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Ella was totally pissed off. Jake knew she blamed him. The last puppy of the litter—the one she’d especially chosen to train—was gone.
It was only two days since Sal, the best dog he’d ever owned, and her pup, had chased a rabbit through the jam trees clustered along the fence line in the paddock near the farm house. In the stand of trees was a huge rabbit warren, always something of a nightmare for as long as Jake could remember. Now they’d help create a meltdown between him and Ella.
“You know, it’s no use crying over spilt milk,” Jake said to the red, blotchy face on the pillow next to his. “We can check out what’s available at Stonecrest Bay. Should be some good breeders there. And the fair’s only a couple of weeks away.”
A long snort followed, as Ella sat up, sniffing loudly. Jake rattled on, aware his attempts at consolation were rocky. “I’ve booked a room at a bed and breakfast.”
Jake gazed at her ramrod straight back as she yanked a tissue from the box. She blew her nose, and turned. Jake withered under her glare. He should have known better. A few brief moments of silence fell before the explosion Jake had known was coming, erupted.
“I’m not going there.” Jake wiped his face as Ella all but spat the words at him. “If that’s the best you can come up with, I’m done.”
“What’s wrong with Stonecrest Bay?” Jake’s question was met with stony silence.
Ella flounced out of bed, pulled a case from the top of the wardrobe and began tossing clothes into it, all the while shouting he could’ve been more careful and ranting about how much she hated fairs. Her last words, as she dragged the suitcase through the door, were something to do with him not trying to contact her, not ever.
Sighing, Jake rested his head back on the pillow. Even though he didn’t follow her out, he figured she’d left in a cloud of dust from the way her car wheels had spun on the gravel.
“God, she’s such a drama queen when she doesn’t get her own way,” Jake said to the space she’d left. The space where she’d slept beside him for the past two and a half years. “Come on, Sal.” He patted the bed covers. “At least you won’t leave me.”
Sal leapt onto the bed and nuzzled her head into Jake’s shoulder as he stroked her back. She whined and wagged her tail at the rare treat. Sal snored long before Jake’s mind stopped ticking over.
***
SAL’S PUP, TIPPY—ON account of the tip of white on her tail—was perfect, and Ella had adored her. Tippy had been the pick of the litter, the one to take over from Sal, who was showing signs of old age and was becoming too slow rounding up sheep on her own. Ella had kept Tippy aside to train her. But she’d escaped from her pen and raced after her mother, yipping and yelping at the sight of the bundles of soft, grey rabbit fur leaping through the bush.
Tippy had gotten stuck when she’d chased a rabbit right into its hole. By the time Ella had worked out why Sal and Tippy wouldn’t come, when she'd called them for dinner that evening, it was too late. Ella had followed the sound of Sal’s yapping and whining which led her to the rabbit warren. There, Ella had noticed the furry end of Tippy’s tail part way down a hole. Tippy had been too eager to catch her prey and trapped herself in the burrow.
Ella had turned her fury on Jake, who had promised her this litter to train up or sell. Jake, who, in Ella’s opinion, hadn’t lifted a finger while she’d found homes for all but this pup. Tippy was irreplaceable. Ella’s anger, unrelenting.
“You were supposed to mend the kennel,” she’d yelled. “I told you about the hole in the fence and you said you’d mend it. Why the hell didn’t you fix it?”
Jake had had enough. “If you knew the hole was there, you could’ve fixed it. You know how to use a pair of pliers and a bit of wire.” Furious, he had thrown the new roll of fencing wire he’d just fetched from town, off the back of the ute. It was too late now to be of any use as far as he was concerned. There were no more pups to keep in and he doubted Sal would push her way through. Even if she did, she wouldn’t go far.
Jake had turned his back on Ella and stormed up to the sheds barely a hundred metres away to give himself time to cool down. He was furious at the loss of a good pup. But, if he said anything further to Ella, she’d only find more things to blame him for. It wasn’t as if the hole the dogs had dug in the far corner beneath the wire and the sturdy posts, was very big. But it was obvious it had been just big enough to be an escape route for poor Tippy. With Ella insisting on selling all the other pups, he had no alternative now but to go to Stonecrest Bay to check out the dogs at the annual fair for a replacement.
But Ella hated Stonecrest Bay for reasons he couldn’t fathom, and she’d hit the roof. She hadn’t wanted to go the previous two years either, inventing every excuse under the sun. Mentioning it appeared to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was why she’d stormed off, and left him in the lurch.
***
THE DAY BEFORE THE fair, Jake opened the door of his four-wheel drive. “Come on, old girl. Let’s get going.”
Sal yipped and wagged her tail. Usually she travelled in the back, but Jake pointed to the floor space on the passenger side and Sal curled up.
“We’re off.” He closed the farm gates, glanced around to make sure everything was in order and thudded his door shut.
Sal’s ears pricked up at the sound of the message tone coming from Jake’s mobile phone. He checked the screen. “Far out. What? Another message! She told me not to contact her. She can take a hike, what do you reckon, old girl?” Sal whined. “Okay.” He pulled over and listened to Ella’s message, the four hundredth—or so it seemed in the past two weeks.
“I changed my mind. I’ll be at the festival in Stonecrest Bay. Figure you’re still going. Hope I see you there. And by the way I...” The message ended.
“I wonder what made her change her mind, hey, Sal. Who knows?” Jake shrugged, and Sal pricked up both ears and nuzzled forward. “Yeah, I know you miss her. We’ll be there soon enough.” Jake scowled. He didn’t really want to see Ella again. He reached down and patted Sal. “You’ll get to see her, even if I don’t want to.”
***
IT HAD BEEN AROUND two and half years ago when he’d engaged Ella to help him on the farm after his dad had died. Red-headed and fiery, she’d caught his eye at the local bar in town, which she was passing through as a backpacker on the lookout for work. She’d turned out to be a good worker, although Jake would never say, brilliant. He hadn’t bargained on her flaunting her sexiness. It had sucked him to her bed like a magnet. He knew he was lonely for company. He’d let things take what seemed their natural course with Ella, way too fast. It had taken a while before he saw past her charming smiles and cute curves. Too late, he realised, even though opposites might attract, it sure didn’t mean they got along. He knew he was in too deep to pull out easily. Over the past year, he’d lost track of how many times his gut had recoiled when she insisted on her way.
Jake turned up the music a few notches. Sal stirred and put her paws over her head. He glanced in the rear-view mirror and noted the dry dust from the gravel road rise behind his vehicle and cloud his vision. One thing was certain. He didn’t want Ella in his life, not after this last incident. One of way too many to count.
Jake drove the four hundred or so kilometres to the beachside town with music blaring the whole way. Stonecrest Bay’s annual fair and dog show was the biggest in the region and he hoped to buy a purebred Border Collie. Sal was the perfect Kelpie and would be hard to match. She’d been his right arm, working the stock on the farm but she was already eight years old and he needed a good dog to work with the sheep as well as for breeding. A change of breed would break away from the memories he’d built with Ella, especially after what had happened with Sal’s last litter and poor Tippy.
“Not that I don’t love you, old girl.”
Sal stirred in her sleep.
***
SEVERAL HOURS LATER, Jake pulled into the bed and breakfast. Sal jumped from the open door of the vehicle and stood by his side. He patted her head. “Thank God they accept dogs. Glad we made this booking a few weeks back, just in case I got Ella to change her mind and come with me.”
A mop of red hair blowing in the late afternoon sea breeze caught his attention. He groaned. He hadn’t even checked the booking before leaving the farm. If Ella had the room, where would he get accommodation? There was no way he was going to share it with her.
“Hi, there.” Her greeting was bright and breezy. “Good trip?” It was as though nothing had happened. Ella bent down and patted Sal before standing squarely in front of Jake. She was tall, nearly matching him for height. She cocked her head to one side and turned her bright green eyes at him. “I’ve got our room. Didn’t you get my message?”
He’d half expected her to invite him to join her, but her frosty smile froze the blood in his veins. Her smile—her best form of manipulation, which had charmed him when they first met—was pure ice. Jake’s stomach churned.
He turned on his heel and opened the Range Rover door. “C’mon, Sal.” He kicked at a piece of gravel and slammed the door shut after Sal jumped in. As he revved the engine and crunched the gears, he glanced in the rear-view mirror. Ella wasn’t in sight.
“Where the hell will I stay?”
Sal hung her head as though she understood what Ella had done. Jake reached down and patted her on the head. “At least one female understands.”
Jake circled the town, checking every accommodation source. Anywhere anyone suggested was fully booked. Finally, at the suggestion of the last place, he parked in front of The Funny Bone, the local grooming business.
“Should’ve tried here first. Let’s see if Dee knows anyone with a room. You wait here.” He wound the window down for fresh air for Sal.
***
JAKE HAD MET DEE CHAMBERS the first time he’d come to Stonecrest Bay a few years ago. He hadn’t seen her since the last dog fair he’d come to though, just before he’d met Ella.
“Hey, there, Dee.” He was so desperate for somewhere to lodge, he came straight to the point. “Do you know of anyone with a spare room?”
Her questioning look required an explanation.
“Sorry, Dee. It’s been a long day. Ella’s taken my booking.” God, this was awkward. Most likely, Dee didn’t even know Ella. “My ex-girlfriend. We split up. I didn’t know she planned on coming.” He fidgeted. Darn it. This was embarrassing.
“I’m sorry to hear what happened.” Dee turned and called into the back room. “Harley, Abbey, do you know anyone with a spare room?”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. The town’s been booked out for weeks,” Harley shouted back, not venturing into the shop.
“You might like to try...” Abbey’s voice followed Harley’s but Jake didn’t hear her answer. Why had Dee turned pale when the doorbell rang? He turned to see who had entered the shop. His heart jolted. If it weren’t for the blonde, long waves of hair instead of red, he’d have sworn he was looking at Ella. Jake took an involuntary step back, and smacked into the counter.
“Hi. I’m Megan. Meg for short.” Meg smiled at Jake as she walked past him and dumped a pile of dog garments on the shop counter. She offered her hand to shake his, breaking Jake out of his stupor.
As if on auto pilot, he extended his hand to Meg’s. “Jake,” he said. Frissons of electricity charged through him. Had Meg noticed? He pulled his hand away but not before he caught a glint in Meg’s eyes. Jake’s heart pounded. He forced himself to turn back to Dee.
“About the accommodation,” Dee said, “Sorry, it seems we can’t help you.”
“My cottage is free. I mean, unoccupied. If you’d like to rent it,” Meg offered. Jake’s head reeled. Electricity sizzled from him. Did she feel it, too? He couldn’t take his eyes off this tall, blonde bombshell.
“I’ve got Sal with me,” he said, his senses still not functioning.
“Uh...okay. I don’t want to let the cottage out to just anyone, though. Can you give me a reference?” Meg asked.
“He knows Ella,” Dee chipped in. She gave Meg a long look as if to say, please don’t ask any questions.
Jake prickled at the unexpected link made to Ella. He didn’t miss Meg’s quizzical expression as she glanced from Dee to him. But Meg didn’t miss a beat.
“Sure. It’s got a double bed in it. It’s yours if you want it. My dad got ill and it was only last night that mum cancelled coming to the fair.”
“I was about to tell you, Jake, when Meg walked in.” Abbey said, as she rummaged through the bundle of dog jackets Meg had brought in.
“You didn’t say anything to me.” Harley appeared and stood alongside Abbey.
“Why should I tell you everything, Harley?” Abbey’s eyes twinkled and she laughed lightly.
Jake watched as Meg scribbled an address on the back of a business card she’d grabbed from the counter.
“Go down the path to the back yard. The keys are above the door.”
As Jake opened the salon door, he glanced back at Meg. She was fully engaged with Abbey and Dee who were drooling over the dog coats, holding them up, trying one on each of the two Bichons Dee was holding.
“These are gorgeous. Are you sure you can spare them from your stall?” he heard Abbey ask Meg.
He stepped out of the shop and closed the door.
A few minutes later, Jake stared at the cottage. “Hey, old girl,” he said to Sal. “I reckon we landed on our feet.”
Vines trailed over the long archway above the path, which led to the front door. He found the key and let himself in, muttering a quiet word of thanks to the gods. The accommodation was perfect, and the owner was divine. But where did she fit in?
Meg was the spitting image of Ella. If she was Ella’s sister, how come Ella hadn’t told him about her? Come to think of it, Ella hadn’t really talked much about her family in all the time he’d known her. Maybe Meg was the reason why Ella had changed her mind about coming to Stonecrest Bay. Perhaps she had hoped to share the main house with her sister. Or maybe Meg was the reason Ella had avoided Stonecrest Bay for the past two years.
“Who knows?” he asked the empty space, weary after the long day.
Jake threw his bag on the bed. He could forgive Meg for the bedspread, which almost sprouted soft pink florals. After all, she hadn’t been expecting a single male to rent it. He checked the place before wandering out the back door, straight into sweeping views of the countryside leading to the ocean.
“What d’ya reckon, Sal? Fit for a king?” He stretched and breathed. The late afternoon sea breeze was refreshing.
Sal chased a bird, yapping with exuberance after being cooped up in the four-wheel drive most of the day. He knew she could sail over the low fence if she wanted to, but Sal wouldn’t stray.
Jake grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat at the outdoor setting on the back lawn, taking in the views. Finally, done with the birds, Sal slurped some water from the bowl he’d put by the back door before she slumped at Jake’s feet.
“No doubt this was meant for Meg’s father,” he said to Sal as he swigged the first beer down and grabbed a second.
“Glad to see you made yourself at home.” Meg stopped a few feet away.
Jake pulled his feet off the wrought iron table and shoved his guilt aside. “Nice place.”
“What are you here for?” Meg asked, straight to the point, no small talk.
Slightly taken aback, Jake said, “I want to check out Border Collies. Sal’s getting on.”
“Not Kelpies?” She eyed Sal.
“Want a change,” he said, not expanding, even though Ella and the tiny bundles of perfection she’d sold flashed through his mind.
Meg’s hair flowed over her shoulders and covered her face as she bent to pat Sal. “I thought Sal was your girlfriend, but Dee set me straight after you left the salon.” Her laugh was high pitched and nervy.
Jake ignored his thudding heart and focussed on the reason he’d come to Stonecrest Bay. His gaze swept across the patchwork landscape which flowed to the sea. “Divine location,” he said.
Meg nodded. “This is my parents’ property. I look after it for them. They retired to the city for dad’s health. Heart trouble. When they come to Stonecrest Bay, mum likes to use the cottage. It has special memories for them. They lived here while they built the big house.” Meg indicated the sprawling seaside mansion behind her. “Do you mind if I join you?”
She didn’t wait for an answer and headed inside. Jake heard kitchen cupboards open and close and the sound of bottles and glasses clinking.
Once outside again, she took a sip of her wine. A shrill “coo-ee,” broke through the warm evening air.
Jake’s blood froze. How had she found him so easily?
Meg rose and greeted Ella. “Hey there, sis.”
“Don’t look so peeved,” Ella said. “I just want to find out if Jake is still looking for a new dog.”
Meg swigged her glass of wine. “I’ve gotta go.”
“No, please, not on account of me.” Ella purred. In part, it was why Jake had fallen for her, but he’d learnt not to like this side of Ella. Any time she’d wanted her own way while she’d worked with him on the farm, she’d used the same attempt at sexy seduction.
“Look, I don’t know what game you’re playing...” Jake began.
“I’m not playing any games, Jake. I’m here to tell you I’ve found the perfect dog.”
Jake’s chair toppled as he pushed it back to stand up. He barely glanced at it as he squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. She’d done this from day one. Trumped him at every turn, always coming up with her version of an answer to what he wanted.
“I don’t need your help.” He stood and faced her.
“No, I don’t suppose you do.” Ella’s gaze travelled the path Meg had left on.
“It’s not like that.” Jake leant on the back of the chair Meg had been sitting on. Every fibre of his being oozed exhaustion.
“I loved you, Jake. You always pushed me away.” Her kitten-like purring churned Jake’s gut.
“No, Ella. You turn everything on its head. I can’t handle how you twist things to suit yourself.”
Ella burst into tears and flung herself towards him. He straightened himself and stopped her at arm’s length.
“It’s over, Ella.” He raised his hand in a stop sign. “It’s over,” he repeated, as if to remind himself as much as Ella.
Ella snivelled as she dashed her tears away. “I suppose you’ll make a beeline for Meg. She always gets everything.” She paused as if to give Jake time to refute what she was saying. When he remained silent, she continued. “There’s some good dogs here, this year. Good luck.” She thrust a leaflet with Mitchell’s Breeding Kennels emblazoned across the front at Jake and left.
Jake went to bed late. What was the story between Ella and Meg? He supposed he’d find out sooner or later. From the way Meg had cleared off as soon as Ella had shown up, it couldn’t be good. Sal snoozed at his feet. On the cool sea breeze, he caught the sound of restless dogs in town for the show. When he dozed, he let Sal sleep at the foot of the bed. It was better not to upset two women in one day by letting Sal leave her fur on the floral bedspread.
***
EARLY MORNING SUNLIGHT poured through the window. Jake pulled on a fresh pair of jeans and a polo-neck shirt. After Sal finished her bowl of canned meat and kibbles, he walked through the gate at the back of the property, down the path passing through the bush and discovered a dry creek bed. It was the height of summer and already the warm breeze promised a hot day. It would be nothing like the dry heat on his property, though, in the heart of the wheat-belt. This location was bliss by comparison.
He tossed a stick ahead of him and Sal raced off yapping and soon brought it back. He was about to throw it again when he spotted Meg. No mistaking who the blonde ponytail belonged to. She’d turned and was jogging on the spot, watching him.
“Hey, there.” She waved.
Jake clambered up the bank, Sal hot on his heels.
Suddenly, he felt awkward, but Meg had it all worked out, or so it seemed.
“I finish my jog in half an hour. Care for a bite of breakfast in the main house?”
“Sure.”
“See you there.” She turned and took off with a backward wave as she rounded a bend.
“What do you make of her, old girl?” Jake had sensed an undercurrent of tension, but it wasn’t the sort of tension he’d hoped for. He wondered what he had really expected. Mutual desire on account of one moment the day before?
Over coffee and toast, Meg opened the conversation. “Ella fell out with the family when she spent all her share of our grandmother’s inheritance on overseas travel.”
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” Jake said.
“I know, but Ella stopped by the house on her way out last night. She warned me to stay away from you.”
Meg’s nervous giggle and bright twinkle in her eyes made Jake splutter his orange juice. She ploughed on.
“From what I’ve learnt, I believe you were involved with her for a couple of years. I don’t know how much she’s told you. She’s always been the secretive type. I can guarantee she said nothing to you about the family fall-out.”
“She didn’t say a word.” Jake reached for the sugar and stirred two more teaspoons into his coffee.
“Mum and dad kept her inheritance in a trust account until she turned thirty, just like gran’s will said. She blew the lot travelling, saw it as her right to do what she wanted. Of course, I suppose it was.” She bit down on a corner of her toast. “When she came back, she hit mum and dad up for more money and was spitting mad they’d used it to build this place. She insisted they ought to sell it and share the proceeds with her. In her opinion, she was owed simply because she’s the eldest granddaughter and she knew gran was loaded.”
“Sounds pretty darn selfish. When Ella came to work for me, I’d known she’d only been back a couple of months from travelling overseas. It’s all starting to make sense. She asked a lot of questions about the business side of the farm. She sure was thingy about making a quick buck.”
“She’s a gold digger.” Meg paused as she drank some coffee.
Jake took a deep breath as if to take in this piece of knowledge about Ella. He leaned forward and grabbed the pot of strawberry jam and ladled a good-sized dollop on his toast, all the while thinking of the schemes Ella had come up with, including how she’d insisted on Sal having a litter of pups to sell. He’d worried about Sal carrying a litter at her age. But, like everything, Ella had gotten her own way. Sal had done well, though, carrying her litter to full term. Her pups had brought in good money from farmers in the district who knew her sound reputation as a good working dog. Only thing was, Ella insisted she pocket most of the income. After all, she’d claimed, it had been her idea.
“So, you’re here for the dog show.” Meg changed tack, bringing Jake back to the present. “There’s a lot of breeders in the competitions this year. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a good dog, or at least a good breeder.” Her gaze settled on Sal who lay on the veranda where they were having breakfast. “More coffee?”
Jake watched as she re-filled his cup with liquid gold. It would shift the headache lurking after trying to fathom what to do about Ella. It made sense now, her not wanting to come to Stonecrest Bay. She’d fallen out with her family in a big way. Why had she changed her mind, though, and stayed on? Maybe she still held hopes for more money from her parents.
“Ella gave me this brochure last night.” He handed the crumpled leaflet to Meg.
Meg rocked back on her chair, shaking her head and laughing. This time, it was pure music to Jake’s ears.
“She really hasn’t changed. Simon Mitchell is an old boyfriend. It’s his business. They’ve been seeing each other again, since she landed here a couple of weeks ago. He’s loaded. I’ll bet they’re already in bed together.” Meg’s hand shot to her mouth. “Oh, Jake. I’m sorry.”
“So, she came straight here from my place? Although, I suppose you wouldn’t actually know as much.” Jake laughed and the tension eased. He topped up his mug of brewed coffee with milk and sugar. “It’s all over between us. She walked out, wasn’t even coming to the fair. Guess she found greener pastures and has gone to graze.” A wicked grin followed his words. Yep, Ella had chased after money. Just as well they’d parted company, or his farm might have been at risk, from what he’d learnt about her.
Meg glanced at her watch. “Heck, gotta go.” She rose, taking her coffee with her. “I’ve got a stall at the fair.” She picked up a carry bag overflowing with items. “I make and sell dog jackets and pet blankets,” she added. “Maybe I’ll see you there.”
Jake wasn’t sure if it was a command or a question, but he did know he would not need a second invitation as he watched her disappear through the glass doors.
***
IT WAS DAY ONE OF THE program. Jake checked the events he didn’t want to miss and ambled through the fair grounds. Not much had changed in the past two years, apart from the number of stalls, making it clear the fair was still growing. He spied a banner which was the same as the one on the paper Ella had given him. He skirted the stall, before deciding to check it out. A tall, bronzed surfer stood on the opposite side of a table covered with literature. Jake pretended interest in the photos and brochures about the kennels and breeding programs. He was about to walk off when the flap at the back of the tent opened and Ella stepped through. At least she had the decency to blush.
“Si, this is the farmer I was telling you about,” Honey dripped from Ella’s lips as she introduced Jake to Simon Mitchell, the stall owner. “You know, the one who’s looking for a new dog for sheep work and to breed.”
“Can’t have it both ways,” Simon muttered. “Either breed ’em or work ’em, I say.” Surprised by his sullenness, Jake nevertheless shook the offered hand and talked idly for a few minutes before he excused himself.
“There’s a show I want to watch,” he said as he walked off, Sal in tow.
He can have her. Two of a kind.
Aloud, he said, “And who says you can’t have a good worker and a good breeder? You were the best I’ve owned Sal. You’re gonna be darn hard to match.”
It was an odd sort of day. Jake checked the pens where the breeders had their dogs on show, but there was so much choice. Before deciding, he would need to spend more time following through on all the dogs available.
“Jake!” He spun around and broke into a broad smile.
“Kit. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Jake was enveloped in a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. They’d known each other since primary school. He grinned at the bundle of neatly groomed fur in her arms. “Still love poodles, I see.”
Katie gave Jake a playful thump on the shoulder. Years ago, she’d thumped him much harder for making fun of her new puppy. A poodle. The one her parents had bought her for her tenth birthday. He’d said they weren’t dogs. Just ornaments. He smiled at the childhood memory.
“It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen you at the fair. Where have you been?” Katie asked.
“Keeping busy on the farm,” Jake said. “Are you still living here?” he asked.
Katie nodded. “I stayed on after my boyfriend left. You remember Rob. Surfer guy. He didn’t come back from Hawaii.” Katie’s face reddened.
Jake shook his head. “Too bad. You deserve a good bloke.” He paused as he recalled how Katie had a crush on him in high school. He’d been too young and wrapped up in helping his dad after his mother had died from cancer, to pay much attention.
“Anything new in your world?’ Katie asked.
“Same old...” his voice trailed off. He’d spied Ella striding across the oval, making a beeline for him. Jake noticed Katie catch the direction of his gaze and then look back at him. He shuffled from one foot to the other.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Katie said and was about to turn when Jake caught her by the arm.
“Please stay.”
“Hi there, Katie. I see you’re on the program, helping Dee out with the dog show again this year.” She eyed the poodle in Katie’s arms. “Still can’t choose a real dog, eh?” Ella laughed at her own joke before she turned her attention to Jake. “Simon has the perfect dog. I think you should buy it. I’ve arranged a meeting in his tent at half past four, tomorrow afternoon. He’s got to leave town soon afterwards, so I arranged it especially.”
“Ella, I don’t want to decide this weekend.” Jake breathed hard. Was she going to make a scene? Here, in public? Jake’s eyes locked with Ella’s. She took a step back. Jake jumped when a hand slid into his and Katie leant into him.
“I’m sorry, Ella. Jake’s promised to come and watch the pampered poodles show with me at that time.”
Jake drew in a deep breath. He took Katie’s cue and patted her poodle. Ella’s eyes spat fire.
“Don’t say I didn’t try to help.” Ella cast demonic eyes at Jake and Katie, turned on her heels and strode back the direction she’d come from.
“Thanks,” Jake said. He didn’t let go of Katie’s hand, though. He liked the sense of comfort it gave.
Katie released her hold and said, “I’ve an idea. Are you free tonight? We could meet at the The Seaside Bar and Grill. I’ll bring a friend who knows the best breeders. He works for Chambers’ vet clinic. I’ve got to dash now. I’m helping Dee with some last-minute grooming and setting up the Pampered Pooches show. See you at seven, tonight?”
Jake’s questioning look forced Katie to pause and explain. “You really have forgotten, haven’t you? Dee’s father runs the local vet clinic. He’s pretty tied up just now, but Joel Sutherland, one of his assistants, might be able to help. He knows a lot of the dogs and their owners. See you, later.”
Jake enjoyed the afternoon competitions, where well-trained dogs jumped a series of obstacles and others herded a few sheep into a pen. He noted the most successful and circled the winners. He would raise the owners’ names with Sutherland, and see if he knew which breeders they’d bought their dogs from. He checked his watch. It was time to get back to the cottage, freshen up and head to the restaurant to meet Kit and Joel.
After he’d showered, he thought better of taking Sal with him and knocked on the back door of the main house. He’d check with Meg to see if it was all right to leave Sal at the cottage. But there was no answer. Should he leave Sal alone? Surely, she’d be all right. Best he put her on a chain, though. He apologised to Sal as she lay guilt on Jake with pleading eyes as he tethered her. It was like she was asking who was more important than her. Important enough to make it necessary for him to leave her behind.
“Don’t worry, ol’ girl. I’ll be back.” He gave her a final pat and pushed the water bowl a little closer. Sal whined and put her head on her paws as she watched Jake stride along the path to his vehicle.
An evening with Katie would be good medicine. Even though he’d been at most of the fairs over the years, he hadn’t really caught up with her properly. Certainly not when she’d had such a loser of a boyfriend. He’d been a possessive one. Someone who’d ‘owned’ his girl. Jake had never been like that. He always gave the woman in his life plenty of room to be herself. Maybe that’s why he was still on his own. Attracting the wrong ones—those who took advantage of his generous nature until they tired of him and moved on. Like Ella had.
As he entered the restaurant, he didn’t need directions to his table. Katie’s bubbly laughter was infectious and drew his attention to where she sat.
“Hi.” She waved to him.
Jake wove his way to her. As he drew closer, his step faltered. Katie looked stunning in her white, off-the-shoulder summer dress. When she rose to greet him, he swept his eyes over the curves of her body, neatly hugged by the fabric. She tilted her head to one side, as if about to ask a question, and he caught his breath. Her shoulder-length waves of hair formed a halo around her shining smile. Noting his heart rate was going up, he forced himself to relax.
“You look stunning,” Jake managed. He smiled at Katie who returned his gaze with a quizzical look.
The moment was broken, though when Katie’s companion stood to greet him. “I’m Joel Sutherland. I work at the local vet clinic.”
He shook Joel’s hand. He was young. He really couldn’t imagine Katie with someone like Joel. He suddenly hoped Sutherland was only an acquaintance or business interest.
“I ordered you a beer. It’s still cold. Knew you wouldn’t be late,” Katie said, making a show of checking her watch. “Yep. Spot on time.”
“I hear you’re after a Border Collie,” Joel began with no precursor, no getting to know you talk. Straight down to business.
“Ah, yeah,” Jake sipped his beer and cast a long look at Katie. What had she told him?
“Like I said,” Katie picked up on Jake’s unspoken signal. “Jake watched all the comps this afternoon. He’s after a good worker and breeder—both in one.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. Had he really said so much to Katie? Maybe Ella had spread some gossip. If she had, it wasn’t doing any harm. But Ella believed he was looking for another Kelpie. It didn’t matter. Who knew how small-town gossip worked?
Joel paused as if recounting his thoughts. “I’d suggest Benson’s Breeding Kennels. They’ve been in business a long time. Sound reputation. I’m a bit compromised, though. They’re relatives.”
Jake sighed. This evening wasn’t going anywhere in terms of choosing a new dog. A compromised recommendation from Joel Sutherland meant his words couldn’t be taken at face value. Jake would have to take his research down another track. He cast a long glance at Katie.
“Joel, I wondered about Baz Kummins. I know he’s not an official breeder yet. His business is new. But he’s darn good with dogs.” Katie cast a look at Jake as if to say, bear with me on this one.
Joel appeared thoughtful again. “Baz,” he muttered. “Baz Kummins. Yeah. Good bloke. Registered his kennels last year. Recently bought a couple more high-quality breeders. Had no issues with his dogs. Just the usual stuff. Yeah, could be all right.” Joel appeared relieved, as if he were off the hook.
Jake pulled a program from the back pocket of his jeans. He smoothed it out and checked the names. Baz Kummins didn’t ring a bell. Ah, there he was, on tomorrow’s list of events. He’d keep an eye out.
“I’ll watch his dogs tomorrow. Check him out.” Jake swigged another mouthful of beer.
“How about some food?” Katie opened a menu.
“Sorry, you know I’ve gotta get going. The old man’s fretting over my mother. She’s getting over a heart attack,” Joel added for Jake’s benefit.
“Sorry to hear that,” Jake said as Joel pushed back his chair.
“It’s date night.” A broad smile broke out across his face.
“Thanks for the recommendations.” He hadn’t even asked about the owners of the successful dogs he’d seen during the day. He’d have to ask elsewhere.
After a healthy serving of Surf and Turf and a couple more beers for himself, and a grilled seafood salad for Katie, they each sat back, satiated.
“So, what’s happened in the past few years?” Jake asked.
“I gave up teaching after I met Rob.” Katie said. “He liked the alternative life style, so we shacked up and lived out of town.”
Jake noticed the colour rush to her face. He reached out to take her hand, but she slid it from the table.
“I didn’t mind working a few temporary positions. Like casual stints at The Funny Bone during busy periods.”
“Like now, for the fair?” Jake interjected.
Katie nodded.
“Dealing with animals is much easier than managing people. I honestly haven’t regretted my decision for one minute.” She laughed.
“What happened with Rob?” Jake sensed he was on shaky territory when Katie dropped her eyes and shifted awkwardly on her chair. He wanted to take her hand as she reached for her wine but he restrained himself. When their eyes met, hurt clouded hers.
“He went to Hawaii for some big surfing competition. He told me we’d get married after he came back. He never returned.”
A protective surge welled up within him. Katie deserved to be with someone who treated her well. He reached across the table to take her hand to comfort her, but again, Katie pulled away.
She excused herself to freshen up. He watched her lithe body moving through the room. He admired how she was at ease as she engaged in some light banter with a table of people she knew. He recognised Abbey and Harley from The Funny Bone when they looked across at him, and he smiled, but no one else in the group was familiar.
Katie always has a ready smile, and she’s so at ease with everyone.
He recalled how she’d saved his bacon earlier in the day. She’d barely batted an eye at the obvious dynamics between him and Ella. Was he falling for her?
After Katie returned to the table she said, “So, tit for tat. What happened with Ella? She came into Dee’s shop a couple of weeks ago while I was helping, looking for work. She’s ruffled a few feathers since she arrived in town.”
“She worked for me for a couple of years. We got involved. It didn’t work out.” Jake swigged his beer.
Katie appeared to wait for more, then changed the subject. “When I see Dee, I’ll ask her to introduce you to Baz Kummins tomorrow. She knows his family well. He’s a nice bloke. Young. What Joel didn’t say is that he’s brilliant at training his dogs, too.”
Jake smiled his appreciation. He didn’t mind Katie taking matters in hand, not like he had Ella. She made it appear seamless, easy and not pushy. They continued talking late into the evening, laughing about school days. Jake filled Katie in on how he missed his dad, and each of them shared plans for the future.
“I’ll see you at the parade?” Katie smiled her question as they left the restaurant.
“You actually want me to watch pampered poodles on parade?”
Katie laughed. “There’ll be other dogs there.”
Jake reached out to Katie, to say goodnight. She moved quickly, though, and simply gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“It’s been lovely catching up with you, Jake. I’m sorry. Things are moving too fast for me. It’s been hard since...” Her voice trailed off. She turned and hurried away. Taken aback, Jake watched her disappear, without once turning around.
***
THE MAIN HOUSE WAS in darkness when Jake arrived back at his lodgings. He followed the dim solar lights along the path to the cottage, where he found Sal asleep on the doorstep. She whimpered when he patted her, and was soon wide awake and licking him when he let her off her chain.
He sat out under the stars with a final beer and then went inside. Something nagged at him. Was he falling for Katie? The one girl he’d ignored who’d had a crush on him during high school?
Geez, that ex-boyfriend must have really messed with her head.
The Katie he’d known during their childhood had been easy going.
“She’s like a breath of fresh air,” Jake said, patting Sal on the head. “She’s so pleasant to be with, compared to Ella. You know, ol’ girl, I’ve missed my friendship with Kit-Kat over the years.” Sal eyed Jake, enjoying the attention.
Suddenly irritated by the course of events with the women he’d encountered over the weekend, he sulked. “Where’s Meg tonight, Sal? I thought she’d be home by now.” He glanced at the main house to check, but no lights were on. “Oh, well,” he sighed and turned in for the night. Jake patted Sal. When he closed his eyes, instead of Meg’s blonde head of hair, visions of Katie’s beautiful, chestnut waves that fell to her shoulders and her slender, sexy body snug in her white dress filled his mind. He had trouble drifting off to sleep.
***
AT THE FAIR THE NEXT day, Jake wandered around the grounds checking out the different wholesalers and their dog-related products. He found Meg’s stall and was surprised to see the range of goods she had on sale being pored over by customers. Jake wasn’t one for buying items that pampered a dog, but he could see they appealed to others who waited patiently for Meg to be available, as she served one customer after another.
After dealing with all but the last buyer, Meg paused and chatted with a tall, good-looking bloke in his late twenties. Jake didn’t want to interrupt her, but she beckoned him.
“Jake, meet Baz Kummins.”
After they shook hands, Jake said, “I’m looking for a new work dog.”
Baz smiled. “I breed Border Collies, if that’s what you’re after. Why not come and watch the competition this afternoon? Check out how my dogs perform.”
“I noted you’re on the program. I’ll be there.”
Jake liked Baz’s casual air of confidence.
Later in the afternoon, Baz’s dogs didn’t disappoint, as they went through their paces without a hitch. What did disappoint, though, was seeing Ella again. Her shortest pair of shorts revealed every inch—well, almost—of her long, tanned legs.
Clearly out to catch and keep another victim.
No need for bitterness, though. He was about to turn in the opposite direction when he saw with a jolt, she was chatting to Baz. Was he Ella’s latest goal? Hadn’t Baz been at Meg’s stall only a short while ago? Now, here he was with Ella and she had her come-and-get-me smile. What about Simon, the bloke he’d met yesterday? She really was turning on the charm wherever she could.
Too late.
Damn, he’d turned too late.
“Jake!” Ella waved him over.
He had no option but to go to her.
“What did you think of the last round of competitions?’ Before Jake could speak, she answered for him. ‘I think they prove you should buy one of Mitchell’s Kelpies.”
Jake hesitated. How did he handle this? “Your dogs performed well,” he said to Baz. He was met with a smile and a nod of appreciation.
Ella stepped closer to Baz and Jake could’ve sworn she began to purr.
No mistaking Ella’s puppy dog eyes.
From the way Baz was leaning into Ella, Jake could see he was enjoying the attention.
“Baz was just saying there’s a good chance he’ll win the trophy for his section this year,” Ella said
“I’d be interested in visiting your kennels after the weekend is over,” Jake said. He didn’t have the desire for small talk. Not with Ella there, fawning all over Baz. If he fell for her, he could have her.
“Sure, give me a call. I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.”
“Baz breeds Border Collies. I thought you wanted a Kelpie.” Ella pouted. Jake knew that look of irritation. She leaned in towards Baz and said something Jake couldn’t hear.
“I’m keeping an open mind.” He gave a nod towards Baz and walked off.
Later in the afternoon, he watched the parade of pampered pooches. Amidst good-natured hoots and whistles and shouts of, “Bravo,” all sorts of breeds sported silky coats as they were coaxed along the red carpet, which had been laid across the centre of the arena. Some of the fancier, smaller breeds even sprouted curls from bright ribbons on their heads. Each pooch was led by its owner in quirky dress for the finale of the fair. It was a fitting end to the weekend. Jake waved to Katie as she led her poodle across the carpet and whistled his approval. But he didn’t feel like joining in any of the partying after the show and headed back for a quiet drink at his lodgings.
As he pulled into the driveway, he noted Meg’s car parked under cover. Should he say hello? He went around to the back, sliding door. He was about to knock when he heard a voice from the path which led to his cottage.
“Hi, Jake.”
“Baz?”
“I just put a few more beers in your fridge. Meg said you’d made short work of the ones which were there.” Baz grinned.
Jake was taken aback. Baz sure knew his way around the property.
“Uh, sure. Very generous. Is Meg in?”
Meg stepped onto the patio. “Would you like to join us? We’re heading down to the Bar and Grill in an hour. After dinner we’re going to a party.” She smiled as she leaned into Baz.
Heat flashed through Jake as he caught Meg’s eye, followed by Baz’s. Was Baz two-timing?
“I guess you thought I had an eye for Ella,” Baz said. “She’s not my type, mate. Meg is something else, though, wouldn’t you say?” The way he looked at Meg was unmistakable.
Boy, did I ever miss that one.
“Maybe another time,” he said in response to the invitation.
He knew he’d felt an attraction to Meg when he saw her walk into The Funny Bone. After all, she was Ella’s double and he’d fallen for Ella, despite his best intentions. But now, somehow, since sharing dinner with Katie the night before, he knew his interest in Meg had cooled. Even so, confusion swam through him. Ella had been a pain every time they’d encountered each other in the past couple of days. Meg was stunning but taken. Besides, no way could he cope with any fall out from Ella if Meg had been available. He’d been so long without a girlfriend before he’d met Ella, he knew he hadn’t heeded his intuition to not mix business with pleasure when they’d become involved.
“You know what, Sal.” He reached down and patted her on the head. “Things have a way of working out for the best.”
Early the next morning Jake threw his bag onto the back seat of his four-wheel drive.
“Come on, Sal. Time for a romp on the beach. Haven’t had a chance till now. We’ll head home afterwards. What d’ya reckon?”
Sal wagged her tail before leaping into Jake’s vehicle.
Jake pulled into the parking area and jogged down the path towards the beach. Sal raced ahead, yapping at the seagulls. Jake was glad of the freedom. Fresh air and a heart-thumping jog along the water’s edge, with Sal splashing ahead of him, lifted his spirits. Sal bounded back and forth as he played chasey with her. He threw a stray piece of driftwood ahead for her and she fetched it back to him. It felt good to let the sea wash away the detritus of his encounters with Ella and short-lived attraction to Meg. His mind kept flashing to Katie.
“Hey Sal. How about you meet Kit?”
Back in his vehicle, he checked his phone for messages.
“I saw you heading out of town this morning. I thought you’d at least say goodbye.” Ella’s voice message finished with a half sob which scratched across his new resolve. He tossed the phone on the seat, slammed the Range Rover into reverse and pulled out without looking behind him. A resounding clash of metal on metal jarred him back into reality. Where the hell had the vehicle come from? A livid voice broke through his shock.
“You stupid idiot!” A female shouted from the window of her vehicle.
When Jake stepped from his vehicle, he saw a huge dent in the rear door of the van he’d hit. And pushing open the driver’s door, Katie stepped from the sparkling new van with The Funny Bone splashed across the side. He noticed her hand fly to her mouth when she recognised him.
“Geez, I’m sorry,” he said. “I’ll pay for the damage.” Jake smoothed one hand over the dent as though he could fix it, and roughed his hair in exasperation with the other.
“Yes, you sure as hell will. This is Dee’s. It’s brand new. She let me use it in good faith. Mine is in the repair shop. Now this one will be, too.” Jake had never seen Katie so livid.
“Geez, it’s the only thing I seem to be good at,” he muttered under his breath. “Making a woman angry.”
Katie gazed at the dent. “The door will probably need replacing.”
The corner of Jake’s four-wheel drive had caught it heavily, right in the centre of the panel. Jake was at a loss. “Kit, I’m so sorry. I really am.”
Katie calmed a little. “I guess insurance will pay for it. I wish it were my van, though. Mine’s old and crappy. This one isn’t even a week old. Dee bought it especially in time for the fair, so she could impress new customers who wanted their pooches picked up for pampering and delivering afterwards. She trusted me. Just as well the show is over.”
Jake was horrified to see a tear escaping down her cheek. He stepped towards her with a poor attempt at a smile belying the sick churning in his stomach. He reached up and touched her cheek where the tear slid.
“I’m so sorry,” he said again. “Don’t cry, Kit.”
He reached out to take her in his arms and reassure her it would be all right. Just as he was about to pull her to him, a sharp yap from inside the van distracted him. Katie moved away and brushed at her tears as though they annoyed her. She opened the driver’s door. A yapping bundle of fur with a bright pink bow in the middle of its head bounded from the van.
“I don’t feel like walking on the beach now,” Katie said. “I’d better get the van back to Dee and tell her what’s happened.”
“I’ll follow and sort everything out.” Jake’s heart was heavy as he tailed Katie back to town.
***
“IF THERE’S ANY SHORTFALL in the insurance payout, send me the bill.” Jake was talking with Dee. His businesslike manner belied his queasiness. She wasn’t happy, but simply acknowledged that accidents happen. If one thing was certain, the weekend had sure been a mixed bag of events.
“How about a coffee at Casey’s before you leave town?” Katie had stood to one side while he and Dee sorted matters. As she spoke, she bent down and patted Dee’s two Bichons, which had entered the shop from the back room. As Jake and Katie stepped from The Funny Bone, Jake’s stomach clenched. He’d heard his name called. He turned to face Ella, who appeared, out of breath. Her tight leggings and skimpy top suggested she’d been out jogging.
“So, you came back for your new girlfriend. Didn’t take you long to move on.”
“You and Simon make a good couple,” Jake bit back.
“Si’s left town. I told you he was going yesterday, remember?” Ella’s voice quavered. “I need you, Jake.”
Jake involuntarily reached out to Katie. To his relief, she responded and took his hand. A surge of warmth ran through him. Together, they turned their backs on Ella and headed down the street.
At Casey’s Café, the coffee was rich, perfectly brewed and exactly right, accompanied with fresh croissants. They sat at a table on the pavement outside the café. Jake reached down and patted Sal, who lapped water from the bowl near his feet and Katie stroked Princess, who was sitting on her lap.
“When your van is out of the workshop, why not come up and visit the old farm?” Jake offered.
Katie’s smile settled some of his unease. “I’d love to,” she said.
Jake caught the shy, self-conscious depths in her eyes as she held his gaze.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking since the other night.”
A surge of warmth ran through him.
“I might have to leave Princess with mum and dad, though.”
“Bring her if you want. She’ll be fine in the house. I can always make a safe place.” Jake’s mind flicked to the dogs’ pen. Not there, no. It would have to be inside or on the enclosed veranda. He didn’t know much about poodles but reckoned they’d be as fragile as anything on the farm.
“I’m heading off after we’ve finished here,” he said. “Visiting Baz Kummins on the way home. If he’s got the right dog on hand, I’ll probably buy one to settle in while Sal still has the stamina to run alongside for a while. I’d like her to have some company, too. She’s been lonely since her pups were sold and with what happened to Tippy.” He stopped. He didn’t want to spoil the moment with memories best left alone.
“You couldn’t make a better choice. Baz’s new set up is the best I know, and he’s a natural with his training methods. Even if you must wait, I reckon it’d be worth your while. Let me know what you decide.” Katie’s air of quiet assurance shone from her, settling any unrest he’d felt.
Jake drove the distance back to his farm with the promise of new beginnings imprinted on the steering wheel where he thumped the beat of the music blaring from the radio.