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‘Hi.’
‘Hi.’
Unlike their parents.
Noah was freshly showered, his hair still damp causing the long waves to curl on top. Out of his work gear, he wore deep blue jeans with a red collared shirt and leather boots. Honestly, he could have walked out of the pages of a magazine fashion shoot. And as he stood near, she caught his scent, all woody and earthy and the underlying tone of tangy citrus. Pure heat swept through her and the ground shifted beneath her feet.
He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. His smooth, warm lips connected with the very corner of her mouth which opened slightly at his touch. He remained close for two long excruciating heart beats.
They stood awkwardly but the kids rushed towards the fence to watch the alpaca. Ava turned her head in their direction but when she spun back, Noah still gazed at her. His look swept her up in a warm blanket: sensuous, inviting and safe. She filled with want.
He broke contact first. ‘It’s a proper alpaca experience. You can walk them on a lead around a paddock, enjoy a picnic while they graze nearby, paint them, loads of things. I thought we’d have a picnic today. Does that sound okay?’
‘Sounds incredible.’
Rounding up the kids, they approached the couple near the entrance.
‘Noah, nice to see you.’ The men shook hands. ‘And you too, princess.’ Emily giggled. A lady with pink strands of hair framing her face introduced herself to Ava. ‘I’m Adele. Welcome to our alpaca farm. Is this your first visit?’
‘Yes. How can you tell?’
‘Because you’re standing back just like the first time I ever saw an alpaca.’ Adele rubbed the neck on the brown and white one standing close to her. It made a weird noise and Ava stepped further back.
‘I’ve got it restrained. It won’t move.’ Adele held up a rope as proof. ‘They make those noises all the time. Try to scare people, I think, but the sound doesn’t mean anything.’
The man, Blake, had the kids organised and ready to walk two smaller and what she hoped, were friendly alpaca. He addressed Ish. ‘This one is Cupcake and he’s very pleased to meet you.’ Ish took the rope held out to him and turned to Emily, his eyes sparkling with excitement. ‘Let me guess,’ she squealed. ‘This is Pikelet!’ Blake shook his head.
‘Chips?’
‘Ice cream?’
‘Lollipop?’
‘Lamington?’
She gave up.
‘This is Hotdog!’ The group of them cracked up laughing. ‘Any trouble, give me a yell.’
‘They seem nice,’ Ava said as they wandered behind the children through the plush grounds. Emily seemed to know where she was going.
‘Yeah, Blake’s a great guy. Owned this place for a while now. The vineyard is successful and Adele organises weddings on the premises. Adele has only lived out here for a couple of years, I think.’
‘A newbie like me, then.’
‘You’re not new though, are you?’
Ava lowered her head and kept pace with Noah.
‘Nothing is a secret in a small town.’
‘Is it meant to be a secret?’
‘No, not at all … but it’s not exactly something you advertise upon arrival.’
‘But you must know people from back then?’
‘I haven’t kept in touch with anyone … but I did run into a schoolfriend the other day. It was great to see her.’
