Driftwood by Mandy Magro

bloke deserved to sometimes, Tom worked damned hard. His mouth watered with the thought of food. He remembered he hadn’t eaten since lunchtime yesterday. ‘My oath I am, mate. Sounds great. I’ll just head home from here and check in on Mum, make sure she’s eaten something, and then I’ll meet you over at yours. Cheers, for that.’
    â€˜I can make a plate up for Patty if you like?’
    Jay waved his hand in dismissal. ‘Nah, I’m lucky to get her to eat toast for breakfast, let alone a fry-up. But thanks anyway, Tom, appreciate it.’
    Tom tugged at the rim of his hat, yanking it down further to ward off the intensifying glare as he spun around and sauntered towards his horse. ‘Not a prob. Take ya time, buddy. I’ll stick it in the oven if you’re not there when it’s ready. You just make sure your mum’s okay first.’
    Jay watched on as Tom eased himself up and into the saddle then cantered off in the direction of the workers’ quarters, a thin trail of red dust left in Tom’s wake. Jay wished he could give Tom what the poor bloke prayed for but it was near impossible. Where in the hell would he even start looking? Australia was a mighty big place to find one person when you had no idea where they were, or if they were even still alive. And a lot can happen in twenty years.
    Taylor blinked open her sleep-heavy eyes, momentarily panicking about where she was, the dark room unrecognisable for a few seconds. Then memories of meeting Jay at the side of a deserted road flooded her mind, sending a delightful shiver over her. How was it possible for him to have this effect on her so quickly? Fate had to have played a part in that, didn’t it? Or was she just wishing him into romantic life because he was so undeniably hot? Probably .
    She and Jay had made it to the Southern Cross Hotel just in time, minutes before Col and Faith had locked the doors for the night. Taylor was pleasantly surprised with how warm and welcoming the family was — Col and Faith’s daughter, Zoe, even offering to cook a hot meal. Taylor had declined, even though she was ravenous, feeling bad enough for arriving right on closing time. From first impressions, Zoe seemed like a top chick and Taylor was looking forward to getting to know her better and having the opportunity to come to her own conclusions after what Jay had said about her. This would be easy since she’d be working behind the bar with the girl: Col and Faith had offered her a job on the spot when Jay dropped the hint that she was looking for work. Taylor had also scored the worker’s apartment, another spot of great luck.
    Taylor was extremely thankful to Jay and ecstatic she already had two job offers, one as a jillaroo and one as a barmaid. He’d stayed to settle her in, ignoring her protests, and refusing to just drop her off at the front door of the hotel, even though he had looked absolutely exhausted. He’d politely said goodnight once he was sure she was content.
    Taylor wasn’t surprised she was thinking of Jay, he intrigued her. His deep brown eyes were so full of mystery and his aura so guarded and reserved, yet his playful, dimply grin so engaging. She wanted to know all about him and she hoped Zoe would be able to fill her in through casual conversation. In a small town like Driftwood, Taylor was certain the publican’s daughter would know everyone and everything about them. Wasn’t that how small towns worked? She predicted there would be something to stop her in her tracks, to shock her out of her lustfulness for Jay. There had to be. He was too much of a catch to not be already taken and if he was single, he was too gorgeous to not be a heartbreaker.
    Trying to shake Jay from her thoughts, Taylor stretched her body to life, yawning contentedly. The clock on the bedside table showed it was just past nine in the morning. A sleep-in was just what the doctor had ordered