the most precious person in the world.
He brushed his thumb over her knuckles and her hand tingled. ‘Yeah. I like you, Ana. Ever since you arrived in town, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.’
It took everything she had to stop herself from melting. She wanted to share her hesitations, but instead, she smiled and decided to be honest. ‘I’d have to say the same. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you too. And I’m glad you invited me to dinner.’
‘So, would you like to do dinner more often? Tomorrow we’ll have drinks with the group, but I believe I’ve seen a veggie burger on the menu at the roadhouse, so we could go grab one of those?’
Ana’s pulse slowed. She wanted to join Liam for dinner, dates, and all kinds of fun. Even though her feelings scared her, her mother and sister were right. The plan for her to keep moving hadn’t been set in stone. Besides, according to her friends, Liam didn’t move fast, so she could make that work for her.
‘Sounds lovely, Liam.’
‘Yeah, I was thinking about dining out around here earlier and that’s when it occurred to me that the menu at the Royal Hotel isn’t helpful.’
She shook her head. ‘Not really.’
‘I’ll have to see what Smithy’s has,’ he considered, his brow furrowing. ‘I heard some rumours about a menu change. But anyway. I have no problem cooking vegetarian food, Ana.’ He smiled, let go of her hand, and stood. ‘Shall we have dinner?’
Liam fed the dogs first, then Ana followed him inside. The kitchen filled with a spiced tomatoey aroma as he pulled two individual dishes from the oven. Ana’s stomach rumbled.
‘I have a shepherd’s pie I love to make.’ He set the hot dishes onto plates, then peeled off the alfoil to reveal crispy-topped mashed potato. ‘But I figured I could use beans instead.’
‘That’s the perfect substitution.’ She met his gaze and smiled softly. ‘Thank you.’
‘It was no problem. I’m keen to see how it tastes.’
Her heart swelled. ‘You’ll love it.’
Liam switched on the outside lights as they returned to the deck. Summer warmth lingered, but the breeze was cool. Ana settled into her seat while Liam poured them each a small glass of chardonnay.
They dived into their dinner. Liam’s eyebrows shot up in approval while Ana resisted a moan. The veggies fell apart in her mouth with the right mix of tomato and herbs. Glancing at him, everything inside her softened further.
‘This is delicious, Liam.’
‘Very tasty,’ he agreed, scooping another forkful. ‘These beans are good. Bet they’d go well in a bolognese too.’
‘They do. Beans go in just about anything. But I will say I’m impressed. I like that you can cook. I’ve never known a man who does.’
Liam’s eyebrows lifted. ‘Seriously?’
‘I believe my father was adequate, but Mum was always the cook. As was my grandmother. And I’ve never dated anyone who had decent kitchen skills.’
‘Would I be right in saying you’re a great cook?’
Ana grinned. ‘I’ll make you dinner one night and you can find out.’
‘I look forward to it. But yeah, Aunt Wendy insisted on teaching all six of us kids. It’s a handy skill to have if you want to eat.’
Ana laughed. It’d be that way in the country. Sure, there were the pubs and takeaways, but the choices were limited if you didn’t know how to cook.
Ana enjoyed her dinner and felt disappointed when they were finished as she knew she’d need to leave soon. But she didn’t hurry. They sat and talked for another hour before he offered her some frozen mango. She’d never had it frozen before and found it to be the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted.
Afterwards, she made a move and Liam walked her to her car.
‘Thank you for inviting me over.’
‘No worries. It was nice to spend some time together.’
‘It was. So, I’ll see you tomorrow at the pub?’
‘Absolutely. Can’t miss Monday afternoon drinks. Especially if you’re there.’
He reached up and brushed the hair off her face. Ana stilled, her breath catching at his touch. She’d hoped he might kiss her, so resisted the urge to pull away as she held his gaze. When his hand slid down to cup the back of her neck, Ana lifted her chin and welcomed him.
She closed her eyes and responded to the kiss with gentle heat. Her knees weakened at the soft touch of Liam’s mouth, then he drew away. Her eyes fluttered open. His gaze pierced through hers, hot, blue, and full of want.
Ana’s breath caught. The kiss hadn’t been long enough. Thankfully, Liam thought so too as he swooped down and kissed her with more heat, more passion. Fire radiated through her, fuelling the chemistry that’d been bubbling since the day they’d met. Liam wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her closer. Ana surrendered as her body softened and her skirt fluttered around her knees. She felt strong in his arms. Cherished. She changed the angle of their kiss and let everything go.
She could do this every day for the rest of her life. It was the last of first kisses. Somehow, she knew that. And it was incredible.
But she had to go. Now.
Ana pulled away, releasing her grip on Liam’s arms and stepping out of his embrace.
He let her go. ‘I’m sorry.’
She shook her head, horrified. ‘Don’t be sorry. That was just ... I mean, yeah. We can do that again. I should be going, is all. Else ...’ She swallowed and blew out her breath. ‘Yes, I need to go.’
Heat rose in her cheeks and as he brushed her hair back again, she shivered. What had she been thinking? She was in deep now.
‘Yeah, if you don’t go, I’ll want to kiss you again. I may not want to stop.’
‘Trust me,’ she breathed. ‘It’s hard to do so.’
They shared a grin and risked one quick kiss.
‘Goodnight, Ana. Safe trip home.’
‘Yes, okay. Goodnight.’ She took the initiative and unlocked the car. ‘Where’s Louis?’
She called him and Liam called Steph for good measure. Both border collies ran around from the other side of the house.
‘Time to go, Louis. Say goodbye.’
Liam gave him a quick rub between the ears before Louis jumped onto the back seat. Steph leapt in after him.
‘No, Steph,’ Liam laughed. ‘Come here.’
He took Steph by the collar, but she dug in her heels and wouldn’t budge. Sighing, Liam simply lifted her out and Ana closed the door before slipping behind the wheel.
‘Thanks again. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
‘I look forward to it,’ he replied, smiling and looking far too gorgeous with his arms full of Steph. ‘I’ll open the gates for you. Goodnight, Anastasia.’
Her heart pounding, she shut the door. Ana waved as she drove through the gates, sharing Louis’ sentiments as he whimpered.