One More Shot At LOVE

Amelia POV

As the aircraft taxied approached the Melbourne terminal, the flight attendant urged passengers to "wait until the plane comes to a complete stop before leaving your seat."

With a sigh, Amelia sank back into her chair and closed her eyes briefly to get the energy to get up. She was tired after thirty-four hours, two layovers, and too many time zones to tally. She was lucky enough to have completed the customs process upon her arrival in Sydney. However, she needed to spend two more hours in the automobile before finally falling asleep peacefully.

If her mother let it, that is. Amelia probably wouldn't see her bed for at least six hours, given her knowledge of Julia Farraday. The only bright spot was that Julia could get sidetracked by Zoë, Amelia's sister, and the hurried wedding planning. Amelia intended to slip out when the bride's mother became distracted. Did moms who were even more of bridezillas than the brides have a term for them?

She had been intending to return home soon anyhow, but this was the reason she was coming home. Even though Amelia wasn't sure she was ready to cope with "home" just yet, her sister's wedding was a good reason to take the long-haul trip home.

The 'fasten seatbelt' indicator dinged off as the aircraft came to a complete halt. Amelia took her time getting to the front of the passengers, attempting to get off the aeroplane. Rather, she turned to face the tarmac outside the window. As airline baggage handlers and other support personnel worked tirelessly to unload the bags and prepare the jet for its return flight to Sydney, the summer heat glistened off the ground.

Amelia had dressed appropriately for the four degrees below zero she had experienced when she boarded the plane in Italy. The pilot helpfully informed them that the temperature in Melbourne was in the high thirties. A day and a half later-which, with the time difference, was three days, despite the entire flying time only being about twenty-two hours (not including layovers)-Amelia still couldn't get to make any sense in her head despite having been the one to make the trip. Before they left for home, maybe Zoë would allow her to change.

House. Was Hope Springs still where you lived? She was ignorant. Amelia had never once given thought to leaving the little rural village.

She believed it was where she would live and die, but at this point, she was ignorant.

As the people in the aisle began to disperse, Amelia waited until the plane was almost empty before standing up and retrieving her carry-on bags from the overhead bin. She exited the aircraft with the remaining survivors, grinning and thanking the flight attendants as she went, and made her way down the tunnel leading to the terminal.

She switched on her phone and waited for it to start while she was out and about. She let out a sigh when a message from her sister appeared on the screen.

Z: I'm a bit behind schedule. I'll text you an estimated time of arrival when your aircraft lands.

Amelia chose not to respond right away. Zoë and her fiancé, Blake, had already arrived, or they had not. If not, from baggage claim, she would text them.

Thank goodness the airport air conditioning was turned up, so Amelia didn't feel like taking off her boots, pants, and silk long-sleeve blouse immediately. The scarf and overcoat, which she had discarded upon boarding the aircraft, now weighed excessively on her arm. Perhaps she should get dressed in the ladies' room before getting her bags. Placing everything on the conveyor belt always took them a long time.

Amelia turned toward the restrooms rather than going straight to baggage claim, only to run straight into a wall of masculinity. She bounced off and was about to fall, but then a powerful arm caught her and pulled her back against that hard chest again.

Her breath stopped in her chest as she stepped back and gazed up at the stranger when she had her feet.

Nothing to say.

She had practised this speech a thousand times or more in anticipation of seeing him again, but there were no words. They were in an airport, she was jet tired, and she wasn't ready. This was not how it was intended to happen. She was expected to run into him in Hope Springs, looking amazing and not reeking of bad foreign travel odours.

Her eyes were listing him as she was having these frightened thoughts. He was different and yet the same. Even though nine months wasn't much, she could see he had changed based on the tightness in his jaw and the fatigue around his eyes. The carefree person she had fallen in love with had vanished, and someone tougher had taken his place.

There was a hint of scruff on his face, and she was quite familiar with how those sharp whiskers felt on her flesh. The depth of his tan would also make sense, given that his blonde hair appeared brighter, as though he had spent some time in the sun. Although she wouldn't describe him as little, he was slimmer. His broad shoulders and strong thighs gave him a brick-shithouse build, but he appeared more muscular today, with less flesh to soften the harsh contours.

Amelia assumed she seemed different as well. She hadn't shed any pounds-who in Europe, surrounded by butter, carbohydrates, and chocolate, can lose weight? However, she was aware of her more subtle changes. Even by her admission, she had grown up. Upon reflection on their five-year relationship, Amelia realised she bore a significant portion of the blame for the way things transpired. She had been so immature and insecure that she had thought he would fill in all of her gaps.

She was aware now that was not how relationships operated.

"Smith," she said, finally finding her voice and being able to speak. What did it matter if her eyes were gobbling him up like they were half-starved and her speech sounded breathy?

With a low, dark growl that made her blood boil, he said, "Amelia."

They stood uncomfortably, warily glancing at one another as they waited for the other to speak.

To the person who destroyed your heart, what in the world were you expected to say?

Holy fucking balls of crap.

Amelia.

Amelia is fucked.

She looked amazing, I swear.

Superior to excellent. Her appearance left hurt fucking eyes.

Her longer blonde hair curved over her shoulders in a way that itched for his fingers to get lost in the silky, honey-coloured strands. She smelled just as he remembered. Smith had heard that scents could elicit strong emotions, but damn, he was unprepared for the barrage of memories that hit him the moment he smelled her.

Her silky top was unbuttoned just enough for him to see the pale flesh beneath her throat, and the trousers she wore hugged her contours. He wanted to breathe her in and bury his nose in the bend of her neck. Then perhaps the hole in his heart would close itself.

"Smith," she whispered, evoking yet another wave of recollections. She remembered how, with her nails sinking into his exposed shoulders, she had gasped in terror as she called out his name.

He foolishly answered, "Amelia," since he was at a loss for words. Although he knew he might run into her in the town, he had not anticipated running into her at the airport.

His need to express himself was immense, and he remained silent about several things that finally led to their breakup. All those months ago, he had been a filthy coward and had allowed her to leave his life. He ought to have pursued her, but he chose not to, and as a result, she fled the nation, leaving him behind. He was left with little choice but to move on with his life.

He nearly let out a loud snort of distaste. He was hardly able to go on with his life. For the previous nine months, he'd been so engrossed in his work that he'd barely seen his family. He was finally home for real; his contract expired, and the idea was to start moving on with his life. Wasn't he over Amelia already? Nine months seemed like a long enough time for him to heal from his heartbreak and move on, but...

His hungry gaze went across her.

Yes, it was clear that he was still in love with her.

Amelia had changed, but he was unable to pinpoint the precise alteration. Her hair and the way she applied makeup. Not only did her looks change, but so did her wardrobe, though. It was in the way she carried herself, the way her shoulders were straight, and her chin tilted toward him rather than the earth. He thought it was good. Though he had always appreciated everything about Trina, even before they were a couple, he did like her newfound confidence. He was fascinated with his younger sister's closest friend for some time before eventually finding the bravery to take action.

Even though it was a more mature crush than the teenage wet dreams he'd experienced all those years before, he was still madly in love with her now that she was all grown up.

But because he had never truly stopped loving her, could it still be considered a crush?

Fuck, he was a mess, and they had been standing there gazing at one other longer than was appropriate, which made their awkward and uncomfortable silence.

She looked down at her phone as it beeped, snapping out of the strange bubble that had encased them and bringing him back to reality.

"It's good to see you, Amelia," he remarked as he lifted his duffel bag and turned to go.

He didn't glance back, even though he wanted to. Even though he didn't look around, he insisted he could feel her gaze on him as he continued to move. What was the purpose? Now, Amelia had another life entirely without his presence. She moved on, realising that he had lost his shot with her. Because he followed her on Instagram, he was aware. He was one of her six hundred thousand fans, yet he never liked or commented on anything.

Yes, six hundred thousand.

Amelia had discovered her style, and it was quite attractive to her. According to what he understood, her lifestyle blog was taking off, and had been funding her trips for the last nine months. He was incredibly proud of her and longed for her company. He had been deluding himself into believing he was past her. He wasn't, obviously, and he wasn't sure if he ever would be.

With a short pause to settle his long-term parking charge, Smith strolled through the airport and into the parking garage. As much as he wanted to turn back and catch another look at her, he forced himself not to give in.

After placing his duffel bag on the truck's tray, he entered the driver's seat. He didn't let himself take a deep breath until the engine grew beneath him, and he was leaving the airport.

Amelia was home, and he knew why. On the weekend of Valentine's Day, Zoë got married. Not only was he invited to the auspicious occasion. He hadn't fully considered everything when he accepted the offer. Though he felt Amelia would be there, he had no idea how surreal it would be to see her again. He was unaware that seeing her again would cause his heart's barely healed scar to burst, leaving him bleeding profusely.

Smith violently hit the steering wheel with his hand. He wasn't prepared to handle this, and he wasn't sure when he would be. Could he be too hurried to extend his agreement with the mines? He shook his head in disagreement. If he decided to go back to the Pilbara, Mia, his baby sister, would murder him. He was here to stay in Hope Springs, but was Amelia? If that's the case, what did that signify for the pair?

Amelia POV

In cabin number six, Amelia threw her luggage onto the bed. At last, she was home. It wasn't much, but for the time being, at least, it was hers.

The property known as Windaroa has been in Amelia's family for many generations. Together, her mother and father, Samual, the village doctor and Windaroa's nurse, controlled the place. The farm had formerly been a leading cattle producer, but since Samual took it over, it had been transformed into a vacation spot for grey nomads who travelled the nation in their mobile homes and caravans. Though not nearly as much as it formerly did, Windaroa raised cattle.

The Farradays had constructed six cottages on the land, including a laundry complex, restroom and shower facilities, and spaces for caravans and camping. Number six was one of the cabins. When Amelia ended her relationship with Tony, she moved into the cabin. Amelia had not wanted to return to her parents' home, where they had been living together. Making the switch to living in the house was simple.

Amelia packed everything personal she had and put it in the shed before leaving for her trip abroad to make room in the cabin for other visitors. Thankfully, the house was occupied because the wedding was quickly approaching. Despite her parents' persistent concern, she didn't want to move back into the large home. Even Zoë and Blake shared a cabin, but Amelia was confident it was a perfect fit for the couple.

After giving her suitcases one more glance, Amelia pushed them off the bed and onto the ground. When she woke up the next day or after a week, she would unpack. After the initial welcome-home cup of tea, the hugs, and the presents were given, Julia did not make Amelia spend any necessary family time. She had even been given the all-ahead sleep off her jet lag. Amelia had assumed that separating from the family would be more difficult than it was, but she wouldn't argue with that. Later, when her mind was clearer, she would attend to the family.

She collapsed into the bed, gazing at the ceiling as the mattress supported her fall. From the city, Zoë had been chattering excitedly, and if she noticed Amelia's unusual stillness, she said nothing. Amelia knew it was more than jet lag, but Zoë probably believed it was. The six-two-blonde man had reduced her remaining mental capacity to mush.

Even now, she could hardly breathe and struggled to control her feelings as she thought back to him. She remembered the firmness of his chest from when she slammed into him and the familiar fragrance of him.

Rolling over, Amelia buried her face in the pillow, letting out a scream of rage through the memory foam and cotton blend. He wasn't meant to have the last say in this situation, and it wasn't intended to end in any way.

She tried to say all she wanted to say, but before she could even process the shock of seeing him, he was leaving. What action did she take? She watched him walk away, that gorgeous arse of his. She was so focused on protecting herself that she could not take her gaze off his departing back. She watched him like a creeper, torturing herself until she could see him no more, lost in the mob.

Amelia genuinely believed she had progressed beyond it. She thought that her absence had given her the space and perspective she needed to handle seeing him once more. Additionally, she believed that she had overcome her desire for him. She expected to feel sad when she saw him again, but what she experienced when pressed against him was far more intense than that. In the nine months she had been gone, her hormones had erupted into a fury. Though Amelia hadn't been a nun throughout their separation and assumed Smith hadn't kept it under wraps, it hadn't had the same level of immediate connection and desire for anybody as she had with the men she'd met in Europe. Since she and Smith were dating, she had, in reality, not experienced that first attraction to anyone.

"Oh my goddammit!" She sobbed into the cushion.

"Whoa, is now not the best time?"

Turning around, Amelia saw Cassie, her other sister, standing at the doorway.

Rolling over and sitting up, Amelia said, "I didn't hear you come in."

"Mum sent me up here to check on your hunger."

"What time is it?"

Cassie looked at her timepiece. Her flawless older sister indeed had a watch on, and it wasn't a fitness tracker either. This was the actual thing, complete with a clock face.

"Not much after nine."

"At night, is that correct?" Gazing out the window at the pitch-black sky, Amelia questioned.

Rolling her eyes, Cassie said, "Yeah, at night."

"Are you still conscious?"

"Hehe, that's hilarious. Since you left, things have changed.

Amelia peered at her growing tummy. Indeed, they have. You appear to be about to burst.

With a grimace, Cassie entered the room and sank onto the bed next to Trina. "I think I might pop if this kid doesn't come here soon."

Grinning, Amelia hugged her sister. "I'm eager to hold my young niece or nephew. You still won't share with me what you're eating?

"That is contingent."

"On what?"

"On whether you plan to stay in the city or not."

Amelia gave a huff. "I'm still undecided," she answered. "Come on, I'm starving. Are your delectable daughter and handsome hubby with you?

She pushed herself from the bed and said, "Yeah, Mum talked us into staying the night." Do not wake Kaila because she has already gone to bed.

"But my favourite niece has gifts from me."

"So she can simply bide her time until the morning."

"All right," Amelia said, putting her arm around Cassie. Even though they didn't get along well, Amelia missed her elder sister. The issue arose when their mother began to compare the two of them, with Amelia consistently falling short. "Anyway, why did Mom send you up to get me? Particularly in this heat, you should be seated with your feet up.

"Don't start, ugh. I seem to sit and prop my feet up. Since the sun had set, the heat wasn't as intense, and I needed to stroll.

Was your mother taking up your case?

"When is she not working on my case?" Cassie complained. "Since you departed and Zoë returned to the city, I have been left without an intermediary. I had forgotten how intrusive she could be.

Amelia chuckled. Those statements would have driven yet another hole between them in the past. Still, Amelia had moved past the jealousy and small-minded arguments that characterised her relationship with her sisters. Although she wouldn't describe herself as a fully developed, mature human being free of hang-ups and rejection complexes, she had improved greatly since her departure.

"Come on, sis," she urged Cassie as they approached the large home. "Give me a break, and let me run interference for a bit."

"This explains why you're my favourite sister," Cassie squeezed back.

When Smith parked into his house's driveway, Mia was there to greet him. Despite his renovations, it hadn't felt like a home since he moved there.

His sister pushed herself into his arms, and he grabbed her as he dropped his luggage in the lobby.

"Whoa, squirt," he said, stepping aside to avoid falling. "How much do you miss me?"

"Oh my god, no," she said, hugging him. "I just need you to get rid of this spider in the bathroom."

After he'd laughed and squeezed her, he put her back on her feet. Although Miawas technically still living with their grandparents, she was always his house sitter when he was gone at work.

"So, how is everything doing? Not a drama?

"Have you not heard me? In the restroom, a spider is there.

"All right, I'll fetch it. While I was away, what did you do? Or only when I'm home do the spiders get inside the house?

Mia Turned away from him, shrugging. "You know, I took care of it."

Smith walked to the main bathroom through the house and shook his head. He opened the door and observed eight hirsute legs scuttling beneath the vanity. The next bathroom on the list was one that still needed work. Smith wasn't sure why Mia was using this bathroom rather than the ensuite, but whatever. The ensuite was finished. Before Miasearched for the insect repellent, he had to free the huntsman.

Using the brush to prevent it from escaping, he picked up the spider and placed it in the dustpan before discarding it outdoors.

"Leave me," he muttered, watching it skitter off. That's where. He turned to face his sister, who was concealed behind the door, and asked, "Happy?"

Indeed, she replied. "What did you bring me now?"

"Is it my responsibility to give you a gift each time I visit my house?"

"Yes," Mia angrily answered, as though it was well known, and he was a simpleton for not understanding.

He extended his arms and shook his head. "Isn't the fact that I'm back home good enough a present?"

She gave him a narrowed look. "But are you?"

With a nod, he dropped his arms to his sides. "Yes, I'm finished," he sighed. "In a few weeks, I'll be back at Mike's."

Mike's Auto Repair. Smith's profession was mechanic, and he was eager to return to working on normal cars instead of the monsters found in the mines.

Mia smiled. "That's fantastic," she said, giving him another embrace. "But I still want a present."

He laughed and moved out of her embrace to get his duffel bag. He looked through his belongings and picked up a wrapped surprise, which he threw to her. She grasped it and ripped the wrapper away to uncover a snow globe he had discovered at a little Perth tourist store.

"That one is not yours, is it?" He enquired.

Shaking the globe and seeing the glitter fall over the dolphin, she shook her head. Although the term "snow globe" was misleading because it didn't snow in Perth, what other name could you give them?

She shook it again and said, "I love it." "I have the perfect place for it."

Since she was a young child, Mia had enjoyed collecting snow globes. She had received her first one from their parents, and after they passed away, she gathered them to feel connected to them. Having been reared by their paternal grandparents in the years after, they were both young when the disaster occurred. Since Miawas younger than he was when they passed away, he doubted that she had any recollections of them at all-or, at the very least, any memories that weren't passed down to her by someone else. If he was being completely honest with himself, he hardly recalled them at all.

"Will you be attending the B&S ball?" Mia Inquired.

He dragged his fingers through his hair and said, "God, no." The Bachelors and Spinsters ball, or B&S ball, served as a cover for drinking and hooking up. It was not something he was eager to undertake.

He would certainly meet Amelia again, so all he needed was a haircut, a shave, and a few days of rest before he could consider what he would say to her next time.

"Do you even think I'm listening?" Mia prodded him in the ribs and inquired.

He responded, "I tuned out after you said B&S ball." He couldn't even consider the B&S ball without simultaneously thinking about them and the B&S ball when they eventually got back together, regardless of how long he and Amelia had been separated.

Come on, Smith, it's time to show off once more. Besides, this year's B&S ball is helping to raise money for the rural wildfire brigade. You are aware of their utter need to obtain new gear. Not a nice fire season this last one.

Smith let out a puff of breath. "May I simply donate right now? I don't want to go, but I will purchase a ticket.

"You are aware that their revenue from selling alcohol exceeds that of their ticket sales."

"Okay, then I'll buy a ticket and donate."

Mia screwed up her lip in distaste and shook her head after giving him a demeaning look. "Are you still with her?"

Smith let out a sigh. He was at a loss on how to respond to that query. He would have declared he was over her twenty-four hours ago, but today...

"And you haven't reconciled with her yet, have you?" He fired back.

"Cease dodging the inquiry."

She was your best buddy, Mia. I'm sorry that what transpired between Amelia and me also affected your relationship with her.

"I'd prefer not to discuss it."

"Don't you know she's back in town?"

"I assumed she would return soon since Zoë was getting married."

"You will encounter her in the community and need to handle her."

Mia angrily crossed her arms, "That's exactly what I was going to say to you." And it will be an issue if you're still not over her.

Smith said, "I'll be fine," wishing it was true. He was hoping for the best, but he was far from fine if that day was any guide. Now that they'd broken the ice, perhaps they could talk without awkward silences the next time they ran across one other.

Mia snorted. Yes, do tell yourself that again.

Amelia POV

The following morning, Amelia forced herself out of bed, took a shower, cleaned her hair, and changed into a pretty summer outfit she had purchased in Paris. She didn't want to go out, but everyone told her that the best way to deal with jet lag was to return to her routine as soon as possible. That meant attempting to avoid dozing off in the middle of the day and rising at a fairly regular time.

In addition, Amelia truly wanted to catch up with Avery, her friend who works as a florist, and her former boss, Sara, as the wedding preparations would begin in a few days. Throughout her absence, they had remained in communication, and she had purchased gifts for them all. It would be nice to see them again and perhaps persuade them to have a drink one evening.

Amelia strode down the road to the large house, dressed and prepared to face the world. She knocked on the door before entering. Her parents had the day off, based on their conversation the previous evening, and she needed a ride into town. It was hot outside, and Windaroo was too far from town to walk.

As she went down the hallway to the kitchen in the back of the home, she yelled, "Knock knock."

Her father drank his coffee at the table and looked up from his reading paper. "Hey honey," he murmured.

She went around the table to give him a cheek kiss and said, "Hey, Dad."

"What kind of sleep did you have?"

Amelia furrowed her brow. "Awful," she shot back, grinning. "But being at home is nice."

Do you want a cup of coffee? The kettle has just begun to boil.

"No, thank you," Amelia shook her head in response. After spending months in Europe, where the coffee was so strong that it could almost keep a spoon upright, Amelia did not like the instant coffee her parents drank. "May I just ask if I can borrow a car?"

Samual said, "We still have your car in the shed." "Packed and prepared to go."

With another kiss, she murmured, "Thanks, Daddy." "Please tell me how much you want for the gas."

He shrugged off her remark. "Make no effort."

"Dad, I'm making money now. You don't need to continue covering my costs.

"I know, but consider this my way of saying welcome home."

With a sigh, she grinned. "Many thanks. A bit later, I will be at home. I wish to see the females again.

He said, "Say hello to Mia for me."

Amelia lowered her head and exhaled, releasing the tension in her chest. Amelia didn't think Mia would bother to talk to her anytime soon because she wasn't talking to her. Mia believed that Amelia had deceived her and that shattering her brother's heart was an unpardonable transgression. It made little difference if Smith had also wounded Amelia's feelings or if both parties' failures contributed to the relationship's collapse. That was it-Mia took Smith's side.

Amelia remarked, "Mia still isn't talking to me, Dad."

He remarked, "You really ought to mend that relationship, poppet." "Your best friend is her."

Amelia answered, "Was my best friend." "She chose Smith over me-"

"Choosing a side is not the point-"

Amelia said, "Yeah, well, tell her that," before inhaling deeply. I apologise. Talking about it still hurts.

Samuel gave Amelia a glance and a quiet grin. "I do not doubt that everything will work out," he remarked before returning to his paper.

Amelia bit her lip as she left, holding back the words she wanted to say. She and Mia had not engaged in a schoolyard altercation. When Amelia began dating Smith, Mia was furious, but she eventually warmed up to the idea after realising how much they loved one another. Mia merely stipulated that Amelia could not cause Smith to lose his heart. Amelia had no plans to do anything like that. Smith was it, in her view. However, life intervened, things turned bad, and Smith and Amelia were left with shattered hearts.

Amelia's heart was broken not just by losing Smith but also by failing the rest of his family. Since they were in kindergarten together, Mia had been her best friend, and she vanished. They were leaving out Smith's grandparents. Amelia loved them as if they were her grandparents, but because she and Smith were no longer together, it was difficult for her to see them.

Despite not being married, Amelia and Smith had been together for five years, during which time their lives had been intertwined in a difficult way to unravel without cutting off a few branches.

Amelia slung her hair over her shoulder, inhaled deeply, and straightened her posture. It would be difficult enough to return to town without having to worry about running into Mia. She had to prove to the community that even though she had departed as a loser, she was returning victorious.

She grinned when her ancient automobile turned on with the key in the ignition. Her dad must have filled it with gas and had it serviced for her. It had never started so smoothly, certainly not after Smith quit taking care of the maintenance.

Nope. Amelia gave a headshake. She refused to consider how Smith's life and hers had ceased to interact. They had to establish a new normal since they would live in the same town until he returned to his mining job, for however long that could be. Amelia wouldn't be doing herself any favours by thinking back on their time together; they had to get along somehow. That was a while ago. An additional life. She was the enhanced version of Amelia.

Amelia halted abruptly as she pushed through the cafe's doors. Smith had taken a position at the counter. She knew those shoulders anywhere, even with his back to her.

"Amelia?" Sara, her former supervisor, asked her a startling question.

"Hello," Amelia waved back to her pal.

"Oh my God! Amelia Sara virtually leaped over the counter to give her a bear hug.

Amelia hugged Smith in return, but she couldn't help but watch as he gently turned to face her over Sara's shoulder. His dark blue eyes had that gloomy quality, the kind of dark that he liked to have when he had a grudge. Suppressing a shudder, Amelia watched as Sara talked nonsensically, her attention too focused on the man who was staring at her as if she were his next meal.

Hormones are stupid.

When Sara finally relaxed, she stepped back to let Amelia in. Tearing her gaze from Smith, Amelia grinned at her pal.

"You appear well," Sara remarked. "Plus, I adore this dress."

Amelia twirled a little and let the skirt spread over her thighs before saying, "Paris." To say she didn't do it to help Smith and to flaunt the outfit to Sara would be a lie.

"I adore it."

With a wrapped item in her hand, Amelia whispered to Sara, "I hope you will love this too."

"Oh, presents!"

Amelia tried not to see Smith's eyes on her as Sara carefully opened the gift, taking care not to tear the paper. He was studying her over the edge of the takeout coffee he was drinking while leaning on the counter. Amelia was done lying to herself, even if she did pretend she didn't mind if he saw her. That he was observing her did bother her. It pleased her that he followed her. Even though it was sure to end badly, she wanted him to continue monitoring her.

Sara exclaimed, "Oh, this is adorable," and held out the tiny apron Amelia had discovered in a French store.

A selection of Italian ravioli moulds and French cookery books written in English were also present. In addition to owning and operating the little café, Sara enjoyed cooking various foods.

"Hey Amelia, how are you?" With a faint murmur in the cafe, Smith questioned.

Amelia surveyed the store. Every customer was silent and motionless as they observed the exchange. She had completely forgotten what it was like to live in a tiny town where everyone was acquainted with one another. Without a certainty, everyone in Hope Springs would take a stance after hearing about Smith and Amelia's encounter at the cafe.

With an attempt at a grin, Amelia raised her gaze to meet his. She said, "I'm really good," and meant it. How about you? Was she still employed in the Pilbara region?

His mouth tightened at the too-amiable banter from her. He knew how much she despised the in-depth scrutiny of the Hope Springs busybodies. And he knew that this was tormenting her.

With a gentle shake of his head. He said, "Nope," without going into any detail.

"May I get a coffee for you?" As tension between Amelia and Smith grew, Sara interjected with a question.

Amelia reached for her purse and replied, "Yeah, that would be great."

Smith said, opening his wallet, "Let me."

Amelia firmly stated, "I can't let you do that," fearing that he would attempt to charge her for her services.

"It's within my budget," he answered.

And there it was. The cause of their breakup. The accursed funds. Amelia frequently questioned whether it would have been preferable if he had cheated on her. That person was not Smith, though. No, he hadn't cheated on her; he had deceived her in other ways. Looking back, it would have been less painful if he had. If another woman had been involved, she might have moved on from him by now.

Sara grabbed his money and rang up the sale before she could say anything more about it.

Amelia moved closer and murmured, "Thank you." She closed her eyes for a while, taking in his clean aroma. They needed to overcome their shyness. She said, "Are you busy right now?"

She knew he was wondering if she was luring him into a trap as he blinked down at her. They felt a great deal of animosity against one another, which wasn't fair, given how happy they had been before everything broke apart.

Amelia started fidgeting when he remained silent. Perhaps her perception of the way his eyes had darkened before was mistaken. She couldn't blame him if he were still enraged with her.

"It's just...I believed we could have a conversation.

If you didn't mind the entire café leaning toward them and trying to understand what they were saying, Sara slipped Amelia's coffee over the counter. She vanished out the back, leaving the two at the counter in relative solitude.

Smith grinned as he saw the packed cafe. "I have time to talk." Would you want to go for a walk?

With a sigh of relief, Amelia nodded. Taking up her coffee, she trailed behind Smith into the bright sunshine.

Smith said, "I meant what I said yesterday," after they were out of earshot. "It's a pleasure to see you,"

Amelia said, "You too," and she meant it.

They walked across the street and made their way to a park seat. They were sitting beside each other, silent, the awkward quiet growing. Amelia exhaled deeply and looked up at him.

"I wanted to apologise," she murmured. He started to respond, but she stopped him with a raised hand. "No, please allow me to explain. I was unjust. The statements I made and the things I She shook her head, shocked once more at how it had all transpired. "I hurt you, and I acted immaturely, which was wrong, and..."I apologise. I apologise for everything.

Smith reached for her hand and said, "Oh, baby." "I apologise as well. I have to apologise for just as much as I did for being at fault. I'm sorry I didn't trust you. I'm sorry I let it get as far as it did and for what we said to one other." He clasped her hand and breathed roughly. "I miss you, Amelia. I miss you so much."

Amelia's heart squeezed until she could barely breathe. "I miss you too," she whispered.

"What the fuck is going on here?"