I live here, he said. Though this wasnt exactly the way he wanted it to go, hed have to make the best of it. Im Callum Quinn. Cal.
Stunned, she slowly took his outstretched hand, her fingers soft against his palm. Im
Gemma Moynihan, he said. I know. The genealogist. Mary told me.
She frowned, shaking her head in confusion. But why didnt you introduce yourself on the road?
I didnt realize who you were at first. I thought youd be olderI mean, I just assumed. Mary didnt say that youwerent. Older.
She looked around, as if searching for the quickest means of escape. II should let you get dressed. Mary just sent me up to fetch another blanket for the bunkhouse.
Im sure she did, he muttered, wondering at the housekeepers motives. Ill see you later?
Gemma nodded. Right. Later, then. All right. She turned and hurried back to the stairs, looking over her shoulder once before descending. Cal listened as her footfalls echoed from the lower hallway, then leaned back against the wall.
Hed always been the one whod struggled to speak around women. It was obvious his lack of clothing had something to do with her unease. Maybe that was the key with this woman? To shed his clothes as quickly as possible whenever the conversation slowed so neither one of them would have to talk?
Fate had dropped Gemma Moynihan into the middle of the outback and he was going to make the best of the opportunity. In reality, she was trapped here, waiting for him to enlighten her about his family history. Hed dole out a few interesting tidbits here and there, just enough to keep her around long enough for him to explore this attraction between them.
But the first thing hed do was make it clear to every man on Kerry Creek Station, including his two brothers, that Gemma was off-limits. Though he knew she wouldnt be staying long, he could use the practice. When the right woman did present herself, he wanted to be ready.
Lunch, he murmured. Hed get Mary to make up something for them both and then hed take her on a tour of the station. The more time they spent alone, the better his chances of charming her. And if that didnt work, hed just strip down and tempt her with his other attributes.