Shadows of wildstone, p.10
Shadows of Wildstone, page 10
CHAPTER
8
Caleb dropped back a gear, and the engine of his Troopy rumbled as he gripped the steering wheel and navigated his way along the bumpy, twisting dirt road, fringed by vast fields and the towering trees standing guard on their patches of ground. Nyah, perched in the passenger seat with her chin resting on her hand, dreamily watched the landscape blur by in a colourful mosaic of greens and browns. The air flowing through the vents was thick with the scent of rain from the previous night, refreshing and earthy, as Caleb relished their cross-country adventure. Johnny and June Cash were riding shotgun through the speakers, too, their song ‘Jackson’ encouraging him to hum the tune along with the lovers’ twangy voices.
‘Remember when we tried to race the kangaroos across old Jack Henderson’s open paddocks?’ Caleb’s voice broke through Nyah’s reverie, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he stole a glance at her. ‘On foot!’
‘Oh my gosh, yes, I do!’ Laughter bubbled from her, and her bright blue eyes lit up with fond memories. ‘We were so convinced we could outrun them,’ she recalled with a tip of her head. ‘But we ended up covered in mud instead.’ She absentmindedly traced the outline of the birthmark on the back of her neck, a habit he knew quite often came with nostalgia.
‘Ah, the invincibility of youth,’ he mused.
‘Young and free we certainly were, Hart,’ she replied, this time a little sadly.
‘We still can be, Love, if we choose to be.’ Leaving her with this thought, he expertly steered them around the final bend, the four-wheel drive’s suspension protesting a little as they approached their destination.
Catching sight of what had been just a tender teenage memory, Nyah sat up straight, her wide gaze focused on the cascading waterfall meeting with the tranquil swimming hole encircled by towering trees. He quietly treasured her rapt stare—it meant he’d made the right call by bringing her here. The usually deserted spot was still one of his favourite places to while away a few hours. The cool oasis within the red-earth backdrop, with its sparkling waters reflecting the vast expanse of the cloudless blue sky above, was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Just like this fascinating woman sitting beside him in silent awe.
Slowing, he parked under the shade of a lofty bottlebrush tree, its vibrant red flowers striking. ‘Here we finally are,’ he said, killing the engine and letting silence fall over them.
‘Oh, Caleb.’ Nyah breathed in nice and deep. ‘It’s absolutely stunning.’
‘Ain’t that the truth,’ he replied with a chuffed grin and an affirming nod.
Smiling from ear to ear, she slipped out of the passenger seat, her aquamarine dress dancing in the breeze as her bare feet grounded with the earth.
Slipping his thongs on, Caleb followed suit. Mother Nature had sure stepped up to the plate. The sun was generous, enveloping their private retreat in its warm embrace. The temperature was just right for both swimming and basking. The splash of water flowing down the steep drop, into the pool they’d call their very own for the afternoon, was a relaxingly familiar sound that had been the backdrop to many of their youthful escapades.
He retrieved a picnic blanket from the back. ‘Perfect day for it, isn’t it?’ He spread it out with precision, choosing a spot close to the water’s edge where the grass was softest.
‘It sure is,’ she agreed, plonking their picnic basket filled with delectable goodies onto the ground, then settling down, legs crossed as she gazed towards the sky. ‘It feels like a world away.’
‘Our own little piece of heaven, I reckon,’ he replied with a smile.
‘Uh-huh.’ Resting back, she closed her eyes.
Giving her a moment all to herself, Caleb imagined her allowing the rush of the waterfall to fill her ears, as the cool mist kissing his skin raised goosebumps.
‘Actually, it feels like coming home,’ she whispered as he sat down beside her.
‘And home is where we can hopefully find peace,’ Caleb replied, his tone as gentle as the rise and fall of her chest. ‘Even if just for this little while.’
‘Yes, very true.’ She smiled, but didn’t open her eyes.
Caleb was relieved she couldn’t see him; fear of meeting her eyes and succumbing to his urge to kiss her, hot and hard, was overwhelming him right now. Taking a quiet, self-controlling breath, followed by another, he sensed, for each of them, that this place held more than just memories. It was a sanctuary from the many trials life had thrown at them, especially of late, a shared refuge where challenges and hardships were understood without words. Where united, silent contemplations spoke volumes. Here, amid the rush of the waterfall and whispers of the surrounding bushlands, a future together seemed possible, even if only for an evanescent moment. And he allowed himself this fleeting instance to imagine them together, in every sense of the word. Happy. Free. And so deeply, openly, in love.
Now that would be fulfilment.
Enjoying the serenity, he lay down beside her, his head in his clasped hands, and his now bare feet crossed at the ankles. Together, they basked in comfortable silence, two souls connected by history and at the same time being healed by nature. It was a rare interlude, a peaceful pause in the relentless march of time that he cherished with every calming breath he took, with each of them contentedly lost in their own thoughts yet bound by an unspoken understanding that ran deep.
‘Are you getting hungry yet, Ny?’ he eventually asked.
‘Now that you mention it.’ She turned on her side to face him. ‘I’m bloody starving.’
He grinned. ‘Good, let’s eat before my stomach eats itself!’
They both sat up, Nyah with her legs crossed beneath her. His hands, roughened by years of service and the caress of motorcycle grips and leather reins, worked with gentleness as he slowly lifted the wicker lid of the picnic basket. Nyah always made him feel like a softer version of himself. And it was a relished sensation.
Inside the basket lay a treasure trove of homemade culinary delights that he’d put time and effort into making. With hunger pains gnawing, his mouth watered at the sight—sliced sandwiches with perfectly trimmed crusts, two beautifully ripe mangos, and a miniature orange and almond cake. To wash it all down, they’d chosen a couple of mid-strength tallies from the drive-through bottle shop on the way.
He nudged the basket towards her. ‘Ladies first.’
‘Why thank you, Mr Chivalrous.’ With her grin a little sassy, Nyah reached for a sandwich. Caleb grabbed his too, and tucked in. Each bite exploded with flavour as basil pesto danced on his tongue, as did the sweetness of the beetroot he’d wedged between the lettuce and leg ham, so the homemade sourdough bread didn’t become soggy.
‘Did you really make all of this yourself?’ Nyah asked in between bites, her voice tinged with both surprise and awe.
‘Yup, every last crumb,’ Caleb replied with a proud lilt in his voice.
‘Well, you’ve gone above and beyond.’ She eyed the cake. ‘I can’t wait to tuck into that little beauty.’
‘Trust me, you’ll be in sweet heaven when you do.’ His nod was affably comedic.
‘Confident, much,’ she replied with a chuckle, enticing him to join her mirth.
Their laughter echoed through the tranquillity, blending into nature’s symphony of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls. As they enjoyed the rest of their feast, their conversation wandered lightly. Nyah spoke about her Ragnar with joy and love, while Caleb shared his own stories of how much Jet filled his life with happiness. And they both agreed that some humans could really suck, big time. True dog lovers they both were, that was for sure.
‘I hate to admit it, but I’m afraid of becoming bitter like my mother sometimes,’ Nyah disclosed softly, right before taking a sip from her beer.
‘You’re nothing like your mother, Ny,’ Caleb reassured her. ‘You’re stronger than that, and the kind of woman who isn’t defined by anyone else’s shadows.’
‘Thank you.’ Her gaze flittered then landed back on his. ‘For seeing me like that.’
‘I see things as they are, and you as you are.’ He offered a smile, and a whopping piece of cake.
‘Oh yum.’ Nyah couldn’t speak for pleasure as she devoured every mouth-watering crumb.
After they were sated, their conversation turned to who this mystery man of Claire’s might have been. As they sifted through memories and speculation, Caleb carefully articulated his thoughts, mindful of her still-healing wounds.
‘It’s really frustrating.’ Nyah sighed. ‘I’ve tried to think back, to see if I can remember any men that used to be around Mum, but I can’t recall any.’
‘Yeah, I’ve racked my brain, too, but honestly, I don’t recall seeing Claire with any men other than your father.’ He gazed at the reflective surface of the water. ‘And even more recently…I haven’t seen her out and about much, let alone with a man.’ Rubbing his five o’clock shadow, he sighed. ‘But I’m not going to give up trying to find out who it was, because my gut tells me he knows things.’
‘Mine too.’ Nyah nodded, her voice softly affirming.
Caleb reached out and squeezed her hand. ‘One way or another, I’ll find out what happened to Skye, even if my hunch about your mother’s affair has nothing to do with it.’
‘If anyone will, I know it’ll be you, Caleb.’ She squeezed his hand back in gratitude.
* * *
Nyah was so thankful for this magnificent man lying beside her. She couldn’t imagine living her life back in Cairns without having him nearby. But for now, tucked within this peaceful corner of the world, with him for company, she found the refuge she’d been aching for, if only for this little while. She knew deep down in her heart that they’d reforged a bond that went beyond mere friendship, but friendly companionship would have to suffice. Anything else would jeopardise their connection—a long-distance relationship wasn’t on her agenda. Nor would it be on his, she was sure of it.
‘Right, Love.’ A mischievous glint danced in Caleb’s deep brown eyes as he stood up. ‘I reckon we go and have a dunk, what say you?’ His lips curved upward in that familiar, disarming smile.
Her breath caught, and she gulped down the overpowering rush of lust. Something close to unstoppable was happening between them, and she was terrified of it gaining traction and taking over her willpower. ‘I, ahhh…’ She hesitated for a moment with her gaze drifting away from him and over to where the waterfall’s touch sent ripples dancing under the warm sun.
Come on, Love, you only live once…
Damn her insistent inner wild child. ‘Oh, what the hell, why not!’ A swim wasn’t going to hurt anyone.
Caleb couldn’t strip down fast enough, revealing the tattooed stories etched across his chest, over his left shoulder and down both arms. The choice of tribal ink suited him, as did the Viking-inspired axe and Nordic verse on his chest that read bravery is half the victory. Needing a second to stop her eyes from devouring him, she jumped to her feet and tugged her dress overhead, revealing the bright yellow bikini that hugged her womanly curves like a second skin. At first a little shy, she secretly relished the fact that she caught Caleb staring, very fleetingly, before he quickly glanced towards the water. Ha, they were both trying the same trick. She just hoped the water held their wavering attentions while they submerged, dangerously together. They took a few steps, then with toes dipping into the cool embrace of the swimming hole, they waded in a little deeper.
‘How about a race over to the waterfall?’ Caleb challenged spiritedly.
‘Your Ducati may be fast on land, Hart, but in water, I’m the uncontested champion,’ she retorted with a playful grin before surging forward with an urgency born from years of childhood rivalry.
Gallantly accepting the challenge, Caleb splashed in after her.
When she reached the cascade a few seconds before him, she kicked her legs beneath the water as she punched the air triumphantly. ‘Woohoo!’
Caleb stopped short of her and rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah, yeah, nobody likes a show-off.’
‘I reckon a sore loser is the one nobody likes,’ she bantered, before splashing a wave of water towards him.
Ducking just in time, he rose and chuckled. ‘I let you win.’
‘You did not.’ Her laughter echoed, as did his.
Tumbling within the cosy moment, they let themselves be enveloped by the rush of water, and the ripples it created across their bodies. As he perched himself up on a rock, droplets cascaded down Caleb’s strapping physique. Nyah found her footing and stood, waist deep, a safe arm’s length from him. As they playfully splashed each other, their innocent antics were charged with an energy that only acknowledged the growing connection between them. And Nyah relished every second of it. Within this secluded paradise, she felt as if it was just her and him in the world, and it felt good to feel so free. For the next half an hour they swam until their fingers pruned, and still they lingered, floating on their backs and gazing up at the listless clouds that seemed to be painted across the sky by an invisible hand.
‘It feels like true freedom here, doesn’t it?’ Caleb murmured softly, his voice carrying in spite of the crash of the waterfall.
‘It sure does, like we’ve shed everything else, just for this magical moment,’ she replied towards the sky.
Shadows moved across the landscape as time flew way too quickly, and they moved between the water and grass a few times, enjoying as much of the afternoon as they could. Nyah wished she could pause everything except the right here and right now. However, the sun eventually began to hint at its descent, and they begrudgingly agreed it was time to head homeward. After having one final dip, they emerged from the tranquil embrace of the swimming hole, skin still tingling from the cool kiss of water as they wrapped towels snugly around their bodies, then packed up the picnic blanket and basket. Making their way back to the Troopy, they left behind the tumbling waterfall for the familiar terrain that stretched towards home as the fading sunlight painted the rolling countryside in a breathtaking palette of burnt orange and dusky rose.
Caleb didn’t drop Nyah back at the bungalow, or ask if she wanted him to—which she didn’t—but instead headed back to Hart Homestead and parked beneath the carport as if it was an everyday occurrence for them to arrive home together. Nyah quietly cheered that she was still with him as they hopped out and trod across the front lawn. She relished the feel of the cool grass yielding beneath her bare feet, while carrying with her the languid energy of their lazy afternoon indulging in nature and, in a way, in each other.
Arriving on the verandah, Caleb turned to her. ‘I’m going to get us a fire started so we can chill out for the evening, sound good?’
She couldn’t think of anywhere else she’d rather be. ‘Sounds amazing.’
Making sure she was settled on the day bed with a glass of chardonnay, with Jet snuggled into a ball beside her, Caleb gathered kindling and logs from a neat stack by the garden shed. Then, beneath her gaze, he moved to the heart of his backyard where a circle of stones lay waiting to cradle the night’s fire. As he worked, the last rays of sunlight caught the edges of his sandy blond hair, creating a golden halo that seemed at odds with the tattoos marking his journey through life. With methodical attention, he built a pyre for their flames to cling to, carefully placing each piece of wood to create a tepee-like structure that promised to remain lit. If only she could allow him to work in such an enchanting way on her heart, she knew, if given the freedom to burn bright, their blaze would never die out.
If only, Love…
With a resigned sigh, she pulled her attention back to Caleb, and not the yearnings of her heart. With a simple flicker of a match and a breath that carried his intentions, he coaxed fire from the core of the structure. The flickering flames rapidly came alive, crackling and hissing as the scent of burning wood mingled with the earthy aroma of twilight air. Lifting his gaze to hers, he waved for her to join him, and she didn’t need any more of an invitation.
Settling into one of the chairs that Caleb had arranged around the campfire, she got herself comfy. Jet followed suit and sat at her feet, with his slobber-covered ball still clamped between his teeth, just in case one of his human friends decided to throw it again. Caleb pulled up his chair and they sat side by side, with the firelight dancing in their eyes. No matter how hard she was applying the brakes she could feel herself helplessly tumbling deeper into him with each passing second.
Oh god, she was in trouble.
‘Nothing like a good fire to set the world right,’ he murmured, more to the flames than to her.
‘Or at least make it seem that way for a while longer,’ she added, her voice barely audible above the crackle of the flames kissing the timber.
Nodding slowly, Caleb tucked his clasped hands behind his head and rested back. Nyah nestled further into her chair, so she could look upward. In the peaceful setting, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the warmth of the fire, the weight of their memories eased, and their shared past became a bond rather than a barrier. And as darkness fell and stars emerged in the dusky sky, she cherished how they could simply just be together, without unnecessary chatter or uncomfortable silences. Dropping her gaze from the sparkling marvels of the sky, she watched with dreamy eyes as the flames leapt and twirled, casting mesmerising shadows upon their faces as the ember of connection between them glowed undeniably brighter, fanned by the breeze of possibility and nurtured by the warmth of their friendship.
A friendship that, if they had the courage, dared to flirt with the promise of something more.
But she couldn’t, wouldn’t, allow that to happen.
