Drover's Run Veranda 8.30 pm.
"Did you want another beer Stevie?" Alex asks.
She looks at him and smiles and says. "Yes I do. What about you?"
He stands and says. "I'll grab them."
She smiles watching him walk inside.
...
Alone on the veranda her thoughts twirl around in her head.
She lifts her feet up onto the bench and wraps her arms around her knees.
Grinning she rests her head on her knees.
He kissed her, not once but twice and said he wanted more than friendship.
Just the thought of what he said makes her heart thump several beats quicker.
Placing one foot back on the ground, she remains leaning on her knees and touches her hand to her lips.
His lips had been there.
His lovely soft lips that she'd dreamt about for a long time.
Inhaling then exhaling deeply she smiles.
...
Hearing the door open causes her heart to trip and race again.
Hold it together she tells herself.
She plays with the cuff of her jeans then glances up as he nears.
He holds the beer out and as she's about to take it he pulls it back.
She looks up at him and watches as he smiles and leans down and kisses her again.
Just a little kiss but it holds so much promise.
...
He desperately wants to kiss her and hold her and more...
Slow and steady he reminds himself.
Sitting beside him she wills him to touch her again.
To put his arm around her or hold her hand, any touch will do she wishes silently.
...
"What will you do about Kilarney?" She asks softly.
He doesn't look at her but looks down and takes her hand in his own.
"I'm not sure. What do you think I should do?"
"I can't make that decision for you Alex." She replies.
Smiling he looks at her and says. "I know but I'd really like to know what you think?"
She nods and gathers her thoughts.
...
"Harry has handed it over to you for a reason Alex, he's not getting any younger and it's a big property to run."She begins.
"Despite how awful it's been with you not talking to me and how bad I've felt about hurting you. I've still enjoyed working here and with Neil more than there." Alex offers.
"Why?" Stevie asks.
He takes a sip of his beer and replies. "Harry rides me all the time and snips and snipes about everything."
She smiles and offers. "Yes but you've got the upper hand now Alex. He needs you and he also knows his grip on you has weakened. If you decide to go back do it on your own terms not his."
He sits deep in thought and says. "Will you come and visit me?"
"Gee I don't know you're pushing the friendship now!" She teases.
He laughs and says. "Yeah I guess I should be the one travelling and doing some grovelling for a while."
She holds up her plastered arm and quips. "Well at least until this comes off."
Looking at her hand and then at her he slowly manoeuvres himself around and kisses her.
...
Stevie's heart moves from a trot to a gallop and misses the canter completely as he pulls her in tightly, pressing her into his chest.
It's a passionate kiss that's a few steps back from where he'd really like to take it.
Shifting back he gives her two smaller, sweet, sensual kisses.
She giggles.
"What?" He asks.
"I thought I knew you." She grins.
His face beams and he quips. "Lot's more to find out about me Stevie lots more."
"Yes I guess there is." She chuckles.
"I'll finish this beer and head of." He tells her.
Although she's disappointed she understands when he explains. "I'm working early in the morning plus I've had three beers already and I have to drive."
They chat and finish their beer and he asks. "Will you walk me out?"
...
Jodi looks out the window and exclaims. "They've gone!"
No one else moves as Stevie has walked into the dining room from the other door and gestures for them to be quiet.
"Maybe they went for a walk!" Tess offers grinning.
"I don't care where they've gone I'm just so happy for Stevie." Jodi offers still looking out the window.
"Thanks Jodi I'm pretty happy for me too."Stevie chuckles.
Jodi spins around and says. "Stevie!"
Then looking at the others says. "Yeah thanks for telling me she was there."
" Well I'm sure that's not the first time you've been at that window tonight and I didn't know you were there so I guess we're even." Stevie accuses.
...
Jodi rushes over and hugs her.
Stevie laughs.
"Alex said to say goodnight. He's working early in the morning." She offers.
"When do you see him again?"Jodi quizzes.
Stevie grins and says. "When I'm looking at him I guess?"
"Didn't he ask you out on a date?" Jodi asks.
"Do you think he should have? " Stevie asks smiling.
Jodi twigs and says. "You wouldn't tell me anyway would you?'
Turning Stevie replies. "Nup I'm off to bed I'll see you in the morning."
...
Reaching her room she strips for bed and climbs in.
On her bedside table her phone rings. "Hey you. Should you be driving and talking on your phone? "
She laughs and listens then replies. "Dancing lessons! I thought we were going out for dinner? Oh dancing too. You really think someone will be able to teach me too dance?"
She chuckles and says. "Ok I'm game if you are but you better wear steel cap boots if you value your toes...Yeah I had a really nice time too... I'll see you tomorrow...Good Night."
She hangs up and gets herself comfortable in bed and her phone registers a message.
As the screen lights up, her face does too.
I miss you already and wish it was tomorrow. Sweet dreams Cowgirl! Xxx
...