Unknown by Unknown Read Free Book Online

Rupert eased the empty top box down to the floor. Ian slid it easily into position, his face showing mirth at some remark Rupe had made.
    His easy grace seemed reflected as he stood there, his chest bare, bronzed and muscular, rippling in the pattern of sunshine from the skylight overhead. Frances was glad she stood with her back to the light because she knew she could not drag her eyes from his superb physical condition. A dog barked somewhere and the sound broke into her reverie, startling the thoughts that still shocked her. Ian had finished stitching the bale together and with a final whang the sides of the press split open and the fresh bale took its shape on the floor.
    Ian dragged it with a powerful steel hook over towards the loading bay. He sorted through stencils and watched for a moment as Ivan and Greg carefully filled in the black insignia marking the bale with farm, number and wool classification.
    Rupert came over then and said that he and Ian would shed up so she could return to the house. She fled quickly, as Ian had become conscious of her; without saying a word he had made her feel a deep physical awareness.
    Back at the house she changed into her swimsuit and dived into the pool, then tired herself more by swimming energetically.
    Ian and the boys dived in to join her,, but she pulled herself out quickly, not wanting to run the risk of his tormenting, knowing eyes. At tea she was placed beside Ian and her appetite was banished by the feel of his muscular thigh against hers. Conversation was mainly on tallies and bales and she was interested in the discussion despite her lack of knowledge. All the same, she was glad that no attempts were made to prolong the meal; the whole household was tired and preparation for the next day still had to be made. Ian said goodnight and departed with a casual wave.
    Ridiculously, Frances felt almost sorry when he had gone and she determined to make herself busy. Jenny was pleased to let her do some baking for the next day. She was exhausted when she finally fell into bed. She slept heavily until the alarm clock buzzed at six o’clock the next morning. On this second day of shearing she stayed in the house most of the day, glad to escape the noise and the dust, visiting the shed only to help Greg and Ivan with the heavy food baskets. The boys were delighted as it was Saturday and there would be no school.
    On the second occasion Ian had taken the basket from her, a smile lighting his features. ‘Hey, water baby, why did you run from the pool last night? Don’t tell me you were scared?’
    Scarlet, Frances had beaten a hasty retreat, infuriated to hear a chuckle echo her footsteps. At lunchtime she made sure she had a conversation going with the boys. Even so, Ian had come and sat beside her and her heart had fluttered like a butterfly’s wings. There had not been much room at the table and he had pushed his large body hard up against hers so she could not move. She sat very straight, determined not to acknowledge the havoc his presence caused. As soon as she decently could she eased her slim figure out, smiling sweetly that she had finished.
    Rupert came over to the sink where she was beginning to clear up. ‘I’d like to take Jennifer out tonight to celebrate. Would you mind staying with the boys?’
    ‘No, of course not. A quiet night is just what I want. I’d like to leave early for Christchurch in the morning.’
    ‘Right—well, don’t hurry back on Tuesday. You’ve done a great job helping Jenny so much and I’m very grateful.’
    The shearing was finished by mid-afternoon, so the workers enlivened the occasion with a small party.
    Frances had a shandy too on Rupe’s insistence, but she felt too self-conscious to be near Ian, so she excused herself, saying she wanted to swim.
    Having made the statement she felt she had to carry it out. Her one-piece was a heavy material and it felt clammy on, so she ripped if off and put on her bikini. There was precious