Matt remembered a couple of times when Darcy had spoken about getting Sofia pregnant and how he’d been worried about being a teenaged father. “I’m glad I helped. The Ridge was always a haven for me.” Somewhere he could be with no judgement.
“You helped keep this place together,” Darcy said. “I can’t think of a better person for Georgie than you.”
It was Matt’s turn to gape. “Really?”
“Yeah. I had no idea you felt that way about her.”
“Neither did I.”
At Darcy’s raucous laugh, heat rushed to Matt’s face. “I buried my feelings deep because I didn’t want to ruin things here.” He sighed. “And I had no idea she loved me.”
“She had a massive crush on you as a teenager, but I didn’t realise she still cared,” Darcy said. “I’m happy for you both.” He clapped Matt on the shoulder. “Let’s go eat.”
Matt smiled and followed him. Just like that, everything was all right. He shouldn’t have doubted.
Everyone was sitting at the kitchen table, and he sat in the free seat next to Georgie. He kissed her cheek.
“No black eye,” Georgie observed.
“It’s all good,” he murmured.
“It had better be.” She glared at Darcy who spoke to Faith.
“I’ll tell you about it later,” Matt promised and poured her a glass of water. Happiness filled him at her smile, and he squeezed her knee.
She grinned wider. “You want to play footsies under the table?”
He tensed. “Not with the family around.” But now she’d put those thoughts in his head, “I’m feeling pretty tired though. I might have to go to bed early tonight.”
She faked a yawn. “Now that you mention it, I’m pretty exhausted as well.”
Brandon groaned. “Oh, please spare me. You’re both sleeping in the shearers’ quarters tonight, right?”
“Yes,” Georgie answered.
“Hey, you can’t complain.” Matt glanced down the table to make sure Lara wasn’t paying attention. “I recall you and Amy weren’t anywhere near as subtle in the beginning.”
He grinned. “It’s one of my fondest memories.” He passed Matt a bowl. “Salad?”
Matt relaxed. “Thanks.”
Everything was fine.
***
Georgie woke and groaned as her muscles spasmed around her. She was squashed between the wall, Matt’s leg wrapped around hers and his arm covering her waist.
Spending the night sharing a single bed was not something she’d recommend. Not that they’d done much sleeping. She shifted, trying to lift Matt’s arm off, but instead it tightened around her. She glanced at his face.
His dark eyes were slightly unfocused. “Where do you think you’re going?” he murmured.
She smiled, unable to help herself. “I’m trying to get some feeling back in my body.”
He shifted, running his hand up and down her side. “You feel fine to me.”
“You’re hilarious.” But his hands were making her feel a lot better. She stretched, pressing her body into his and suddenly she was on her back and he was on top of her, his whole body awake.
She forgot about her aching muscles as desire pooled between her legs.
