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Tension flared along all his nerve endings as Violet looked up at him, but it was still a pleasant sensation feeling her hand in his. He didn’t take his eyes off her.

“You don’t get it, do you?” he said, shaking his head. “I don’t think you’d even consider me.”

“Me?” she said, frowning. “Consider you for what? What are you talking about, Joe?”

“I never believed all those romance stories, when you can fall for a woman in an instant. But Vi, I fell hard from that first moment I saw you standing there when I rode along on Sam. I’ve got to know you over the past week, and my feelings just kept getting stronger. I never believed in love at first sight, but I guess it happens.”

Her cheeks went bright red as she stared at him, her mouth opening.

“You’ve . . . you’ve overwhelmed me, Joe. I don’t know what to say.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m really flattered, but I can’t stay. I’m not ready to settle anywhere.”

“I’ll be late home tonight,” he said gruffly as his hope sizzled into ashes. “I’m working at the pub. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He’d turned away, grabbed his keys and got in the ute.

Chapter 19

Violet

Violet felt so bad about Joe spilling his heart to her, she needed to talk to someone. She finally messaged Wendy to tell her where she was and that she had decided to stay in Bindarra Creek for a few weeks. She still hadn’t told her about her broken-down car, so she didn’t get an “I told you so.” Wendy had called her straight back and it was really good to hear her sister’s voice. It helped her take her mind off Joe; she just didn’t want to think about that.

She couldn’t stay. She wasn’t ready. It was too soon.

If she told herself often enough, maybe she’d believe it.

“Where are you staying?” Wendy went straight to the point. “There’s some mail here for you. I need to send it on.”

“On a farm about fifteen kilometres out of town. Post it; I’ll be here for a while, I think. You’d love it here. Why don’t you come down for a visit?” It was a strategic move on Violet’s part; she knew that would stop any more questions from her sister.

But she was surprised by her answer. “I will. How long are you staying there?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’m doing a little bit of work at a local horse stud, so who knows what will happen.” She was as vague as she could be.

“Well, if you’re still there in the New Year, I will come down and visit.”

Violet pulled out a chair and sat down on Joe’s back porch. “So, you’d really come and visit me?”

“Yes, there have been a few changes at home,” Wendy said slowly.

“What sort of changes?”

“Not exactly changes. It’s a bit of a quantum shift,” Wendy said enigmatically.

“Tell me, sis.”

“Jerry’s moved out. But I guess it was always going to happen.”

“Are you all right?”

The tone in her sister’s voice reassured her. “Actually, I’ve never been better. We should have done it a long time ago. We’re actually talking civilly now. How are you?”

“I’m okay. Actually, I’m good. I’m happier than I’ve been for a long time.”

“I’m pleased you left. I knew what was going on, but you had to realise for yourself, Violet.”

“It took me a while.”

“He’s looking for you, sis. That’s another reason I rang. Just be careful.”