The Long Paddock by Alissa Callen

Author:Alissa Callen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd

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‘You do know torches will also help you see in the dark?’ Rose asked Denham as she scanned the fifth packet of carrots spread across the grocery store counter.

He passed the grinning teenager the final two bags. This was the second time he’d cleaned the Woodlea grocery store out of carrots.

‘I do. But I don’t think Reggie likes torches as much as he does carrots.’

Rose giggled. ‘Does he really have them every day?’

‘Yes, and if I’m late he’s waiting at the gate, pawing at the ground.’

Rose’s eyes widened. ‘Do you go into the paddock with him? I’ve heard if you wear red he’ll charge at you.’

Denham passed Rose the money for the carrots. ‘Hasn’t your mum told you not to believe everything you hear?’

‘She has but Pete told me and he knows what he’s talking about. Reggie’s chased him.’

‘Has he now?’

‘Yes, but not at your place,’ Rose quickly added before looking around the store. When she was sure it was empty, she spoke again. ‘You know, Pete’s … all right.’

Denham nodded and waited for Rose to continue. He guessed ‘all right’ meant that Rose thought Pete was far more than just all right.

‘I don’t want to see him get hurt.’

Denham again nodded. He had a feeling he knew where this conversation was headed.

Rose twirled the ends of her long blonde ponytail around her fingers. ‘There’s talk … that now Reggie’s at your place it will be easy to get him into your bucking chutes and ride him.’

Denham made sure his reaction didn’t show on his face. His stomach knotted at the thought of what could go wrong with such a plan—for Reggie as well as the teenage boys. He’d swing by Woodlea Rural and purchase some heavy-duty padlocks and no trespassing signs.

‘You and I both know that such a plan isn’t a good one.’

Rose nodded, her fingers still twirling her hair. ‘It’s not.’

‘How about you put it around town that if I hear of, or see, anyone messing with Reggie I’ll personally pay them and their parents a visit. I also won’t be happy having anyone trespassing on my place.’

Rose’s eyes rounded before she nodded. ‘That’ll work. Pete respects you. He watches your rides on the internet. Also, no offence, but when you frown you’re totally scary.’

Denham collected his grocery bags with a smile.

He loaded the carrots into his ute and headed around to Woodlea Rural. He slowed as he passed the Main Street sign. The once metal pole was now wrapped in knitted cowboy boots and hats. The mystery yarn-bombers were preparing for the annual rodeo and campdraft weekend.

He pulled up alongside Shaun’s glossy dark ute. The impractical vehicle looked like it’d just been driven off the showroom floor. If the man paid as much attention to who Cressy really was, then he might have once had a chance with her. Denham entered the building but Shaun was nowhere to be seen. He gathered what he needed and paid for the items. When he returned outside he found Shaun leaning against his black ute, arms folded.

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