Chapter 5.
'They're on the front porch', Ben spoke with a grin, finally sitting down at the kitchen table. Marcus leaned easily with his back against the kitchen counter, swallowing another swig of beer, while Jaz and Ingrid had settled at the long side of the table.

'You're way too nosy Hall', Marcus chuckled amused, looking at his mate.

Ben showed a cheeky grin; 'I'm just pleased. It's good to see Stevie getting back in saddle. It's where she belongs. And Russ seems like a good guy.'

Ingrid nodded agreeing; 'he's great to work with. Easy and willing to take his turn. It gives me some more time to spend with mister rich kid over there'. She showed a sweet smile, obviously flirting with the blonde man near the sink, who quietly let his lips form a 'I love you too'.

'As long as she's happy, and if Russ is the one to accomplish that, cheers to Russ', Marcus stuck his bottle of beer up in the air, finding Ben and Ingrid agreeing with a chuckle and a cheers to come along.

Jaz sat quietly, sighing out. It draw Ben's attention who frowned lightly at her. 'We better get going', she just muttered in reply.

Ben gave her a confused look; 'no way, she's about to come in. I wanna know how things are going.' He could already hear her footsteps coming from the hall way. A quick glance into the crowded kitchen made her lean shortly against the door post.

'Hi', Stevie just exclaimed.

All greeted her. 'Had a nice night?', Ben asked, lifted his brow, showing a smile.

She pressed out a smile, knowing her cousin's concern for her. It was sweet. 'Yes, it was', she took in a deep breath; 'I'll better check on Xander and get some sleep'. A quick gesture with her hand, made her spin around towards the stairs.

'Righto', Ben stated, looking at the empty door opening; 'not too talkative there.'

'No need to be talkative. Give her some time', Jaz spoke, looking at him shortly. It made him frown again, not sure where her previous cheery mood had suddenly gone. Ingrid and Marcus noticed the moment between the new couple, sharing a glance now that made them agree instantly.

'Ey, long day. We better get some sleep too', Marcus said, pushing his body away from the counter. Ingrid threw him a gently smile, getting up too. Curling her arm around his waist a moment, glancing up deeply into his eyes.

'At my place that is', she grinned pleased, in full anticipation of sharing another night with him.

***

Minutes later Jaz placed a few glasses into the sink, brushing a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. She felt him come closer to her. Ben now just stood inches away behind her. He wasn't sure what to say or do, resting his palm onto the edge of the counter right next to her he gazed up for a moment, swallowing. 'Is everything okay? You turned quiet', he asked.

Jaz slowly turned, not willing to meet his gaze instantly. 'It's ...', she clearly hesitated, searching for words. Licking her lips she now met his concerned gaze. 'This whole thing, Stevie, Russ ... you might just give her some time to figure out for herself how it all feels. I know you mean well, and I also know you will ask first thing when you see her tomorrow, but ...'

'But?', Ben asked, hoping she would really tell what was on her mind. It was a way to get to know her better, surely now they were sort of an item, just for hardly a week. But it felt good.

She gazed past him, stroking her hand down her jaw. 'I know what she is going through and it's not easy, but she needs this, I know.' She saw again that little confused expression on his face, but denied it for now. 'Ironically ...', she started, now looking in his big brown eyes; '... Alex was my Russ. He helped me to get back in the saddle.'

'What?', it was all he managed to get out.

'It was years ago', she let out, even adding a smile, to point out it didn't matter much. But Ben gently took her upper arm, caressing his thumb over the soft matter of her blue shirt. Taking a breath Jaz looked up at him again; 'I lost my fiancee, Mark. I got here back at Drovers and ... Alex was there for me. But I left, I choose something that belonged to me; show jumping. It was my life, it had been Mark's life. Partly a way to fulfill his dream too.'

Impressed he let out a 'wow'. 'I didn't know. I'm sorry.'

She showed a smile; 'it's okay. Like said it happened years ago.'

'Doesn't mean it makes the pain any less', Ben replied, feeling the need to take her in his arms, but he still had to figure her out. He couldn't yet read her easily, but he was pleased she told him this.

Jaz lowered her gaze, just staring at his chest. Her hand slid to his waist, softly holding on to him. 'You learn how to deal with it, I guess. He's in my heart, but I did move on. But at times you wonder, how it would have been. Together, married, being on the circuit together, having children after. Life would have been so different.'

'True', he swallowed hard, seeing a ray of emotion shine through in her eyes. Ben rubbed her upper arm now fully, showing a supportive smile. 'I guess you are right, cut her some slack.'

Jaz nodded; 'she just needs to do this on her own, step by step. Just wanna say it doesn't automatically mean that she really gets herself in something serious. But Russ could be that man that at least makes her believe again.' She quietly exhaled, having said enough. Knowing her words had their effect on him. He was sweet, his mind letting her words slowly sink in. He now pressed her gently against his side.

She leaned towards his chest, letting herself rest into his embrace, as he hold her around her back. Letting her fingers stroke his shirt lightly she looked up; 'Ben?'

'Yes', he answered looking down on her, still holding her close.

'Can you stay with me tonight?', she asked, her words emphasized with the bright look in her eyes.

Ben started to show a cheeky smile; 'stay with you tonight? Like sleeping with you? You think I would say no to that'.

Jaz rolled her eyes and let her fingers tuck at the front pocket of his shirt. 'Just sleeping, yes ...', slowly she looked up at him again; 'I think I like having you close.'