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Kangaroos hoped amongst them, the ever-constant companions to any Australian rancher.
I sucked in a breath as the house came into view. It was nothing fancy, a solid brick single story with a tin roof that was faded from the harsh outback sun.
The sunroom off to the side of the house was my favorite spot, it was an added extension that Austin built for my mother who loved to paint for hours on end in the room, looking out at the paddocks with cattle grazing and the Devils Tooth Mountains in the background.
I could close my eyes and still hear the rain on the tin roof and smell the scent of oil paints as I played next to her when I was a child.
Damien parked the car as one of the cattle dogs rounded the corner yapping away happily, followed by two men on their horses. I took a deep breath as I opened the door, the heat and flies hitting me like a slap.
I hadn’t missed the damn blowflies. I waved my hand over my face, pulled up my shorts, and slammed the door.
“Fuck! It stinks.” Damien said and I almost laughed. I may live in the city now, but Damien was the definition of a city boy.
He had gone shopping yesterday, saying he wanted to fit in with the locals and his shiny new R M Williams boots and belt buckle glinted in the midday sun.
“G’day mate. What brings you to Hart Ranch?” One of the men said as he approached. He glanced at me with a polite smile, then did a double take.
“Little Ant?” He said and I grimaced at the nickname.
“Hey, William,” I said, watching as he slid from his horse, adjusting his hat. I couldn’t stop staring at the way his jeans hugged his thighs and the ropes of muscle in his forearms.
William Daley had filled out in the last two years. He was no longer the awkward nineteen-year-old boy finding his way.
No. The William that stood in front of me with a cheeky grin was all man and I was blatantly staring at him like he was a treat.
His eyes slowly roamed my body and I blushed at the attention.
“You look different, Ant.” He said and I sighed.
“So do you.” I glanced at the man still sitting on his horse, leaning against the pommel, looking between us with interest.
William nodded at him.
“This here is Wyatt. He came on board shortly after you left. Austin needed some strong hands to help.” William said and Wyatt nodded his head.
“Ma’am.” He said and I caught the hint of an accent that I couldn’t quite place. William pointed at me.
“This here is Little Ant. The rancher’s daughter.” He said with a wink, and I rolled my eyes.
“Stop calling me that, William.” He grinned, waving his hand in front of his face to bat at the flies.
“What? The rancher’s daughter? Or Little Ant?” He teased me and I glared.
“Both. Is Mama here?” I asked and he nodded.
“She’s over at the bunkhouse delivering lunch.” He slapped his leg and whistled.
“Digger! Come ‘ere.” He shouted and the cattle dog rushed over, tail wagging as he stared up at William.
“We have to get the horses sorted, but it’s good to see you.” He looked at Damien who had been watching the exchange silently.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Anya.” He said softly before they nodded politely and headed towards the stables.
I sighed, feeling like I had been slapped in the face.
“Why did he call you Ant?” Damien asked and I winced.
“Because I was little and always under their feet wanting to do the same things as the boys. It was something my stepfather called me then everyone did.” I muttered as I opened the back car door and pulled out my overnight bag.
