Seven-Day Love Story. Nikki Logan

that urged her to go back inside.

      This was the road to normal.

      Todd looked up as she approached, then pushed himself politely to his feet. ‘Back to work time?’

      Jayne frowned. ‘No. You’ve earned your breaks—take them.’ She examined the beginnings of the yards that would make such a difference to her injured animals. She might not yet have a wealth of rehabilitation skills, but she could at least accommodate the animals professionally and appropriately while they healed. ‘It’s looking great. Thank you.’

      Todd nodded and sank back onto the half-drum, leaning forward, his tanned forearms resting on his thighs and strong fingers hanging loose between relaxed legs. It was a poster image for non-threatening body language, and it immediately took the edge off Jayne’s tension levels. Todd snagged up a soda can from the ground and took a long swig.

      â€˜Can I ask you a question?’ No one would believe from her hesitant tone that she made her living communicating.

      Todd took another swallow. ‘Shoot.’

      â€˜What are you doing in Banjo’s Ridge? I assume you don’t live here?’

      â€˜Why do you assume that?’

      â€˜Your accent is different to the locals’. It’s Australian but … different.’

      â€˜I’m from Western Australia originally.’

      Five thousand kilometres away. ‘What brings you here?’

      Blue eyes blinked slowly back at her. ‘The mountain lifestyle. The pace. It’s very tranquil here.’

      And very hidden. Even the tourists often missed it on their bush pilgrimages. ‘What did you do for a living?’

      His brows bunched, as if he was baffled at her sudden surge of curiosity. She sure was. ‘I was a biologist.’

      Ah-ha! ‘Is that why you’re so good with Ollie?’

      â€˜I specialised in flora, not canines.’ He laughed. ‘But I grew up with dogs. We get each other.’

      Ollie showed her just how much by flopping down next to Todd’s work-worn boots.

      â€˜So I see,’ she said. ‘I’ve never seen him more at ease.’

      Todd used his boot tip to gently scratch Ollie’s belly. ‘I think he’s just a dog who’s had to make too many decisions. He was desperate for someone to take the responsibility from him.’

      â€˜Responsibility for what?’

      â€˜For survival. For leading the pack. For you. It’s been a lot for a damaged dog to carry.’

      Two years of suspicion stiffened her spine. ‘Why would he feel responsible for me?’

      Todd shrugged, meeting her eyes carefully. ‘Perhaps he thinks you need protecting?’

      â€˜I protect him. I have since he came.’ The thumping in her chest had to be audible. Surely?

      â€˜You feed him and love him. But trust me … He thinks you need him to be in charge. It’s all in his body language.’

      She looked at Ollie’s enormous dark eyes, fixed adoringly on Todd. ‘So now that you’re here he’s handing over responsibility for all that to you? Is that it?’

      â€˜Put simply.’

      â€˜Including me?’ Wisely, Todd didn’t answer. He simply stared through those deep blue eyes. The tug-of-war between anger and attraction tightened her chest and forced her up straighter. ‘He’s going to be sorely disappointed when you disappear at the end of the week.’

      Todd reached down and rubbed a big hand over Ollie’s scalp. The dog squeezed his eyes shut in bliss and Jayne understood exactly. Her skin remembered every brief moment of their fingers entangling the previous day. Gooseflesh rose in sympathy.

      â€˜A week is a long time,’ he said, standing. ‘Let’s wait and see.’

      They fell to silence. Jayne studied the shadowy angles of his face as he gathered up his tools to continue. They made a handsome combination.

      Todd cleared his throat. ‘So, what kind of work lets you live out here?’

      â€˜I’m an …’ She caught herself and corrected herself. Trusting him and trusting him were two different things. ‘I’m having a sabbatical. Of sorts.’

      He nodded. ‘A long one, judging by the trouble you’re going to in getting these yards all set up.’

      â€˜I’m hoping to get back to it more fully soon. And also that I can continue with the animals once I do.’

      â€˜So, you’ll work from home?’

      She cleared her thick throat and hedged. ‘My work goes with me wherever I do.’

      Todd smiled, although this one didn’t quite dilute the disappointment in his eyes. Why was she hesitating? She should just tell him. He was unlikely to put two and two together.