Drovers Run-in the yard.

Claire walked out of the shed and squinted in the sun. Shading her eyes with her hand she looked around the yard, Stevie and Jodi were out fixing the boundary fence, Tess was over at Wilgul, Becky was at Killarney with Brick. She grinned to herself as she heard Heath and Johnno arrive. Walking up to him she couldn't help but grin, as he hopped down, she put her arms around his neck as he placed his hands on her hips. They came together for a kiss. They weren't exactly flaunting their new found affections for all and sundry to see. Their lips met, Claire inhaled, she loved the smell of Heath. A mixture of sweat, horse and stock. He smelt like a real man, she felt his fingers play along her spine, slowly easing their way under her singlet. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her toes began to curl. She started to pull at Heaths shirt and all of a sudden a loud noise interrupted them.

Claire woke with a start. Switching off the blaring alarm she swung out of bed. She heard the clank of the chain on a gate at the yards and she was Heath carrying his saddle into the pen, clad in his usual stained jeans, boots, black hat and checked shirt, he had added a brown and blue checked jacket over the top with a fake wool lining, She smiled, she loved it when he dressed like that. Dressing quickly she hurried downstairs.

"Morning! Did you want breakfast?" Tess asked as Claire hurried through the kitchen.

"No thanks." She called back over her shoulder. She made it to the yard just as Heath rode out.

"Morning Boss." He greeted with his usual grin.

"Where are you off to?" Claire asked.

"Doing the boundary ride." He replied.

"Great, I'll come along." She said a twinkle in her eye as she placed her hand on his knee.

"No worries." He replied, returning her smile.

Claire soon was saddled and Tess greeted them with both with sandwiches and a thermos of coffee. She grinned at mischievously at Claire as Heath stowed everything in the saddle bags. Claire rolled her eyes and grinned back at Tess. Unbeknownst to them both, Heath saw the exchange. As they rode out, Tess stood and watched them go, she started to walk back towards the house as Stevie's old ute rumbled to a stop.

"Morning." Tess called.

"Morning, what's happening?" Stevie enquired.

"You and I are feeding out. Claire and Heath are checking fences." She called over her shoulder as she walked down to get a cup of tea.

Stevie looked out at the horizon. Shaking her head and grinning, she walked inside.

At the Killarney-Drovers Run Boundary.

Heath sat in the saddle rolling a smoke as Claire spoke to Alex.

"Thanks for that, Ill drop some wire out and Stevie and Tess can do the job."

"It's alright." Alex replied, "We've got it covered. You're too busy with Drover Boy there." He added, smirking at her. Heath heard the comment and glanced up from under his hat, his head didn't move, but his eyes did.

"Grow up Alex." She admonished.

"Well, you insist on going out with all these boys, you need a real man." He said, the barb designed to hurt. He didn't expect the reaction he got. The sun glinted on the polished brass, catching Alex's eye he saw Heath lift the lever action rifle from the scabbard. His jaw dropped as Heath pumped a shell into the breech. Shouldering the weapon, he fired. Everyone jumped. Heath climbed off Johnno and walked away a short distance. Reloading he fired again. Returning with a dead wild dog in his grip as he ejected the smoking spent shell. Claire grinned at him as he flicked the dead dog in front of Alex.

"All yours." He commented, his voice dry and gravelly as he remounted Johnno, putting the rifle back in the scabbard. He gathered the reins and a rode away quietly. Alex sighed.

"I thought he was going to shoot at me." He said.

"If I did Ryan, you wouldn't know when." Heath called back over his shoulder. Alex jumped. Claire grinned and turned to follow Heath.

Killarney-At the homestead

Harry stood shaking Bricks hand.

"It'll be sad to see you go." He said. "Look after each other." To Becky he said. "I know I haven't always been overly fair to you Becky, but you have proven yourself, all the best."

"Thanks." They both replied in Unison.

"Harry!" Liz called out. "Phone for you."

"Ok!" Harry called back. Giving a final wave to Brick and Becky he headed inside.

"Harry Ryan." He said, Liz stood round the corner, eavesdropping.

"You're absolutely sure? The trail just can't have gone cold."

"Right, well thanks." He said as he put the receiver down.

"Everything alright?" Liz asked.

"Fine, just the usual with the system." He grumbled as he headed outside.

Drovers Run-On the fence line.

Heath sat with his back propped up against a post with his forearms on his knees as Claire grabbed the mugs from his saddle bag. She then sat, between his legs and leant back against him, a cool breeze came across and she shivered. Taking the cup she offered Heath looked her in the eyes before she turned away and leant back into him further a quiet murmur of pleasure escaped from the corner of her mouth as she smiled.

Heath quietly set his cup down and wrapped his arms around her, she lay the side of her face on his chest and snuggled herself out of the breeze behind his jacket, she couldn't keep the smile from her face sitting there wrapped up by Heath she felt secure, warm and cared for. She inhaled deeply, he smelt just like he had in her dream. She felt his chin brush against her hair. Neither said anything, the silence between them spoke more than words ever could have.

Drovers Run-At the house

Jodi flipped through the envelopes that Craig had bought. Nothing for her, just some bills addressed to Claire and a letter for Heath. Her curiosity rankled, she wondered what it was. She held it up, she could just make out a cheque, she couldn't make out the amount or who it was from. She figured it was to do with cattle and went and left it on the table in Heaths room. She stood and s niffed, the room smelt like a man, Jodi had never known anyone that smelt like that before, except Jack McLeod. Jodi smiled, she remembered how Jack was kind to her as she was growing up. Heath reminded her of Jack, even Meg had said the same thing. She shut the door and Blue appeared, yapping at her. She giggled and scooped the little pup up and carried him off with her, giggling as he licked her face.

Back at the fence

Heath rode easily in the saddle as Claire stole glances at him, the sun glinted off his large silver belt buckle. She felt her cheeks blush slightly as she pictured herself in a moment of utter wild abandon and carnal lust with him. Heath looked at her and grinned cheekily as if he knew what she was thinking.

"What are you doing tonight?" He asked.

"Don't know, bath and bed most likely."

"Ah." He replied.

"Why's that?" She asked, curious as anything.

"No reason." Heath replied.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Might head into Gungellan, grab a feed at the pub."

"Ah I see, so you were asking me on a date then?" She asked, her eyebrows raised.

"I might have been, but you're busy, might ask Sandra, seeing as though you turned me down." He said, sounding hurt.

"Sandra?! Sandra Kinsella?" Claire asked, astounded.

"Well the best looking woman in the district turned me down, so…well you know." He replied, his face and voice deadpan.

Claire looked at him, her mouth open wide.

"Close your mouth Claire, it looks like a flytrap." He said, a hint of laughter in his voice. Claire rode over to him and touched his arm.

"I'd love to go to dinner with you." She said.

"Bit late." Heath said. "Don't know if I can fit you in." He said, before bursting out with laughter.

"YOU!" Claire scolded before laughing. They stopped their horses and leaned in for a kiss.

"Let's get this fence check done." Claire said. "We'll go into town this arvo, make a night of it."

"Sure." Heath replied lazily. And they rode on.

Later that day: Back at Drovers.

Stevie walked out of the shed as Claire appeared, showered and dressed with a bag in her hand. Heath sat waiting with the ute idling. She climbed in as Stevie waved to them. They both waved back and headed out the driveway. Heath had found the cheque from the insurers for his stolen truck. He had it in his wallet ready to put into the bank.

Stevie stood and watched them go, smiling she went to phone Alex, Tess was over at Wilgul with Nick, so she would have the place to herself as Jodi and Kate would no doubt be busy with other things. Passing Jodi in the hall she asked her what her plans were.

"Nothing really." Jodi replied. "Why? Alex coming over?"

"Yeah, seeing as Claire and Heath are away for the night."

"Oh really?" Jodi asked, a cheesy grin coming to her face as Kate came around the corner.

"What's oh really?" She asked, her grin spreading also.

"Dave's not coming, don't worry." Jodi said.

"What?" Kate asked, stunned that Jodi was already aware of her having the hots for the vet. Stevie rolled her eyes.

"Out." She admonished as she picked up the phone. Meg appeared,

"Is Alex joining us for tea?" She asked.

"I'll know in a sec."

"Ok." Meg said as she disappeared back into the kitchen, she would make extra anyway.

Gungellan Hotel-early evening.

Claire and Heath sat in the bar, they had a room organised and all their gear was already in it. They exchanged pleasantries with some others in the bar and Claire introduced Heath to a few other people. Over dinner Heath surprised Claire by buying a bottle of red wine. The enjoyed it with a huge steak that they both devoured it with gusto. Afterwards they sat back and finished the wine and Claire stared at Heaths shirt, it was just open enough to reveal a hint of chest hair. She looked at him with fire in her eyes. He caught the look and upended his glass. He stood up, quietly offering his elbow, Claire looped her arm through his and the headed off to the room together.

Reaching the room, Heath quietly shut the door behind them and as he turned around Claire had her arms around his neck and she crushed her lips to his. The heat of their mutual feeling began to spread between them like a fire and they soon began to tear at each other's clothing. Climbing between the sheets Claire pinned Heath on his back and climbed on top of him. He took her face in his hands and kissed her as he brushed her hair back. She grabbed at his shoulders, her rising passion evident as she sank her fingers into his flesh as she cried out. Heath grabbed her and rolled over, taking control he stared into her eyes before kissing her deeply.

The next morning-Drovers Run

Everyone was up and moving and getting ready to bring the mob in for drenching. No sign of Claire or Heath, Stevie began to worry, not Tess though, she thought it was good that Claire was finally taking some time out for herself.

At Gungellan

The morning sunlight began to creep through the venetian blind and cast a pale glow on the bed. Heath stirred, he looked down at Claire, her head on his chest and a blissful smile on her face as she shifted comfortably and placed her hand on his body as well. She slowly opened her eyes, smiling she looked at Heath.

"Morning" She said sleepily.

"Morning." Heath replied, putting a match to a cigarette. Claire laid back down again.

"I don't want this moment to end." She murmured, enjoying the afterglow of the previous night.

"Me neither, but we had better get back to the station, maybe we can arrange holidays sometime soon?"

"Mmmm I like that idea." Claire said smiling. As she rolled over and ran her fingers through his hair. She leaned in and kissed him, as their lips brushed together, it re-lit the flame that had been smoldering between them since the night before. For the moment, they were going nowhere, and that suited them fine.