Chapter One #2
I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of horses, although I love people watching, and the flurry of activity in the fields and stables soon gets my attention.
I hoist myself onto a five-bar gate and squint to avoid the blinding sun.
As I take in the lush green surroundings and rolling hills, the smell of clover hits my senses.
In the distance, a competent, stable hand brushes the coat of a chestnut-coloured horse.
He creates a swirl of unique shades along its back before patting his nose and leading him into a paddock.
Another horse looks on from his stable in envy, waiting for his turn to be pampered.
Then a third peeps through the top half of his stable gate and huffs a blubbery neigh in protest. This sparks a row of horses to investigate what all the noise is about.
Their nodding heads look choreographed as they pop out of the stables one after the other.
There are at least fifteen and even more in the adjacent fields.
This place is so vast, there’s no telling how many more there are.
The January heat feels alien to me. London could be covered in snow at this time of year.
I sit back a little, close my eyes and shake out my blonde hair.
Gentle sounds of voices and horses mingle into one around me and my smile is as warm as the rays bathing my freckled face.
I’m now totally relaxed, and it feels good after my big move to Oz and all the shitty stuff I’ve had to go through with Rob.
I actually feel great. Well, I felt great until I’m joined by a few annoying flies which disturb my peace.
I attempt to swat them away, but they might as well get right in my ear at this rate.
They invade my personal space to an unbearable limit and I’m so busy thrashing my hand around my head; I don’t notice anything behind me.
From nowhere, there’s a thud in my spine and my feet brace on the gate as I try to steady my vibrating legs.
The ground races towards me and my arms stretch out to break my fall.
It doesn’t work as all they do is serve as a shovel to the gravel path below.
Grit stings my eyes while my tongue does its best to get rid of whatever the hell has made its way into my mouth.
While I rub away the tiny traces of dirt, a cold shadow falls over my slumped frame.
I’m convinced it belongs to the culprit.
Although its giant black body is safely behind the gate, I’m positive it’s laughing at me in its own special way.
My hand pushes to the ground. “Shit. Stupid bloody horse!” I look up to face the animal squarely in the eye.
“Was that you?” While I brush my now dirty Capri pants and white blouse with my hands, the horse blows out the mightiest, saliva induced neigh as if it’s taunting me.
My blood boils, my hands clench, and my jaw locks.
“You frightened me, bloody stupid animal.”
“Are you all right there?”
I didn’t notice there was someone behind me.
Bugger. M y eyes squeeze shut and I mouth to myself, “Oh shit.” I turn my head slowly in the voice's direction, my stomach in knots. “I’m sorry. I’m no good with…
horses.” When I see who I’m talking to, my focus travels from firm, never ending, denim-clad legs to a navy, open-neck shirt.
His defined jaw line covered with a dark spray of morning stubble, complements hi s olive skin.
It’s while he adjusts the cowboy hat shading his blazing hazel eyes encased between thick dark lashes, that his concerned voice asks, “Sure you’re not hurt? You took a real tumble.”
My knees sting and I feel a bruise forming as I speak, although I’d never admit it.
“I’m okay, thank you.” I straighten my posture and blow the loose hair from my face.
I know the blush travelling the length of my neck may give the game away.
My British stiff upper lip is kicking in while my palms throb like hell, but those hazel eyes distract me momentarily.
Then I realise I recognise those beautifully rugged features.
I’ve admired the smoother version every day for years on the wall of our boardroom.
His picture hangs handsomely next to the portrait of our chairman.
Except he would know him better as… dad. This is Daniel Grant.
“By the accent, you’re not from around here. Are you the latest recruit from the UK?”
The red flush on my neck creeps towards my cheeks. My skin is on fire. “That’s right, I’m Richard Harvey’s PA,” I say with my tongue clinging to the roof of my mouth.
He holds out a hand, “Well, Richard Harvey’s PA, I’d like to say I know your name, but—” then he pulls me to my feet.
“Hannah May, Sir.”
His upturned lips clamp together, “Did you just call me Sir?” My words get stuck in my throat, and I feel the force of my heartbeat against my chest.
“Hannah? Are you sure you’re all right? Can I get you some water?”
“No. I’m fine,” I take a step backwards, but he doesn’t let me go so easily. He reaches for my hand, and goosebumps shoot across my skin. How can someone so huge and rugged be so utterly gentle? “I’m Daniel Grant.”
As I attempt to compose myself, my breathless reply escapes with no thought. “I know. ”
“Ahh, now I get the ‘sir’ reference.” He takes a step forward, but I avoid looking him in the eye.
“I wasn’t sure how to address you.”
“Not like that, good job my folks aren’t around. They wouldn’t let you live it down.” He winks and my butterflies take flight. “No, I’m sure they wouldn’t.” I blush.
“Have you met them?”
I swallow hard. “I have, yes. They’re lovely.” My accent turns all Kate Middleton. My mum does the same thing, except she turns into the Queen.
“Then you’ll know we like to keep it casual. Daniel will do just fine.”
“Daniel, it is,” I smile, backing away. “Well, I better be off. Sorry, again, about the horse.” His giant step in my direction stops me before I move any further. “Look, let me apologise for Storm’s unacceptable behaviour.”
I’m lost, “Storm?”
His smile is infectious, “My horse. He’s very sorry and by way of an apology, you can have me for the afternoon.” The confusion in my face is clear. “What Storm is trying to say, is he thinks I should show you around the place?”
I don’t need to give it too much thought and I won’t let on that his mother has already shown me most of what goes on here.
“Um, yes, I’d like that”. I can’t turn down this gorgeous, tall Australian cowboy.
Well, part-time cowboy. Daniel is, in fact, the Executive Director of Operations, so I’ve got to watch my step.
“Good.” He smiles and strokes the mischievous black horse along its sleek satin neck before his outstretched hand sweeps ahead in a ‘ladies first’ motion.
“Why haven’t I heard more about you, Hannah? I mean, I’ve known Richard for years. Have we spoken? We must have once or twice?”
I’m sure I haven’t. I wouldn’t forget his swirling tone. “I don’t think so although I know your assistant, Jennifer, very well. I’m looking forward to meeting her in person.” My professional brain is back in gear.
“And you’ve been in the country how long?”
I look up at the sun and close my eyes against the blinding rays. “Four weeks… no, five.” I turn back to him, wishing I’d brought my sunglasses out with me. As if he’s read my mind, he removes his hat, then places it on my fevered head while swatting away more flies.
“Thank you.” I smile, noting his focus lingers over my lips, which prompts me to run my tongue across my mouth. I have no idea why I do it.
His speech slows almost shaking himself to the here and now. “And what do you think of this magnificent country of ours?” he says, while dragging his eyes back to meet mine. His mouth slightly parted, and his tone deep.
I sigh, “It’s difficult, really. I haven’t seen much of it at all.” Now it’s my turn to shake my thoughts back together. “Everything has been so busy with the move, the only sightseeing I’ve managed is the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the office window.”
Daniel’s eyebrows raise. “Not good. I can’t have you complaining to your folks back home about how Australia isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!”
I smile a little as the enormous lump in my throat blocks my vocal chords at the mere mention of home. He must sense a shift in my mood because he briefly places his hand on my arm, sending electric shocks to my heart. I can’t tell if it’s comfort or excitement. Maybe both.
“I hope you’re not having any second thoughts?” I’m surprised I miss his touch when his hand drops to his side.
“No, no second thoughts,” I laugh lightly, trying to convince myself as much as him. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
He touches my arm once more, instigating a sudden stop.
“ It’s okay to be homesick, Hannah.” The proximity of his tall frame causes my breath to hitch.
I only return to normality when he smiles, then gestures again for me to walk on, giving me a few moments to gain control.
“If you’re looking for a guide, maybe I could help you out?
” His deep Australian tone penetrates my skin.
“I’d like that.”
As we walk further from the main house and the line of stables, our fenced barriers fade away.
All we see is open fields and striped, brown and green landscape.
In the distance, I spot a scattering of cattle and a solitary tree, its branches illuminated by the setting sun.
The sight is nothing short of glorious. I’m caught in its beauty for a while until his voice breaks the spell. “Incredible, isn’t it?”
“It is,” I smile. “You’re lucky to live in such an amazing country. The landscape is endless.”
“You’re right, there. You can go for days without seeing a soul.”
“Note to self, no backpacking on my own then.”