Tatted Cowboy (21 page)

“My aunt owns a pub, she’s got a job for me if I want it.  After tonight, I’ve decided I want it,” I say with a humourless laugh.

The Constable nods his head in agreement, his face pensive.  “Stay safe, Sienna.  And, stay contactable.  Here’s my card, you’re welcome to contact me at any time for any reason.  Even if you remember the slightest thing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

“I will.  Thank you both - for everything.  I really appreciate it,” I say, my throat clogging with emotion.

“Good luck in Pine Creek.”  He smiles and gathers his paperwork.  They both reach over in turn to shake my hand and then they leave.  When they close the door softly behind them, and I’m left in the solitary quiet, I close my eyes and drift into a dreamless slumber.

Two Years Later

Putting the last dirty glass into the dishwasher, I slide the door closed and press the green button to activate the cleaning process.  Then, I lean up against the bench and wipe the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. 

God, it’s fucking hot up here!
  It’s definitely taking some time to adjust to the weather in the Northern Territory, compared to Melbourne where I moved from. Of course, I visited Aunty Dory a couple of times when I was a kid, but I obviously didn’t feel the heat as much then – or I just don’t remember it!  Even though I’ve been here for two summers already, I still haven’t adjusted properly to the intense heat and humidity.

I hear movement in the bar, so I make my way back out to serve and halt mid-step.  Rolling my eyes, I continue on my way towards my customer.  Zeke
freaking
Stewart. 

He is by far and away the sexiest man I have ever laid my eyes on.  He’s tall – taller than six foot, by a good couple of inches – and he’s broad. 
God
, so broad.  His pale blue t-shirt strains as it stretches to fit across his chest, outlining the muscles that lie beneath. 

“Hey, Zeke,” I greet with a friendly smile, determined not to show him how he affects me.

“Sienna,” he drawls, his deep voice sending shivers through my entire body.

“What can I getcha?” I ask, studiously avoiding his mesmerizing ice-blue eyes.

“That depends…”

“On?”

“What you’re offering,” he says with a smirk.

Bastard.

I roll my eyes and pull him a beer, knowing that’s what he will order anyway.  Zeke moved here a few months after me.  He runs the local tattoo studio – Premier Ink – with his brother, Luke, who is married to my friend, Laura.  Laura owns the local beauty salon – Inner Beauty – and she was the first friend I made after I arrived.

“It’s hot out,” Zeke rumbles.  “Maybe we should go for a swim later.”

“Or not,” I rebuff, gritting my teeth and hating the way I’m now picturing him, naked and wet.  God,
I want to lick the water droplets off his body
.  My face flushes at the thought and I shake my head once slightly to clear my mind.

He’s been like this since the first time I met him.  In the beginning, my defences were strong, but every day he wears me down just a little more.  I’m afraid one day I’ll give in, and then I’ll be right back where I started.  Of course, Zeke doesn’t look like the kind of guy who would keep secret pictures and hit me, but what does a guy like that look like anyway? 

I don’t know, but one thing I know for sure is I’m going to do everything I can to stay away from Zeke Stewart and all of his badass, country-boy charm!