Page 44 of Ruby’s Outback Love

I laughed. “You’re right, one of us was always doing something we’d been told not to and it inevitably ended in tears. I miss it in some ways but find, the older I get, the more I love the peace and quiet of my own place.”

Phil stood. “I’m going to duck down the street to the motel, have a shower, get changed and grab an overnight bag. I won’t be gone long. Hopefully when I get back, I can take you home.”

He leaned forward and kissed my lips. The kiss was more confident and felt like a promise of what was waiting for me IF I so chose.

“Don’t be long, I’ll miss you,” I whispered as he pushed through the curtain and left.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Bourke

RUBY

When Phil returned I was dressed ready to leave the hospital. The doctor had been in, and satisfied with my stability overnight, had given the okay for me to be discharged as soon as someone arrived to accompany me. The care I’d received had been exemplary but I still couldn’t wait too get out of the place.

The curtains were drawn back and I sat on the bed, my legs swinging back and forth, a small bag with my belongings from the previous day at my side. Fortunately, the keys to my home, car and Cam’s surgery, along with my wallet, had been tucked into the pocket of my work pants. My phone was who knew where so first thing on Monday I would need to cancel the account and organise myself a new one.

When I heard the footfalls of booted feet, I lifted my head to see Phil. He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, white t-shirt which hugged the exquisite muscles of his chest and had his signature R.M. Williams boots on his feet. Phil always wore boots. I’d asked him one day, many years ago why he didn’t wear runners. He said the outback suited the wearing of boots because you never knew what you might step on. I’d agreed but it hadn’t stopped me from practically living in sandals.

Phil’s face lit up with a smile when he saw I was ready to leave. “Your coach awaits, m’lady.”

I burst into laughter when he bowed towards me.

“Still the goofball, I see.” I hopped down from the bed, grabbed my bag and accepted his outstretched hand. It felt so right having my warm palm pressed against his. “I want to stop by and see Elouise before we leave.”

“Do you know where she is?”

I gazed up and nodded. “I asked the nurse who was in earlier to find out for me and when he came back with the doctor he told me.”

I led Phil towards the wards of the hospital and along a corridor until we reached Room 201, the room number I’d been given. I knocked lightly at the door before pushing it open. While Phil held it open, I stepped into the room. Cam sat by Elouise’s bedside which caught me by surprise. He stood when he caught sight of Phil behind me, stepped forward and the men nodded to each other.

Elouise held out her hand. “I’m Elouise.”

Phil moved to the bed and spoke as they shook hands. “Phil Thacker, nice to meet you. Thank you for saving my lady.”

“I think she saved me from what I’ve heard.”

When Phil moved away, I leaned down, hugged her tight and she whispered thank you into my ear. I peeled myself away, kissed her cheek and shook my head.

“If you hadn’t managed to keep the plane as level as you did, I wouldn’t be here, so thank you. What went wrong? What caused the plane to crash?”

“The loud bang we heard was the left engine exploding and the damage took out the right engine. Once we lost them, everything on the aircraft shut down. What caused it to explode is anyone’s guess. The investigators will figure it out and check the other FDS aircraft if they find an issue.”

“Did the FDS contact your parents?”

A shadow crossed her face when I asked the question.

“My parents are both dead. I have a brother – Kody, but he’s in London on business at the moment and they couldn’t get hold of him. I sent a message via the hospital to the FDS, telling them I was fine and not to try getting in touch with him again. There’s no need for him to worry.”

“So what happens with you now?”

“My supervisor sent word I’m to take two weeks off ‘to rest and recover.’ Elouise made air quotes when she spoke the last words. “I insisted, I’d be fine in a week, but he wouldn’t listen. I’ve been booked into the Major Mitchell Motel and a plane will pick me up Friday week to take me back to Dubbo. I’ll be bored out of my brain and climbing the walls after a week.”

“I’ll keep you busy,” Cam volunteered. “You can help me buy a car and find somewhere to live, if you’d like.”

“I would like, thank you.”

Elouise and Cam’s eyes locked on each other and after a moment, I flicked my eyes to Phil who turned to me. He smiled knowingly having also seen the pair’s connection.