**Disclaimers: This story is based on the characters from the film McLeod's Daughters. Some liberty has been take with character backgrounds (mostly that of Rod Morgan) since not much was mentioned in the film. I hope it works <g>. Comments may be sent to me at the above link.**
Alison Walker steered her blue Land Rover up the dirt road that led to Drover's Run. It still felt strange, even after a month, to be driving on the right side of the car and the left side of the road. She laughed at herself every time she went to the wrong side of the car but after 14 or so years of driving in the States, she'd expect getting used to driving in Australia would take some time.
Pushing a lock of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear, she marveled at the beauty of this land. It was so unlike anything she had seen in the States, even in the mid-west. Vast expanses rolling hills were covered in golden grass that reached up and seemed to caress the crystal blue sky. She couldn't even imagine what it looked like with fresh green grass.
She stopped on top of a hill and looked down at a small herd of Hereford cattle that grazed peacefully on the grass. Personally, Alison preferred Angus cattle to the Herefords but these specimens could very well change her mind. Definitely some quality stock here, she thought before continuing on.
Several minutes later, she pulled the Rover to a stop in front of a large two-story house. Grinning she shook her head. It was unbelievable. This house could have been pulled right from her dreams as a little girl. A short walkway with steps lead up to the front porch where a dark haired woman sat shucking corn on the cob. The woman looked up as Alison climbed onto the porch. She rose. "May I help you?"
"Yes," Alison replied. "I was looking for Tess or Claire McLeod."
"And you are?"
"Alison Walker. I was told that they were looking for someone with background in cattle husbandry."
"Oh yes, I'm sorry. They're expecting you. My name's Meg, by the way." She held out her hand.
"Nice to meet you." Alison smiled and nodded. She followed Meg into the house. The inside was gorgeous, paneled in dark wood and furnished with lots of antique type furniture, just as Alison imagined. In the kitchen, Meg introduced her to Tess and Claire.
"G'day," Claire motioned to a chair. Her long blond hair was pulled up at the sides and flowed down her back.
"Thanks for coming out," greeted Tess, whose hair was shorter and black but just as straight.
"You're welcome. I'm sure I'll be able to help. I saw some of your stock on the way in. Good looking animals. Shouldn't be too hard finding what you need."
"The question is," Claire began, "can we afford it and you?"
Alison smiled. "I'm sure you'll find my fees more than reasonable. I do it because I love it, not to make money."
"We could offer you room and board here too if you like," Tess suggested.
"Really? That would be fabulous! As much as I loved the drive out here, it would get a bit long after awhile. I'd be glad to start first thing tomorrow. I need to go back to the hotel and get my things."
Alison, Tess and Claire reached a quick agreement on salary and Alison headed back to town. She had paid for the night at the hotel and didn't want it to go to waste. After a quick shower, she made her way down the street to a small bar she had seen. Pub, she corrected herself with a giggle. The atmosphere inside was light and airy despite the fact the pub was quite full.
Finding an empty spot at the end of the bar, she sat down, trying to shrug off the stares. "What can I get for you?" the bartender greeted.
"Rum and coke, please."
"Bundy and Coke, coming up." The bartender poured the drink and set it in front of her. "You're not from around here, are you?"
"What gave it away," Alison laughed, "my accent?"
"Something like that," he replied flatly and then turned away.
Alison looked down at her drink. So much for friendly locals. She lifted her glass to take a drink when someone bumped into her arm sending rum and coke all over the bar and her. She turned to curse the clumsy jerk but stopped dead when she saw the handsome and apologetic face staring back.
"Oh, sorry there, love."
Alison swallowed as his purring accented voice sent shivers down her spine. Black wavy hair framed his soft face and eyes. He's got a body like a Greek god, Alison thought before snapping back to reality. "It--it's okay. Really." She took the towel handed to her by the bartender and blotted up some of the liquid from her clothing.
"Well, at least you can let a clumsy bloke buy you another one."
Lost in his smile, she blurted out the first thing that came to her lips. "Promise not to spill it on me?" Then immediately regretted it. To her relief, he laughed.
"Deal. The name's Rod Morgan." He offered his hand as he ordered another drink for Alison as well as himself.
"Alison. Alison Walker."
He handed Alison her drink and held his own up for a toast. "Cheers."
"Cheers." Alison didn't want to tear her eyes from Rod. He was the most gorgeous man she'd seen in a long time if not ever. She hardly could believe he was sitting next to and talking with her.
"So, what brings you over here?"
"I was in Sydney for the past month or so. I just got hired by Tess and Claire McLeod to help with their breeding program."
"Ahh," he nodded. "They're good people. I worked for Jack, their father. You hardly look like the cattle type, more like a proper city girl," he teased.
"Well, I was born in New York City but grew up in Texas, graduated from Texas A&M and was tops in my class in beef cattle science with a minor in animal husbandry. I never wanted to live anywhere else in the States. So when my parents died and I couldn't handling living in their house alone, I decided a big change of scenery is what I needed."
"I'm sorry. About your parents, that is. I'm not sorry you decided to come here though."
Alison felt the heat rise in her cheeks and knew she must be bright red. "Thank you." She caught sight of her watch as she glanced down. "I should be getting back to the hotel. It's getting late and I've got an early day tomorrow."
Rod jumped to his feet as Alison rose. "I'd umm… would you like to have dinner tomorrow night? Or any night?"
"Yes. I'd like that. Tomorrow night is good."
"Say 7:30, here?"
"Sounds good. See then." Alison smiled. "Good night."
Rod watched as the red head left the pub. He had barely looked at other women since he split from Claire almost six months ago. Alison seemed so totally opposite of everything Claire had been, yet so much alike. He felt a draw towards Alison he couldn't remember feeling before. The minute he laid eyes on her, his heart froze and he thought he'd never breathe again. Time just seemed to stop. Maybe this is what love felt like.
Alison woke the next morning hot and bothered from a very erotic dream about Rod. "God," she muttered, turning up the fan in the room. "Get a grip, Ali." She pulled out a pair of jeans and a shirt and showered before heading down to the small restaurant next to the hotel for breakfast.
Stepping inside, she looked around hoping, in the back of her mind, to see Rod. When she didn't, she couldn't help feeling disappointed. An older woman met her at the door and showed her to a small table in the back of the room. After ordering an omelet with vegetables and cheese, home-style potatoes and a cup of tea, Alison pulled a book out from her bag to read, trying to get Rod off of her mind.
His strong arms lifted her easily onto the edge of the counter
as she wrapped
her fingers in his thick hair. Her breaths quickened as she felt
his hand slip
under skirt. His fingers skillfully pulled aside her panties and
dipped into her
hot and waiting…
Alison slammed the book shut. This was not going work. She wanted to get her mind off Rod, not thinking about getting on him. With a sigh she stuffed the book back in her bag and settled with staring out of the front window thinking about the job that lay ahead of her. She quickly ate her breakfast and paid for it before returning to the hotel to check out. An hour later, she was climbing the steps to the McLeod house, loaded down with luggage.
Tess saw Alison as she came up the porch and rushed out to help her. "Here, let me give you a hand."
"Thanks. I didn't know how long I'd be here so I figured I'd better be prepared for anything."
"Well from the looks of this, you've done a good job."
Both women laughed as they hauled the luggage upstairs to a vacant bedroom. "I'll unpack later. I want to get started as soon as I can." She set the luggage, except for her laptop case, in a closet to keep it out of site and out of the way.
"The bathroom's downstairs but we're not on city water so keep the showers short," Tess with a chuckle. "It's kind of an inside joke," she explained further as Alison looked rather confused. "Claire went to check on a couple of mares due to foal but we can get started without her."
They two went down to the kitchen where Alison set up her laptop. Tess went to the stove and put some water on to boil. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
Alison rummaged through the side pocket on her laptop, trying to find the voltage adapter. She'd already fried her portable printer when she first arrived by not remembering about the voltage difference and didn't need to do the same to her computer. She found what she needed and plugged it in. "Yes, please. That'd be great." Turning on the power to he computer, Alison got an idea. "I ran into an old work hand of your father's in town last night."
Tess grimaced. Someone must have told Patrick. "Oh? Who was that?"
Alison looked up to watch Tess' reaction to the name. "Rod." She didn't know what to make of Tess' relieved yet slightly disapproving look. "Seems like a nice enough guy."
"Yeah. He and Claire were engaged but broke it off right after my dad died, about six months ago."
"Oh." Alison looked down at the computer as it started up. Great, just great, she scolded herself. Of all the men you had to fall for, it had to be your boss' ex. Way to go.
"It was a fairly amiable separation. He still comes around now and again to see how we're doing."
"Well, that's good." Alison made a mental note to probe Claire a little bit about the split before saying anything about dinner tonight. Or any other night. "Okay, down to business. I'm going to need to see the pedigree papers of all your breeding stock. I can input them into this program and it'll give me an idea of what their lineage looks like. Then I'll need to see the stock and make note of any physical strengths or weaknesses they have. That will help tell me how you need to compensate."
Tess stared a bit wide-eyed at the computer. "It can do all that?"
"No," Alison grinned. "Most of it I do in my head but it can keep us from doing any accidental inbreeding by tracking lineage."
Alison glanced through the paperwork Tess retrieved for her. "You only have one bull?"
Tess set the tea down and sat across from Alison. "We had to sell the others to help get the place out of debt when my father died."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so insensitive."
"It's okay," Tess reassured her with a nod. "You couldn't have known. But that's why we need you. We need to know which way would be best for us, artificial insemination or getting another animal."
"Well, I'll know more when I look at the pedigrees and the stock, but with a small operation like this, unless you already have the necessary equipment for AI, another bull or two would probably be best."
Alison finished inputting the data into her computer just before lunchtime and as Claire came back from checking on the mares. Alison stood and stretched. "How are the mares doing?"
"One of them foaled, a little bay filly. The other still has a day or so to go. Are you all settled in?"
"I'm not unpacked yet. I wanted to get the pedigrees in the computer so I can look at the cattle this afternoon before I go back to town…" she stopped short not wanting to say too much.
"Aren't you staying here?" Claire poured a glass of water from the tap.
"Oh yes, absolutely. I just wanted to go and… talk to some of the other cattlemen in the area." She said a silent prayer that Claire wouldn't press further.
"Good luck. Those blokes won't tell a woman here anything, much less one they don't even know."
"Well," Alison shrugged, "it can't hurt to try."
"After we eat, I'll get a horse saddled up for you and we can go out to where the cattle are."
"Thanks, Claire, but you don't need to saddle it for me. I can do that."
"Fine. I'm going to go wash up."
Alison sighed as Claire left, knowing she'd upset her some how.
Tess patted her shoulder. "Don't worry about her."
The ride out to the cattle went nicely. The cattle impressed Alison even more when they were close up. She made a few notes about them but still needed a closer look to match her observations to the specific animal's pedigree. "Is there a way we can round them all up to the pens at the house?" She reined her horse to a stop next to Claire's.
"Round them up?"
"Yeah," Alison frowned in confusion at Claire's laugh that accompanied her question.
"You mean muster them. You're not in America any more." Claire turned her horse back towards the house. "We can. But they can't stay there for too long otherwise we'll have to grain them."
"That's fine. I just need 4 hours or so to make some notes."
"We'll muster them up tomorrow morning then so don't be out too late."
"Okay." Alison nodded. She didn't even notice the sarcastic tones in Claire's voice, her mind already on the thought of having dinner with Rod. She showered quickly, changing into a black denim skirt and red blouse, the dressiest things she owned. Slipping on her boots, she made one final check in the mirror and trotted down the stairs.
"Where you going, all gussied up like that?" Claire stepped from her father's den.
Alison froze in her tracks.
"I thought you were just going into town to talk about other cattle stations?"
"Well, you said the men didn't like to talk to women much. So… I thought I'd catch more flies with honey, you know." Alison could tell by the look on Claire's face she didn't by the story.
"Well, just remember, we have to get up early to muster those cattle to the yards."
"Right." Alison left before either one could say another word. By the time she reached the car, she forgot all about Claire's attitude. The ride into town seemed to take forever. As she reached the door to the pub, she paused and took a deep breath. Shaking, her hand gripped the door handle and pulled. Stepping into the pub, everything seemed to move in slow motion. She looked around the room. She spotted him at the bar. Her heart skipped a beat or two when he looked up at her and smiled.
She looks bloody gorgeous, Rod thought as he rose to greet her. "Hi." He placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "You ready?" She nodded and Rod led her out of the pub toward his car. "I've made reservations at a restaurant in a town about an hour from here." He stopped and grinned as Alison walked around to the driver's side of the car. "You plan on driving?"
"What?" Alison reached to open the door and saw what Rod's comment meant. "Oh." The flush rose in her cheeks. "It's habit forming." Shrugging with a grin, she walked over to where Rod waited with an open door.
"Bloody yank," he laughed as Alison climbed into the card.
"I'll figure this out sooner or later," Alison assured him with a smile. Her eyes never left him while he went to the driver's side of the car. His jeans outlined his entire lower body. If they were any tighter, Alison thought, they'd have to be painted on. The rolled up sleeves on his blue shirt stopped just above his lower forearm. Rod definitely kept himself in shape.
"So why come all the way out here and work for next to nothing? With an education like you have, other places would surely pay you more."
Alison settled back in the seat. "Money isn't everything. When my parents died, they left me more than enough money in oil stocks and bonds that I could live very well off for the rest of my life and never have to work. But I like what I do."
"Fair enough."
"Now it's my turn. Why didn't you tell me you were not only Jack McLeod's overseer, you were also engaged to Claire?"
"That was over a long time ago. I didn't think it mattered." Glancing over at her, he added, "Does it?"
"No," Alison answered softly, losing herself in his eyes again. "I just would have like to have known so I didn't put my foot in my mouth."
"So she told you?"
"No, Tess mentioned it when I said I spoke with you."
"Well, it was Claire's decision to separate and she was right so I wouldn't worry about it." He took Alison's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It's over between us."
Alison's whole body went weak from Rod's touch. She forced herself to breathe slower as her heart continued to pound. Butterflies grew in her stomach, making her unsure if she was going to be able to eat. Never had she had such reactions to a man… any man. She had to do something to get her mind off of thought of running her hands over his muscular body and through that gorgeous black hair. "So, umm…" her voice cracked a little. "Have you lived here all your life?"
Rod smiled to himself. At least now he knew the physical reactions he had when near her were mutual. Softly stroking her hand with his thumb, he answered her. "Yeah. Born and raised. My dad left my mum and me when I was six so the minute I finished school I went to work at a cattle station to help my mum out."
"Did have brothers or sisters?"
"No. It was just my mum, me and all the debts my bloody father left us with. Bet you never had worries like that, ay?"
"No." Alison's smile faded, suddenly feeling ashamed for having told Rod of her wealthy childhood. "I'm sorry."
He kicked himself for saying something that stupid after he saw how it upset her. "No worries, love. It all worked out." Now it was his turn to change the subject. "You miss the States at all?"
"No, not really. About the only thing I do miss is a good plate of Mexican food." She glanced over at Rod and they both laughed, easing the tension.
The restaurant Rod drove them to sat on the bank of a small river overlooking it and the Australian bush. The inside décor was very rustic with animal skins and heads hanging on the walls but quiet and romantic none the less.
The hostess led Rod and Alison to a small booth in a corner of the restaurant. Alison slid in next to the window, admiring in the breathtaking view of the river with the moon reflecting off of it.
"You like it?" Rod whispered in her ear, sitting next her.
"It's beautiful." She fought back the urge to turn and kiss him. His breath against her neck stirred her hormones back into high gear.
"Just like you." With a finger, he turned her head. His lips brushed against hers, seeking approval.
Before he could get it, the waiter interrupted. "Would you like a drink from before your meal?"
Rod slowly faced the young waiter with a displeased glare. "A beer will be fine for me. Alison?"
"I'll have one as well." Flustered, Alison picked up the menu and began scanning the food selections.
"And what can I get you for dinner?" the waiter continued.
"We'll each have the number three, medium rare, baked potato with everything, bleu cheese dressing…"
Alison stopped scanning the menu when she heard Rod order for them both. Granted, the food choice was excellent, a surf and turf combination as it was called back home, of filet minion and lobster tail. He even got the choice of salad dressing and the doneness of the filet right. She just never had anyone up and order for her and not consult her first.
"Is that okay with you?"
Alison tried to smile pleasantly, handing the menu to the waiter. "Yes, that'll be fine."
Rod hurried the waiter off. Something in her voice worried him. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No." Alison fiddled with the silverware in front of her. "I'm just not used to people ordering for me."
Oh bloody hell, Rod thought, you've got remember she's not used to the way things are done out here. "We can get the waiter back and change the order, if you like."
"That's okay. It's exactly what I would have ordered anyway," she replied sheepish, realizing she was making a big deal out of nothing.
"You sure? It's just habit…"
"Really, it's okay." This time she leaned forward to meet his lips. They greeted her eagerly, sending a rush of desire over and through her body. Her slid behind his neck, wanting to pull him as close to her as possible. Rod seemed happy to oblige until the waiter returned with their drinks, clearing his throat as he set them down.
"Thank you," Rod replied with an aggravated sneer. Picking up his beer, he rolled his eyes as the waiter once again left.
Rod and Alison ate their dinner amidst general small talk about their lives and where they grew up. By the time they reached the pub where Alison had parked her car, it was after midnight. The only sound that echoed through the town were their own hushed voices.
Alison stood next to her car, shyly toying with a button on his shirt. "Thank you for dinner. I had a really good time."
"Does this mean you'll do it again?" He lifted her chin.
"Only if you promise there will be no waiters with very bad timing," she replied in jest, though her thoughts were clearly on something else.
Rod barely found the breath to reply. She was so beautiful and he wanted her so bad. "Anything for you. Anything." He grabbed her face and pulled her into a kiss. She responded in earnest, running her hands up his stomach and across his chest to the back of his neck. A growl rumbled through his chest as he pressed harder against her and the car.
Alison pulled back, trying to catch her breath. "Rod… wait." She swallowed, willing her heart to slow back to a normal pace. "Not here."
Rod looked around at the town. Despite the fact it was deserted, she was right. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't help…"
Alison cut him off with a finger over his lips. "Don't be sorry. I just want to take it slow, or at least slower." She checked her watch. "I've got to get back. We're rounding… I mean mustering the cattle in a few hours so I can check them out and I've got to be there."
Rod nodded. "Will you be able to find your way back okay?"
"Yeah, shouldn't be a problem."
"I'll call you tomorrow." He reluctantly opened the door to her car.
"Please. But call in the afternoon. I should be finished with the cattle by then." She slipped in the car and shut the door. The engine roared to life in the otherwise silent night. If she didn't leave now, she never would.
"Will do." Rod stepped back to watch Alison drive off into the midnight darkness. If he did see her tomorrow night, it wouldn't be soon enough.
The clock softly chimed 2:00am when Alison began climbing the stairs to her room. She felt guilty enough being gone so long on her first night here so she tried to be as quiet as possible. Her return however did not go unnoticed. Claire peeked out from her room giving Alison an icy stare though she knew it would not be seen.
Clicking the door shut behind her, Alison slipped out of her clothes and into bed. She set her alarm clock for 4:30am so no one else would have to wake her. But her mind was too busy playing back the evening's events she thought she'd never get to asleep.
Several hours later, the alarm clock jolted Alison from her sleep. She blinked in the darkness of the room, wondering if last night had just been a dream. The pile of clothes that she stepped on going to turn on the light indicated it hadn't been. A pleased grin spread across her face. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the tenderness of his kiss and the pressure of his body against hers. That feeling definitely was not a dream.
Hardly tired at all, she pulled on her work clothes and headed downstairs for some breakfast. Meg stood in front of the stove cooking while Tess and Claire sat at the table sipping coffee. "Good morning!" Alison said cheerfully.
"Morning," Meg replied. "Would you like some coffee?"
"I'd love some, thanks."
Claire shoved her chair back and rose. "I'm surprised you're awake considering you didn't get in until 2:00am in the bloody morning," she grumbled, push past the bewildered Alison.
"Claire!" Tess jumped up and stormed after her sister, bound and determined to get an answer to Claire's sudden dislike of Alison. She grabbed her sister's arm, pulling her to a halt. "Would you mind telling me what that was all about? You've been acting like a complete bitch to her since yesterday afternoon."
"She lied about what she was going to do last night, Tess!"
"So? She's our helper not our daughter. What does it matter?"
Claire folded her arms across her chest. "She had a date with Rod last night."
Now it all made perfect sense to Tess. "You haven't been seeing him for six months now and it was you who broke it off. He has the right to date anyone he chooses." Claire didn't answer so Tess continued on. "You weren't thinking of getting back together with him?"
"Maybe."
"But you said yourself, whatever it was you two felt for each other it wasn't love."
"Maybe I was wrong!" Claire turned away and stormed off.
"Great," Tess groaned, walking back to the kitchen. Just what they needed. They finally get someone who knows what they're doing to help get this cattle station back on track and Claire decides to get jealous and possessive over a man she's barely seen in half a year.
Alison jumped to her feet when Tess returned. "What did I say? Did I do something wrong? Why is she mad at me?"
"You'll have to ask her that." Tess shook her head. "I wouldn't worry about it right now. Eat your breakfast. We'll be leaving for the paddocks soon."
Flopping into the chair, Alison stared at her breakfast. What in the world could have gotten Claire so mad? Then, it dawned on her. She looked up at Tess, now sitting across from her. "It's about Rod, isn't it?"
"What about Rod?" asked a young, female voice.
Glancing at the door, Alison didn't recognize any of the three women who just walked in. Two were young girls: one with long straight black hair and one with short light brown hair. The other was a bit older; her dark hair wrapped up in a bun.
"Nothing," Tess answered. "Alison this is Rosa and Jodi Wilcox," motioning to the two with the dark hair, "and Becky."
"So," Becky snatched a piece of bacon from the plate Meg set down. "Does this have anything to do with the date you and Rod went on last night?"
Alison looked around the room in utter amazement.
"It's a small town," Beck shrugged. "Word travels fast."
"Obviously." Alison leaned back in the chair. "I'd prefer we not talk about this though. Okay?"
"Sure. Whatever."
"Claire's a little touchy with the subject," Tess explained further.
"You know if this is going to cause problems, let me know so I can stop it before it gets started."
"Claire will get over it." Meg placed the rest of breakfast on the table. "Don't let her stop you from doing anything or seeing anyone that makes you happy."
Becky chuckled. "Heck, if I thought I had half a chance, I'd go after that bloke myself."
"In your dreams!" Jodi laughed, giving Becky a playful shove.
Inwardly, Alison sighed, relived that everyone was taking this with a lighthearted nature, but still concerned over Claire's disapproval. Not that she blamed Claire. She could very well act the same way if the situation were reversed. That didn't make it any more comfortable though.
Claire stayed behind while the others brought the cattle down from the upper paddocks. Alison found herself to be the most experienced person at driving cattle in the group. Despite that, within ninety minutes the cattle stood mooing contentedly in the yard pens.
Alison weaved her way between the animals, glad that they were calm around people. It made her job much easier. "And I thought they looked good from the road." She ran a hand along one cow's back then leaned down to study her underline. "Your father sure knew what he was doing," she said jotting some notes on her notepad.
"He's done nothing else but this." Tess climbed on top of the fence and sat down. "I should hope he knew what he was doing."
"I've known cattlemen whose fathers and grandfathers have done nothing but raise cattle and they still don't have a clue. Believe it or not," Alison looked up with a grin, "your father was a rare breed himself."
"Is that good?" Jodi asked from her perch on the gate.
"Yeah, that's good," Alison laughed. When she finished examine all the cattle three hours later, she climbed over the corral and joined Tess on the other side.
"So, what do you think?" Tess anxiously pushed her hair from her face.
"Well, at first glance, I'd say there are at least six cows and heifers that you should sell. They aren't bad quality. You should be able to get a good price for them. But they're Crispian's offspring and we want to reduce the inbreeding. I'll know exactly how many after I put all this on the computer and can get a better look at the lineage."
"Great! We'll take the cattle back to the paddocks while you work on that."
Rod paced across the living room. Stopping at the phone, he stared. Then, he started pacing again. It was past noon now and he wanted to call Alison. He didn't want her to think he was overly anxious even if he was. He'd hardly slept after coming back from their date. He just lay on the bed and looked at the clock every few minutes. Time just seemed to drag. Even the hectic schedule of his morning duties lasted forever.
He also didn't want to talk to Claire. He knew he'd have to face her sooner or later. He just preferred it to be later. She had to know about him and Alison. News like that traveled quickly in a town this small.
Chiding himself for acting like a schoolboy, he marched over to the phone and dialed the McLeod's house. If Claire answered, he'd just act as if it was anyone else. After several rings, the phone was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Meg?" he asked, trying not to sound too relived. "This is Rod."
"G'day, Rod," her voice sounded very unsurprised by his call. "What can I do for you?"
They must know, Rod figured. "Umm… I was wondering if I could talk to Alison. If she's not busy that is."
"I'll go get her for you." Meg set the phone on the table and walked out on the porch. She noticed Claire had looked up from her sulking but said nothing to her. "Alison!" she shouted across the yard. "Phone for you!"
Alison glanced at the house when she heard Meg's call, her heart skipping a beat. "Are you sure you don't want my help taking the cattle back?" she asked Tess.
"No worries. Go answer your phone call." Tess nodded towards the house. The sudden change of expression on Alison's face told her whom the call was likely from.
"Thanks!" Alison trotted up the back porch of the house and walked in with Meg. She couldn't look Claire in the face as she passed by though.
"Why don't you take the call in the office?" Meg suggested.
"I will, thank you." Alison shut the door to the office as she walked in. Taking a deep breath, she picked up the phone. "Hello?" She heard the click of the other receiver being hung up.
"Alison, it's Rod."
"Hi!" His smooth voice sent tingles down her body.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything."
"No, not at all. I had just finished up with the cattle. Tess, Jodi, and Becky are taking them back out to the paddock."
"Oh, good. I worried that you might have gotten a late start seeing as we were out so long last night."
"You mean this morning," she giggled.
"Yeah," he laughed in reply. His heart finally stopped pounding in his chest.
"It didn't affect me at all. I'm hardly even tired."
"Me either. Look, I was umm… I was wondering if you'd like to get later. I know some nice places to watch the sunset."
"I'd like that."
"Can we meet at my place at five? I'll give you directions."
Four o'clock that evening, Alison said goodbye to Tess and promised to try and be back earlier that the previous morning. Tess assured her it didn't matter. Alison thanked her and climbed into her car, hoping her knee length peach skirt, white tank top and short boots would be suitable for wherever Rod planned on taking her.
It took less time than she planned to get the cattle station where Rod worked and lived. She drove past the single story main house to another dirt road that took her to where Rod's small house was situated. Quickly parking the car, she restrained herself from running up to the front door. She took a moment to compose herself, then knocked. What little composure she had melted away when he opened the door. He smiled at her, his red shirt hanging down at his sides. It was unbuttoned, exposing the most incredible chest Alison had even seen. Her eyes wandered down also noting the top button to his jeans had not been done.
"You're early."
Alison jerked her head upward. "Huh?" Her face felt hot. He had to have seen her staring. "Oh, yeah. Sorry. It didn't take as long as I thought it would."
"That's okay." He stepped aside to let her pass. "Come in." He inhaled deeply as she passed by. A sweet floral smell tickled his senses and stirred his passion.
Alison brushed past and into the living room. She was afraid to turn and look at him, not wanting to make a fool out of herself again.
"Have a seat if you like. I'll finish getting dressed." Rod walked back to the bathroom.
Alison nervously wrung her hands together. She couldn't believe the effect that man had on her. Relax, she told herself, just relax. She stepped to a window and gazed out across the grassland. A soft break had begun to blow. The rippling of the grass looked like waves across an ocean. So engrossed in the beauty of the land, Alison didn't hear Rod walk up behind her. She didn't jump when his strong hands caressed her shoulders.
Her skin felt incredibly soft and silky under his touch. He leaned down to her shoulder, inhaling more of her erotic scent. Easing the strap of her top off her shoulder, his lips brushed against the exposed skin.
Alison inhaled sharply. Reaching back to wrap her arm around his waist was the only thing that kept her knees from giving out on her. She tilted her head to the side as Rod pushed the hair from neck, trailing kisses up to her ear. Whirling around, she faced him, her breaths coming in short gasps. "Rod…"
"ROD!" someone shouted, running up the porch. "Rod, come quick!" A young blond man rushed into the house, not even phased by the face Rod stood with a woman in his arms. "Mandy's foaling and she's having problems!"
Without a thought, Rod and Alison rushed out to the barn, following the young man. "How long she been like this, Ben?" Rod dropped to his knees next to the downed mare. Her breathing was labored and she started to lather into a sweat from straining.
"An hour or so. We didn't even know she'd started."
Rod pulled off his shirt. "Get me so hot water, soap and mineral oil. I have to go in and see how the foal is laying."
Ben ran off to get the supplies and Alison settled down in the hay at the mare's head. "Shhh…." she stroked the frantic mare's forehead. "Easy, girl, easy."
Rod glanced up for a moment to watch Alison comfort the animal. She took to it like it was second nature. He turned back to his work when Ben set down the hot water, soap and mineral oil. He washed his arms thoroughly with the soap and water before applying the mineral oil. Propped up on one elbow, he slid his free hand inside the mare, feeling for the position of the foal. He grimaced and winced. "Damn it!"
"What's wrong?" Alison looked down at Rod.
"The foal's head is twisted back and the cord is wrapped around its neck. My hands are too bloody big."
"Let me!" Alison scrambled around back of the mare and scrubbed up.
"You serious?"
"Never more. Now move out of the way." Settling in where Rod had been, Alison went to work.
Rod stepped back watching in amazement. Alison worked like a pro, never once bothered by the blood or the mess. The mare reared its head back several times while Alison worked.
"Hold her down!" Alison had gotten the foal's head turned around and free of the cord and now pulled it from the mare. The horse gave a heavy groan and the foal came free, landing right on top of Alison. She laughed in glee as the little foal took its first breath of life.
"You did it!" Rod cheered, letting go of the mare so she could stand and take care of her baby.
Rolling the foal off her and into the hay, Alison stood back and let nature take its course. "Yeah, I did." She tried to wipe the tears of joy away but hand nothing to wipe them away with.
"You were great," Rod said softly, dabbing at the tears with his shirt.
"Thanks. I feel so silly crying but it never ceases to amaze me."
"What's that?"
"Life." She smiled up at him.
Breathlessly, Rod stared into her eyes. "Look at you," he finally said. "Your clothes…"
Alison shrugged with a smirk. "No worries. I've got a pair of pants in the car. If I could just borrow a shirt."
"After what you just did," he kissed her on the forehead. "You can borrow anything you like."
"You still want to go out?" Rod called down the hall from the kitchen when the bathroom water shut off.
Alison pulled the green polo shirt over her head. "Mmm…" she grinned. "Smells like him." She tucked it in her pants, buttoned them up and went out into the kitchen. "If you still want to take me."
"That shirt looks better on you than it does on me." He handed her a cup of tea. "And of course I still want to take you."
"Thank you." She took a sip. "Very good."
"Where did you learn how to do that?"
"I spent the last eight years, after I graduated, on a ranch in Texas. I mean sure, they taught us the textbook basics in college but I didn't really learn anything until I did it for real." She looked down at her cup and chuckled. "I was a glutton for punishment. Any birthing season, be it horses or sheep or cattle, I'd be the first to volunteer. When we'd lose a few after working so hard, and I was ready to give up, a miracle would happen, like what happened out there, and my faith would be renewed."
"And that's why you love what you do."
"Yep. The miracle of life makes me think there's hope for this world." She set the tea down with a sigh. "Now, how about we catch at least a little bit of the sunset?"
On a rocky hilltop, overlooking a pasture of grass and scattered trees, Alison stared into the pastel colored sky. This reminded her so much of home, of the hill out behind the house she grew up in, her parents' house. A chill ran through her and she rubbed her hands over her arms to ward off the goose bumps.
"Cold, love?" Rod wrapped his arms around her. "The wind up her can get a bit chilly. I've got a jacket in the car."
Leaning against him, she shook her head. "No. I'm fine. Now."
"Mmm." Rod rested his chin on her head. "Bet you've never seen anything like this in Texas."
"Close. But no, this is definitely unique." She craned her neck to look up at him. "The company helps too."
Rod turned Alison around. "I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather be up here with." Lightly, he brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. His hand cupped the back of her head, tilting it so his lips could easily capture hers.
Alison returned his kiss as eagerly as he gave it. Her fingers entangled themselves in his thick black hair when he moved to nibble at her ear and down her neck. She felt his hand slid down her chest to the top button on her pants. It popped free and she took a hasty step back. "Rod, wait."
"What is it? What's wrong?" He saw a sudden fright in her eyes.
"I just want to be sure this is right." Biting her lip, she hung her head. "I've been hurt too many times."
"If you think I'm like one of those American blokes of yours," he lifted her chin to meet his gaze. "Who'd sleep with you and then throw you away, you're wrong. I feel something for you I've never felt for anyone else before."
"Not even Claire?"
"Not even Claire. I won't rush you, Alison. But this feels right to me. And I think it feels right to you and that's what scares you more than being hurt again." When she stayed quiet, he told her one more thing. "Because it scares me too."
"You're right. It scares me. It scares me because when I get near you, I see nothing else. I get so lost in you, so easily and we've barely known each other for three days. I think of nothing else but you, day and night. No one has ever had that kind of control over me."
"How do you think I feel? I couldn't sleep at all last night. Then this morning, I could barely concentrate on my work. All I wanted was to see you again, to touch you."
"Oh, Rod." She reached out and touched his face. "I'll be at Drover's Run for six months at least, maybe even a year. I love how I feel with you. What if that stops?"
"We can't spend our lives playing 'what if' games, Alison. I've already wasted part of mine doing that. If we both feel this is right, then that feeling with never stop."
Alison closed her eyes, searching her heart. She never believed
in love at first sight. She always thought the idea silly. How
could two people who didn't even know each other love each other?
Maybe this wasn't love. But then again. When Alison opened her
eyes, looking into his, all she could whisper was 4 small words.
"Make love to me."