Kakadu Sunset by Annie Seaton Read Free Book Online

enough.’
    ‘Don’t think about it anymore,’ Heather said. ‘We can’t do without you, honey. So how’s Em? Still working at the local hospital?’
    ‘Yes, in Dalrymple, and she’s got her own medical clinic too.’ Ellie paused and drained the last of her drink. ‘She says she’s fine but I know she carries her own guilt because she loses patience with Mum. She understands I love it over here and I have to work. Not much call for helicopter pilots in the rainforest near her and Mum. Although there’d be scenic flights out over the reef, I suppose.’
    Heather stared at her. ‘Uh-uh. You love the Territory too much to leave. Look at the great job and great friends you’ve got here. And you know we’d miss you too much.’ She leaned forward and rested her chin in her hand on the table. ‘What about Dru? Did you catch up with her?’
    Ellie shook her head. ‘Dru’s Dru. Sometimes I think she wouldn’t even have contact with us if it was up to her.’ She pushed her glass away and looked up as Steve called out, holding up another beer over at the bar.
    ‘Just one more.’ She turned back to Heather. ‘Your dad around tonight?’
    ‘No, he had a committee meeting in the city.’
    ‘I wanted to ask him about something I saw out at the old farm today. Have you heard anything about Panos Sordina moving back there?’
    Heather shook her head. ‘No, I haven’t. I thought he lived in Darwin now. The last time I drove past, it looked deserted. But I’ll ask. Dad always knows what’s going on around the place.’
    Heather gestured to Steve for another drink. ‘You know what? I think it’s time for a big night out. We need to welcome you back properly . . . and cheer you up. There’s a band playing here on Sunday night. How about it?’
    ‘Sounds like the happy fix I need.’
    ‘And why don’t you come out to Black Jungle Springs for a visit during the day? Dad would love to see you.’
    ‘All right. I will.’ Ellie felt the weight lift off her shoulders. Heather could always make her feel better.
    Heather tilted her head. ‘Look who’s here!’
    She looked towards the entrance of the bar. The angular planes of Kane McLaren’s face were softened by shadows as he stood there, seemingly deciding whether to enter or not.
    Heather put her hand on her chest and pretended to swoon. ‘Be still my beating heart. What. A. Honey.’
    Steve stopped by the table with their drinks, then gestured in the direction of Heather’s gaze.
    ‘New guy needs to meet the crew.’ He put the tray down and scooted over to speak to Kane.
    Ellie looked down and focused on the glass of beer in front of her. This would be interesting. Heather watched the men, oblivious to Ellie’s discomfort.
    ‘Hey, maybe the hunk can come on Sunday night too? Although Mr Fly Boy over there looks a bit too classy for this place. Maybe he’s got high standards like yours. Though it might be fun trying to break him in.’ Heather’s eyes narrowed and a cheeky smile tilted her lips.
    Kane walked over to the group. Ellie looked up as Steve made the introductions.
    ‘Kane, meet Terry, Heather, Ellie and down the far end of the table we have Roscoe and Amanda.’ Everyone gave him a wave and Kane nodded.
    Doesn’t the man know how to smile?
Mind you, all that grimness suited him. Heather was right. He was . . .
fine
. From his broad shoulders to the muscled legs outlined by the faded jeans that clung snugly to his thighs. His biceps bulged beneath the tight sleeves of his black T-shirt and his hair was slicked back from his face. The unshaven look just added to his appeal.
    His air of authority was sexy, but she still remembered how he’d doubted her ability to fly. Ellie had come across his type before. He was good-looking, but that didn’t mean he was a decent guy.
    Heather moved along and Ellie had to follow her along the wooden bench seat to make room for Kane to sit beside her. She picked up her beer and took a fortifying swig before