Page 54 of Stockman's Stowaway

‘Do you think there’s any truth to what Dex said about those wild dogs being deliberately brought out here?’ Cap asked.

‘Last night, Bree told me they’ve never had wild dogs before, just a few dingoes that never bothered them because they kept the poddy calves close.’ He leaned down and patted the big dog. ‘How soon before you can put these dogs to work with the calves we’ve brought in?’

‘I’ll start training them tomorrow. You can help me, if you want, Mia’

‘Really?’ She loved how Cap included her in his adventures.

Cap looked like a kid with some shiny new toys. ‘What do you think? They’ll make an excellent addition to the pack.’

‘They’re gorgeous cuddly bears. They’re coats match the colour of the calves, they’d blend in well.’

‘That’s the plan.’

‘Won’t the heat bother them?’ Considering how thick those coats looked she couldn’t tell if they were male or female. But she itched to hug them to see how thick that fur was.

‘No. It’s a self-insulation. They’re from the Top End and are used to our climate.’

‘Are they soft like a bear?’ She reached out to touch the pelt, but Willow nudged her leg. ‘Don’t get jealous, girl.’ She patted the kelpie instead.

‘I’ll get these two settled and come back for Atlas and Fern.’ Cap walked the dogs towards the kennels.

Ryder leaned his elbow over the gate, watching his brother. ‘How long are you planning on staying, Mia?’

‘Um…’ She swallowed. ‘I don’t know. But I can help. Seriously, I can.’ Now she was the one doing the sucking up. ‘I understand what Ash wants for the data. I’ll train Cap and Ash to do the soil and water samples, and—’

‘We do have plenty of work for you, and you will be fairly compensated for your skill set.’

‘I’m not here for the money.’

‘No, you’re using this station as a place to hide.’ Ryder’s brutal words were cutting. Yet, he was right. Cold, but right.

Ryder removed his sunglasses to give her a steady glare. ‘Just don’t break my brother’s heart. And don’t abuse Charlie and Bree’s generosity, either. They’ve been through enough.’

He left Mia stunned, holding the card of a police officer, alone with three dogs, standing in the yard of a stranger who had given her a couch to crash on, feeding her and even clothing her.

Hold the phone—did Cap like her enough for his big brother to warn her off?

Was it too soon for her to face the fear of falling for someone new, when the marks across her skin had yet to fully heal?

Nineteen

The front door of the cottage swung open, and Bree swaggered out, tossing her thick red plait over her shoulder, her face still dirty and her eyes blazing green. She was carrying a big jug full of a lemon-coloured liquid, with cut limes, and a handful of glasses.

‘Here, Mia. Try this.’ She poured Mia a glass.

‘I thought you were having a shower?’

‘I’ll get there. Gin first. It’s a new bottle. Don’t worry, I’m breaking you in gently. Come on.’ With her hip, she pushed open the gate, allowing the dogs free.

‘But I’m supposed to look after the dogs.’

‘Cap will have those new dogs in their kennels by now, or they’ll follow you.’ Bree held open the gate. ‘Come check out the car we found.’

Trying not to spill her glass, Mia and the three dogs trotted after Bree. ‘Can I ask you something?’

‘Sure. Just don’t ask about being a bother, again. You’re not.’

‘Um, well…’ She was.

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