Page 18 of Crossed Wires: The Complete Series

A slight movement by one of the front stalls caught his attention. His mum’s gaze captured his and he could tell by the upset look on her face, she’d heard Annie too.

She jerked her head to the right, indicating she wanted to talk to him. Hunter nodded silently then walked around the outside of the shed, not wanting to disturb Annie. His mother met him at the front doors, beside the main water tank.

“Dylan called.”

Hunter glanced toward the house. “Is he still on the phone?”

“No. He rang while you were delivering the calf. I told him Annie was here and safe. Told him not to worry because you were taking good care of her.”

Hunter thought his mother’s tone was almost hopeful, but he dismissed it as wishful thinking on his part. Hazel wouldn’t condone him trying to steal his brother’s gal.

“Shit. I was hoping to speak to him.”

Hazel nodded. “I told him you’d ring later.”

“Is he headed back?”

Hazel shook her head. “No. Airline lost his luggage. He’s staying there until they find it.”

Hunter rubbed his eyes wearily. Resisting Annie would be a lot easier when Dylan was back. At least…he hoped it would be.

Annie walked out of the shed, covering her mouth with a yawn neither he nor his mother missed.

“You working Annie too hard today, Hunter? Poor girl hasn’t even recovered from her trip and you’ve got her pulling calves in labor and delivery.”

Annie gave him a teasing grin. “He’s a taskmaster, Hazel. A regular slave driver.”

Hunter crossed his arms and feigned annoyance. “Great. Typical of Dylan to head across the pond and bloody well leave me here outnumbered and surrounded by sheilas who think they’re funny.”

Hazel laughed. “Drop it, boyo. Sheila? When was the last time anyone in this century used the term ‘sheila’? I think you’re bunging on an act for our guest here.” She wrapped her arm around Annie’s shoulders. “The best thing for you is a quick lunch and then a nap. It’s going to take you a few days to get your internal clock sorted. After you wake up, you can help me in the kitchen. I’m baking a cake for the Country Women’s Association. We’re meeting tonight for a potluck dinner.”

“Country Women?” Annie asked.

Hazel nodded. “It’s a meeting of all the wives who live at Farpoint.”

“It’s an excuse to eat too much, drink a lot of wine and gossip,” Hunter clarified.

Annie’s face brightened. “Ooo…wine. That sounds great.”

“You’re welcome to come with me. You could include it in that article you’re writing about us.” Hazel had been far too pleased and willing to help when she’d learned about Annie’s series on Farpoint. If there was one thing his mum was proud of, it was her home. The idea of an American magazine featuring a story about them thrilled her to no end.

“I’d love to go. If you’re certain I won’t be imposing.”

“Not at all, my dear. We’d love to have you. In fact, our schoolteacher, Amy, will be over the moon to meet you. Though I fear she’ll pepper you with a thousand and two questions about New York. That girl is America-mad.” Hazel turned her toward the house and the two of them began to walk away.

Annie glanced back at Hunter. He tried to ignore the longing in her eyes, but he couldn’t deny it was there. Couldn’t pretend the same look was probably lingering in his gaze. She’d brightened up his morning—and the previous evening, making him feel things he hadn’t felt in a very long time. The foolish sentiment made him feel like a green-around-the-gills teenager again.

They were treading a dangerous path.

He waved. “Go on and sleep. I’m going to finish up a few things in the shed, then tackle some paperwork in my office. I’ll see you before you head out to the meeting.”

“Okay.”

Hunter watched Annie and his mum walk to the house, the two women talking away like long-lost sisters. Hazel had embraced the New Yorker, taking her under her wing, and he was struck by how lonely his mum must be at the homestead with only him and Dylan for company.

True, there were other women on Farpoint. Hell, the station was now big enough to have its own school for the hired hands’ little kids. The teacher, Amy Wesson, spent quite a bit of time with Hazel. But Amy was young and the hired hands’ wives treated Hazel like the boss she actually was, as did the jillaroos. Until Annie appeared, he’d never seen his mum so…happy. And chatty.

Hunter let out a ragged breath.