Page 72 of No Strings

Davis watches us with bored amusement. Beau’s eyes ping pong in his head. He rolls his eyes, “Would you two just fuck already!”

Little does he know.

“What’s fuck?” We all stop, eyes growing wide and turn to see Molly has paused colouring to ask the question. I brave a look towards Brent who doesn’t look happy.

“You four, now.” He points behind himself. We all follow head bowed like naughty teenagers being scolded by their Dad.

“I didn’t even do anything.” Davis mutters.

When we get outside the dining room, Brent berates us for acting like children and swearing in front of his daughter. He might have said his five years old acts better than us. Can’t argue that point, Morgan and I are constantly at each other.

Once we’re given the right act, we all return and apologise to Molly.

“Molly, I’m also sorry for upsetting you yesterday.”

“I don’t even remember, I got to have Esky for the whole day.” She stretches her arms out wide, to indicate how long a whole day is.

The kid’s cute.

Chapter Twenty-One

MORGAN

The next few days pass in a drawn-out blur. It’s just the same boring, check if there are any new calves, make sure everything is in order with fences and troughs. I did help Beau bring the yards in from across the highway.

I get more time to draw. Even though I’m not showing anyone.

Rhys and I are either openly ignoring each other or openly teasing one another. No in-between. Not going to lie, I wouldn’t mind a round two. I know we shouldn’t, but the thought of sneaking into his room has crossed my mind a few times.

Sometime in the afternoon, the bus of tourists and backpackers arrive. I watch as they step off the stuffy bus. Dani’s there, ready to get them accommodation, and I’m sussing out the men. Because if Rhys is going to hook up, then why can’t I?

God, I think I just repulsed myself.

A soft voice asks for Brent. I turn to face her and look herover. She’s got long blonde curly hair, whisky coloured eyes that look into your soul and is probably a couple years older than me. I look up at Dani who is already looking at me and shrugs.

“I’ll go get him.” I tell her.

I don’t have to look hard because as I walk to the homestead, he’s walking out with a pissed off Molly behind him.

“Hey Brent, someone is here.”

“Yeah, thanks Morgan. That’s Tia Evans someone’s nanny slash teacher.” He nods his head to the side to show a frowning Molly.

I fall into step with her and hold her hand, I give it a small squeeze. “Hey, it won’t be so bad.”

“It might be.”

I’m still holding her hand when we meet Tia, who takes in our clasped hands and gasps, “Oh gosh! I am so sorry, I didn’t know you were involved when I saw you.”

I look to Molly, then to Brent and back to Tia and laugh. “Sorry, I’m not laughing at you, it’s just, no.” I turn to Brent, “No offence, Brent, but you’re too old for me.”

“And you’re too young for me.” He turns his attention to Tia. “She’s staying with us for the near future.”

“Her and Re are going to fall in love.” Molly’s sweet, determined voice cuts in.

Brent and I both look down at her as if she just swore. “Ah yeah, no we’re not. He’s annoying.”

“And you’re defensive.” Dani, sounding like she knows something, adds in her two cents.