His Outback Temptation (Pickle Creek) Read online

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sebastian’s mood wasn’t good. The first he knew about Liam stocking the property with sheep was when Liam had taken him down to the back paddock in Pop’s ute this morning. Liam had come over from his place on horseback because they were cutting cattle out later in the day.

  Or that had been the plan.

  Liam’s plan, Sebastian thought crankily.

  “So the sheep? Whose idea was that?” Sebastian pushed his hat back off his brow and stared at Liam.

  “Pop suggested it.” Liam slammed the ute door shut and glared at Sebastian. “Do you have a problem with that?”

  “Maybe we could have discussed it, seeing I’m here now.” He slammed the passenger door and strode around to the back of the ute where Liam was lifting out the wire to repair the fence.

  “Here, take the wire strainers for me.”

  Sebastian walked over to the fence, tempted to say take them yourself but that would sound childish, and Liam would not hesitate to point that out.

  Patience.

  He’d been disappointed when Lucy had arrived late yesterday afternoon and asked him to unload the SUV with her and put the wedding decorations in Gran’s spare room. Gran and Pop had gone to have dinner with their best friends, Ted and Julia, on the property up the road, and Sebastian was at a loose end.

  Now that Lucy had brought the wedding stuff home that was one less visit Isabella would have to make out here. He’d been tempted to go into town, but apart from visiting her there’d been no reason to go. If he was honest, his black mood had started last night. In the end, he’d booted up his computer and manipulated those images he’d taken out at the old Paterson property the other night, and his mood had improved slightly.

  One of the moonlit photographs was a stunner, and he put it in the folder ready to send off to Chris, and about midnight he’d walked quietly to the kitchen for a drink.

  Gran and Pop had already gotten home and gone to bed. He’d picked up his phone from the kitchen bench, and his mood had plummeted again when he’d seen three missed calls from Isabella.

  Damn, somehow the ring switch had been flipped to mute and he’d missed her calls. It was way too late to call her back now. She’d be in bed; an enticing image of Isabella’s black curls spread out on a white pillow case flitted into his mind, and damned if it hadn’t stayed there long after he’d gone to his own bed.

  Sebastian waited until the fence was repaired and they were packing up the ute again before he raised the farm management issue with Liam. He worked on keeping his words civil and his tone even as they headed back to the house for smoko. “So tell me about these lambs.”

  “Don’t worry, I wasn’t keeping you out of the loop. When I said I’d spoken to Pop about it, it was before you came home. I called him to ask about the wheat harvest and he brought it up.” Liam’s tone was conciliatory. “And Seb, I’m still learning the ropes, too. It’s been a hard slog, and a long way from what I was used to doing in England.”

  “Okay. That’s all right then. I was pissed off that you hadn’t discussed it with me, but I’m sorry if I sounded short.”

  Liam turned his head slightly. “We haven’t had much of a chance to plan things since you’ve come home. I think we need to sit down and sort out some sort of structure.”

  “Structure?” Sebastian asked.

  “Yeah, what part of the farm you want to take over. You know when the harvest starts, and when the lambing’s over. What you enjoy the most. There’s no point taking on work that you don’t enjoy.”

  Sebastian tried to look interested as he thought about what part of the farm work—if any—he enjoyed the most.

  “Then we’ve got the extra cattle to worry about,” Liam continued. “Not to mention the day-to-day maintenance of the place, keeping the accounts, and looking after the equipment.”

  Sebastian narrowed his eyes as he glanced over at Liam, but his cousin’s face was innocent. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were trying to turn me off the place.”

  “Why the hell would I want to do that? I need your help.” The ute rattled as Liam changed down a gear as they approached the cattle grate in the house paddock. “If you’re thinking of not staying, you’d better make up your mind quickly.”

  It might have been his imagination, but there was something in Liam’s tone. “Do you want me to go or stay?”

  The surprise on Liam’s face was genuine. Sebastian knew his cousin well enough to see that.

  “I thought you might prefer to look after the place yourself,” Sebastian added.

  “Don’t be stupid. You’re family and it’s your right as much as mine.” Liam parked the ute in front of the hayshed. “You’ve got as much right to make decisions as I have, and as Lucy and Jemima do. But you have to want to be here.”

  “So, let’s throw that cat amongst the pigeons. Let’s say one of us didn’t want to be involved.”

  This time Liam’s gaze was narrow. “What are you trying to tell me? You’re thinking about going already?”

  “Already?” Sebastian’s temper fired. “Is that what you’re expecting me to do, eventually?”

  “No. I didn’t say that.”

  “It sounded like it.”

  Liam strode off ahead of him to the house, where Gran and Pop were sitting on the front verandah.

  “Kettle’s boiled,” Gran said as she stood slowly, looking from Liam to Sebastian. Her brow wrinkled in a frown.

  Sebastian waited until she was inside before he followed Liam. “Let’s not argue in front of Gran. She picked up on us straight away, the old witch. And before you say anything, I say that with love and respect.”

  “I wasn’t aware we were arguing.” Liam’s expression was closed and Sebastian took a breath.

  “I’m sorry for snapping at you. Let’s sit down at your place tonight and make a plan.”

  “Okay, come over for dinner.” Liam’s face broke into a smile and Sebastian relaxed. “Unless you already have dinner plans?”

  It had been too late to return Isabella’s missed calls last night, and too early when he’d headed out to the paddocks at first light with Liam. Sebastian took the mug of tea that Gran had poured for him, and he pointed to his phone. “I’ve just got a call to make.” He picked up a scone with jam and cream and ate it in one bite.

  “Sebastian Richards! Manners!” Gran said and Liam smirked.

  “Sorry, Gran. I’m in a hurry,” he said around the mouthful of scone.

  As he walked away, Liam called out to him. “Make sure you’ve swallowed that before Isabella answers the phone; otherwise, she won’t understand a word you say.”

  Sebastian was tempted to make a rude sign in response to Liam’s teasing, but he was aware of Gran’s eagle eyes. Instead, he grinned. It was just like when they’d been kids and he and Liam had sparred, and Gran had chided them about their table manners.

  He wandered over to the hayshed, wondering how Liam had known it was Isabella he was calling.

  Am I that obvious?

  With a shrug, he swallowed the last of the scone, pressed speed dial for her number, and smiled when it picked up immediately.

  “Bella, it’s Seb. Sorry I missed your call last night. What’s up?”

  “That’s okay. Nothing’s wrong. I was just ringing to see if Lucy dropped off all the wedding stuff okay.”

  “She did and it’s safely tucked away in Gran’s spare room. She said you had a good day in Dubbo.”

  “We did, although I spent way too much money and bought too many clothes. Your cousin is very persuasive.”

  “That’s Lucy.” Sebastian looked down as one of Daisy’s pups crawled over his foot, and he bent down to pick it up before he put it back in the hay with Daisy. “What are you planning to do today?”

  Her sigh sounded loud over the phone, and then she turned it into a cough. “Probably just help Dad in the milk bar over lunch.”

  “Over the Spring Downs lunch rush, hey?” he said.
“How would you like to come for a ride on my bike tonight? Get out of town for a while?”

  She was quiet for a moment, and he held his breath hoping she’d agree.

  “Yes, I’d love that. More location scouting?”

  Damn. I am an idiot. He’d totally forgotten about going to Liam’s. “No. I’m heading across to Liam and Angie’s house so I’ll come into town and pick you up.” He was sure it would be okay with Liam. “I was going to call you, anyway, to see if you were free this weekend to go out bush and give me a hand with the cameras. It’ll be my last chance for a while with the races the weekend after, and then the wedding.”

  Sebastian frowned. Actually, he was going to be busy with all this on his plate.

  “I could drive out,” she said.

  “No. I’ll come and get you. The bike needs a good run to clear the cobwebs.”

  After arranging to pick Isabella up at six, he sauntered back to the verandah and tucked his phone back into the pocket of his work shirt. Liam finished his cup of tea and headed for the ute. “Come on, we’ll go and sort out these sheep.”

  As they drove out of the house paddock, Sebastian leaned forward. “Okay if I bring Isabella over tonight?”

  To his credit, Liam didn’t react apart from a simple, “Yeah, that’d be fine.”

  …

  The time they spent at Liam and Angie’s had been fun, although Sebastian had disappeared into the office with Liam for a good hour while Angie had shown her around the house and the newly planted garden. Isabella wasn’t sure if she’d imagined it, but they’d both seemed a bit tense when they emerged, but the mood quickly dissipated—if it had even been there.

  The ride home had been quick, and she enjoyed the feel of the cool wind rushing through her hair as the bike had eaten up the miles too quickly. Sebastian had seemed preoccupied, but he’d snapped out of it when they arrived at the apartment. Dad was still at the club playing in his weekly darts tournament.

  “Would you like another coffee?” she asked as Sebastian stood there with his hands in his pockets.

  “Yeah, sure, thanks.”

  The silence was easy between them as Isabella pottered around brewing the coffee and taking out some biscuits she’d baked earlier. It had helped pass the time, and Dad had taken most of them down to the milk bar when he’d smelled them fresh out of the oven.

  “So are you looking forward to the races this weekend?” Sebastian broke the silence as she handed him the coffee mug.

  “I am. I can’t believe it’s such a big event in such a small town.”

  “But it’s a big area. You’ll be surprised at how far and wide people come from to go to the races.” He flicked her a teasing grin, and the butterflies in her tummy jumped. “Look at you, all the way from Italy.”

  She pulled a face at him. “The same could be said about you.”

  He shook his head. “Nah. I’m a local now.”

  Isabella looked at him curiously. “Do you mind if I say something? Maybe a bit personal?”

  He lifted his cup and looked at her over the rim. “Go ahead.”

  “Don’t take this wrong way. I feel like we’ve become good mates ever since you rescued me at the airport and I’d like to be honest.”

  He raised his eyebrows, and she regretted bringing up what she was thinking. “Yes, we have.”

  “It’s just that you don’t seem to be really happy out here. I saw the look on your face after you came out of Liam’s study tonight, and you looked like you didn’t want to be there.”

  Sebastian’s eyes were bleak as he held hers. “You’re more perceptive than any of my family, Bella. Except maybe for Gran, but hers isn’t perception. It’s just me fulfilling her expectations.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Gran doesn’t think I’ve got the strength of character to stay here. Or the work ethic.”

  “That’s not fair,” Isabella protested hotly.

  “It mightn’t seem fair, but that’s the way it is. And that’s why I’m going to stay out here and prove myself. Not just to them, but to me, too.” His words were quiet as he stared over the top of her head. “Maybe coming home was the worst mistake I’ve ever made, but I’ve got to suck it up and get on with it.”

  Isabella reached out to him. “But why do you have to follow what’s expected? And is it really expected? Are you sure it’s not something that you’re putting too much importance on? Proving yourself on the farm? Is it that important to your family?”

  He shrugged and her heart went out to him. He looked like a little lost boy, and all she wanted to do was hold him and make him better.

  She squeezed his hand and then the old Sebastian was back with a wide smile. “How did we get so serious? Don’t worry about me. It’ll all work out. Changing homes and jobs is always stressful, and when I was a kid I loved being out at the farm. Forget what I just said. I’m fine.”

  “If you ever need a shoulder, I’m here.”

  “But not for much longer. You’re going to be jetting off to follow your dreams.” His voice was serious again. “And I’ll be here rediscovering mine.”

  “Next time I come to visit, you’ll be an old cowboy sitting on your horse with a tribe of kids behind you.”

  Why does that thought make me feel unsettled?

  “Thanks for the coffee and the ear.” He stood and pushed in his chair. “At least you’ve made me a very happy man, anyway.”

  “Oh? How’s that?”

  “You said you’re going to come back and visit. Don’t leave it too long, will you?” He ruffled his fingers through her curls. “I didn’t go much on the ‘old’ cowboy tag, though.”

  For a moment, his finger lingered on her hair, and she caught her breath as she stared at Sebastian’s mouth. No matter how hard she’d tried, she couldn’t get the feel of his lips out of her thoughts, even though it had been a couple of weeks since he’d kissed her at the airport.

  The moment passed when he turned and picked up his jacket from the back of the chair. “Do you want me to pick you up for the races on Saturday?”

  “Like a date?” She smiled.

  “Yeah. Like a date.” His dark eyes held hers as he slipped the jacket on and chuckled. “Roses and the works.”

  For a moment she was very tempted and then shook her head as common sense kicked in. “Thanks, but no. With the dress and shoes I’m wearing, I’ll need to go in Dad’s car.”

  “This outfit has me interested.” His voice held a sexy note, and he tried to waggle his eyebrows. “Tell me more.”

  Isabella giggled. “No, I don’t want to see any more wiggling eyebrows. It doesn’t suit you.”

  “Oh no.” He placed a hand on his chest. “Now you’ve hurt my feelings.”

  “Time for you to go home, then. And you’ll have to wait till Saturday to see my shoes.” She shook her head. “I still can’t believe Lucy talked me into them. I’ll see you at the races.”

  “Okay. I know when it’s time to go. But seriously, Bella, I am looking forward to seeing you again.”

  Before she could reply, he dropped a kiss on her cheek. As he opened the door, she could hear Dad making his way up to the apartment.

  “Maybe if I bring roses I can bring you home?”

  “Who knows? You’ll have to wait and see.”

  “Bring a spare pair of shoes, just in case.”

  “I’ll see.” He leaned over and brushed his lips on her cheek again as her father reached the top of the stairs, but even the crafty look on her father’s face couldn’t burst her little bubble of happiness.

  She put her hand to her cheek as she followed Dad inside.

  “You’re spending a lot of time with Sebastian,” he said.

  Isabella straightened her back and went to the sink to rinse the cups.

  “I am, aren’t I?”

  She could almost hear his hands rubbing together. If it made him happy, who was she to argue?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Saturday dawned
bright and sunny but with a stiff cool wind from the south. Sebastian stood on the verandah, waiting for his grandparents to appear all ready to head to the Come-by-Chance seventieth anniversary race day. Gran had been in the kitchen, packing food for the picnic and in her usual fashion had hurried up the hall to get glammed up with only a few minutes to spare. Lucy and Jemima had volunteered to be the designated drivers, and Lucy and Garth were due to pick them up any minute.

  “Hurry up, Gran. I can see the dust kicking up from Garth and Lucy’s place,” he called from outside her bedroom window. “They’re on the way.”

  “I won’t be long.”

  Pop wandered out to the verandah and Sebastian grinned. “Welcome to my life. The coach had to wait for your grandmother most mornings on our tour.” His grandfather was dressed in a pale-grey suit with a black bow tie.

  “You’re looking pretty swish, Pop.”

  “I can’t say the same about you, Seb.” Pop looked him up and down, and Sebastian looked down at his moleskin trousers and plain blue shirt.

  “Hey, this is really dressed up for me.” He’d put away the usual jeans and T-shirt and pulled out what he considered his good gear.

  My country clothes. He wouldn’t be seen dead in moleskins and cowboy boots in the city but it was funny; he felt comfortable in them out here in the Outback.

  “You’ll have some competition today, if you want to catch your lady’s attention.” Pop looked at him sideways. “There’ll be stockmen and rouseabouts and property owners from Narrabri to Dubbo at the races today. It’s going to be a ripper of a day.”

  “My lady?” He looked back at Pop curiously. “And what lady would that be?”

  “Bella.” Pop lowered his voice. “I shouldn’t tell you this, but your Gran reckons Con’s daughter’s got her eye on you. If you play your cards right, you could be settled here like the others before you know it.”

  “I’m pleased to hear Gran has my future all sewn up.” Sebastian folded his arms and leaned on the veranda post, waiting for Lucy and Garth to arrive. He shook his head.