Page 19 of Crossed Wires: The Complete Series

Annie was good for Hazel.

She was good for all of them.

Chapter4

Annie splashed her face with water from the trough, relishing the bite of the chill. She was sweating her ass off. It was the end of November, typically the beginning of winter in New York, and she was standing in the middle of a desert with sweat rolling down her back. Her muscles were sore from helping Hunter with some of the chores he said were common tasks on the station. She’d met quite a few of the jackaroos—and even a few jillaroos—who worked for the Sullivans. Farpoint Creek was clearly a large and important cattle station, given the sheer number of men and women who lived and worked on the land.

She’d recorded hours of interviews and conversations and tried to list key points she didn’t want to forget to include in her writing. Several times she’d been so caught up in the moment, she’d completely forgotten to record or noteanything, so she’d have to rely on her memory for some things when it came time to prepare her articles. There was simply too much going on all the time.

“Feel better?” Hunter asked.

She nodded. It was only her third day on the station. Three very busy, crazy, work-filled days. “It’s so hot.”

Hunter grinned. “Oh love, this isn’t hot. Summer hasn’t even started to kick in yet.”

“Holy shit. How can you stand it?”

Hunter shrugged as he handed her a towel to dry her face. She’d given up trying to wear makeup during the day. It was pointless considering she’d simply sweat it all off before noon. Given the way Hunter was looking at her, he didn’t appear to mind her au naturale appearance.

Hunter picked up the wide-brimmed Akubra Hazel had loaned her and put it back on her head. “We find ways to beat the heat. Speaking of, you’ve been working hard the last couple of days. Why don’t I show you more of the station? So far most of your chores have been around the homestead. I’ll give you a tour and,” he lifted a large bag she hadn’t noticed before, “even throw a picnic in as part of the deal.”

Annie’s stomach rumbled hungrily. “Food sounds awesome.” She’d found her appetite in Australia. Never a big eater at home, she typically existed on salads and yogurt. Since her arrival at Farpoint, she’d worked up a hunger she didn’t know existed. Hazel had invited her to help make dinner last night, sharing recipes and cooking tips. Growing up with a household cook who considered the kitchen his sacred property, Annie had never been exposed to the joys of cooking and baking.

Last night, she and Hazel had turned up an oldies station on the radio and danced around in aprons while baking fresh rolls for dinner and a pecan pie for dessert. She smiled at the memory.

“So let’s talk about your skills on a horse.”

Her smile disappeared. “You mean likeridingone?”

Hunter nodded.

“We’re not going to take the ute?” Annie smiled again, proud of her use of the unique Australian word. Why they didn’t just say “pickup” was beyond her, but she liked the wayutesounded in her mouth. She was discovering she liked a lot of things about Australia.

He grasped her hand and tugged her toward the stable. “I’ll take that to mean you’re not a horsewoman.”

“That would be a very good assumption to make.”

They reached the shed just as Frankie, a young hand she’d met the previous day, came out with a saddled horse. Hunter took the reins from him.

“Thanks, mate.”

Annie peered behind Frankie. “Only one horse? Were you that sure of my answer?”

Hunter winked at her. “You mentioned a lack of cows in Manhattan. I assumed the same held true for other four-legged creatures.”

Annie put her hands on her hips. “I’ll have you know there are tons of horses in the city.”

“Really?”

She nodded. “There are horse-drawn buggies in Central Park and policemen who patrol the streets on horses.”

“I stand corrected then. Does this mean you want to ride alone rather than behind me?”

She glanced at the large animal and considered trying to control something so powerful on her own. Her gaze drifted back to Hunter’s muscular form and she licked her lips. He was certainly a strong creature she’d like to ride, though she suspected she wouldn’t have much more luck controllinghim. Not that she’d mind that much. Visions of Hunter lying beneath her on the bed as she straddled his hips flashed before her eyes, and suddenly it wasn’t just sweat that was leaving her wet and sticky.

“Earth to Annie.”

She blinked rapidly, her vision focusing on Hunter as he waved his hand in front of her face.