Kakadu Sunset by Annie Seaton Read Free Book Online Page B

night.’ She stood behind Kane and leaned down; it was hard to hear over the noise. ‘Are you ready to come now or do you want to hang around and someone else can show you the way to your room?’ She could almost read Heather’s thoughts:
Pick me, pick me
.
    Disappointment flashed across Heather’s face when Kane stood up. ‘I’ll just finish my drink and I’ll be right behind you.’
    Crossing to the bar, Ellie leaned over the counter and opened the till. The key was in one of the large change compartments. She reached over and pulled it out, then turned to find Kane had followed her. His gaze didn’t leave her when she held out the key to him. An unwelcome tremble ran down her legs and she scowled, and then instantly regretted it. Just her hormones going crazy.
    ‘Come on, I’ll show you where your apartment is.’ She forced a smile onto her face. ‘I thought you’d been here a few days?’
    Kane’s fingers brushed hers as he took the key and Ellie looked down and saw that his nails were neat and clipped, with no grease staining his fingers. Certainly not the hands of a mechanic. She hadn’t noticed when they’d been up in the air earlier.
    ‘Yeah, but I only decided to take one of the apartments today.’
    She strode off in front of him along the path to the staff quarters. ‘Come on, I’m . . . I’ll show you where to go.’ Ellie had been about to say she was tired and wanted to get to bed, but that would have sounded rude so she closed her mouth.
    ‘Thank you. Appreciate it.’ Kane’s voice was close and she stopped at the end of the path, surprised again to find him right behind her. His movements were stealthy and a shiver ran down Ellie’s back.
    She didn’t know the guy or his background. Just because he had a job at Makowa Lodge meant nothing. Most of the time, Jock was happy to take on anyone with the right certificates. If he was ex-military, Jock would have jumped at the chance to add him to the staff. Generally, the retired service guys were great to work with, even though they never stayed long. Curiosity filled her and she decided to ask Jock about him tomorrow. Kane’s insistence that he was only there to look after the helicopters was a concern for her, so sussing him out with Jock wouldn’t be snooping into his past. After all, she’d be working closely with him, and it appeared he wasn’t going to be forthcoming if the conversation at the table was any indication.
    ‘What’s the go with the roster?’ His deep voice broke into her thoughts.
    ‘We have to go down and retrieve a vehicle. One of the lodge guests got hurt.’
    He ran a hand through his short hair. ‘Yeah, yeah, I got all that. But why you and me? We’re flight staff.’
    ‘No, we’re lodge staff. Our primary role is to take the tourists up on scenic flights, or at least mine is.’ Ellie couldn’t resist the dig. ‘But at the beginning of the season, the bookings are usually light, so we take on other duties.’
    ‘As directed?’
    ‘You got it. Read your contract, did you?’
    ‘Well, as long as I don’t have to do childcare duties, I suppose I can cope.’
    Ellie couldn’t help the bubble of laughter escaping her lips. ‘I think that’s the first thing we’ve agreed on today.’
    Kane looked across at the narrow alley that led to the steps up to the staff apartments. ‘Where should I park my Jeep?’
    ‘You can bring it round the back if you’ve got a lot of gear to unload, but then you’ll have to park it down behind the kitchens when you’re finished.’ Ellie pointed in the direction of the restaurant. ‘Or in the main car park up the front. I’ll show you where to put it after I show you where your apartment is.’
    ‘Thanks. I haven’t got much to unload.’ He stepped to the left and walked along beside her. ‘I travel light.’
    Yup, a fly-by-nighter for sure
. Well, Heather didn’t mind if they came and went. Ellie pushed away the thought.
    ‘Just as well, because the staff