Where There's A Spark: Allenby Romance Series, #2

By Vicki Connellan

Grace is finally getting to live her dream. After three years of grieving and getting herself to a place where she is happy, she decides it’s the right time to fulfil her childhood dream of becoming a small town doctor. The only thing she doesn't count on is her sexy as hell neighbour and the effect that he has on her, but it’s clear from the outset that he isn’t interested in getting to know the new doctor. In fact, he goes out of his way to avoid his new neighbour. When circumstances beyond Joel’s control means he ends up spending more than a little time with the woman next door, can he deny that he’s drawn to her? Joel and Grace come to an understanding about where their relationship is at, but are either of them willing to admit that what they really want is more?

Can Joel and Grace work things out before they lose each other, or will they let their past dictate their future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vicki Connellan
• Release date: Oct 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9780995373051

Vicki Connellan

Vicki was born in Orange, NSW. When she was two years old her family moved to Dapto, a southern suburb of Wollongong. She was kicked out of pre-school at the age of four (for reasons that she will keep to herself).   When she was sixteen she moved with her parents and two sisters (Vicki is the typically misunderstood middle child) to the ACT where, ironically she studied Child Care so she could work in a pre-school. Now, at the age of 45 she still lives in Canberra with her husband and three adult/teenage children.   Vicki works full time (not in the child care industry!) and is an avid baker. She spends her time taxiing her kids around and baking cup cakes for all the kids who constantly fill the house.    Vicki has always enjoyed writing and is now taking the time to put her stories to print.  You can contact Vicki via email at [e-mail] with any questions or  feedback on her book.  If you enjoyed the book please take the time to leave a quick review. 

Book preview

About The Author

If you were looking for the facts then I would say that I’m a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an aunty and everything else in between. I live in Canberra and yep, you guessed it, I'm a public servant. Sigh. I’m not a public servant by choice. I'm a slave to the banks. Mortgages and kids are expensive things!

Prior to joining the public service I was a price auditor in one of Australia’s biggest hardware chains, where lowest prices are just the beginning! I did seven years in the red shirt and loved it. I’m a people person, and I loved meeting the shoppers and having a laugh with them.

In my life prior to kids I worked in the child care industry, which is truly ironic given my history with the education system. I was kicked out of pre-school at the age of four, with the teacher telling my mother that I was never to return. To this day, 43 years later, I still don't know what I did to deserve this rep. Primary school wasn’t much better. The cane was still used back then and it and I became good friends, and the days roaming the streets of Koonawarra, one of Dapto’s less affluent suburbs feel like a lifetime ago.

I've always had a terrific imagination and I’ve always had stories in my head. Now that the kids are older and a lot more self sufficient, which one would hope for at the ages of 22, 18 and 16, I have time to do things that I love.

When I’m writing I find myself lost in the moment. My mind is constantly pondering the story, the characters, their lives, and their dramas. It’s in my head twenty four seven. I fall asleep thinking of story lines and I wake through the night with words and scenes in my head. Writing is my drug of choice, it’s an addiction that I can’t shake, and I don't want to. I love it.

I’ve written a few books that centre around the fictional country town of Allenby and the smaller towns that surround it, just as this one does. I hope you enjoy Where There’s A Spark. Thanks for reading my books.

Cheers, Vicki

Acknowledgement

There is no way that this book, or any of my others for that matter, would have been possible without the support of many wonderful people. The list is long, but first and foremost are my wonderful family. To my husband and my three children I am forever grateful for your support and your love.

To three of the best friends and editors a girl could want. Kim, Deb and Rozzy, you guys are awesome and I can never thank you enough for what you do for me. You’re all legends.

Chapter 1

Grace

I pulled into the driveway of my new home and looked at the small weatherboard cottage in front of me. It looked nice enough, could do with a coat of paint and a little gardening work, but it looked homely, and it was just what I needed right now. The last three years had been intense, overwhelming, and downright exhausting. I needed this and I knew this was the right place for me, I could feel it.

I got out of the car and stretched my back and legs out, it had been a long trip, just over five hours with the many stops that the guys had insisted on making. If they didn't eat and drink so much they wouldn’t have to stop every hour for bathroom breaks. After the last stop I’d taken off ahead but I knew they weren’t far behind. I sent my father a text to let him know I’d arrived safely then I went to unlock the house. The front door was creaky, a bit of oil would fix that, but the air inside was musty and that just wouldn’t do. I went around and opened all of the windows and the back door in an attempt to get some fresh air into the place. The little house was clean which was nice. Sophie’s friend had done a good job with getting the place liveable, something that I’d be sure to thank her for when I eventually met her.

After looking around the house I stepped back out to the front yard and into the sunshine. The garden was nice, and would look even better once it was cleaned up and the weeds were gone. The garden bed that bordered the neighbouring property was pretty much dead so that would need to go. There was no fence separating the front of the properties, and that didn't bother me at all, but a new garden bed would be nice. There was a one bedroom flat attached to the surgery that I’d bought, but I’d lived in a pokey flat in Sydney, and I didn't want that again. If I was going to move to the country I wanted a house with a garden, and I wanted a peach tree. I couldn’t have a peach tree if I moved into the surgery flat.

––––––––

I loaded myself up with as much as I could carry from my car and turned towards the house. The guy next door had just pulled into his driveway and was getting out of his work van. He had his back to me but even from that angle I could tell he was something else. Tall, six two at least, short dark hair and muscles that stretched his tight t-shirt, and faded jeans that housed one of the finest butts I’d seen in a long time. Yep, moving to the country had its perks all right. I was still smiling when he turned and our eyes locked. There were a few seconds when we both stood there staring at each other and it was like his eyes were one of those tractor beam things from Star Trek. They were pulling me in and I couldn’t look away.

When I raised my hand in a small wave I lost grip on the load in my arms and it all tumbled to the ground. Damn it. I put my head down and sighed before squatting down to gather it all up. I fully expected my new neighbour, who I’d call Mr Hottie for now, to come and help me pick up the stuff but when I looked back all l could see was the back of him as he disappeared into his house. Huh, so the locals might look hot but they're not that friendly. Note to self, just because you’re in the country don't expect country hospitality.

By the time I had my car unloaded Jake and Tony had pulled up in the truck. Finally, I shook my head at them and smiled.

What are you talking about, we made good time, Tony raised his eyebrows at me and went to open the back of the truck. Tony and I had known each other for the past twenty-five years. He’d become best friends with my brother when they were in the second grade and I was in kindergarten. They were like my personal bodyguards at school, especially when I was older and in high school. Being a book nerd could make you the target of some of the kids who considered themselves a lot cooler than the rest of us. But Tony and Jake were two of the most popular boys in school so I was left alone purely because of my connection to them. Show me to your bedroom Môn Cheriè, he spoke with fake French accent and wiggled his eyebrows. I grabbed a small box and started walking in front of him. Nice house, he was looking around when he came inside. Much bigger than your flat in Sydney.

It is, it feels like I’ve quadrupled my living space, I nodded towards my new bedroom. This way Casanova. He laughed and followed me down the short hall. On the way back out he leapt down the two front steps in one go and I jumped up onto his back and messed up his hair. Thanks for helping me move, I reached around and kissed his cheek as he piggybacked me to the truck. I really appreciate it. At the truck I slid back to my feet and grabbed another box. As I spun back to the house I noticed my friendly neighbour looking at me as he walked to his truck. The man had changed from his work clothes and now wore some cleaner faded jeans and a button up shirt, and damn he looked good enough to eat. I nodded and gave him a little smile, which he didn't even acknowledge.

Nice neighbour you got there, Tony nodded towards the man pulling out of the driveway.

Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s Sophie’s brother, not sure what his deal is, might go and introduce myself in a few days, see if I can get him to smile, I winked at Tony who laughed.

Good luck with that, he laughed again. But if anyone can turn someone’s mood around it’s you, he dashed past me with the other bedside table and disappeared into the house. I watched my neighbour drive up the street then went back to unpacking the truck. Jake was working like a demon, which was totally unlike him.

What’s the rush big brother? You look like you’re pretty keen to get out of here and hit the road back to Sydney, I took the box he handed me from the back of the truck.

I am, if I get back in time I have a hot date, if not, I have to wait for seven days, until we get off afternoon shifts, he frowned at me. Which start tomorrow remember, this is the last of our four days off.

Well why don't you just unload it all onto the front lawn and be on your way then? I grinned back at him. If you miss this hot date I’ll be hearing about it for the next fifty years.

How about a little less talking and a little more unpacking, Tony has a date too, and he’s been chasing this girl for ages, he won’t be happy if he doesn’t get to meet up with her tonight, he pulled my bed mattress from the truck and headed to the house leaving Tony and I to carry the bed frame.

You didn't tell me you had a date tonight, and who’s this girl you’ve been chasing? I thought I was the love of your life, I gave him a pouty look. I’m crushed.

Tony laughed and shook his head. You’ll always be my number one, but this girl lives in Sydney and you don't, he winked at me. Tony and I had been doing this banter for years. He’d lost a couple of girlfriends because of our friendship and I felt bad for that, but there really was nothing more than friendship between us. I loved Tony with all of my heart, he was like another brother to me and I was like a little sister to him, and it would always be that way. I really like her, she’s smart and funny and she’s really sweet. But best of all she’s not a bimbo and she doesn’t giggle, I hate girls that giggle. We shifted the bedframe into place then dropped on the mattress that Jake had leant against the wall. When I flopped down on the bed Tony flopped down beside me. I have a good feeling about this girl, I think she might be the one, he let out a long sigh then patted my leg as he got up. I need to keep moving if I want to make this date tonight, and Jake will rip me a new one if he catches me slacking off.

A little over an hour later the truck was unloaded and I was waving the boys off. It would have been nice if they could stay the night but they both had work tomorrow and they were keen to get back to keep their dates. Back in the house I looked around the lounge room. All of my furniture was in the house but it still looked empty. My baby, my pride and joy took up a huge portion of the space and that was just the way I liked it. When it was in my flat it always felt like I was at the cinema when I was watching television, but at least here it wasn’t as in your face as it used to be. Still, at two and a half meters wide and one and a half high it was still something to be seen, and I loved it. Okay Grace, first things first, I was speaking to myself. Music, we need music then we need to sort the kitchen so I can make coffee, then bedroom so I can crash out later, I chatted to myself as I set up the stereo. Then one day soon we’re going to go meet the hot neighbour, I grinned to myself.

Ten minutes later I had the latest Luke Bryan album blaring from the speakers as I unpacked my coffee machine. While I waited for a cup to brew I got another two boxes unpacked. If I kept going like this, and didn't get distracted, then I’d get a fair bit done this afternoon. I was almost finished the kitchen and was singing along to my favourite song when I heard a cough behind me. I spun around so fast that I dropped the plate in my hand and it smashed on the floor. Shit Tom, you scared the hell out of me, I stepped over the broken plate and crossed the room to hug my cousin, kissing him on the cheek as I did so. How are you? I stepped back and looked at him. You look well, still don't know how to brush your hair, I laughed as I messed up his hair even more than it already was.

Still a cheeky shit I see, he pulled me back into a hug. Damn it’s good to see you Flea, it’s been too long, he rubbed my back then stepped back.

It has been too long, I’m sorry about that, I gave him a small smile. It’s been a shit of a three years, but, I gave him a bigger smile, that’s all in the past, onwards and upwards from here. I stepped back and looked at the bag in his hand. Is that for me? And where are your beautiful kids? I’m dying to meet Max and see Ava again.

This is for you, he laughed at my eagerness. Sophie thought you might need some of the basics, bread, milk, eggs, bacon, chocolate, etcetera, he handed me the bag then hauled himself up onto the kitchen bench. Where’s all your furniture? He was looking around.

This is it, my flat in Sydney was full but in this house it looks like I’m a minimalist, I put away the bag of groceries. Want a coffee? he nodded yes. I need to go buy some furniture, I looked around. I think I need a dining table and some chairs for that space, and some stools for at the bench, and another couch.

There aren’t any furniture shops in town but there’s one in Allenby, you can shop online and they deliver, he took the coffee I was holding out to him. Or you can see if Joel has any spares, he makes the best furniture. He made a dining setting for Sophie and I for Christmas last year, it’s the best piece of furniture in our house, he sipped the coffee and looked at me.

Joel, as in the guy next door, Sophie’s brother? I looked at him sceptically. What’s his deal? He seems pretty grumpy.

So you’ve met? he leapt down from the bench and put more milk in his coffee.

Not really, I waved to him a couple of times, he ignored me both times, I shrugged. He just seemed a bit gruff that’s all.

Nah, he’s all right, just a bit moody sometimes, has been for the last few years, he looked out the kitchen window at the back yard. Lawn could do with a bit of a mow.

Yeah, I know. I need to get onto that, I think I need to make a list of things that need doing around here, I looked out the window and watched my neighbour go into his big double garage. Being moody for the past few years is something that I could sympathise with. Maybe I shouldn’t make any rash judgements about him, not that I’d done that, it wasn’t my style to judge someone before I knew them.

Want to come meet Joel now? he looked over at me. I can take you over there and introduce you if you like.

No, it’s okay, I want to keep getting things unpacked, I’ll go introduce myself in a day or two. I had a feeling that if I got too much closer to that hot piece of merchandise all I’d be able to think about for the rest of the day would be him.

Tom put his cup in the sink then turned to go. You’ll meet him at our place on Sunday, he looked at me. Sophie’s organised a welcome to town barbeque. So you’ve got today and tomorrow to settle in then most of the town will know who you are.

That’s sweet of her, I walked Tom to the door. Tell her to text me and let me know what to bring, I’m not turning up empty handed.

As we stepped out onto the front porch he turned to me and smiled. It’s a welcome to town barbeque for you, I'm pretty sure you're not expected to bring anything. He gave me a quick hug then stepped back. It really is great to have you in town Flea, his smile was genuine, as was mine. I’d always thought that I’d like to live in a small country town and now here I was. Call me or go see Joel if you need anything, he motioned towards the house next door. He really is a nice guy, and very handy too.

Thanks, I gave him a little wave as he headed for his car. After getting the kitchen set up I went and made my bed and started unpacking my clothes. As long as I got the basics done today I’d be able to finish off the rest tomorrow. I was pretty keen to get online and see what this furniture place in Allenby had to offer. My little house did look pretty empty.

By the time I stepped back and looked at my new bedroom it was almost five o’clock. There was no food in the house apart from what Tom had brought, and while bacon and eggs sounded nice I felt like something more substantial for dinner. It had been a long day and I was famished. Nothing was far from anywhere in Millard Falls, which was one of the things I loved about the town. You could walk to the main street, to the football oval, to the town park, to the town pub and to most of the streets that housed the almost three thousand residents of the town. But today I’d drive. Knowing me I’d end up with bags of shopping instead of one steak and a few veggies and I’d struggle to carry them all the way home.

On the way into town I passed the building that housed my new workplace. Even though I didn't start for another week I’d pop in on Monday and introduce myself to the current doctor. I’d bought the practice and the building from him in a job lot. He’d originally offered me a twelve month rental trial, leaving me the option to get out of dodge if I didn't like the small town life but I’d refused. Much to my mother’s disgust, I had known I wanted to be a small town GP since before I started medical school so I knew I was staying for good. Besides, I’d always loved Millard Falls when I visited as a kid. I loved the way the river ran parallel to the town centre and I loved the homeliness of it all. The locals were always friendly, well, except my neighbour, the pace was laid back and casual, none of the city stresses that I was used to. I made a mental note to get up to the falls before the weather turned and it was too cold. Winter was only five weeks away and winter in Millard Falls could be brutal. That was another thing I liked, the snowfalls. There was nothing more romantic than curling up in front of the fire while it was snowing outside, even if I was only curling up with a book and a mug of hot chocolate. Maybe I should get a dog.

I pulled into a parking spot in front of the supermarket and dashed inside. Hi, the woman behind the counter gave me a friendly smile as she looked up. You made it just in time, we’re about to close up.

Sorry, I just arrived in town today, I need to get my head around what time the shops close. I won’t be long, just need to get something for dinner, I grabbed a basket from the front of the store and made my way down the aisles. As predicted, I threw more than the necessities into the basket, including some chocolate biscuits and a bag of my favourite chips. Last stop was the meat cabinet. All I wanted was a nice big juicy steak, and thankfully there was one packet left. This’ll do for today, I’ll come back tomorrow and stock up properly, I started to unload my basket onto the counter.

So you just moved to town? the woman rang up my purchases and smiled at me.

Yeah, I’m the new doctor, I start next week, I put the basket back onto the stack and looked at her as I held out my hand. Grace Carter, I shook her hand.

Nice to meet you Doc, I’m Cheryl, her smile was as genuine as her handshake. Here, she tucked a fridge magnet into the bag. That has our opening hours and phone number on it. If you’re busy just phone your list ahead and I can have it all picked and ready to go for you.

Thanks Cheryl, appreciate it, I handed over some cash then grabbed my bags. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’d just stepped out the door when I ran smack bang into a solid brick wall. Sorry, I looked up the long torso and into the eyes of Mr Hottie from next door. Oh hi, I’m your new neighbour, I shuffled all my bags to one hand so I could extend the other. He looked at my extended hand but didn't speak. I’m Grace, I kept my hand extended to him and eventually he took it, practically suffocating it in his giant hand.

Joel, he held my hand for longer than I would have expected, which was something I didn't mind at all. His hand was big and strong and it had been a long time since I’d felt the spark that I felt right now. He must have seen me staring at our hands because he pulled his back abruptly and walked into the shop without saying another word. What a weird guy. Wouldn’t kill him to say hello or be a little friendly, we did have that family connection after all.

Come on, come on, I was talking to the gas burner as I tried to light the cook top. Damn you, I gave up and put the steaks back in the fridge. I had two choices, go find some take away for dinner or settle for chips and chocolate. Choices, choices...in the end the healthy doctor in me decided on dinner at the pub. At least that way I’d still be able to have my steak and veg. But did I want to venture into a pub alone on my first night in town? Some towns still had that thing about women being in the pub and I didn't want to put people off side right from the get go. Best to use the local knowledge on this one. Hey Tom, I told him about my predicament and he suggested I go get Joel to come have a look at the gas cooker. I thought he was an electrician, that’s what his work van says.

He is, but like I said this afternoon, he’s really handy, a jack of all trades type of guy, he sounded distracted.

No, its okay, I’ll be fine, I might go check the gas and make sure it’s turned on, that’s probably all it is. I’ll see you on Sunday, before he could argue I ended the call. After getting the torch from the boot of my car I walked around the house trying to locate the gas bottles that I knew would be connected to the gas main. Bingo, I smiled to myself. The gas bottles were at the side of the house, close to the fence that boarded my yard with the neighbours. It was the shortest side of the yard for both of the houses. Now to get the gas flowing. I shook my head as I started talking to myself. It was a habit that had formed during med school when I was studying and I hadn’t been able to break it. The first thing I did was cast the torch light over the gas bottles to make sure there were no spiders lurking around. Second to snakes, spiders were my biggest fear, my theory was the only good spider is a dead spider, and it wasn’t a theory I was about to abandon any time soon. Safe in the knowledge that there were no eight legged creepies I reached for the turning handle thing on the gas bottle, but despite giving