Snowy mountains dawn, p.8
Snowy Mountains Dawn, page 8
‘Cynthia.’
Cynthia didn’t appear to register Brenna’s resigned tone. After what seemed like an eternity, her exuberant hold on Brenna loosened. ‘This is unexpected.’
Brenna opened her mouth. But before she could voice a blunt response, Hettie’s soft touch on her arm had her reining in her irritation. She settled for a mild, ‘Is it?’
Cynthia’s head bobbed and her red-framed glasses slid down her nose. ‘You’ve already been to town once today. I didn’t think you’d be in for another week.’
Taite covered a snort with a cough.
Brenna replied through clenched teeth. ‘I don’t keep track of when I come in.’
‘I should hope not. As I said to Vernette, you have better things to do, like running your treks. A little birdie told me you just spent three whole days with Wyatt, who just happens to be staying here.’
Before Brenna could shoot back an answer, Hettie spoke. ‘I hate to interrupt, Cynthia, but I believe Dan has your meals.’
Cynthia turned to wave gaily towards her date, Dan, as he sat two plates filled with hamburgers and chips onto their table.
‘So he does.’ Cynthia’s attention homed back in on Brenna. ‘This has been such a nice chat. We need to catch up again soon. We have so much to talk about.’
Brenna didn’t trust herself with a verbal reply so she arched a brow instead. Nonplussed, Cynthia beamed a high-wattage smile. After waggling her fingers in the air, she headed for her seat.
‘I knew this was a terrible idea,’ Brenna muttered as she followed Hettie and Taite to their table, which was thankfully on the other side of the room.
‘It could have been worse,’ Taite said as he sat between Brenna and Hettie. ‘The old Cynthia would have grabbed your hand, asked Roy for Wyatt’s room number and marched you upstairs.’
Brenna grimaced as she reached for the menu. This was true. She pushed aside all thoughts of Wyatt to concentrate on choosing what would be her only meal in town this week. Until he left she would be stuck eating her own cooking.
Despite the numerous looks Cynthia threw her way, Brenna enjoyed her fish and chips. When it came time to order dessert, she pushed back her chair. The sooner she knew whether or not Wyatt was available for a game of pool, the sooner her nervous system could switch off high alert.
‘I’ll go and warm up. If there’s no sign of Wyatt, we can leave whenever you finish dessert.’
Careful not to make eye contact with Cynthia, Brenna left the dining room. She took a shortcut to the pool room past the office so she wouldn’t have to pass through the front bar. Elsie gave her a grin from where she sat behind the desk typing on a laptop.
‘Hi, Brenna. Did Trent contact you about the draft horse?’
‘He did. He’s hopeful Murphy might have a home, so I’ll have him for the short term. New computer?’
‘It’s from Wyatt.’
Brenna hid her surprise. ‘That was very kind of him.’
‘It was. I’m sure he’ll think twice about giving me anything again, though. He wasn’t so sure about me hugging him.’
Brenna smiled. Elsie was renowned for her openness and warmth. ‘You don’t happen to know if he’s downstairs, do you?’
‘He was but I’m not sure if he still is.’
When the pub phone beside her rang, Elsie sent Brenna an apologetic smile before answering.
Deep in thought, Brenna continued on her way. Thanks to the trek she knew Wyatt looked out for others, but there was no way Roy would allow a stranger to buy his granddaughter a present, let alone something as significant as a laptop. He was fiercely protective of Elsie and his family.
She pushed open the door into the pool room and found it empty. At the sight of the familiar rectangle of green and the pool cues lined up on the back wall, her tension ebbed. Just like being around horses, playing pool took her into another place.
Her love of the game had started after her mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. She’d been at boarding school and had struggled to find an outlet for her distress and pain. Playing pool in the recreation centre had enabled her to block out the real world by narrowing her focus to a single white ball. There’d also been something cathartic about whacking a solid object.
But when she was at home, while she had her horses and Taite, there had been occasions when she’d felt overwhelmed. Even though she’d been underage, she would sneak into the pool room at the pub. Roy had always caught her but whenever he’d escorted her out he’d give her a bag of her favourite salt and vinegar chips.
She took down the pool cue she always used and chalked the end. She then busied herself with setting up eight balls across the table. She’d just sent the first ball flying into the end pocket when the door to the front bar creaked open. Her senses knew it was Wyatt before she saw him. She’d caught the faint drift of sandalwood.
Just like on the day they met, when his eyes found hers, she felt the impact as a physical response. Beneath her shirt sleeves, goosebumps rippled along her arms.
‘Brenna.’
She gave him a curt nod. ‘Wyatt.’
He’d only been in Bundilla a handful of days but he’d already lost his crisp city edges. His dark hair was tousled, jaw stubbled and the blue cotton shirt he wore was untucked like many of the locals. ‘Hettie mentioned you play pool.’
‘I do, but it’s been a while.’
She’d forgotten how much she liked the deep timbre of his voice.
‘I’ll go easy on you.’
His lips briefly curved before he went to collect a pool cue and drag chalk over the end.
Needing something to focus on besides the bizarre feeling that she’d possibly missed him, she racked the balls into a triangle. ‘How’s Mia?’
‘Emily’s teething so she’s sleep deprived, but otherwise she’s had a better week.’
‘I’m glad.’
She indicated that he take the first shot. He did so. The way he made the break confirmed he was no slouch despite not having played for years. Further small talk soon wasn’t necessary. Her excitement built as Wyatt challenged her skills and tactical thinking. She couldn’t remember when she’d played such a fast-paced game, let alone had the feeling she mightn’t win.
When the momentum subtly slowed, the suspicion took hold that it was actually Wyatt going easy on her. After she sent her eight ball hurtling into her chosen pocket, the knowledge she’d won didn’t bring any satisfaction.
She straightened and set a hand on her hip. ‘That wasn’t a fair game. You let me win.’
‘Not at all.’
His calm reply didn’t mollify her scepticism or satisfy her competitive side.
‘Okay. Let’s play again.’
He shook his head and replaced his pool cue on the wall.
‘Wyatt.’ Her firm tone conveyed her offer was non-negotiable. ‘This is my last trip to town while you’re here.’
He stopped in front of her, expression unyielding.
She tilted her head so he could see her face and how serious she was. ‘It’s now or never.’
His gaze coasted over her features, and it had to be a trick of the light, but his eyes seemed to darken.
She held his stare. If he refused, she would be the one at a disadvantage. Even if she had legitimately won, which she doubted, the question would linger in her mind over which of them was the better player.
She didn’t realise Roy had joined them until she heard the crinkle of a chip packet to her left. ‘Young lady … do I need to check your ID?’
It was over a decade ago that she’d been underage, but Roy still insisted on asking for her ID and she in turn sweetly sassed him.
‘Do you have your glasses? The print on my driver’s licence is small. I’d hate for you to strain your eyes.’
She didn’t miss the amused lift of Wyatt’s mouth.
Roy gave an exaggerated sigh. ‘Your brother has never given me any trouble, but you …’
‘You’d miss me if I followed the rules. Roy, your city-boy guest here let me win and is refusing to have a rematch before he leaves.’
Roy passed Brenna a packet of salt and vinegar chips. ‘You might need these.’ He turned to Wyatt. ‘You haven’t told her, have you.’
As inscrutable as Wyatt’s expression was, it was as though shutters descended to conceal what little emotion had been visible.
Roy gave another chuckle. ‘You’ll have plenty of opportunity to play Wyatt again.’ Roy waved between them, his grin widening. ‘Brenna … meet your new neighbour.’
CHAPTER
10
Wyatt was certain he was witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event. The sight of Brenna lost for words even had Roy lift his brows.
Except Brenna wasn’t the only person who had been caught unawares by the old publican’s announcement. The neighbour bombshell was news to Wyatt too. He shot Roy a narrow-eyed glance, which he ignored.
When Roy had gone through the details about Strathdale he hadn’t once mentioned that it shared a fence line with Glenwood Station. None of the maps he’d consulted had listed the adjacent property names. And even the GPS directions for the two farms showed no location link as their front gates had to be on different roads.
As for the property inspection, things had happened so quickly he hadn’t undertaken one. Wyatt didn’t trust many people, but he did trust Roy. So he’d been satisfied when Roy had vouched for Arthur, saying that the photos and videos he’d provided were a true representation of the property.
Brenna’s mouth shut as she quickly rallied. Wyatt could almost hear the snap of her whip-smart brain.
‘Roy … how would Wyatt know about Arthur’s place, let alone that it was for sale?’
‘I told him.’ Roy’s tone was the gentlest Wyatt had ever heard him use. ‘Brenna, Arthur was never going to sell Strathdale to you. A city developer was giving him a counter offer next week that he was going to accept.’
‘Let me guess … the developer wanted to cut up Strathdale into hobby farms.’
Roy nodded. ‘Wyatt doesn’t look so bad now, does he?’
The tense lines of Brenna’s expression didn’t ease as she went to add her pool cue to the row on the far wall.
When she returned, Roy continued. ‘If it helps, Wyatt paid far more than the market value which will increase the worth of your place.’
When Wyatt threw Roy another look, the publican grinned. ‘Son, you could afford it and Arthur needs the money. He has a health battle which won’t be cheap.’
For the first time since Roy’s announcement, Brenna met Wyatt’s gaze. ‘What will you use it for? A weekender?’
‘That’s the plan. Mia’s excited about staying and loves the idea of Emily having animals.’ He folded his arms against a sudden feeling of vulnerability. ‘I’d also like to breed draft horses, like my grandfather did.’
‘Trent’s rescue horse … so he does have a home?’
‘He will. Arthur has agreed to a quick settlement. I’m planning to return in a month.’
‘Autumn will be here by then. Arthur’s place is supposedly stuck in the sixties with only one fireplace, so I’d be stocking up on thermals. There’ll be no more walking around with your shirt unbuttoned.’
She stilled, as though regretting her words, before spinning on her boot heel. ‘When you are here, neighbour,’ she tossed back as she headed for the door, ‘we need to have a rematch and don’t even think about not playing to win.’
The challenge in her tone was unmistakable.
Wyatt hadn’t realised he was still staring at the doorway Brenna had disappeared through until Roy cleared his throat.
‘Son, you’re going to need these too.’ He handed Wyatt a packet of salt and vinegar chips. ‘It’s no surprise you don’t remember, but you’ve met Brenna before, back when you were first here.’
Wyatt’s denial was quick. ‘I haven’t.’ He didn’t want to think of a young Brenna meeting the kid he’d been.
Roy nodded at the scar on Wyatt’s hand. ‘When Patty took you to the doctor, Brenna was there. She no doubt would have had her hair in braids and been wearing cowgirl boots. Some things never change. Patty said she came over to you. Patty didn’t hear what she said but it looked like she sassed you before giving you her chips.’
Wyatt stared unseeingly at the pool table as faded pictures crystallised into the image of a girl with white blonde hair, big blue eyes and knobbly knees. Even then Brenna had left an impression on him. He’d thought about her kindness in giving him her chips, and what she’d said, long after he’d forgotten he’d ever been in Bundilla.
‘She asked me if my hand hurt. I said no. She rolled her eyes and said something like “you’re such a boy”. I must have frowned so she said, “You know boys can cry. My mum said they can and she knows everything.” She shoved her chips into my good hand and went back to her seat.’
He scraped a palm over his face as if the action would erase the memories. What he didn’t say was that when Brenna had returned to her mother, they’d said something to each other before the woman had given Wyatt a smile. The woman’s expression had been so tender and caring it had unleashed his grief at losing his own mother. He’d had to squeeze his eyes shut to stop his tears. When Patty had put an arm around him, he’d been embarrassed and angry at being so demonstrative and weak.
‘Wyatt.’ Roy’s voice was quiet. ‘Brenna was a child. She wouldn’t remember either. But if she did, it wouldn’t be a problem. Your past … you’ll never be free, unless you talk about it.’
‘It’s behind me.’
‘Who we are is the sum of our experiences.’
Wyatt didn’t reply. Between grieving for Nick, struggling to support Mia, and Brenna always being on his mind, he had no emotional bandwidth to revisit his childhood, even if he wanted to. No good would come from unleashing his demons.
Roy clasped his shoulder. ‘A word of advice … don’t let Brenna win again. Once you’ve lost her respect, let alone her trust, you won’t get it back. You’re not the only one with things you’d rather forget.’
At his sharp look, Roy gave a smug grin. ‘So, it bothers you that your new neighbour has things to work through, yet it’s fine for your past to sit there unresolved. Living next door to each other will be good for the both of you.’
Still appearing pleased with himself, Roy left the pool room.
Wyatt remained where he was. While Brenna and the old publican still appeared to be at loggerheads, concern had threaded Roy’s voice when he’d talked about Brenna having things she’d rather forget. He hadn’t missed how Roy had given her the same affectionate look he gave Elsie when she’d left the room.
The vibration of his phone in his shirt pocket had him exiting via the door Brenna had walked through. He had a company to run. When he passed Elsie, who was on the phone taking a dinner reservation, he placed the packet of chips on the desk beside her. She blew him a kiss as he continued upstairs to his room. But once there, he found himself in no mood to return to work. He opened the French doors and stepped onto the veranda that overlooked the main street.
Beyond the buildings the distant rugged peaks were etched against the violet and pink evening sky. A cool breeze blew over his skin, triggering a yearning to be on horseback in the high country. He closed his eyes to temper the strength of his longing. There was no doubt that being in the mountains had changed him.
Instead of waking at dawn and working until late, he was behind on his to-do list. Usually content with being alone, he’d had more personal conversations over the past four days than he’d had in four months. As for what was happening in the stock market, he’d never not had his finger on the financial pulse. Just as well that after Nick’s death he’d structured things so he could step away from his private equity firm and all would be business as usual.
He sunk onto a nearby lounge and stretched his legs out before him. Only a slight twinge in his muscles reminded him he’d spent three days in a saddle. He linked his hands behind his head to ease his tension. He’d never felt so disorientated, not even when he’d wake as a child in a strange room in another nameless town. It was as though the person he’d shaped himself into to erase his past had cracked to reveal who he’d always been.
His attention remained on the darkening mountains. The streetlights below emitted a soft glow. Roy, and now Brenna, and even the town in front of him all were a direct link to everything he’d fought to escape. Yet not only had he bought a farm to tie him to Bundilla, he still meant what he’d said to Hettie. He did want to see Brenna again. As for Roy’s comment about Brenna’s past, this only intensified his need to help her. Both feelings were things he was no closer to understanding.
Maybe on a subconscious level, he’d known she’d been the girl in the doctor’s waiting room. Or perhaps it was because her defensive response when he’d startled her on the trek was something he understood. Whatever the reason, if he added in attraction to her blonde beauty and admiration for her spirit and honesty, he was drawn to her in a way he hadn’t thought possible.
He lowered his arms and flexed his tight shoulders. But he didn’t need rationality to tell him that such a connection had no place in his life. Brenna needed someone, even more so in light of Roy’s comment, who would be good for her. He didn’t let people get close to him let alone do relationships or emotional intimacy. Numbers and making money were all that he knew. He was barely able to support his best friend’s widow who he’d promised to look out for. Brenna deserved to be with someone who would always be there for her.
All he could hope for was that in the month until he returned, his real-world common sense would kick in. His reaction to Brenna would simply be a by-product of his internal instability. Surely when he next saw her, the curve of her bottom lip wouldn’t sabotage his thoughts and her smile wouldn’t make the day seem a little brighter.
He pushed himself to his feet and went inside to where he’d set up his new laptop on the small desk. He needed the oblivion of work to blank out how when they’d been playing pool all he could smell was roses and all he could focus on was the way Brenna’s faded denim jeans hugged her curves.
Cynthia didn’t appear to register Brenna’s resigned tone. After what seemed like an eternity, her exuberant hold on Brenna loosened. ‘This is unexpected.’
Brenna opened her mouth. But before she could voice a blunt response, Hettie’s soft touch on her arm had her reining in her irritation. She settled for a mild, ‘Is it?’
Cynthia’s head bobbed and her red-framed glasses slid down her nose. ‘You’ve already been to town once today. I didn’t think you’d be in for another week.’
Taite covered a snort with a cough.
Brenna replied through clenched teeth. ‘I don’t keep track of when I come in.’
‘I should hope not. As I said to Vernette, you have better things to do, like running your treks. A little birdie told me you just spent three whole days with Wyatt, who just happens to be staying here.’
Before Brenna could shoot back an answer, Hettie spoke. ‘I hate to interrupt, Cynthia, but I believe Dan has your meals.’
Cynthia turned to wave gaily towards her date, Dan, as he sat two plates filled with hamburgers and chips onto their table.
‘So he does.’ Cynthia’s attention homed back in on Brenna. ‘This has been such a nice chat. We need to catch up again soon. We have so much to talk about.’
Brenna didn’t trust herself with a verbal reply so she arched a brow instead. Nonplussed, Cynthia beamed a high-wattage smile. After waggling her fingers in the air, she headed for her seat.
‘I knew this was a terrible idea,’ Brenna muttered as she followed Hettie and Taite to their table, which was thankfully on the other side of the room.
‘It could have been worse,’ Taite said as he sat between Brenna and Hettie. ‘The old Cynthia would have grabbed your hand, asked Roy for Wyatt’s room number and marched you upstairs.’
Brenna grimaced as she reached for the menu. This was true. She pushed aside all thoughts of Wyatt to concentrate on choosing what would be her only meal in town this week. Until he left she would be stuck eating her own cooking.
Despite the numerous looks Cynthia threw her way, Brenna enjoyed her fish and chips. When it came time to order dessert, she pushed back her chair. The sooner she knew whether or not Wyatt was available for a game of pool, the sooner her nervous system could switch off high alert.
‘I’ll go and warm up. If there’s no sign of Wyatt, we can leave whenever you finish dessert.’
Careful not to make eye contact with Cynthia, Brenna left the dining room. She took a shortcut to the pool room past the office so she wouldn’t have to pass through the front bar. Elsie gave her a grin from where she sat behind the desk typing on a laptop.
‘Hi, Brenna. Did Trent contact you about the draft horse?’
‘He did. He’s hopeful Murphy might have a home, so I’ll have him for the short term. New computer?’
‘It’s from Wyatt.’
Brenna hid her surprise. ‘That was very kind of him.’
‘It was. I’m sure he’ll think twice about giving me anything again, though. He wasn’t so sure about me hugging him.’
Brenna smiled. Elsie was renowned for her openness and warmth. ‘You don’t happen to know if he’s downstairs, do you?’
‘He was but I’m not sure if he still is.’
When the pub phone beside her rang, Elsie sent Brenna an apologetic smile before answering.
Deep in thought, Brenna continued on her way. Thanks to the trek she knew Wyatt looked out for others, but there was no way Roy would allow a stranger to buy his granddaughter a present, let alone something as significant as a laptop. He was fiercely protective of Elsie and his family.
She pushed open the door into the pool room and found it empty. At the sight of the familiar rectangle of green and the pool cues lined up on the back wall, her tension ebbed. Just like being around horses, playing pool took her into another place.
Her love of the game had started after her mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. She’d been at boarding school and had struggled to find an outlet for her distress and pain. Playing pool in the recreation centre had enabled her to block out the real world by narrowing her focus to a single white ball. There’d also been something cathartic about whacking a solid object.
But when she was at home, while she had her horses and Taite, there had been occasions when she’d felt overwhelmed. Even though she’d been underage, she would sneak into the pool room at the pub. Roy had always caught her but whenever he’d escorted her out he’d give her a bag of her favourite salt and vinegar chips.
She took down the pool cue she always used and chalked the end. She then busied herself with setting up eight balls across the table. She’d just sent the first ball flying into the end pocket when the door to the front bar creaked open. Her senses knew it was Wyatt before she saw him. She’d caught the faint drift of sandalwood.
Just like on the day they met, when his eyes found hers, she felt the impact as a physical response. Beneath her shirt sleeves, goosebumps rippled along her arms.
‘Brenna.’
She gave him a curt nod. ‘Wyatt.’
He’d only been in Bundilla a handful of days but he’d already lost his crisp city edges. His dark hair was tousled, jaw stubbled and the blue cotton shirt he wore was untucked like many of the locals. ‘Hettie mentioned you play pool.’
‘I do, but it’s been a while.’
She’d forgotten how much she liked the deep timbre of his voice.
‘I’ll go easy on you.’
His lips briefly curved before he went to collect a pool cue and drag chalk over the end.
Needing something to focus on besides the bizarre feeling that she’d possibly missed him, she racked the balls into a triangle. ‘How’s Mia?’
‘Emily’s teething so she’s sleep deprived, but otherwise she’s had a better week.’
‘I’m glad.’
She indicated that he take the first shot. He did so. The way he made the break confirmed he was no slouch despite not having played for years. Further small talk soon wasn’t necessary. Her excitement built as Wyatt challenged her skills and tactical thinking. She couldn’t remember when she’d played such a fast-paced game, let alone had the feeling she mightn’t win.
When the momentum subtly slowed, the suspicion took hold that it was actually Wyatt going easy on her. After she sent her eight ball hurtling into her chosen pocket, the knowledge she’d won didn’t bring any satisfaction.
She straightened and set a hand on her hip. ‘That wasn’t a fair game. You let me win.’
‘Not at all.’
His calm reply didn’t mollify her scepticism or satisfy her competitive side.
‘Okay. Let’s play again.’
He shook his head and replaced his pool cue on the wall.
‘Wyatt.’ Her firm tone conveyed her offer was non-negotiable. ‘This is my last trip to town while you’re here.’
He stopped in front of her, expression unyielding.
She tilted her head so he could see her face and how serious she was. ‘It’s now or never.’
His gaze coasted over her features, and it had to be a trick of the light, but his eyes seemed to darken.
She held his stare. If he refused, she would be the one at a disadvantage. Even if she had legitimately won, which she doubted, the question would linger in her mind over which of them was the better player.
She didn’t realise Roy had joined them until she heard the crinkle of a chip packet to her left. ‘Young lady … do I need to check your ID?’
It was over a decade ago that she’d been underage, but Roy still insisted on asking for her ID and she in turn sweetly sassed him.
‘Do you have your glasses? The print on my driver’s licence is small. I’d hate for you to strain your eyes.’
She didn’t miss the amused lift of Wyatt’s mouth.
Roy gave an exaggerated sigh. ‘Your brother has never given me any trouble, but you …’
‘You’d miss me if I followed the rules. Roy, your city-boy guest here let me win and is refusing to have a rematch before he leaves.’
Roy passed Brenna a packet of salt and vinegar chips. ‘You might need these.’ He turned to Wyatt. ‘You haven’t told her, have you.’
As inscrutable as Wyatt’s expression was, it was as though shutters descended to conceal what little emotion had been visible.
Roy gave another chuckle. ‘You’ll have plenty of opportunity to play Wyatt again.’ Roy waved between them, his grin widening. ‘Brenna … meet your new neighbour.’
CHAPTER
10
Wyatt was certain he was witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event. The sight of Brenna lost for words even had Roy lift his brows.
Except Brenna wasn’t the only person who had been caught unawares by the old publican’s announcement. The neighbour bombshell was news to Wyatt too. He shot Roy a narrow-eyed glance, which he ignored.
When Roy had gone through the details about Strathdale he hadn’t once mentioned that it shared a fence line with Glenwood Station. None of the maps he’d consulted had listed the adjacent property names. And even the GPS directions for the two farms showed no location link as their front gates had to be on different roads.
As for the property inspection, things had happened so quickly he hadn’t undertaken one. Wyatt didn’t trust many people, but he did trust Roy. So he’d been satisfied when Roy had vouched for Arthur, saying that the photos and videos he’d provided were a true representation of the property.
Brenna’s mouth shut as she quickly rallied. Wyatt could almost hear the snap of her whip-smart brain.
‘Roy … how would Wyatt know about Arthur’s place, let alone that it was for sale?’
‘I told him.’ Roy’s tone was the gentlest Wyatt had ever heard him use. ‘Brenna, Arthur was never going to sell Strathdale to you. A city developer was giving him a counter offer next week that he was going to accept.’
‘Let me guess … the developer wanted to cut up Strathdale into hobby farms.’
Roy nodded. ‘Wyatt doesn’t look so bad now, does he?’
The tense lines of Brenna’s expression didn’t ease as she went to add her pool cue to the row on the far wall.
When she returned, Roy continued. ‘If it helps, Wyatt paid far more than the market value which will increase the worth of your place.’
When Wyatt threw Roy another look, the publican grinned. ‘Son, you could afford it and Arthur needs the money. He has a health battle which won’t be cheap.’
For the first time since Roy’s announcement, Brenna met Wyatt’s gaze. ‘What will you use it for? A weekender?’
‘That’s the plan. Mia’s excited about staying and loves the idea of Emily having animals.’ He folded his arms against a sudden feeling of vulnerability. ‘I’d also like to breed draft horses, like my grandfather did.’
‘Trent’s rescue horse … so he does have a home?’
‘He will. Arthur has agreed to a quick settlement. I’m planning to return in a month.’
‘Autumn will be here by then. Arthur’s place is supposedly stuck in the sixties with only one fireplace, so I’d be stocking up on thermals. There’ll be no more walking around with your shirt unbuttoned.’
She stilled, as though regretting her words, before spinning on her boot heel. ‘When you are here, neighbour,’ she tossed back as she headed for the door, ‘we need to have a rematch and don’t even think about not playing to win.’
The challenge in her tone was unmistakable.
Wyatt hadn’t realised he was still staring at the doorway Brenna had disappeared through until Roy cleared his throat.
‘Son, you’re going to need these too.’ He handed Wyatt a packet of salt and vinegar chips. ‘It’s no surprise you don’t remember, but you’ve met Brenna before, back when you were first here.’
Wyatt’s denial was quick. ‘I haven’t.’ He didn’t want to think of a young Brenna meeting the kid he’d been.
Roy nodded at the scar on Wyatt’s hand. ‘When Patty took you to the doctor, Brenna was there. She no doubt would have had her hair in braids and been wearing cowgirl boots. Some things never change. Patty said she came over to you. Patty didn’t hear what she said but it looked like she sassed you before giving you her chips.’
Wyatt stared unseeingly at the pool table as faded pictures crystallised into the image of a girl with white blonde hair, big blue eyes and knobbly knees. Even then Brenna had left an impression on him. He’d thought about her kindness in giving him her chips, and what she’d said, long after he’d forgotten he’d ever been in Bundilla.
‘She asked me if my hand hurt. I said no. She rolled her eyes and said something like “you’re such a boy”. I must have frowned so she said, “You know boys can cry. My mum said they can and she knows everything.” She shoved her chips into my good hand and went back to her seat.’
He scraped a palm over his face as if the action would erase the memories. What he didn’t say was that when Brenna had returned to her mother, they’d said something to each other before the woman had given Wyatt a smile. The woman’s expression had been so tender and caring it had unleashed his grief at losing his own mother. He’d had to squeeze his eyes shut to stop his tears. When Patty had put an arm around him, he’d been embarrassed and angry at being so demonstrative and weak.
‘Wyatt.’ Roy’s voice was quiet. ‘Brenna was a child. She wouldn’t remember either. But if she did, it wouldn’t be a problem. Your past … you’ll never be free, unless you talk about it.’
‘It’s behind me.’
‘Who we are is the sum of our experiences.’
Wyatt didn’t reply. Between grieving for Nick, struggling to support Mia, and Brenna always being on his mind, he had no emotional bandwidth to revisit his childhood, even if he wanted to. No good would come from unleashing his demons.
Roy clasped his shoulder. ‘A word of advice … don’t let Brenna win again. Once you’ve lost her respect, let alone her trust, you won’t get it back. You’re not the only one with things you’d rather forget.’
At his sharp look, Roy gave a smug grin. ‘So, it bothers you that your new neighbour has things to work through, yet it’s fine for your past to sit there unresolved. Living next door to each other will be good for the both of you.’
Still appearing pleased with himself, Roy left the pool room.
Wyatt remained where he was. While Brenna and the old publican still appeared to be at loggerheads, concern had threaded Roy’s voice when he’d talked about Brenna having things she’d rather forget. He hadn’t missed how Roy had given her the same affectionate look he gave Elsie when she’d left the room.
The vibration of his phone in his shirt pocket had him exiting via the door Brenna had walked through. He had a company to run. When he passed Elsie, who was on the phone taking a dinner reservation, he placed the packet of chips on the desk beside her. She blew him a kiss as he continued upstairs to his room. But once there, he found himself in no mood to return to work. He opened the French doors and stepped onto the veranda that overlooked the main street.
Beyond the buildings the distant rugged peaks were etched against the violet and pink evening sky. A cool breeze blew over his skin, triggering a yearning to be on horseback in the high country. He closed his eyes to temper the strength of his longing. There was no doubt that being in the mountains had changed him.
Instead of waking at dawn and working until late, he was behind on his to-do list. Usually content with being alone, he’d had more personal conversations over the past four days than he’d had in four months. As for what was happening in the stock market, he’d never not had his finger on the financial pulse. Just as well that after Nick’s death he’d structured things so he could step away from his private equity firm and all would be business as usual.
He sunk onto a nearby lounge and stretched his legs out before him. Only a slight twinge in his muscles reminded him he’d spent three days in a saddle. He linked his hands behind his head to ease his tension. He’d never felt so disorientated, not even when he’d wake as a child in a strange room in another nameless town. It was as though the person he’d shaped himself into to erase his past had cracked to reveal who he’d always been.
His attention remained on the darkening mountains. The streetlights below emitted a soft glow. Roy, and now Brenna, and even the town in front of him all were a direct link to everything he’d fought to escape. Yet not only had he bought a farm to tie him to Bundilla, he still meant what he’d said to Hettie. He did want to see Brenna again. As for Roy’s comment about Brenna’s past, this only intensified his need to help her. Both feelings were things he was no closer to understanding.
Maybe on a subconscious level, he’d known she’d been the girl in the doctor’s waiting room. Or perhaps it was because her defensive response when he’d startled her on the trek was something he understood. Whatever the reason, if he added in attraction to her blonde beauty and admiration for her spirit and honesty, he was drawn to her in a way he hadn’t thought possible.
He lowered his arms and flexed his tight shoulders. But he didn’t need rationality to tell him that such a connection had no place in his life. Brenna needed someone, even more so in light of Roy’s comment, who would be good for her. He didn’t let people get close to him let alone do relationships or emotional intimacy. Numbers and making money were all that he knew. He was barely able to support his best friend’s widow who he’d promised to look out for. Brenna deserved to be with someone who would always be there for her.
All he could hope for was that in the month until he returned, his real-world common sense would kick in. His reaction to Brenna would simply be a by-product of his internal instability. Surely when he next saw her, the curve of her bottom lip wouldn’t sabotage his thoughts and her smile wouldn’t make the day seem a little brighter.
He pushed himself to his feet and went inside to where he’d set up his new laptop on the small desk. He needed the oblivion of work to blank out how when they’d been playing pool all he could smell was roses and all he could focus on was the way Brenna’s faded denim jeans hugged her curves.
