She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to one side as her gaze passed over the top of his head. He recognized her thinking look and waited for her process his question.
"I don't know. It's something I'll have to think about. There could be repercussions with Tamara."
"I still say you need to talk to Stevie. He has a right to know about his daughter." Tory swallowed the lump that rose in his throat every time he discussed her past lover with her.
"You know what I think about that idea. He didn't give two thoughts about me when Father caught us in the barn. The weak bastard ran to save his arse and left me to take the belting of my life." Her eyes flashed with anger, dark and stormy as she spoke. "He deserves nothing from me, least of all an explanation."
"Well it's your decision but I think it might come back to haunt you. What happens if you do move back and Tamara meets him? What are you going to do then?"
He watched her turning it over in her mind. She twisted her hands together and threw quick, guarded glances his way. Rooney wasn't as brave as she was making out but he was the last person to call her on that.
"Can I stay at your house tonight, Tory? I don't want to go home until the funeral."
"You know you can…no need to ask. Mind telling me why you don't want to go and see your brothers? It has been eight years and I know you miss them." The thought of having her alone in his house was enough to have him doing cartwheels but he contained himself and tried to act the family solicitor and her best friend.
"I'm afraid if I see them I’ll give in and promise to stay without making sure it's the best thing for me and Tamara before I move her from Brisbane. I need to think about this rationally without my heart involved before I make a final decision." She smiled up at him and his heart almost stopped beating. "I want to toss it around with you over dinner, if that's okay?"
"Sure, sounds like fun."
Rooney jumped up and rounded the desk. She leaned down and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "Thanks, Tory, I mean it. No one else has been so supportive for so long, at least not anyone from my past. I'll get dinner tonight. Key still in the same place?"
He untangled her arms and breathed deeply, loathe to let her go before he’d had enough to get him through the rest of the day. "Yep, you know where it is. I'll…uh…see you just after five then."
With a heavy heart, he watched her leave his office. He was afraid of what would happen when she moved back. She had to confront her brothers and tell them the truth. Rooney also had to tell Stevie, and Tory knew it wouldn't be pleasant.
Chapter 6
Cade drove up the long, winding driveway wondering how he was going to get out of living here. His life was in the city and so was his career. Gone was the young man who had left the farm to go and play football in the city. It was where he’d made his life and a successful career. Now he was a national hero, and he liked the lifestyle. It would be impossible to lock himself away down on the farm on a permanent basis. How to get around the terms of the will was going to be the hardest thing. Anything was worth a go though.
He drove around the back of the house to the old blacksmith’s shed, intent on getting his car out of the weather and dust. Little had changed in the years he’d been away. His mother’s roses still clambered over the wall of the kitchen garden and free-roaming chickens darted over the green grass chasing bugs or picking at whatever took their fancy, just as they had done when he was in charge of finding all the hiding places for their eggs.
Deciding it was best not to park under the large fig tree to avoid seeds falling on his car, Cade parked inside the only empty stall. The other three had farm machinery parked in them. He turned off the car and sat for a moment, excited to be home but apprehensive at the same time. For his own reasons, he had not kept in touch with anyone from his past, preferring to break free and start his new life.
Opening his door, careful not to hit it against the wall of the narrow stall, he squeezed himself out with his crutches in one hand. Cade leaned on the car and closed the door before propping the crutches under his arm. He hobbled out of the stall and looked around, squinting against the bright sunshine.
"You can't park that thing in there. Find somewhere else for your damned toys."
Cade looked to his left. A curvy redhead in tight blue denim jeans and a checked work shirt stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him. Her green eyes were pinned to his face. He shook his head.
"Kate?” He laughed loudly when he realised it was.
"Shut up, Cade. Move it before I get back this afternoon." She turned her back to him and walked off, her head held high.
"Well, well, well, what do you know…little Katie grew up pretty good looking." He let his gaze travel up and down her body, coming to settle on her hips as she had walked down the hill and into the barn. I wouldn't mind getting my fingers tangled in that wild red hair while sampling those luscious lips. He turned to the house. May as well get this over and done with.
Music came from the old original kitchen, separated from the house by a covered path, and he made his way there first. He peered in through the open door. An iPod sat on the window
