Page 51 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘Which one is Ash?’ Ryan asked Craig.

‘Ash is the one that’s older than Jonathan, and younger than Cap.’

‘I know Cap well.’ Ryan nodded. ‘Cap is a good man. He’s saved countless canines over the years. If either of you ever need me for any of Cap’s dogs, don’t hesitate to find my surgery behind the supermarket.’

‘I can give you my number, if you want, Harper?’ Craig bobbed his eyebrows up and down.

Oh boy, Craig was a player. Big time. She peeked at Bree for help.

‘Craig, your phone number is written on the wall in the women’s toilets.’ Bree pointed to the doors that led to the amenities.

‘So, we’ve heard. We should take a look.’ Ryan spoke to Craig, ‘But first, my friend, you can order me a lemon, lime and bitters.’ He checked his watch. ‘I’m still on the clock.’

Oh, how Harper remembered that feeling well. Rubbing her own bare wrist, missing her watch.

‘In a sec …’ Craig leaned his elbow on the table, the smile gone and his voice low. ‘How’s Charlie, Bree?’

‘Good.’

‘Any more trouble from that prick next door?’

‘Not since the brothers moved in. But Leo is after their water now.’

‘I heard. New mine, huh?’

Bree nodded. ‘If you hear of anything about this mine, please let me know.’

‘Sure. But do you really want to bother if Elsie Creek Station has new owners?’

‘Only while we’re still out there, I care.’

‘You do realise Jonathan’s brothers are tough enough to handle anything?’

Bree shrugged. ‘I only met them when they moved in with their boxes and convoy of utes.’

‘I’ve met Dex a few times now. He’s an animal in those illegal fighting pits. Underground champion three years in a row.’

‘How do you know?’ Ryan asked, while Harper’s eyes widened at this news.

‘I’ve been to a Riggs family Christmas. Flew down with Jonathan in their cousin Monet’s plane. Their mother, Cammie, is a nice lady. You’d like her, Bree. And she’d love you.’

‘Do you know Ash?’ Harper had to know the gossip.

Craig’s stunning blue eyes landed on her. She had to sit back and remember to breathe. ‘Yeah. Ash is a gamer and a player, with a reputation for keeping a strict dating shelf-life of two weeks with the women.’

‘I already said I’m not with Ash.’

‘Are you jealous?’ Ryan nudged Craig with his elbow.

‘Not now, I’m not.’ Craig’s crooked smile offset his tan, as he sat back, keeping his eyes heavy on Harper as if touching her with his hands. She swallowed hard.

‘Behave, Craig,’ warned Bree. ‘I don’t need you breaking my friend’s heart.’

Friend? It was such a warm and welcoming word Harper sat higher, as Bree gave her a sly wink as if to say I’ve got your back.

‘What I want to know,’ said Bree, ‘is whether the Riggs brothers are good stockmen.’

Craig rubbed the back of his strong neck. ‘I worked with Ash on a muster in the Kimberleys.’

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