Learning to Love

Chapter 2

Matt helped Bianca stack the last of the hay bales in her shed and wiped the sweat from his brow. There was nothing more satisfying that a good hard day’s work and helping his mate.

“That oughta keep you going for a bit Bi,” Matt commented as she dusted her hands on her faded jeans. Thinking not for the first time, that size isn’t everything. Bi was a little pocket rocket. She worked harder and faster than most of the blokes he knew, but being small and female meant she copped a lot of flack and doubt in her skills as a fellow farmer.

“I think it’s time for a coldie, don’t you Matt?” Bianca said grinning. “I owe ya big time, so my shout for dinner at the pub tonight.”

“Nah, you’d do the same for me, Bi.” Matt slung his arm around her shoulder, grinning, “But I won’t say no to joining you for dinner at the pub or a coldie any day of the week. I just have a few errands to tend to at home first, but I’ll see you around 6pm?”

“Sounds good to me,” she grinned, staring after him like a love sick puppy. One day he’ll realise how perfect we are together. Hopefully sooner rather than later, I’m sick of waiting, she sighed to herself as she headed back to her house for a shower.

Matt started his Ute and made his way back to his house; he needed a quick shower to stop the itching from the hay before heading out to get bread and milk for tomorrows breakfast.

**********

Matt was on his way to the bakery and grocery store / post office when he saw a glint up ahead. As he drew nearer, he saw a little red car pulled to the side of the road, the glint of the bonnet harsh in the midday heat and figured he should probably check out what the problem is; tourists didn’t tend to stop and stay over in Scarlett’s Rock; it was more of a passing through town and perhaps they were lost.

He went to pull in behind her but found Old man Trev’s car pulled up in front. Matt figured he better see if the old man needed a hand, but the man was stubborn as a mule, making him hesitate momentarily; he didn’t feel like treading on anyone’s toes; well at least that was until he saw the red cars’ driver door open and a pair of the most gorgeously lean and milky white legs swing out of the car, followed by a pair of deliciously short denim pants, then leading up to the main event; a curvaceous body framed by cascades of golden blonde hair that looked as soft as butter. He felt an instant attraction to this classic beauty and he didn’t even know her name.

She didn’t appear to notice him pull up behind her and she bent in to reach for her phone, lifting it high and walking around the front of her car. The bottom of her top lifting ever so slightly, to show the slightest glimmer of that creamy delicate midriff. With a bemused smile, he headed over to see if she needed a hand.

“Excuse me Miss, do you need a hand?” enquired Matt.

Kadence nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of a deep velvety man’s voice. She quickly spun on her heel to find the most captivating man with a welcoming smile. She couldn’t help but do a quick scan of this manly specimen in front of her. Though he was fully dressed, she could see the strength of his arms as he stood with one hand in his jeans pocket and the other hands thumb looped into the belt on his powerful looking hip and she knew without a doubt, the rest of his body would be just a chiselled.

Matt cleared his throat in amusement, this woman was clearly checking him out and he didn’t mind one bit. As he watched her rake her eyes back down his arms, he flexed and couldn’t help his lopsided grin as she bit her lip, then quickly flicked her eyes back up to his.

“Um.. Hi. Sorry, I’m a little lost… no reception,” she grinned sheepishly as she held shook her phone as proof. “And my tyre seems to have gone flat.”

“More than just flat young lady,” piped up Trev, “You’ve got a crack in your radiator the size of Nantucket. Good you’re here Matt, left me phone back at the cottage and the young miss doesn’t seem to have reception.” He raised his eyebrows in question to Kadence who nodded with a wry smile.

“’Fraid not.” She answered on a sigh.

“Need a satellite phone out in this part of town, I’ll just head back to my truck and get it.” Matt started jogging back to the car to retrieve it and didn’t think to get any of her details for the Ray their tow truck driver.

After he’d punched in the number for Ray, he stood on the side step and waved to get Kadence’s attention, thankfully Trev saw and passed the message on as he saw her look towards him.

“Looks like you’re wanted,” Trev nodded towards Matt’s waving arm, “the tow will want your details but keep it simple, he’s a bit of a larrikin and not beyond asking for dinner over the phone.”

“Oh, well, thanks but I’m already spoken for.” Kadence replied and made her way towards Matt, who was already speaking to the driver.

As she neared she caught the tail end of the drivers return to Matt, “I know where that is. Is she hot?” Frozen to the spot she was half insulted he asked, have intrigued what Matt would reply.

Matt turned around and she noted the tinge of red creeping up his neck knowing she’d heard Ray on the speaker. He mouthed sorry and she gave him a little smile to know she didn’t hold anything against him and waited.

“Ray, you’re on speaker, ask away.” Matt ordered.

“Righto, I need a name, phone number and time for dinner.” Ray chuckled to himself.

“Ray,” Matt growled but Kadence put her hand on his arm and took the phone from him.

“Name is Kadence Mitchell, phone number is 5582 359 122 and I’ll ask my boyfriend, he likes lobster and I’ll have the chicken, thanks.” She replied and winked at Matt who was busy trying to commit those details to memory without looking like a stalker.

“Ahh a woman with spunk, I like you already.” Ray replied. He repeated her details back over the speaker and confirmed insurance details for his claim form. “Just leave the car where it is, and I’ll collect it. Matt will drive you wherever you’re needing to go and I’ll call you when she’s ready.”

Matt signed off and gave her a quick once over. She wasn’t the delicate little flower she seemed to be and that’s exactly what she needed if she’s going to be out in the bush for a couple days.

“So, where are you headed? Sydney?” Matt asked as he put his hand out in a ‘shall we’ manner and they started walking side by side.

“Scarlett’s Rock actually.” She risked a quick glance over to see if there was obvious surprise, but he kept his poker face intact.

“Visiting family?” he guessed.

“I’m actually the seconded primary school teacher.” She said, and he noted the hint of pride at the announcement.

He stopped and slowly drew his eyes but the full length of her body and for the first time she didn’t feel invaded but appreciated and stood stock firm.

“I can see that.” He smiled gently and started walking again.

Confused, Kadence rushed her steps to catch up beside him, brows furrowed, “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“I didn’t mean it by offense. Just stating that’s the calm aura you seem to have about you.” He’d stopped again and gazed into the eyes and it felt like he was seeing into her soul.

“How long?” Trev asked, thankfully breaking the spell between them.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, there were something she couldn’t afford to show anyone. Especially a country gentleman like himself. Besides, she already had a boyfriend for the time being and that was enough drama in her life without juggling the heat of emotion she could feel swelling within herself at his proximity.

“On his way now, so about 20 minutes.” Matt replied, walking up beside him.

Trev looked between Kadence and Matt and gave a small nod. “Right well, you better be on your way. No doubt you were heading somewhere yourself. Do you have a spare?” Trev nodded at Kadence.

“Well, I do… but it’s buried under all my boxes and belongings. Oh and I’m pretty sure I remember seeing my friend taking the jack out to make room for an unbelievably unnecessary outdated stack of girly magazines.” She cringed as she walked around to the boot of her car.

“Well that could’ve been potentially problematic,” he said giving her his lopsided smile, “But I just so happen to always carry a jack. We will however, need that spare, so..” he popped open her boot and proceeded to pull boxes out and gently pile them on the side of the road. It took Kadence all of 3 seconds to register he was unloading her car, too distracted having a perve of his muscular arse, and jumped in beside him to stop drooling and start helping. For goodness sake Kadence you have a boyfriend, get a grip!   

Once they finished unloading her car, Matt lifted the cover to reveal a slashed tyre. The expression on Kadence’s face slowly turned from shock to angered realisation as she realised a frustrated sigh and “oh come on, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Matt was torn between asking for more information and staying the heck out of this mess. But a beautiful lady in distress was calling and there was really only one solution.

“Right, then. That’s out.” Matt said simply and walked back around the front of the car to let Old Trev know but he was already back in his car.

Kadence followed Matt over to Trev’s car and watched as Matt knocked on the window, unsure what to do with herself, then remembered her manners.

“Thank you for stopping and assisting me with my car,” Kadence leaned in giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Trev cleared his throat a little baffled and waved his hand, “No problem there, love. I’ll wait here for Ray to come collect your car, so you can settle in. You’ll have enough time to deal with his nonsense when you pick it up.”

Matt smiled gratefully at the older man who was suddenly hospitable with a ‘townie’ and acting very unlike his usual reclusive self. Kadence appeared to be chewing on her bottom lip and quickly looked across at Matt before looking down.

“Sorry, I don’t want to be a bother, and all my stuff is in my car. So maybe I should just sit an wait for the tow truck…” she didn’t get to finish as Trev cut in.

“Nonsense love, Matt is one of the good ones, he’ll cause you no harm. And as for your boxes,” he nodded towards Matt already walking to the back of her little car, “Help is already on it’s way.” And blessed her with one of his genuine smiles making her pause for a moment as though she had seen it somewhere before.

Unsure whether to argue to stay with her car or be grateful to these two kind men for going the extra mile; something she would never get living in the city, she thanked Trev again and made a beeline for the man now gently placing her boxes on the back of his tray.

“Here, let me do some,” Kadence tried to squeeze in, but Matt was having none of it, already in a nice rhythm. Instead he tossed her his keys and asked her to start the car and crank the air con. Knowing he could get it done faster, and not wanting to get in his way any further, she obliged and was surprised to find how clean his interior was. Either this car was new or his wife was a tyrant, but it made her a little embarrassed knowing he’d seen the shambles her car had become.

Before she could think on it for too long, Matt swung his masculine body up into the drivers seat and blew out a breath.

“Right, let’s do it.” He smiled at her. Kadence sat frozen with her mouth gaping open and it took Matt a moment to work out what the problem was and slapped his hand over his mouth when he realised.

“No, no, no. I’m sorry that came out really inappropriate.” He shook his head as his mind started to fill with her luscious lips. “What I meant to say was, shall we get you to your new digs? I know the address, but if you don’t mind, I actually needed to duck to the shops for a couple groceries before they close for the day?”

Kadence found it a little cute he was stumbling all over himself and she knew it was just a turn of phrase; but did he seriously think after all the help he’d been she’d demand to be taken straight home? She had actually hoped to get to the shops to make sure she had dinner and breakfast sorted but now she’d probably have to try and shop for a week with her car out of action.

 “Oh and I sent Dee a message and let her know you’d be at the cottage in about 45mins, so she’ll be there in about half an hour ready for your arrival.” Matt finished.

“My gosh, I didn’t even think of that, thank you.” An overwhelming urge overcame her and she leaned across to plant a light kiss on his cheek, convincing herself it was just because she was grateful, but in reality, she knew it was a little something more.