Adelaide ….Annual Rodeo …..
Eighteen year old Alex Ryan wanders along on his own checking out the stalls as he goes.
Stopping he grabs an Akubra and taking off his hat tries on the new one .
Looking into the mirror he adjusts it then removes it.
Taking another off the stand he places it on his head .
Again he looks in the mirror.
" I think the black one suits you better."
Twisting around he notices a gorgeous little red head sitting in a tattooists chair .
Grinning he quips ." Didn't really ask for an opinion."
" Fair enough ."
…
Placing the hat back on the stand he picks up the black one he tried on previously and pays the stall holder.
Stepping out of the store he begins to move away but turns back to the redhead.
"What are you getting done?" He asks even though it's obvious it's a Rose on her breast that hes happily looking at.
"Enjoying yourself?" She questions.
A smile spreads across his face and she notices as it reaches his eyes.
"Fine I was just being friendly."
As she's about to reply a small babies cry is heard.
….
Alex's smile disappears as he notices the tiny baby in the stroller off to one side of the tattooists marquee.
A disagreement is happening between the redhead and the tattooist .
" I need to settle the baby." The redhead argues.
"I've got other clients, if you go now I might not be able to finish it today and I'm not here tomorrow."
Alex walks over and slides the pink blanket back and lifts the tiny baby into his arms ..
She quietens.
….
"What do you think you're doing?" The redhead growls.
"Settle down missy , I'm just returning a favour. You helped me with my hat , I'll help you with the kid." Alex drawls.
" She's not a kid , she's a baby . A kid is a baby goat do I look like a goat." She snarls.
Alex laughs then realises the babies hers.
" Is it your kid?"
"Yes she's mine and I told you she's not a kid."
Glancing down at the baby he smiles as she looks intently at him then smiles." Well as we haven't been formally introduced you'd best tell me her name ?"
" Her name is Rose."
" Argh the tattoo."
The redhead blushes.
Again she sees his eyes glisten as he smiles at her .
Moving forward he holds out his hand . "Alex Ryan ."
She grins at him and taking his hand offers.
"Stevie Hall pleased to meet you."
" Believe me the pleasure is all mine ." He replies his eyes twinkling .
She feels her face burn as she blushes again.
…
As the tattooist finishes the small Rose , Alex entertains the baby .
She giggles, gurgles and squeaks at him trying to talk.
"Oh really? Tell me all about it." He gushes .
Baby Rose squeals loudly and frightens herself .
He laughs.
…..
"Can I buy you a drink or something ? " Alex asks as Stevie takes the baby from him.
"No thank you." she snips
" Im not trying to pick you up ."
She glares at him and hisses." What you think cause I've got a baby I'll put out?"
"Christsakes I just thought you might be thirsty after sitting there in the heat . Forget about it." He snarls and storms off .
" Alex !" She calls after him.
He turns around.
" Im sorry. Thank you but I'm Ok."
" Right . I'll see you around." He replies and continues on his way.