Page 56 of Wandering Souls

“And your budget?”

“Not a concern.”

“Well then, let’s talk specifics, shall we?”

Chapter Eleven

Under the shade ofa spreading eucalyptus, Ray laid out the picnic rug and set the basket in the center. Moisture hung heavy in the air as thick, dark clouds gathered over the town. It had been threatening to rain for a day now but so far, not a drop had fallen.

Winter held on with her white knuckles exposed for all to see, dueling with spring for supremacy. Signs that spring had started to win the battle were everywhere. Blossoms bloomed, bees buzzed hungrily for pollen, and young green shoots had begun to sprout, but the biggest sign had yet to arrive.

The rains.

And they needed them to hurry along. Though the previous winter had seen heavy snowfall, native Australian forest dried quickly. Worse still, the prolonged snow season had encouraged rampant growth in the underbrush. The fuel load would feed a burgeoning flame until it roared out of control. Wills Crossing hadn’t seen wildfire for some time, or so Nev had told him, but for the next hour, Ray prayed the rains held off—even if every breath he took was filled with the scent.

On the corner of the rug, Bruce sat up. Something, or perhapssomeonehad his attention. Ray turned, napkins in hand, to see Abigail step down from her Jeep. Dressed in faded blue jeans that clung nicely to her curves, and a cream turtleneck sweater, she presented his dream girl. Long blond hair flowed in the breeze and pale blue eyes met his from across the park. A smile curved her lips and she shut the vehicle door.

On the rug, Bruce let out a small chuff. His front paws danced in excitement and the entire back end of the dog wagged in sync with his tail. He glanced at Ray, as if debating whether breaking the rules to run to her was worth the trouble it would earn him. Ray chuckled and decided to give the dog a break.

“Go.”

Without hesitation, Bruce leapt to his feet and bounded across the grassy expanse of the park. For an instant, Ray feared the Shepherd would knock her over but true to form, the dog skidded to a halt in time and planted his ass on the ground. Bending on one knee, Abi greeted Bruce with so much affection he felt a pang of jealousy. It didn’t last long. How could it, when seeing the bond between dog and woman develop with such strength gave him joy?

Abi’s laughter rang out as she stood and followed Bruce to him. Looking proud as punch that he’d retrieved her, Bruce found his place at the corner of the picnic rug, made three circles and then sat.

“He really is well trained,” she noted, as she stopped at the edge of the rug and toed off her sneakers.

“You don’t have to do that.” Ray didn’t care if she tread dirt everywhere, so long as she came near enough to touch.

“My choice.” She dropped her car keys and purse by her shoes. “Besides, I don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.”

He liked the sound of that, though not anywhere near as much as he liked watching her walk toward him. Those curvy hips swayed with each step and when she got close enough, she reached for him. Ray took her hand, tugging her to his chest. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Her open display of affection kicked his heart into gear. He leaned down to give her a brief, welcoming peck, but the minute his lips touched hers, he realized there’d be nothing brief about it. Winding his arms around her waist, he deepened their kiss until they were both out of breath.

Abi pulled back. Her flushed cheeks roused his libido and he had to convince himself the world wouldn’t end if he let her go. Still, he held on, flattening his hands over her back to feel the muscles move under her skin.

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