The Goodbye Girl (22 page)
No nod this time. Bree pursed her lips. “I was joking.”
“No, you weren’t,” he replied bluntly. “You’re a pretty woman with a confidence often lacking in women with your figure, and I won’t have you tearing that confidence down in a moment of self doubt.”
“I didn’t-”
“I also value truth between a couple.”
She paused. Thought about it. Frowned.
“For a relationship to work there has to be honesty and respect,” Nick stated quietly.
“I agree. But…”
“No ‘buts’.”
“See, it’s that kind of thing that annoys me.”
“That’s just how I roll, honey.”
She stared at him for several seconds before letting out a small laugh. “Really? You’re going to try
that
?”
“Works for you.” He grinned. “Equality in a relationship, babe.”
“Oh, so I guess that means if
you
run yourself down I get to do the five second countdown?”
Leaning back against his chair, he tapped the fingertips of one hand on the tabletop and studied her. Man, with that
gamine grin on her face and those eyes sparkling with a daring mischief, she looked like a mischievous sprite. A very lush, enticing, sexy sprite. He could eat her right up.
One day…soon…
“Sure.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Five second rule applies to either of us who runs ourselves down.”
Suspiciously, her eyes narrowed. “You don’t run yourself down.”
He smiled slightly.
“I don’t think it’s fair.
”
“Honey, all you have to do is remember not to run yourself down.”
“But-”
“See, that kind of thing annoys me.”
“Don’t quote me, boyo.”
“Not so sure of yourself?”
“You’re just trying to get me to agree to that ludicrous idea.”
“Scared?” He smirked.
Bree frowned.
Nick kept smirking.
Wait for it. Wait for it.
“It’s a redundant agreement anyway, because I don’t run myself down.” She tossed her head.
“Great to hear.” He nodded. “In which case the agreement stands because you have nothing to be worried about.”
For several seconds she studied him before a smile curved her lips. “You are so full of crap.”
Nick laughed.
You have no idea
.
“Such a kidder.”
“Sure I am.” He waited until she looked away before adding, “Or maybe not.”
Her gaze snapped back to him.
“Guess you’ll have to break the agreement to find out.”
Oh yeah, that got you
.
With a sniff, she lifted the glass of orange juice. “We’ll see who breaks it first.”
“Telling me it won’t be you?”
“I’m a gorgeous woman with a to-die-for figure.” She smirked right back at him. “What about you?” Tipping the glass to her lips, she eyed him daringly over the rim.
“I’m a handsome devil who buys large-size condoms.” He watched her choke on the orange juice and re-gain her gasping composure before adding, “In economy-size boxes.” Plucking several paper napkins from the holder in the middle of the table, he kindly handed them to her. “Here, honey.”
“You drongo.” She shook her hand. “I’m going to the bathroom to wash my hands. Now they’re sticky with orange juice thanks to you.”
“Just be honest.”
“You can take that innocent expression and stick it up your-”
“Five.” At her startled expression, he burst out laughing, holding up his hands palms out. “I’m kidding! I’m kidding. Go wash your hands and I’ll order us something to eat.” Amused, he watched her stand up.
Revenge is sweet,” she threatened.
“Looking forward to it. Do you have a preference for dinner?”
“Soldier on a stick.”
“Honey, you can eat me anytime you want.”
Bree
blushed then laughed. “You arse.” Turning on her heel, she tossed over her shoulder, “I have a hankering for porterhouse steak, chips and salad. Steak well done.”
“Got it.” Still grinning, Nick went to the bar to place the order. When he
turned away it was to find Paul standing beside him.
“G’day,”
Paul greeted him. “Date?”
“Fifth of June.”
“Cute.” Paul jerked a thumb towards the door across the room which lead to the hallway and toilets. “I saw the hairdresser that was sitting at your table heading for the toot.”
“Very observant of you.”
“Nothing gets past me.” Paul winked.
“Hence the pregnant wife. I’d say the hole in the condom got passed you.”
“Hey, this was a planned pregnancy.”
“
Sure.” Nick clapped him on the shoulder. “You keep telling yourself that.”
“Wait until it’s you, mate. Wait until you’ve got yourself a ball and chain and want to add a set of handcuffs to it.”
“That’s a unique way of putting marriage and adding children.”
“I’m nothing if not unique.”
“I wouldn’t brag about that in public, if I were you.”
Paul flipped him the bird.
Nick laughed.
“
Hang about a minute.” Paul gave the bartender his order before turning to again face Nick. “So. Army life.”
Nick
raised his eyebrows.
“You planning on going back?”
“That’s the plan at this stage.”
“I mean permanently.”
Nick shrugged.
Paul nodded to the
bartender as he picked up the glass of beer and glass of lemonade. “Thanks.” He started walking across the floor towards a far table. “You’re sheila isn’t back yet, probably still gabbing with Becky in the ‘loo. Listen, Nick, you do good repairs and handyman work.”
“Thanks.” Curiously, Nick halted at
Paul’s table as he set the glasses down.
Straightening, Paul studied him seriously. “You ever think of doing repair work as a living?”
“You offering me a job, Paul?”
“I’m saying there’re
opportunities for a good handyman in Whicha and the surrounding area.”
Nick slid his hands into his pockets. “Yeah.”
“Good opportunities.”
“I noticed.”
Paul’s gaze was steady. “You ever think of leaving the military?”
“Yeah.” It surprised Nick that he’d actually admit it to Paul, but he liked the man, respected him. “Yeah, I have.”
“So what holds you back?”
“Been in the military since
I was eighteen.” Nick shrugged.
“And…?”
“Loved it.”
“But you’ve thought of leaving.” Paul’s eyes were shrewd.
“Yeah. Yeah, I have.”
“Where would you go?”
Nick smiled slightly. “I think you know.”
“Here.”
“Yep.”
Paul smiled back. “It’s a great place
to be. Raise a family, have a job.”
“I noticed.”
“But the military calls you, too.”
“Yeah.” Nick thought of the things he’d seen, the things he’d done. “
The military has done a lot for me. I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot. It’s a good life.”
Paul waited a few seconds before prompting, “But?”
“But…” He rolled his shoulders, frowned slightly. “It’s not everything. Not for me, anyway.”
“Itchy feet?”
Nick thought about it before admitting, “I’m coming to a crossroads, Paul. In another five months my time is up and I either reenlist or leave.”
“
Any idea what you’ll be doing?” Paul took a mouthful of his beer.
“I’m thinking…” Nick exhaled, rubbed his jaw. “I’m seriously
thinking of not reenlisting.”
Paul nodded.
“Been thinking about it for awhile.”
Paul glanced b
ehind Nick then back at him. “Returning to Whicha have anything to do with it?”
“Some,” he admitted. “I’ve been thinking about it for awhile, and now I’m here I’m rediscovering my love for handyman work. And for control of my own life and
decisions.” He gazed through the big pub window over Paul’s shoulder, watched the car lights along the main road. “I’m needing a new direction.”
“
Lot to think about.”
“Yeah.”
“Ever talk to Alex about this?”
“He knows I’m thinking about it.”
“What’s he saying about it?”
“I have to make my own decisions.”
“Big enough and ugly enough to do it yourself, eh?”
Nick grinned. “Alex is a straight-talker.”
“He’s also Army through and through.”
“No doubt about it.”
“Think he’ll ever give it up?”
“One day. Not yet.”
“You talking retirement or not reenlisting?”
“
No idea. All I know is that whatever happens, he’ll first talk to Harly. Until then, he’s Army.” Nick transferred his gaze to Paul. “What about you?”
“Shit, mate, I’m a country boy through and through. My work, home and family is here, and here is right where I want to be.” He glanced again over Nick’s shoulder. “Here comes the ball and chain now.”
Amused, Nick stepped aside to watch Becky approach, her very pregnant belly leading the way. “Where’s your first handcuff?”
“His grandparents are babysitting him.” Paul moved forward, laid a hand at Becky’s
waist as he smiled down at her. “How’s the water-works, baby?”
She gave him a sour look. “Really? You’re inquiring about my bladder in
front of another man?”
“He’s Army,”
Paul said, as though that explained everything. “Nothing can shock him.”
“He might
be shocked if I throttle you.”
“What did I do now?”
Becky gave Nick a long-suffering sigh. “Do I really need to explain it to him?”
“He’s Paul,” Nick replied kindly. “Do what you have to do.”
She laughed, Paul looked genuinely puzzled, and Nick left them to it. Turning, he saw that Bree was sitting at the table chatting to Leticia, the part-time waitress from the café.
Bree looked happy, her smile genuine, her carefree laughter lightly filling the air. The woman was sunshine and fun, an enchanting mix of sweetness and independence.
Yeah, Whicha called to him in more ways than one. There was the town itself, the area that he liked, the people he’d gained as friends, the lifestyle, the promise of a new beginning…...and then there was Bree.
He’d only known her personally for a short time, but he knew, he just knew, that
as he wanted to make Whicha his home, he wanted to make Bree his wife.
Carefully sectioning off a lock of hair, Bree combed it, smoothed it over the tin foil, brushed the solution carefully over it, folded the foil over to cover it, slid it down a little and started on the next section of Sarah’s hair.
The chatter in Bella’s hair salon was lively, her boss and the other hairdresser, Michelle, chatting to their customers as they attended their hair.
The talk was on UFOs and Charlotte’s latest claim that she’d seen numerous lights over Ted’s fields the previous night.
Bella glanced at Bree. “S
o?”
“So what?” Bree replied.
“So what do you think?”
“I’m actually thinking nothing right now.” Which was a lie, she was actually thinking about a certain soldier boy and how cute he was. If ruggedly handsome could be labelled ‘cute’, but some of the things he did could certainly be labelled cute.
Such as sitting on the sofa the night before with Sheba perched on the armrest nattering away to him in her shrieking meow. Give the man credit, he barely flinched. Bast had been lying on her back on his lap, getting her belly gently rubbed while she paddled the air in bliss.
Now that was cute. Big, tough
, soldier boy entertaining the cats.
“Really?” Sarah interrupted Bree’s thoughts. “But UFOs are your thing.”
Bree smiled at Sarah’s reflection. “Just UFOs? Are you sure?”
“Don’t tell me there’s more in that nutty head of yours.
”
“You do realise that your luscious locks are in my hands right now, don’t you?”
“Don’t tell me there’s more in that intelligent head of yours.”
“Nice save,” Michelle said admiringly. “Now, Bree, what about these lights?”
“I wasn’t there, so I can only go by what Charlotte states.”
“Kind of odd that she’s the only one to see things,” Bella observed.
“Well, Ted’s boy, David, and his friend Ken, saw lights and things,” Michelle said. “So it’s not just Charlotte.”
“Two teens and an impressionable woman?” Margie, Bella’s customer, gave a bigger snort than Bella’s. “That’s a good combination right there. Two probably high on dope, the other on her arthritis medication.”
“Ouch.” Bree frowned a little. “Harsh.”
“You’re saying you believe them?” Mar
gie’s brows rose.
“I’m saying I believe they said what they did. I didn’t see the lights last night.”
“But what about Saturday night?” Jan, Michelle’s customer, looked at Bree through the mirror. “And I heard that you and your boyfriend were out there on Sunday poking around with all kinds of electronic equipment, so you must believe them.”
Calmly, Bree sectioned off more of Sarah’s hair and dabbed it with solution. “I saw a light and two laser beams the night before.”
There was astonishment on all five faces watching her.
“Are you serious?”
Bella demanded.
“Absolutely.”
“So what did you find?” Sarah asked eagerly. “Were there burn marks and things?”
“Why, Sarah
, have you been studying up on spacecraft marking?”
“Google is my library.”
Michelle rolled her eyes. “God help us. Then it
must
be right.”
“You know…” Bree folded over the tin foil, slid it down, started on another section of hair. “Anyone can put a website up and put anything on it.
”
“Are you telling me all those UFO sites are bogus?”
“I’m saying you need to be careful what you believe. If you’re really interested I’ll give you a couple of website addresses that are genuine.”
Bella shook her head. “Sometimes you scare me, Bree.” She slanted her an affectionate look. “In a weird, good way.”
“I am here but to serve.” Bree pointed to Sarah’s head. “See? Serving.”
“Let’s get back to the alien sighting you were checking out,”
Jan said. “What did you find?”
“Nothing.” Not in the least bothered by their
resigned expressions, Bree continued, “Absolutely nothing.”
“So it was bogus.” Jan tapped her foot in glee.
“Very possibly.”
“You jus
t said you found nothing.”
“So what do you think it was?”
Bella asked curiously.
“Personally, I think someone was playing around, t
rying to stir up alien activity rumours.”
“Bogus,”
Jan muttered.
“That’s
not to say that something isn’t out there, and that’s not to say I’m wrong.” Catching Jan’s dubious expression in the mirror, Bree smiled. “As far as I’m concerned, in my opinion, it was bogus behind the hill. But that’s my opinion only.”
“I thought you were this almighty UFO hunter?”
Hmmm, definite prejudice here. Bree met her gaze squarely. “I’m not an expert. I only go by what I know and see, I investigate what I don’t see if it interests me enough.”
“Really?” Expertly, Miche
lle rolled a large roller into Jan’s hair. “You only check out what interests you?”
“
Yep.”
“
You don’t check out every sighting?”
“Nope.”
There was silence in the hair salon for several minutes as everyone pondered their thoughts.
Bree was more than happy to ponder her own thoughts. Man, Nick was getting under her skin big time. He’d been over several nights this week, the first night checking the door on her old van. He’d
managed to get it to open and shut so that she didn’t have to crawl between the seats to get behind the wheel, but he’d been unable to get the window to go down. No biggie, the whole door was being replaced as soon as the new - well, ‘new’ second-hand one - arrived at the panel beaters. Meanwhile, she could use her door.
She smiled to herself at the memory of finding out Nick had fixed it enough for her to use. She’d flung her arms around his neck and kiss
ed him. He’d returned it with a laugh and enthusiasm, then a lot of enthusiasm, then a hell of a lot more enthusiasm, and before she knew it she was pressed hard up against him in a kiss that had gone from light and happy to a whole lot hotter and definitely more happy. Deep- down carnal, in fact.
By
the time Nick had put some space between them, her hands had been under his jumper and shirt, palms flat against that muscled back, all that smooth skin over defined muscle warm and tantalizing.
They’d both been breathing a lot harder, Nick actually tipping his head back to take several deep, steadying breaths. Then he’d proceeded to laugh down at her, his eyes all dark and hot. But he’d not put
his
hands under
her
shirt. He’d practically ravaged her mouth, but not once had his hands strayed any further than her waist.
Damn it. The man had her motor revving. But did he force the issue, try to coerce her into indulging
in a bit more hanky-panky? No, he did not. He’d been the perfect gentleman, sitting on the swing chair beside her watching the rain patter down, sipping from a mug of hot chocolate, Sheba glued to his side. One muscular arm across the back of the swing chair, his thumb idly flicking along her nape while he shared childhood memories.
Not once had that big hand dropped down to…well, cup her breast. Damn it.
Because he respected her.
Bree sighed. Such a
gentleman. She should be ecstatic, not disappointed. Oh, she loved that he did respect her wishes, that he didn’t try to talk her into giving up her virginity to him, but hell, he could be a bit more enthusiastic, surely? A bit more wanting?
Oh, wait. There had been a definite bulge in the front of his jeans, a slightly pained expression on his face when he’d first sat down in the swing chair. Bree pursed her lips. Huh, she’d thought that expression was from Sheba spotting him and shrieking in glee before racing through the front door to launch herself
into his lap, but now that she thought about it…she grinned. Yeah, not so cool, the soldier boy. But still respectful.
That’s what she wanted, right?
“So you don’t spend all your time off work chasing UFOs?” Sarah asked.
Bree b
linked away her disconcerting thoughts. “Not now.”
“You did before, though.”
Okay, there was being friendly, and then there was being a little too curious. Bree smiled. “A bit. But I worked, too.”
“Doing what?”
Bree wiggled the section of hair she’d just separated from the rest of Sarah’s hair.
“Oh.”
Disappointed, Sarah sighed.
“I have a
life outside of UFO chasing.” Bree carefully positioned the tin foil behind the strands.
“So it’s
really just a hobby?” Michelle took another roller from the work basket beside her.
“Hobbies can be serious,” Bella announced. “Take my mother. She does crocheting for a hobby and
earns money from selling all those jumpers, cardigans, shawls, you name it and she crochets it.”
“This is true.” Jan
shifted in her seat a little, recrossed her legs. “Take stamp collecting-”
Michelle laughed.
Jan ignored her. “My uncle sold a rare stamp for ten thousand dollars.”
Jaw dropping, Michelle stopped laughing to stare at Jan’s reflection. “Ten
thousand
dollars?”
“I’m taking up stamp collecting,” Bella told Bree.
“More profitable than UFO hunting,” Bree agreed. “Stamps get you money.”
“What does UFO hunting get you?”
“If you’re really unlucky, a padded cell and a sore arsehole.”
Sarah’s
mouth dropped. “From what?”
“The padded cells from authorities thinking you’re nuts, the sore arse from
alien probing.”
“Bree!” Bella snorted a laugh.
Sarah giggled. “Oh my God! You did not just say that!”
“I don’t like to brag, but…”
Bree gave a modest shrug.
Even Jan’s lips twitched in amusement. “
Be all right if the alien was a hunk.”
Michelle grinned. “Or if you’re on a UFO hunt with a handsome boyfriend.” The glance she sent Bree was sly. “Say…a rugged, hot, tasty soldier.”
“Mmmm, yes.” Bella nodded. “Nick is one fine man.” She smacked her lips.
No use denying it. “That he is,”
Bree agreed.
“Now a sore arsehole from him I could take,”
Jan murmured, only to stop in horror when she saw Bree’s raised eyebrows. “Oh, I - Nick’s your boyfriend. I forgot. I’m so sorry, I…”
“Don’t sweat it.” Bree smiled. “He is yummy, no doubt about it.” She paused. “And he’s all mine.” This she accompanied with a glance at Jan.
Yep, the hussy got her silent message, her cheeks flushing a little as she glanced away.
Man, Bree wasn’t normally territorial when it came to men, but she’d not had a man
about whom she’d felt so strongly. The thought of other women eyeing him she could understand, but not to be so bold as to spew their fantasies about them out loud. Even a mild-tempered woman like herself drew a line.
I’m not that easy-going, ladies. Fantasise in private
.
There was silence for several seconds in the hair salon as everyone tried to think of something to say.
Not one to hold a grudge, Bree broke it first. “So, speaking of sore arseholes, who’s into anal sex?”
No fear of her boss chastising her for bring up the subject, Bella had brought up some pretty steamy subjects herself with clients. She loved the more risqué subjects
, and so did certain customers, three of whom were sitting in the chairs right now.
Bella
just wasn’t expecting it right out of the blue. She choked, her face going scarlet as she coughed.
Michelle nearly snipped her own finger as she jerked in
surprise, while Sarah, Jan and Margie gasped.
“Oh my God!” Margie gasped. “Bree!”
“Come on, I hear some women like it. Who’s up for confession?”
Surprisingly, it was Jan who spoke up. “Nothing wrong with anal.”
Bella wiped her eyes. “
You
do anal?”
“When I was younger.” Almost defiantly, Jan
lifted her chin. “And if done correctly, it isn’t that bad.”
“That’s what I hear.” Bree settled the last tin foil wrapped section down.
“I’ve heard of it,” Margie confessed. “Who hasn’t nowadays? But I’m afraid I don’t fancy trying it.”
Sarah fidgeted under the cover. “It just seems…icky.”
“Enema first,” Bree suggested. “Flush those pipes before you start.”
Bella choked again, got her breath. “
Bree, you are killing me.”