Page 19 of Outback Secrets

Henri nodded. ‘Anyway, it’s lovely to see you again, Janet.’

‘Yes, you too, Henrietta. I’d better finish clearing up the breakfast things, but you take care, dear. I hope we’ll see you at the town hall for wreath-making on Friday.’

It was an order not a question. But although Henri couldn’t really think of anything worse, her mother had already asked her to go, and she wasn’t a complete beast of a daughter!

‘Of course, I’m looking forward to it. See you there.’

Liam opened the main door at the front and as light spilled into the building, she spotted Cecil sitting all on his lonesome in the customer car park.

‘Well, thanks for everything,’ she said. ‘I—’

Liam held up a hand. ‘Honestly, you’ve thanked me enough. If you say it again, it’s going to start to get embarrassing.’

She laughed. ‘Okay, okay, I’m going.’

Then, before even realising what she was doing, she stretched up on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. She quickly withdrew, but as she turned and hightailed it for her van, the scent of Liam lingered.

And man, he smelled good. A delicious cocktail of coffee, expensive soap and woody cologne.

She pushed the thought aside and climbed into the car.