Rush Fanfic 1 - Page 1

This is an ongoing Rush fanfic.

Josh and Kate

  Part 707

Josh rolled over a few minutes later, taking Kate with him. As she said lay along his body, trying to get her breath back she said “I love this honeymoon.”

Josh grinned “can’t argue with that, but I’m looking forward to The Maldives.”

“Me too” she said with a smile.

“Talking about that, I’ve got a present for ya” he said.

“What?” she asked, her smile widening as she wriggled with excitement.

But his eyes locked on hers, the smile dropped from Josh’s face as his body reacted to her movement. Then wrapping his arms around her, he rolled over until he was lying over her once more. Looking down at her, he watched the pulse in her neck increase in pace and he said “later” before lowering his head and kissing her.

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Part 708

Gathering their clothes a little later, Josh said “come upstairs and I’ll show you your gift.”

“Can I get dressed first?” Kate teased.

“Nope” he said with a wink “I like ya like this.”

Kate laughed. “Oh I know. But I need to put something on, what if there’s an emergency?”

“There bloody well better not be” Josh growled with a frown.

She laughed again.

“Seriously though, don’t put anything on. You’ll only have to take it all off again.”

Curious, Kate looked at him.

But before she could ask anything he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the stairs. “Come on” he said.

Kate smiled and holding her clothes, complied with his demand and followed him upstairs. 

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** Part 709 of this story is more adult nature and is posted elsewhere. Message me in the provided contact form if you'd like to read it. Cheers.

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Part 710

Later lying on his back with Kate’s head on his shoulder, Josh leaned over and opening the bedside table with his free arm, he pulled out a small plastic bag. “I think you earned this” he teased with a wink, holding it out to her.

Whacking him in the chest with her elbow, Kate took the bag and opened it.

Josh grunted and grinned.

Gathering the two small garments she discarded the bag and held them up in turn to inspect them. It was a simple red bikini, quite plain and not overly brief. It was very like something she would have chosen herself in fact, although she wouldn’t have been game enough to buy red. She didn’t like to stand out as a rule. It seemed Josh didn’t mind if she did though. She looked over at him with a smile “thank you.”

“No worries” Josh said. “Do you like it?”

“I do.”

“Good, now try it on will ya. I’ve been waiting days to see it on you”

Kate grinned and rolling to her feet she slipped into the swim suit. It fitted beautifully and looked anything but simple once it was on.

Inspecting herself in the garment in the mirror she asked “how did you know what size to get?”

His eyes skimming over her, he said “I have every inch of your body committed to memory. All I had to do was picture my hands on you.”

Goose bumps popped out all over Kate at his words. Moving back to the bed she kissed him and laying down beside him again she asked “so do you like it now you’ve seen it on?”

“I like you in it” he said moving his hand over her abdomen and fitting it around her waist “but I like you out of it even more” he added and brought his mouth down hard on hers.

Kate smiled against his mouth.

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Part 711

The next day it was time for Josh and Kate to leave the farm and head to the airport for the second stage of their honeymoon. Saddling up the horses after breakfast, they rode over to Stuart’s to say good bye.

As Josh tried their horses to the fence ten minutes later he was surprised to see Stuart hadn’t yet appeared. He had to have heard them ride in. He looked over at Kate “I wonder where he is.”

“Maybe he just didn’t hear us or he drove into town” Kate said.

But Josh shook his head and pointed to the shed, “his ute’s still here. Hang on.” Walking over to the house Josh went inside. He was back in under a minute “he’s not there.”

“Let’s go and ask Mia, maybe she knows where he is” she said.

Josh nodded “yeah okay” and wrapping an arm around her shoulders he kissed her head as they walked to the cottage.

Kate smiled. 

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Part 712         

Josh and Kate were within sight of the cottage in their search for Stuart when the door opened and the man himself trotted down the stairs re-buttoning his shirt and tucking it into his jeans.

Kate’s mouth dropped open but Josh grinned. It was obvious to both of them that things had progressed with these two.

His head down Stuart hadn’t seen them yet.

Josh called out “I guess this makes us even mate?” and he laughed as Stuart gave a start and stopped in his tracks, a guilty look crossing his face on seeing them. Josh was referring to the time Stuart had interrupted them at the wrong moment on their last visit. He realised being on this end was much more enjoyable.

Stuart certainly wasn’t laughing and his eyes were not on his cousin, they were on Kate.

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Part 713

“Kate I didn’t….” Stuart said and stopped as he took in the frown on her face

“I think it’s pretty obvious that you did” Josh teased with a chuckle.

Stuart threw him an angry look. He didn’t need his cousin’s misplaced attempt at humour at the moment, Kate looked like she was ready to kill him, but Josh just laughed harder.

Kate didn’t know what to say. She was stunned. It wasn’t like her cousin to move so quickly with any man and she prayed Stuart hadn’t put pressure on her. If he’d pushed her into something she wasn’t ready for she’d never forgive him. But before she could get her mind working to put her thoughts into words, Mia appeared in the doorway.

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Part 714

Mia was fully dressed but on seeing Josh and Kate with Stuart, she felt exposed and blushed. And seeing the expressions of the other two she knew she’d just confirmed their suspicions.

Normally knowing she given herself away like that, would have been enough for her to retreat, mortified. But that morning Mia was too happy to care. She’d had the best night of her life with Stuart and she wasn’t concerned who knew about it. She’d be damned if she was going to diminish the experience by denying it had happened. He’d been tender and sweet and caring but hadn’t held back either. He’d shown her exactly what he was feeling, and in the process, set fire to a part of her she didn’t know existed. She had no idea she was capable of such fierce emotions. Her muscles still ached pleasantly from what they’d shared and a glow radiated up from within her. Looking at Stuart now a bright smile broke out on her face and she bounded down the stairs and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Morning guys” she said.

His normal cocky manner restored at Mia’s open display of affection, Stuart grinned and folded his arms around her, tacitly daring the other two to condemn him now.

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Part 715

Seeing Mia’s happy smile, Kate relaxed and finally smiled too. “Morning” she said and so as not to embarrass Mia further, she made no mention of what was staring them all in the face. Instead she said, “we just came over to say goodbye. We’re heading off shortly.”

Moving away from Stuart, her smile widening, Mia walked over to Kate and hugged her. “Is everything okay?” Kate whispered.

“So much better than okay” Mia whispered back hugging her tight.

Kate gave her a squeeze “I want to hear all about it when I get back.”

Mia laughed “done” and as she moved back she added “have a great trip.”

“Will do” Kate said.

Mia then hugged Josh. As she did she whispered to him “thanks for having such a great cousin.”

Josh grinned and hugged her back “you’re not such a bad cousin yourself” he said.

Mia smiled.

Shaking Stuart’s hand Josh said “you behave yourself mate.”

Stuart grinned and in his customary cheeky tone he said, “I always do.”

But when hugging Kate goodbye seconds later, Stuart’s tone couldn’t have been more serious as he said “she’s safe with me.”

Kate smiled and patted his shoulder as she moved back. She knew he meant it and that she could leave Mia there without having to worry about her. Holding up a hand she and Josh left to walk back to their horses.

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Part 716

As Josh and Kate left Stuart and Mia looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“God that was embarrassing” Mia said allowing Stuart to pull her back into his arms.

Still laughing Stuart said “don’t worry about it. I caught them at a similar moment on their last visit.”

Mia laughed again and rested her forehead on his chest.

Stuart held her and after a moment he said in a quiet voice “your last full day.”

Mia looked up at him, her expression was as somber as his “I know” she said.

“What do you want to do?”

She shrugged “I don’t care. I’ll leave it up to you.”

“Okay so some roo shooting then” Stuart teased and seeing the shocked look on her face he threw back his head and laughed. “I’m only joking” he said. “How about a ride and a swim, it’s hot enough.”

“I didn’t bring a swim suit” Mia said with a concerned frown. 

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Part 717

Stuart grinned “now that’s my kind or swim.”

As the shocked look returned to Mia’s face he chuckled again and said “I can lend you a t-shirt but I’ll have to leave the lower half of the outfit to you.”

Mia blushed and looked away, but she was smiling. She nodded, “okay. Give me five minutes to organise something.”

“No worries” Stuart said “I’ll go back to the house, get that t-shirt and saddle the horses. Meet me there when you’re ready.”

Mia smiled and getting up on her toes she gave him a quick kiss and said “see you soon.”

But before she could move away Stuart lowered his head again and gave her a hot demanding kiss. Then easing back he winked and said “see ya.”

As Mia turned back to the cottage, fanning herself, trying to cool down after that kiss, a grin broke out on her face and she skipped back up the stairs.

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Part 718

Ten minutes later Mia walked into the farmyard. She had a backpack slung over her shoulder containing a pair of denim shorts she’d forgotten she’d packed, but was happy to find, and a towel. As she reached Stuart and the horse whose reigns he was holding, he handed her the promised t-shirt. “All set he asked as she put the shirt in her bag and put it back on her back.

“Yes” she said and looking around she realised there was only one horse saddled. Looking at Stuart she said “are we riding together?”

Stuart smiled “if you don’t mind. It’ll be quicker.”

Mia smiled “no I don’t mind. Sorry I’m not more accomplished.”

“Don’t worry about it. You will be” Stuart said, smiling. “But for today, I’m in the mood for some speed.”

Mia frowned at him.

Seeing it he gave her a quick kiss. He said “trust me, I won’t let you get hurt.”

She smiled “I do trust you.”

He smiled. “Let’s go then” he said and vaulted up onto the horse. Turning he held out his hand and helped her up behind him.

Mia wrapped her arms around his waist.

 Grabbing the reigns, Stuart nudged the horse and they set off at a gallop across his land. 

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Part 719

They rode for about thirty minutes. Some of it was at a gallop and at other times at a slower pace when Stuart wanted to show her something. Finally he slowed the horse and pulled him up next to a wide section of river with some trees clumped together on one bank. Helping Mia down first, he dismounted and tied the horse to one of the trees.

“Ready for a swim he said?”

Mia nodded. It had been hot riding in the sun and she was more than ready to cool off. Stuart smiled and undoing his jeans stripped them down his legs revealing black footy shorts. Mia turned around and resting her bag on a fallen tree she removed her jeans and pulled on her shorts. Glancing back over her shoulder and seeing Stuart was busy making sure the horse could reach the water she striped off her top and pulled on his t-shirt before releasing her bra and pulling the straps off her arms and removing the under garment. Even though they had slept together last night she still felt a bit shy and wasn’t quite ready to strip off in front of him, out in the open. Turning around once she had put her clothes away in the bag, she said “ready.”

Stuart smiled. “Let’s go then” he said and picking her up ran and jumped into the deepest part of the river. 

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Part 720

Mia squealed as she hit the water and moments later pushed the hair out of her eyes as she surfaced again. Laughing she turned around, looking for Stuart, but he was nowhere to be seen. She turned again, still no sign. Worried she moved towards the bank, then all of a sudden she felt his hand on her hips. Surprised she gasped and spun around. She was in a shallower spot now, the water only came up to just above her waist. Stuart face was close to hers but as she watched him his eyes dropped down to her chest.

Bringing his gaze back up he said “you know I think that t-shirt looks better on you than it ever did on me.”

Mia blushed as heat surged through. She knew the fabric was molded to her body, but she didn’t care. Smiling she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Does that mean I can keep it?” she said.

His arms slid around her waist, his eyes now on her lips. He said “you promise to wear them exactly like that, and you can take every bloody t-shirt I own.”

She laughed and leaning in she kissed him.

Their lips locked together Stuart picked her up and walked further into the water.

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Part 721

Mia laughed against his mouth as the water closed over their heads. Sliding out of his embrace she surfaced and this time Stuart was right beside her.

They swam for a while, stopping more and more often to kiss and touch. But before things could get out of hand Stuart grabbed her hand and leading her out of the water, he said “time to go.”

Mia felt a mixture of relief and disappointment as she got dressed, her back turned to Stuart. She didn’t really want things going any further out there, but he felt so good in her arms, his skin cool and wet. Getting back on the horse behind him didn’t help her any either. It was all she could do not to grab the reigns and make him stop. Chiding herself for her lack of control, she closed her eyes and tried to tamper down her response, no easy task with Stuart sitting between her thighs.

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Part 722

After the ride over the dusty land, Mia felt dirty and went back to the cottage to shower and change. Stuart was to do the same at his place after he took care of the horses. However as she walked back into the farmyard she realised Stuart hadn’t finished. So sitting down on the wide old couch on the veranda, she prepared to wait for him. But after all the exercise that morning, without intending to, she drifted off to sleep before he appeared.

A few minutes later, wearing boots, a clean shirt, jeans, and as always, his hat, Stuart walked out on to the veranda. Seeing Mia curled up on the couch he smiled. She looked so peaceful, he didn’t have the heart to wake her. Grabbing a light blanket from the living room, he tucked it around her and after writing a quick note to tell her where he was going and when he expected to be back, he sat it on the couch next to her and set out to repair a fence he’d seen was down during their ride. He’d have had to do it anyway and this way it wouldn’t eat into his remaining time with her. Gathering what he’d need to make the repair, he jumped on a motor bike and raced across the dusty land, determined to get the repair done quickly and get back, hopefully before she woke.

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Part 723

Later, Mia woke and stretched. Opening her eyes she looked around at the foreign surroundings, disorientated for a minute. Then memory returned and she smiled, she was at Stuart’s. Lifting her hand to look at her watch she realised she had been asleep for an hour. Shocked, she sat up. Where was Stuart? Looking down, she saw the note he’d left and she relaxed. Thirsty after her nap Mia made her way to the kitchen for a glass of water. Stuart’s note said he expected to be back in an hour, so he shouldn’t be long. She smiled as she thought about last night and today. When she left Melbourne less than a week ago to be bridesmaid at Kate’s wedding, she had no idea the trip would change everything. But it had. Even after such a short time she knew what she had with Stuart was different to anything she’d ever known. She just wished she didn’t have to go home. She didn’t want to be away from him and she knew he felt the same. She sighed and looked out the window, hoping to see him returning.

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Part 724

But an hour later Mia was still waiting and she was beginning to panic. She didn’t know what to do. There was no one else for miles around. Did she go out looking for him? He’d said in the note he was repairing a fence, but not where. Maybe the repair had just taken longer to fix than he’d thought. She started to pace, taking deep breaths to keep her rising fear under control.

After waiting another thirty minutes she couldn’t take it anymore. She had to do something. It would be dark soon and she needed to find him. Grabbing her phone, she walked out of the farm yard and headed for higher ground behind the house hoping she’d spot him, wherever he was. 

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Part 725

By the time Mia had reached the top of the rise, she could hardly breathe and it wasn’t only from exertion. She was terrified that something had happened to Stuart and she had no idea where to look for him or what to do next to find him. She scanned the land, turning full circle but there was no sight of him anywhere. Disappointment and fear settled deep within her and tears formed in her eyes. Then all of a sudden she caught what she thought was movement through some trees below her position. She couldn’t say for certain it wasn’t just wishful thinking or a trick of the light or an animal but she watched and prayed and waited. And within a few seconds a figure emerged from the trees and Mia let her breath out on a sigh. It was Stuart. Wiping the tears away she smiled and started down the hill. 

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Part 726

As she neared Stuart, Mia noticed he was limping and hatless, he never went anywhere without his hat so she knew then something had happened. Close enough now for him to hear her she called his name.

Stuart stopped and looked in her direction.

She started to run and didn’t stop until she was holding him.

Stuart wrapped his arms around her “sorry” he said.

Mia shook her head, she couldn’t speak.

He held her tight, the pain in his leg forgotten.

 After a minute Mia said “what happened?”

“Came off my bike” he said.

Mia moved back and looked at him, disbelief written all over her face.

He grinned “in too much of a hurry. Sorry I worried you.”

“Forget it” she said and moving back further to inspect his disheveled, dusty appearance she asked “are you okay? You were limping.”

“Nothing a bath and some ice won’t fix” he said still grinning. 

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19/02/12
 

Part 727

Mia finally smiled, “maybe I should stay here and look after you, until you’re recovered” she teased.

Stuart’s smile widened “if I knew that was all it would take to keep you here, I’d have made sure I broke something.”

“Don’t even joke about that” Mia growled “you have no idea how scared I was.”

“Sorry” Stuart said again, his expression serious.

“It doesn’t matter now” she said and wrapping his arm across her shoulder and her arm around his waist so she could help him walk she said “let’s get you back and fixed up.”

“Are you going to play nurse?” he teased.

“I’m hoping you don’t need one” she said “because I suck at first aid.”

He laughed “good to know.”

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20/02/12
 

Part 728

“Are you sure you don’t need a doctor?” Mia asked with a worried expression as she helped Stuart hobble back to the cottage after he’d showered yet again and changed.

“Nah” he said. “I’m not spending your last night driving to find a doctor and then waiting around to be seen. Nothing’s broken. I’ll just stick some ice on it.”

“Where’s the pain exactly?”

“My knee, I landed on it, so did the bike. It’ll be fine though.”

“Okay, if you’re sure, but maybe I should find another way home tomorrow. You’re not going to be able to drive.”

“Don’t worry about it until tomorrow” he said as he hopped up the stairs. She held the door open for him and he limped inside.

Flopping down on the couch Stuart lifted his leg up. Watching him wince as he moved, Mia went into the kitchen area and wrapped some ice in a tea towel. She handed it to him.

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21/02/12

Part 729

Stuart placed the ice on his knee and putting his head back, he sighed.

Mia watched him, a worried look on her face.

Stuart opened his eyes and looking up at her, held out his free hand, “come here.”

She sat down next to him and he pulled her close. Giving her a quick kiss he said “I’m fine. I promise.”

She sighed and smiled. “Hey what about your bike and what happened to your hat?” she asked.

“The bike will be alright. It just wouldn’t start after I crashed and I didn’t want to waste time trying to make it. I knew you’d be worried.”

She nodded “thank you for that. And your hat?”

He grinned “It came off when I went down and the wind caught it. It’s out there somewhere. I’ll go look for it when I get back from town. But as you can see” indicating the identical hat he’d just laid on the coffee table, “I have others.”

“They suit you” Mia said.

“Yeah?” he asked, his tone absent as his eyes slipped down to rest on her lips.

“Yes” Mia said, her own tone becoming as distracted as his as she noticed the direction of his gaze.

“Mmm” he said and leaning forward he kissed her. But this time it wasn’t quick and as she responded it was soon out of control. They had been playing with fire all day and neither of them could take it anymore. She was going home tomorrow and who knew when he’d see her next. Sore knee or not he needed her now. 

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22/02/12
 

Part 730

The next morning Stuart’s knee, while still sore, was feeling much better. Overnight, he’d iced it when he could, but as he’d been a little busy, that wasn’t very often.

After breakfast he had gone to his place to pack an overnight bag. He’d decided to stay in town tonight and head back tomorrow. Mia was delighted with the news. She dreaded saying good bye to him.

While he was busy, she finished packing and after washing and hanging out the towels and sheets she’d used she closed up the cottage and walked over to Stuart’s. He was ready to go when she arrived and she noticed he was still limping but not as much.

“Do you want me to drive down?” she asked “that way you can rest your knee.”

“You just want to drive my car, don’t ya?” he teased.

Mia laughed, “well I would be able to cross driving a ute of my list of things to do.”

Stuart laughed. Then after a moment he said “would you mind?”

She smiled “of course not.”

“Thanks” he said and walking towards her he kissed her and taking her bag, handed her the keys.

“No worries” she said and getting behind the wheel she adjusted the seat and mirrors and buckled her belt. Stuart got in beside her and said “ready.”

Mia grinned and throwing the ute into gear, took off in a spray of dust.

Stuart grinned, “my sort of girl” he said.

Mia laughed.

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23/02/12
 

Part 731

Meanwhile Josh and Kate had arrived at their accommodation in The Maldives. Standing on the open balcony of their suite, set on stilts over the water, Kate sighed “oh Josh.” It was so beautiful, it took her breath away. The water was a brilliant blue and still enough that she could see the sandy bottom below her. The sun glimmered on its smooth surface reflecting back a multitude of colours as a soft breeze took the edge off the intense heat. Kate couldn’t wait to go for a swim, it looked so inviting.

Moving to stand behind her after having closed the door on the porter who had brought in their luggage, Josh wrapped his arms around her. “Not bad hey?” he said.

“Not bad” she said turning around in his arms to face him “it’s breathtaking.”

He shrugged and gazed into her eyes, “compared to you, it’s nothing.”

A beautiful smile lit up her face and getting up on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Smiling against her mouth, Josh picked her up and carried her over to the bed.

Kate knew a swim would have to wait. She didn’t care.

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24/02/12

Part  732 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it message me on the contact me page and I'll send you a link.

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26/02/12

Part 733

“Wow” Josh said between breaths as he worked to fill his lungs. Kate was still lying on top of him and he could feel her heart pounding him.

She laughed against his shoulder and rolling over to lie next to him she said “that was your fault.”

“Okay I take full responsibility” he said “but can we do it again?”

She chuckled and blushed “I guess it’s possible. I’m not sure I can manufacture it though. It’s a timing thing I think.”

“So we’ll just have to practice until we perfect it” he said kicking his shorts off the bed and pulling his t-shirt over his head.

Still laughing, she said, “I don’t think it’s possible to practice anymore than we do Josh.”

He grinned. “Okay, how about you let me know next time you’re feeling like that again and I’ll be ready.”

Rolling over to kiss him she said “deal.”

Following her as she rolled back Josh said “good” and brought his mouth down hard on hers.

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27/02/12

Part 734

Later lying in his arms Kate said “how about a swim? That water looks amazing.”

“Well I didn’t buy that bikini so it could stay in your bag” he teased “although…”

“Don’t even think about it” she said with a smile and rolled off the bed.

“Too late” he said, giving her a wink

Kate rolled her eyes and moved across the room to open her case. Within seconds she was ready. Josh had found his board shorts too and pulled them on. “Ready?” she said.

“I don’t know” he joked “it’s such a long walk in this heat.”

Kate grinned and grabbing his hand she lead him to the open wall of the bedroom leading to the water. The half open white curtains were billowing in the breeze. Pushing them further apart, Kate released his hand and performed a graceful dive into the water.

Josh smiled as he watched her re-surface and then followed her in. 

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28/02/12

 

Part 735

Back in town, Mia and Stuart pulled up outside her ground floor apartment. “This is it” she said with a smile, her eyes moving from the brick building to Stuart.

“So you got a spare room?” he teased.

“Yep, but it’s full of junk” she said with a smile.

“Any hotels near by?” he asked.

“No” she said her smile widening.

“So where am I staying?” he said.

“Couch?”

“Not good for my back” he said.

Leaning over to give him a kiss she said “I’m sure we’ll think of something.”

He grinned and before she could move away he leaned in and kissed her again, a hot, possessive kiss that went on and on. As he eased back a few minutes later she sighed and said “come on, let’s get inside before we attract a crowd.”

Stuart laughed and grabbing their bags, he followed her inside. 

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29/02/12
 

Part 736

“Where do you want these?” Stuart said on entering Mia’s apartment and looking around the open plan kitchen/living room.

“Through there,” Mia said indicating a doorway off to the left leading to her bedroom at the front. “Turn right, it’s at the end.”

Stuart nodded and carried the bags across the room and through the doorway as Mia pressed the button on her answering machine to listen to her messages. The machine told her there was thirty. She frowned.

Stuart walked into Mia’s bedroom and a broad smile spread across his face as he took in the neat room dominated by a large bed. He could see through a door way to a white ensuite on the other side of the room. He liked her minimalist style. There was little ornamentation, just an abstract picture above the bed. He put their bags down next to the bed and walked back into the living room. He could hear the messages playing as he stepped into the room.

At first he wasn’t really listening. He just wandered around the room checking out the photos on display while he waited for Mia to finish. But when he heard her say “damn” he walked over to where she was in front of the machine. As he listened he heard a male voice saying in one message after another “Mia, where are you? Call me.” He looked at her, wondering what was going on and realising for the first time how little he knew about her life. It hadn’t mattered at the farm. They were just Mia and Stuart with no pasts and no complications. But here confronted with her life, he began to feel uneasy. Maybe she had a boyfriend she hadn’t told him about. He wouldn’t have believed she was like that, but the guy seemed to feel he had a right to some consideration from her. Maybe he had just been a holiday thing for her. He didn’t like that thought. 

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01/03/12
 

Part 737

“Everything okay?” Stuart asked with a frown as the messages finally finished playing. All the ones he’d heard, ten or more, seemed to be from the same guy.

“Not really” she said, her expression a mixture or frustration and dismay but her eyes didn’t meet his.

Stuart was really worried now. “You don’t have to tell me” he said.

And when she didn’t say anything for a minute he added “I can just head straight back if that’s easier.”

But that brought her head around to look at him. He could see he’d shocked her.

She put out her hand to touch his arm, “no Stuart, don’t leave. It’s not what you think.”

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02/03/12
 

Part 738

“I’m not thinking anything” Stuart said not quite truthfully and trying to keep the fear out of his voice. “Who’s the guy?”

Mia sighed. “He’s just someone I work with, but he’s got it into his head that we’re a couple.”

“Are you?” he asked, his voice tight.

Her gaze flicked up to meet his and she stared at him. “Is that who you think I am?” she said, angry that he would think she’d do that.

“No” Stuart said looking away.

“Because if it is. Maybe you should go.”

Stuart lifted his eyes and tried to explain. “He just seemed pretty insistent.”

“Yeah because he’s deluded” she said throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. “There never has been and never will be anything going on between us, okay?”

“Okay” Stuart said in a quiet voice “sorry.”

Mia blew her breath out on a sigh, and after a second she said “no I’m sorry. I can’t expect you to understand. I don’t even understand it. I have never been anything but friendly to him. I don’t get where he got this idea. I’d hoped being away from work for a week, with no contact, that he would get the message” and indicating the answering machine she added “seems not.”

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02/03/12

Part 739

Stuart was relieved by her explanation but a little worried about the guy, he sounded disturbed. He could see Mia was concerned too and wanting to comfort her, he reached out and pulled her into his arms. Her arms wrapped tight around his neck and he sighed. “Sorry” he said again.

She shrugged while still holding him “forget about it” she said against his neck “I know it looked bad.”

“Still…” he said.

She eased back and looked at him, “even though it feels like I’ve known you forever, we did only meet a week ago. I shouldn’t expect you to know everything about me. That’s not fair.”

“It’s like that for me too” he said his eyes dropping to gaze at her mouth “I feel like I’ve always known you.”

A tremor passed through Mia and as his gaze lifted to look back into her eyes, she leaned in and kissed him.

________________________________________________________________-

03/03/12
 

Part 740

But no sooner had their lips met than the phone rang. Mia moved back and looked at him.

“Are you going to answer it?” he asked.

“No way” she said.

He smiled. “What if it’s not him and it’s important?”

“They’ll leave a message” she said kissing his jaw.

His smile widened and he turned his head to meet her mouth with his. As he did the machine picked up and they could hear Mia’s voice telling her caller to leave a message. Then the guy’s voice was back again. He said “Mia I know you’re finally coming home today. I spoke to your mother. Not that she wanted to tell me anything. She acted like she didn’t know who I was. Call me.”

Mia broke off the kiss “oh my god, he rang my parents. How the hell did he get their number?” she said and looked at Stuart “What am I going to do?”

Stuart frowned and looking at the phone he said, “do you want me to talk to him?”

“Thanks. But I don’t think that’ll help, not over the phone anyway.” Then taking the phone off the hook she smiled and said “now where were we?”

Stuart grinned and lowering his head he said against her mouth “about here.”

Mia smiled and kissed him as he began backing up towards the bedroom.

______________________________________________________________

04/03/12
 

Part 741

An hour later Mia was lying next to Stuart in her bed, her head on his shoulder and his arm wrapped around her. She was running her finger over his chest as he lay with his other arm tucked behind his head. There was a knock on the door. But even though her finger stopped for a second Mia made no attempt to get up.

“Aren’t you going to get that?” Stuart asked with a smile.

“No” she said. “Anyone I’d want to see, would ring first” and looking up at him she added, smiling “anyone else can come back some other time.”

His smile widened and lowering his head he kissed her.

But the person was not prepared to give up so easily is seemed. They pounded on the door again. Stuart lifted his head and frowned but before he could speak they heard a male voice call out “Mia open the door. I know you’re in there. Your phone is off the hook.”

Mia looked at Stuart “oh my god, it’s him.”

“Right” Stuart said jumping up and pulling on his jeans “time this guy got the message. What’s his name?”

“Wilson” Mia said. “But maybe I should talk to him. He may not believe you.”

“Fine” Stuart said “but you are not going out there alone.”

Mia smiled at him and hurried to pull on a t-shirt she’d grabbed off the floor. It turned out to be his, but she didn’t even notice. She also dragged on some old paint splattered shorts which were the first thing she laid her hand on in the cupboard, just as Wilson started pounding on the door again.

_________________________________________________________________

05/03/12

Part 742

Mia took a deep breath as she reached the door and glancing at Stuart one last time she pulled it open.

Stuart inspected the man on the door step. He looked to be in his late twenties, but he wasn’t dressed like it. He looked neat and tidy like he might have been at work but his clothes were old fashioned. On seeing Stuart his mouth had dropped open before tightening to a thin line.

“Wilson, what are you doing here?” Mia said.

“Maybe that should be my question” Wilson said as his eyes raked over Mia, taking in her mussed hair and odd outfit and the fact that Stuart was standing there in jeans but no shirt. It was clear from the derisive look he gave her that he knew exactly what they had been doing.

Angry at his show of contempt, Mia said, “that’s none of your business. Now I think you should leave.”

“None of my business” Wilson said “Did you tell him about us?”

“There is no us” Mia all but yelled “there never was and never will be. I’m sorry Wilson, but this has gone on long enough, now please leave me alone” and she started to close the door.

He put out his hand and stopped it.

Stuart stepped in front of Mia and grabbed the door, “take your hand off the door mate” he said.

“You going to make me?” he said glaring at Stuart.

“You don’t want me to do that. Now you’ve been asked twice to go, more nicely than you deserve too. I suggest you don’t try for a third, because this time it’ll come from me and I won’t waste my breath being polite.”

Wilson continued to glare at him for a second before releasing his grip. “Don’t come back here” Stuart warned and shut and locked the door. 

_______________________________________________________________

06/03/12
 

Part 743

Mia sighed and rested her back against the wall opposite the door.

Stuart moved to stand in front of her, his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “I hate to say it, but I don’t think you’ve seen the last of him.”

Mia’s bit her lip, her eyes betraying her concern.

Stuart pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her hold tight.

“Don’t worry” Stuart said “I won’t let him get near you.”

“You go home tomorrow” she couldn’t help pointing out even though she knew it wasn’t fair.

“We’ll sort something out.” Stuart said hugging her.

But despite his embrace, Mia felt ice cold.

Stuart felt her shiver and picking her up, ignoring the niggling pain in his knee, he carried her back to bed.

He laid her down and wanting to comfort her as she continued to tremble, he kissed her.

She knew it was meant to be a sweet, caring caress, but needing a distraction, Mia deepened the kiss and it soon became heated.  However before things could get any further there was a crash and the sound of glass splintering.

Mia screamed.

Stuart rolled her over and tumbled them off the bed to the floor on the opposite side to the window as a rock crashed through the curtains and landed in the middle of the bed.

_____________________________________________________________

07/03/12

Part 744

Fear and shock making her heart pound against Stuart’s chest as he lay over her, protecting her with his body, Mia just looked up at him for a second and then burst into tears.

“Shhhh” Stuart said rolling them onto their sides and holding her to him, smoothing his large hand over her hair, “it’s okay.”

“No it’s not” she sobbed “what am I going to do?”

“Come back to the farm with me” he said without even giving it a second thought.

“I can’t Stuart” she said trying to stop the tears, ashamed of herself for crying. “What about my job?”

“Can you go back with him there?”

She shook her head.

“Then you need to talk to them” he said. “Tell them what he’s been doing. They’ll have to get rid of him before you return. In the mean time you come back with me.” He moved to sitting position and helping her sit up too, he said “how long has this been going on?”

“A couple of months” Mia said wiping her eyes and looking away. “But nothing like this” she added. “Before, he was just annoying. We were friends sort of. It had started so simply. One day we were eating lunch at the same time and got talking. After that he was always there when I went to lunch and as time went on he wanted to know more and more about me and I had a hard time putting him off. I wasn’t interested in him and he was making me feel uncomfortable, so I began making excuses not to have lunch at work. But then he started calling me at home and that was when I realised he thought we were having a relationship.”

“What did you tell him?”

Mia shrugged, “I didn’t tell him anything, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I thought he was harmless and that if I stayed away from him, he’d eventually get the message.”

Stuart just looked at her, astounded.

She winced.

“How could you not tell him he had it all wrong.”

“I know, I know” she said rubbing her hands over her face. “But the trouble was, he never really said anything outright, it was just a feeling I got from the way he acted. It was like I’d come in half way through a movie and missed the beginning. It was disconcerting, but he made no declaration or even asked the question, so there was no real opportunity to tell him he was mistaken.”

___________________________________________________________

08/03/12
 

Part 745

Stuart sat back and with his long legs bent, his bare feet flat on the floor, he leaned his back against the bed. Looking at her for a second he said “don’t take this the wrong way, but did you do anything he might have taken as encouragement or as indicating you feel the same way?”

Mia moved to lean against the bed next to him. She shook her head. “I thought about this a lot before I left town, wondering if I’d caused it. But I can’t think of anything. I was friendly, but no more than that. I didn’t do or say anything to him I wouldn’t do or say to any acquaintance.”

“Okay” he said “look after this,” he pointed back over his shoulder at the rock on her bed, “we need to call the police.” Then thoughtful for a minute he said “I can’t call Josh though.”

“No way” Mia said “they’re on their honeymoon.”

“I’ve got Lawson’s number. I can give him a try?”

Mia nodded. She liked Lawson and she’d rather talk to him than an officer she didn’t know, “okay” she said.

Stuart leaned over and grabbed his phone off the bedside table. 

______________________________________________________________

12/03/12
 

Part 746

“Lawson” Stuart said when the other man answered, “it’s Stuart Joshua.”

“Stuart mate” Lawson said with obvious pleasure “how are things on the farm?”
“Okay” he said “but I’m in town at the moment, at Mia’s place and we’ve got a bit of a problem we could use your help with.”

“What’s up?” Lawson said, his tone serious now.

“Mia’s got a work colleague who seems to think he means more to her than he does. He just came around and threw a rock through her window.”

“****” Lawson said. “Is she okay?”

“She’s not hurt, but she’s a bit shaken up.”

“Yeah I’ll bet” Lawson said. “Look I’m on duty at the moment and we haven’t got much on, how about we swing by?”

“Thanks mate” Stuart said “that would be great. I’ll text you the address.”

“Done” Lawson said “see you guys soon.”

__________________________________________________________________

13/03/12

Part 747

Stuart hung up from Lawson and looked at Mia “you heard that? They’re on their way.”

Mia nodded and gave him a small smile before looking away. It was the best she could manage.

He touched her face. “Why don’t you go shower and change” he said and giving her a wink he teased “as much as I like you wearing my t-shirt, I’m not sure it’s suitable for company.”

She looked down at herself and then lifting her eyes, gave him a proper smile. “Good idea” she said and leaning over she kissed him and said “thank you” before getting to her feet.

“No worries” he said and let his hand trail across her legs as she stepped over him on her way to the bathroom. 

_________________________________________________________________

15/03/12
 

Part 748

Stuart grabbed a clean shirt out of his bag and as Mia walked out of the bathroom, dressed and ready, a knock sounded from the front door.

Mia jumped.

Stuart walked over and kissed her head then he went to open the door.

She followed him and watched as Lawson and Michael walked through the front door shaking Stuart’s hand on the way.

“Hey Mia” Lawson said. “What’s been happening?”

“Hi Lawson, hi Michael, come into the kitchen and I’ll make you a coffee.”

The two men nodded and followed her into the other room.

As she made the coffee Mia explained what had happened with Wilson, being as detailed as she could. When she finished speaking Lawson got up and asked “bedroom this way?” he said indicating the front of the apartment.

“Mia nodded” and they watched and waited as he went to inspect the scene of the incident.

Within a few minutes, he was back. “Did you touch the rock” he asked.

“No” Stuart said.

“It still may not help, but good. Did you see him throw it?”

“No” Stuart said again.

“So it could have been someone else?”

“Not likely” Stuart said frowning.

“No” Lawson said “but possible, that’s the problem.”

________________________________________________________________

20/03/12

 Part 749

“So you can’t do anything?” Mia asked Lawson, close to tears again.

“No we can” Lawson said “I’m just working out where we stand, that’s all.”

“We’ll go and pay this guy a visit, and see what he has to say. But first I’ve made a call to get some guys here to take photos so you can get the window fixed. They’ll take the rock too.” Then turning to Stuart he asked “when are you heading home?”

“Tomorrow” he said.

“Okay, I don’t think Mia should be staying here by herself for now.”

“I agree” Stuart said “and when I go back she’s going to come back with me for a few days. She can’t go to work with this guy there anyway.”

“Yes that complicates things” Lawson said. “It’s going to be your word against his as far as they’re concerned.”

Mia nodded, “I’ll probably be forced to leave my job” she said with a sigh.

“It’s a possibility” Lawson said but don’t worry about it until you have to. For now, go back to the farm with Stuart” he said “and see what happens.”

She nodded again, and rubbed her forehead. Worry about all the complexities of the situation was giving her a headache.

Watching her Stuart frowned.

______________________________________________________

23/03/12
 

Part 750

“Don’t erase the messages either, unless you already have?” Lawson said to Mia.

“No” Mia said, they’re still on the machine.”

“Good” he said “that will help.”

“Is there anyone you’ve talked about him to?”

“I did mention it to one of the woman I work with” Mia said, “but it all sounded so stupid when I started putting it into words, I didn’t really get far. I just said he seemed to assume things that didn’t exist and I asked her if she’d had any trouble.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she’d hadn’t, but she did think he was odd.”

“You might need to remind her of that conversation” Lawson said.

Mia nodded, “I’m sure she’ll remember it was only a week ago, just before I left for the wedding.”

“Good” then as a knock sounded on her door Lawson turned and said “that’s probably the crime scene guys.” He walked back to the front door to let them in.

____________________________________________________________

28/03/12
 

Part 751

Ten minutes after leaving Mia’s place Lawson and Michael pulled up at the address Leon had given them for Wilson Grant, the man who had been giving her a hard time.

Lawson sent Michael to have a look around the back and then knocked on the door.

It was opened within a few minutes and Lawson inspected the man on the other side. In his head he ticked off the details from the description Mia and Stuart had given him. This was the guy. “Wilson Grant?” he said.

“Yes.”

“I’m Senior Sergeant Lawson Blake” he said and as Michael appeared at the front again he added “this is Senior Constable Michael Sandrelli. Can we come in? We need to have a word with you.”

Wilson just looked at them for a minute and then asked “what’s this about?”

“If you’re happy to talk about it out here where your neighbours can see, that’s fine with me” Lawson said.

Wilson looked at him for a minute longer and then stepped back allowing them to enter.

He closed the door after them and led the way into the living room.

Lawson said “we understand you know Mia Rutherford.”

“She’s my girlfriend, so yes I know her.”

Lawson glanced at Michael. He wasn’t sure what to make of this guy. “You were at her home earlier today?” he said.

_____________________________________________________________-

29/03/12

 

Part 752

“Yes. I went to see her” Wilson said to Lawson. “She’d been out of town for a week. Look what’s this all about?” Wilson asked again.

“Someone threw a rock through her front window, just after she’d asked you to leave” Lawson said.

“What?” he said “is she okay?”

His surprise didn’t sound convincing so Lawson ignored his question and asked one of his own. “Do you realise that she says that you two have no relationship except a working one?”

Wilson frowned. “She only said that to hurt me” he said.

“Why would she do that?” he asked.

“I don’t know. She’s been distant lately.” He shrugged “we’ll work it out.”

Lawson frowned. He was at a loss. It was clear this guy honestly believed he and Mia were in a relationship. He needed to clarify a few things, for both him and Wilson. He asked “okay, according to you, how long have you two been involved?”

_____________________________________________________________

31/03/12
 

Part 753

Lawson frowned. He was at a loss. It was clear this guy honestly believed he and Mia were in a relationship. He needed to clarify a few things, for both him and Wilson. He asked “okay, according to you, how long have you two been involved?”

“A couple of months” Wilson said not looking at him.

“So in that time you must have done things together?”

Wilson nodded “yes, we’ve had lunch, many times.”

“And?”

“And what?” he said.

Anything else?” Lawson said, “anything out of work?”

“Well no” he said “she’s always very busy.”

“That seems a little strange. Most couples like to spend as much time as possible together.”

He shrugged, “we’re not most couples.”

“No” Lawson said with meaning. He added “but you must have talked about your relationship? What you each wanted out of it, where you saw it going?”

Wilson’s frown deepened “not exactly, but she told me all about herself. Things you don’t tell just anyone.”

“Did she offer that information, or did you ask for it?”

“I asked for it I guess” he said sitting down on a chair and then looking up at Lawson he added “but she didn’t have to tell me.”

“Maybe she felt she didn’t have an option.”

Wilson looked away.

Lawson wondered if he was finally seeing the picture he was drawing for him.

______________________________________________________________

02/04/12
 

Part 754

“I’m afraid I’m going to need to ask you a couple of personal questions” Lawson said.

Wilson just looked at him.

“Have you kissed her?”

Wilson shrugged and looked away.

“Had any physical contact?”

He didn’t respond.

“Mr Grant?” Lawson said.

Keeping his eyes averted, he said “we hadn’t got that far yet.”

“It doesn’t seem you’ve got very far at all” Lawson said.

Once again, Wilson didn’t reply.

Lawson changed topics.

“I understand when you left Mia’s place today, you were angry?”

His gaze flicked back up to meet Lawson’s, they were hard and angry now, “yes, I found out she was cheating on me. The man was there when she opened the door to me.”

“That must have been a shock.”

He nodded, “it was. I couldn’t believe she would do that to me.”

“What did you do when you left there?”

His expression darkening, he said “I came home. I couldn’t talk to her while he was there.”

“Did you come straight home?” Lawson pressed.

“Yes” he said, but his eyes shifted away.

______________________________________________________________

04/04/12

 

Part 755

“You must have been hurt and angry” Lawson said to Wilson in an understanding tone, “anyone would have been finding that out, and yet you did nothing, you just came straight home? Not many people could have done that. Most people would have done something to let her know how much she’d hurt them. I’d have wanted her to know how much she’d hurt me.”

He turned to look at Lawson, his expression a mixture of gratitude and surprise that the other man seemed to understand how he’d been feeling, “yes” he said.

“She humiliated you. I’d have wanted to hit something if my girlfriend did that to me.”

“Yes” Wilson said his voice rising.

“I’d have wanted to make her hurt too.”

“Yes, yes, yes” Wilson said again, vindication underlying his words. Springing to his feet he started to pace. Lost in his fury he said “she deserved to feel my pain.”

 “I’d have wanted to show her she couldn’t do that to me and get away with it” Lawson continued to bait him.

“I ruined her nice little day with him just like she ruined me” Wilson said with a bitter, humourless smile.

“And how did you do that?” Lawson asked in a quiet voice.

 “I picked up a rock from the garden and threw it straight through her window” he said, looking pleased with himself.

“Yes” Lawson said.

And with that one word Wilson realised what he’d said and stopped moving. With a gasp he sat down again and dropped his head into his hands.

“You’re going to need to come with us” Lawson said, his tone was no longer sympathetic. He grabbed Wilson’s upper arm and dragged him back to his feet. 

______________________________________________________

09/04/12
 

Part 756

“But you said you’d do it too” Wilson whined. He was wide eyed with fear now, looking for the support he thought he had in the TR officer.

“No” Lawson said “I said I’d have wanted to, big difference between that and doing it mate” and handing him over to Michael, they lead him outside.

Dejected, Wilson didn’t make any further comment. Lawson noted he looked like he was ready to cry as her was put into a car.

He shook his head as the man was driven away to be charged.

“What a nutter?” Michael said as he stopped next to Lawson.

“Nah” Lawson said “just a guy with no idea about women” and turning to face the younger man he added “bit like yourself actually.” Smirking he patted Michael on the shoulder and walked back to the car.

Michael glared after his senior officer and following him to the vehicle, he lamented as to why he was the butt of so many jokes.

___________________________________________________________

10/04/12

Part 757

After his shift Lawson went around to Mia’s. He explained that Wilson had confessed and had been charged.

She sighed, “thank goodness.”

“That’s the good news” he said “The bad news is, it’s only a willful damage charge. He won’t be held. So I think you should still go back to the farm with Stuart for a while and let the heat go out of the situation.”

“Oh” Mia said.

“But the fact that he’s been charged should help with your work situation” Lawson added. “If you need confirmation let me know.”

Mia nodded “okay, thanks.”

Lawson nodded and getting to his feet he said “right I’ll leave you to it” and he moved through to the foyer.

As he turned at the door Mia reached up and wrapping her arms around his neck said “thank you Lawson.”

Lawson smirked. “No worries” he said “I’m glad it worked out. Josh would have killed me if it hadn’t.”

Mia and Stuart laughed.

“See you” he said and walked out.

Mia shut the door and then turning she sighed and wrapped her arms around Stuart’s neck.

______________________________________________________________

14/04/12

 

Part 758

Stuart hugged Mia. “I’m sorry you’re being forced to leave town again but I can’t say I’m sorry you’re coming home with me” he said with a smile.

Mia laughed, relief to have the Wilson situation sorted out lightening her mood. She joked, “you heard Lawson. I’m under police instruction to go. I have no choice but to comply.”

Stuart’s smile widened and grabbing her hand he said “come with me.”

“Where are we going?” she asked with a laugh as he led her towards the bedroom.

“Some place nice” he teased. “I’d carry you, but after that dive off the bed before my knee’s a bit sore.”

She frowned “sorry, is it bad?”

“Let’s just say you’re driving again tomorrow.”

“Do you want to put some ice on it?”

“Yes, but not now. Now I’m more interested in heating things up than cooling them down.”

Mia giggled and followed him into the bedroom. 

________________________________________________________________

16/04/12
 

Part 759

Mid morning the next day Mia and Stuart left to go back to the farm. Stuart’s knee was feeling much better and he was able to drive. Mia had called her parents to tell them what had been happening and where she would be for the next few days. She had also called her boss and told him what had happened. He promised to get back to her with their solution to the situation within the next few days. He agreed that she shouldn’t come into work until that happened. So Mia headed off with Stuart feeling much happier about the whole situation than she had the day before not least because now she got to spend some more time with Stuart. She knew the delay was only going to make parting, when it did happen, all the more difficult, but she refused to worry about it until it happened. For now she had a reprieve and she was going to make the most of it. 

_________________________________________________________________

17/04/12
 

Part 760

“So here we are again” Stuart said with a smile as he pulled up in the farm hard.

Mia smiled. “I didn’t think I’d be back here so soon, but I’m glad I am.”

“Me too” he said as he got out of the car “I can give you some more riding lessons now.”

She grinned and teased “is that the only reason you’re glad I’m back?”

“It’s in the top two” he said with a wink.

She laughed and picked up her bag. “I’ll go unpack” she said and headed towards the cottage. But she had only taken a couple of step before Stuart stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. Turning her around, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder before she could even speak. Her bag dropped at his feet. He walked towards the house.

“Stuart, what are you doing” Mia asked with a laugh.

“This time you’re staying with me” he said without stopping.

“What about my bag?” she asked, still giggling.

“You won’t need it for a while” he said and letting them in without putting her down he walked straight through to his bedroom. He put her on her feet next to the bed and his eyes raking over her from her feet to her head, he added “besides I like you in my clothes.”

Mia’s mouth went dry and reaching up she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. 

_________________________________________________________________

19/04/12
 

Part 761

Mia enjoyed her forced time out at the farm. She helped Stuart with his work and became much more proficient on horse-back thanks to the many lessons he gave her. They chose riding as their means of transport for where ever they needed to go on the property and so she rode several times a day. She began to feel a confidence on a horse she never thought she would. Then three days later, while they were back at the house having some lunch, her phone rang. She looked at the caller Id and stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. Stuart watched her leave and after a minute he walked across the room and crossing his arms he leant in the doorway. His eyes studied her as she listened to the person on the other end of the line.

“I see” she said after a minute. Then after listening again she said “no I can’t say I understand but if that’s your decision, I can’t do anything about it. Thank you for letting me know.”

After another pause she said “yes I’ll do that. Goodbye.” She hung up and sat staring straight ahead.

“You okay?” Stuart asked after a minute.

She turned her head to look at him “they fired me” she said and then turned her head away again and closed her eyes in an attempt to stop the tears.

Stuart pushed off the door frame and walked over to sit next to her. He tried to pull her into his arms but she pushed him away.

“Don’t” she said and got to her feet.

He frowned. “I understand you’re angry but……”

“You don’t understand anything” Mia yelled, glaring at him. Then before he could reply, she turned and marched down the stairs and across the farmyard.

_______________________________________________________________

22/04/12
 

Part 762

Stuart didn’t know what to do as he watched Mia walk away. He didn’t know if he should he go after her or give her some space. He hadn’t known her long enough to be able to gauge what she might need. He got up and paced the veranda, scowling as he tried to decide. But after a few minutes he couldn’t take it anymore. If she didn’t want him around, she was going to have to say so and he strode off in the direction she’d gone.

______________________________________________________________________

22/04/12

 

Part 763

Stuart found Mia in stables. She was leaning on the gate of an empty stall, staring straight ahead of her. He stopped a pace away from her but made no attempt to touch her.

“It’s so unfair” Mia said, fury underlining her words.

“It’s ****” he said.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“No” he said.

“Then why am I the one being punished?”

 “Can you appeal it?” he asked “Unfair dismissal or something?”

“I doubt it” she said with a sigh, the anger gone from her voice now, her tone somber.

“They didn’t phrase it in a way that left them open to that. They didn’t come out and say ‘you’re sacked’ it just amounted to the same thing.”

“What did they say?”

“Basically that he was more valuable to them than me. That at the moment they couldn’t afford to let him go, meaning I was expendable. That they knew that would make things impossible for me and that they were sorry.”

“I know it doesn’t help” Stuart said “but I’m sorry Mia.”

She just looked at him for a second and then stepping towards him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid the side of her head against his chest.

Stuart sighed and folded his arms around her.

_______________________________________________________________

24/04/12

Part 764

“I’m sorry Stuart” Mia said.

“Forget about it” he said “you were angry and you had a right to be.”

“It’s no excuse for lashing out at you though. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I’m tough” he said with a smile in his voice and then teased “next time I’ll know to stand clear for a while before I make my approach.”

Mia couldn’t help but laugh and looking up at him she said “next time. You mean you’re still willing to have me around knowing I’m so horrible when I’m angry.”

Stuart smiled, “sweetheart, if that’s the worst of it, then I’ve got no complaints.”

Reaching up she gave him a quick kiss “how did I get so lucky?”

“No idea” he said with a wink and lowering his head he kissed her. But this time it wasn’t quick and he didn’t stop with a kiss. 

___________________________________________________________________

26/04/12

Part 765 cannot be posted here. If you'd like to read it please message me on the contact me page and I'll send you a link.  

______________________________________________________________________

28/04/12
 

Part 766

A week later Josh and Kate were back from their honeymoon and two mornings later, Josh had to returned to work. It was difficult saying goodbye to him after being together twenty four hours a day for so long, but Kate knew they had to come back to reality some time. She still had a couple of days before she started work and wanting to catch up on what had been happening while they were away she’d asked her mother, Lara, over for a coffee.

Opening the door to her Lara enveloped her in a hug. “Kate, you look wonderful. How was The Maldives?”

“Amazing” Kate said as she closed the door and then led the way out onto the balcony.

“How’s Josh?” Lara asked.

“Amazing” Kate said again with a laugh.

Lara chuckled “good, that’s how it should be.”

“So what’s been happening here” she asked as she sat two cups of coffee down on the table a few moments later and took a seat opposite her mother.

“Not a lot that’s new I don’t think, except, Alex and Todd are talking about moving in together.”

Kate raised her eyebrows “really?”

Lara smiled and nodded. “I really like her. She’s great for Todd.”

“I like her too.”

“And” Lara said pausing “Mia is still at Stuart’s.”

Kate nearly spat her coffee all over her “what?” she said.

Lara laughed “well she did come home briefly but a lot has happened with her.”

“Mum” Kate said shaking her head “what was that about nothing new?”

Lara laughed again and said “I guess there was a bit that’s new.”

“I’ll say” Kate said shaking her head “what’s been going on with Mia?”

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30/04/12

Part 767

After Lara had finished filling her in on Mia’s situation, Kate sat back and said “phew, poor Mia. But why didn’t you tell me?”

“Mia wouldn’t let us. She didn’t want you worrying about anything back here while you were on your honeymoon.”

“Okay” she said. “So what’s she doing now?”

“I think she’s trying to find some work up near Stuart’s place. If not I’d say she’s going to spend a lot of time on the road. Those two are inseparable.”

“Wow” Kate said “they moved fast.”

“I guess when it’s right it’s right” Lara said. “I think they’re a good match. I like Stuart.”

“Same here” Kate said with a smile and he deserves some happiness. I hope it works out. I’ll have to give her a call later.”

“Good idea. I’m sure she’d like to talk to you. It hasn’t been an easy time for her.”

Kate nodded and after her mother left she picked up her phone and called her cousin.

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01/05/12

Part 768

“Kate!” Mia said when she answered the phone “how was your trip?”

“Fantastic” Kate said “but how are you? Mum told me everything that’s been going on.”

“I’m fine” Mia said “it wasn’t nice but Stuart’s been great. I don’t know what I’d have done without him.”

“Sounds like you’re not about to find out any time soon” Kate teased. “Are you planning on ever coming home?”

After a pause Mia said “I think I am home.”

Kate smiled, “I’m so happy for you Mia. Stuart is a lucky guy.”

“I’m the lucky one” Mia said then after a pause she added “but don’t say anything to him. Nothing has really been said between us. I’m not sure how he feels.”

“Then it’s about time it was said” Kate advised.

“I know, but things sorted of developed due to circumstance. He wanted to help me. But what if he isn’t really interested in anything serious? I mean the way things are was sort of forced on him, what if it’s not what he truly wants?”

“If he doesn’t know how good he has it with you, then he doesn’t have half the brains I credited him with” Kate said “talk to him Mia, you both need to know where you stand.”

“But if it’s bad news, I’m not sure I want to know.”

“I can understand that, but sticking your head in the sand won’t change it, if he doesn’t feel the way you hope, you need to know.”

Mia sighed and after a second she said “okay she said. I’ll do it tonight. I was planning a nice dinner. It seems as good a time as any.”

“Good idea” Kate said and joked “you know the old saying, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

“Let’s hope it’s right” Mia said in a serious tone.

“Call me tomorrow” Kate said, “I’ll cross everything for you, but I’m positive you won’t need it.”

“Thanks Kate, bye”

“Good luck, bye.”

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02/05/12

Part 769

Kate was thoughtful as she hung up. She was surprised Stuart hadn’t said anything to Mia yet, she’d have sworn he was already pretty far gone when they left the farm. Maybe they’d just had too much else going on. She shrugged, knowing she’d have to wait for Mia’s call tomorrow to find out. She just hoped it all worked out. Picking up the cups she moved into the kitchen and made plans for dinner. Stuart wasn’t the only one in for a nice meal. 

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06/05/12

Part 770

That night, Mia was a bundle of nerves throughout the whole meal. She didn’t want to bring the subject up as much as she did. And her nervous demeanour hadn’t gone unnoticed by Stuart.

As they finished their main course he asked “you okay?”

“Yes” she said trying to sound casual, “just concentrating. I want the meal to be good.”

“You couldn’t do anything bad” he said with a smile.

Mia gave him a small smile but it soon dropped away and as she served dessert, she couldn’t wait any longer. She needed to get this out now. “Stuart” she said.

“Yeah” he said, looking up at her for a second before lowering his eyes on his plate again.

“I think we need to talk.”

“Okay” he said still not looking at her “this is amazing” he added indicating the dessert.

“I’ve been wondering whether it’s time I went back to town?” she said.

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08/05/12
 

Part 771

Stuart’s head snapped up. Now she had his attention. He hadn’t seen that coming. As far as he knew she was staying permanently. She’d said she was looking for work in the area and was going to let her apartment. He didn’t understand what had changed. “Why?” he said.

She got to her feet and started to pace “I feel like I’m drifting and I can’t do that indefinitely” she said looking down at her hands. “I need direction. I need to get my life back on track” and stopping next to his chair she met his gaze and added “I guess what I’m wondering is where we are going? I need to know what I’m doing here.”

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10/05/12

Part 772

Stuart was shocked, “for me, you mean?”

She nodded.

He sighed. “Mia if you don’t know how I feel about you, then either you’re blind or I’m doing something wrong” pushing his chair back, he pulled her onto his lap and looked into her eyes. He said “I love you, I have since the minute I first saw you. I’m sorry I haven’t said it before. I think with the way things happened between us, it sort of got away from me. I thought you knew though.”

Mia nodded and looked down “I think I did, I just needed to hear you say it” then raising her eyes to meet his, she added “I love you too.”

Stuart sighed and grinned “now that, I knew, but I’m happy to hear you say it as often as you need to.”

Mia laughed “just as well” she teased “I think I’m going to need to say it a lot.”

He laughed too but his gaze slipped down to rest on her lips “then you’re going to have to put up with hearing it from me on a regular basis too. How about once a day? That good for you?”

Mia’s heart was beating out of control “that would be perfect.”

Lifting his eyes to meet hers again he said “I love you Mia.”

“You’ve already said that for today” Mia teased with a giggle.

“So maybe we’ll go with twice a day then” he said and lowering his head, he kissed her.

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14/05/12

Part 773 cannot be posted here. If youd like to read it message me using the contact me page and I'll send you a link.

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15/05/12

 Part 774

A little later as Josh rolled over to rest on his side next to her, Kate fought to get her breath back. After a second she asked “what the hell was that?”

“Well if you don’t know by now Kate” he teased, “I don’t know what to tell you.”

She rolled her eyes and smiled, “not what I meant and you know it.”

Josh laughed “I missed ya.”

“Holy cow Josh, you only went to work.”

Still chuckling he said “are you complaining?”

She laughed, “certainly not, but just when I thought I’d seen it all, you go and surprise me.”

“And isn’t that a good thing?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Like that? Absolutely. I just need a minute to get my head around it.”

He laughed and ran a finger up her arm.

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16/05/12
 

Part 775

As promised Mia rang Kate the minute she was able to the next day. Stuart had gone to look at some of his stock and unable to wait to tell someone, Mia had opted to stay at the house. As soon as he was out of sight, she pushed the button to call her.

“Hi” she said.

“So?” Kate said, not even bothering to offer a greeting. She could hear the excitement in the one word her cousin had uttered.

“He loves me” Mia almost shouted.

“Of course he does, you idiot. I could tell it wasn’t a casual thing for him when I was there” Kate said “but I’m glad you talked. It’s always good to know where you stand.”

“It makes all the difference” Mia agreed, bubbling over with happiness.

“So back to my question from yesterday, are you coming home?”

“I am home” Mia said with confidence this time. “I’m not leaving.”

“Good to know” a deep male voice said from behind her.