“She’s the only one who counts.” A pause. Nhiari cleared her throat, clearly unsure about continuing and then said, “Are you keeping it a secret?”
This was weird. He didn’t discuss things like this with his sister; she didn’t like to share feelings. “Yes. No… I haven’t figured out how to tell Darcy.”
“He’d be a hypocrite to have a problem with it. You’re his best friend.” The aggression in her voice hinted at bad experiences of her own.
She was right, but it didn’t stop his concern. “Thanks. Will you keep your eye out for Georgie?”
“Always, little brother.” She hung up.
Her words calmed him. He could always rely on Nhiari to have his back.
Now he just had to figure out how to tell Darcy he was in love with Georgie.
***
Finally it was the weekend and Georgie had two days off. Absolute bliss. To make things even better, she was going to the Ridge and seeing Matt.
They’d spoken every night, sometimes video-calling, but it wasn’t enough. Georgie had offered to drive out to the Ridge, but Matt still hadn’t told her family about them. She was trying to understand his concerns, trying to keep the uncertainty in her head quiet. Matt loved her. He wasn’t ashamed about them. He was simply waiting for the best moment.
If he hadn’t found it by now, she’d tell her family. She’d waited her whole life for this to happen, and she wasn’t pretending they weren’t in a relationship.
Georgie had bitten her lip to prevent herself from telling Faith when she’d called earlier this morning to invite her out for the weekend. If it had been Amy she might not have been able to resist. Amy knew how Georgie felt about Matt.
Soon everyone would know.
Georgie grabbed her overnight bag and jogged out to her car. A quick stop at the supermarket to get the few things the Ridge needed, and then she was on her way home.
Home.
It was the first time the Ridge had felt like home again since her parents had died. Was it due to Matt being there? His comment about Darcy saying he could build his own house had been thought-provoking. There was plenty of space. She hadn’t really considered moving back, not with her work on the boat, but with her new job and relationship with Matt, it had got her thinking.
Faith drove into town three days a week to work in her law office. She never complained about the hour-long drive.
Declan said her work hours were flexible. On the days when Georgie had work on this side of the national park, she could go straight there instead of heading into the office. That would save her time.
She sighed and smiled. So many things to think about. She and Matt were early days still.
She drove into the yard at dusk and parked near the shearers’ quarters. Darcy would wonder about her sleeping out here, rather than in the house, but it would give Matt an opportunity to break the news, if he still hadn’t. She carried her bag to the porch and before she could put it down, Matt’s door opened and he dragged her inside, shutting the door behind them. “I’ve missed you.” He pressed her against the door and kissed her.
Yes.
She kissed him back, tugging his shirt from his waistband and popping the button on his jeans. Three days since she’d last touched him. Too long.
She lowered his zip and slipped her hand into his underpants, feeling his hard, warm erection. He groaned and dragged his lips from hers.
“We can’t do this now.”
“Why not?”
“Someone might hear.”
Her arousal vanished in a puff of disappointment. “You haven’t told them?” She withdrew her hand and slipped past him, further into the room.
He didn’t look at her. “There was never the right moment.”
Her insecurities pummelled her. “Are you ashamed of us?”
“No!” He stepped forward, reaching for her.
