Already Perfect: Allenby Romance Series, #4

By Vicki Connellan

Ruby needs to make a fresh start. She’s twenty-six years old, living at home and picking up temporary work when she can. Things need to change. So when Ruby gets a job offer she jumps at it, only thing is, it means a move four hundred kilometres from home and from her friends. Allenby looks like a nice country town, somewhere to settle in and make some new friends, maybe even meet a man, eventually. Lord knows it’s been a long time between drinks as far as boyfriends are concerned. And that’s something that Ruby wouldn’t mind changing.

James is looking to make some changes too. He’s taking steps to make up for things he missed out on in the past, and he’s looking to change his future. Things are on track too, until he meets Ruby, then everything changes. Right from the start, James knows that Ruby is the girl for him. Everyone else knows it too. But when James lets his past dictate his future, and his chances with Ruby, will things be over before they’ve begun?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vicki Connellan
• Release date: Jan 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9780995373099

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

Chapter 1

Ruby

I clicked the latches on my suitcase and looked around the room. Twenty-six years. This was the sum of my life to date. I looked at the walls and remembered the pink ballerina wallpaper that had been replaced with posters of boy bands and shirtless men. I’d made many fond memories in this bedroom. Countless sleep overs with friends where we’d talk and giggle late into the night. We’d discuss our favourite teen stars, or argue about who was the hottest boy in school.

I grabbed the photo of Bell and I from the mirror and shoved it into my handbag. We’d been best friends since the first day of kindergarten. I smiled to myself at that memory. When our mother’s dropped us off for the first day of school we were both crying at the school gate. The teacher got us to hold hands as we walked into class, and we never looked back. Bell was the best friend anyone could ask for. She was adventurous, witty, outgoing, she had questionable morals, drank way too much, but most of all she got me. She was everything you could want in a best friend. No matter what was going on in her life she was always there for me, just as I was for her. It was going to be weird living so far away from my family, and from Bell, but we’d still see each other some weekends, and we had Skype. No doubt we’d be giving that a fair work out.

There was a soft tap at my bedroom door, and Mum stuck her head in and smiled at me. Bell’s here.

Thanks Mum, I stood and took one last look around the room as I pulled out the handle on my suitcase. As we walked down the hall Mum started again about how much she was going to miss me, and that I could always come back home if things didn't work out in Allenby. She hadn’t let up about me moving out, the tears started every time the subject came up, but I didn't say anything to her about it. I was the last of her babies to leave the nest and it was hard for her. My eldest brother, my father’s namesake, Angelo Jnr had moved out years ago, he was now thirty six years old and had a wife and kids of his own. The next to move out was my sister Carmella. She married her childhood sweetheart in a beautiful wedding ceremony almost three years ago, and they were expecting their first baby in three months time. When my twin brother Javier joined the army, Mum cried buckets of tears for months. She’d just gotten used to the fact that he was in the army when he was deployed to Afghanistan, and the tears started all over again. Javi had moved out of home almost four years ago, and now it was my turn.

Bell was coming with me this weekend, and I’d be staying in a motel for the first week while I looked for somewhere to live. This wasn’t ideal, but the school principal had asked if I could start straight away, and I said I could. I was only picking up temporary work in Sydney, and it wasn’t enough. I wanted a permanent job with a class that I could call my own. I wanted to get to know my students and help them learn, and I couldn’t do that as a substitute. You never knew where you were going to be from one day to the next, so there was no chance to build a rapport with the kids, or my fellow teachers. It was almost the start of the new school year, so I had two weeks to find a place to rent and be settled before I stood in front of my students, and I was excited. I had a good feeling about this job, and about the town. Moving out of home, and away from Sydney, might be just what I needed right now. I’d fallen into a boring rut and I was sick of it. This was just the thing I needed to shake my life up a little.

Hey Chickadee, ready to roll? Bell had her sunglasses on her head, and a look in her eye that said she planned to have a fun weekend. From the moment she found out I was moving to a country town she’d decided that I needed to go all cowgirl. She’d downloaded songs and had us listening to country music, and I had to say, the modern country wasn’t too bad. I had a few favourite songs now, and even though she’d initially made me the CD’s as a joke, I think she secretly liked the music too.

I’m ready, I pulled the suitcase along side of me and looked at Dad. He started taking some of the boxes to Bell’s car. He wasn’t happy about me going so far away, and he’d warned me to stay away from country boys, as they were quote, ‘wild and not suitable for marriage’. I laughed at that and told him I was moving to Allenby for work, not to find a husband. Why did everything have to be about getting married and having kids? He and my mother shook their heads at me all the time, constantly reminding me that all my cousins, and the children of family friends my age, were married and having babies already.

First you have to open this, Bell handed me a gift box tied with red ribbon. She stood back and clapped her hands in excitement, which could only mean one thing. She’d gotten me a gift that she knew I’d love.

I love them, I pulled the red cowgirl boots from the box and held them up. Dad looked over from the door and shook his head, and Mum did the same as she mumbled something to Bell about being a bad influence on me.

You can wear them tonight when we go dancing, she was clapping her hands again and I raised my eyebrows at her as I nodded towards my prudish parents. At the school, with the kids, she looked at them and smiled. The school has a dance on tonight with the kids, their parents and the teachers will be there, now she was overdoing it.

Lets go, I gave Mum a hug then went to hug my father who was waiting by the car. I’ll call you when we get there, I hugged each of them again.

At the curb, Mum wiped away a tear and hugged me again. I’m going to miss you, she kissed me on the cheek then stepped back and made the sign of the cross. Travel safely, she gave us a little wave as Bell pulled out into the street.

As we hit the highway and drove away from Sydney, Bell cranked up the music and started to sing along. We’re going to find us some hot country boys tonight, she reached over and tapped my leg a couple of times. I haven’t had sex in so long, and I plan on getting laid tonight, she grinned at me and winked.

We’re not even half an hour from home and that’s all you can think about? I might have laughed at her enthusiasm for hooking up with a hot country boy, but the truth was, I could go a little hot sex session myself. It had been almost a year since I’d split from my last boyfriend, and I was in bad need of a service. I hear you though, right now my sex life is like my Ferrari, I let out a long sigh and looked out the window.

Bell looked at me questioningly. You don't have a Ferrari.

Exactly, I grinned at her. But a new car is on the shopping list remember, I winked at her and she laughed.

And it was. I didn't need a car in Sydney, but I would in Allenby. The plan was for me to buy one before I moved, but time had gotten away from me and I didn't get around to it. Dad made me promise to buy new, or at the very least, if I went for a second hand car I had to promise to have it checked by a reputable mechanic first. Both Dad and Angelo Jnr weren’t impressed when I refused to let them do the car shopping for me, but they needed to realise that I could do this myself.

Here we go, home sweet home, Bell pulled into the parking lot of the Allenby Countryside Motel. It looked nice enough, and I’d picked this one because it was closest to the school where I’d be teaching. If I didn't get a car in the next two weeks, I’d be able to walk to work, but hopefully it wouldn’t come to that.

***

James

I shotgun the girl on the right, Trav looked at me, then at the two women sitting at a table near the bar.

You can’t call shotgun on them, they’re women, not steaks on the barbeque, I looked at him and shook my head. Show some respect.

He stopped walking and looked at me. What’s wrong with you? You haven’t taken a girl home in the last eight months.

I’m over all this, the one night stands and the going nowhere relationships. It’s bullshit. I want something more permanent. I’m too old for this shit, and I’m not going to find the right woman in the pub on a Friday night. I looked back at the two women who’d caught Trav’s eye. He shook his head at me and started walking without speaking. I lowered my head and followed. Two beers I thought to myself, I’ll just have two beers then say goodnight.

Ladies, Trav looked at the women as he sat down. Mind if my friend and I join you?

It’s a bit late to ask when you’ve already got your butt on the seat, I had to hold back a smile as the woman on the right spoke with attitude. Trav ignored her and kept going. He was what most women considered extremely good-looking, and he had the charm to match. It was very rare that Trav didn’t leave with the woman of his choice. He held out his hand to the woman on the left first. I’m Trav and this is my buddy Mac, he shook her hand.

I’m Belinda, but just call me Bell, this is my friend Ruby, she looked at her friend who was clearly not impressed with our intrusion. Bell held out her hand to me and I shook it.

Nice to meet you Bell, Trav gave her his best playboy smile then held out his hand to Ruby, who shook it with about as much enthusiasm as you’d greet a rattlesnake. I held out my hand to her and smiled as I said hello. To my surprise, I got a beautiful smile in return, which didn’t please Trav at all.

Can we buy you ladies a drink? Trav looked at them both. Bell was about to respond when Ruby interjected.

You can buy a drink for Bell, your buddy here can get mine, she looked at me and smiled again. A beer thanks, I could feel Trav tense as he stood.

While we waited at the bar, he looked back over his shoulder. I think I have my work cut out with this one, this should be fun.

Did you ever think that maybe she’s just not interested in you? I shook my head at him.

No chance mate, she wants this, he patted his chest. She’s just playing hard to get. We headed back to the table with the drinks, and I found the next half an hour very amusing. Every time Trav tried one of his lines, or turned on the charm, Ruby shot him down. It was brilliant to watch. After one particularly bad attempt at wooing Ruby, she rolled her eyes at Trav but didn’t respond.

What’s up Ruby, finally succumbing to my charm? he smirked at her. I think he knew he was losing her, not that he had her to begin with.

No, I’ve decided to pull back. It’s no fun doing battle with someone who can’t put up a good fight, she put her beer down then stood and held her hand out to me. Dance?

I looked up at her. Ah, I don't dance, dud leg and all, I gave her a small smile and looked into my drink.

I saw you limping when you came in, does your leg hurt?

No, it’s a permanent limp, but it doesn’t hurt, this was so embarrassing.

Well if it doesn’t hurt then you can dance, she looked at me, but I couldn’t speak.

I’ll dance with you, Trav moved to stand.

It’s okay, I got it, before I knew what I was doing, I was on my feet and heading to the dance floor with the most beautiful woman I’d ever met. The first song was upbeat and I had no idea what I was doing. After what seemed like an eternity, the song ended, and a slow song came on. Ruby linked her hands behind my neck and smiled at me.

You don't dance much do you? she smiled at me as I shook my head.

Just put your hands on my hips and sway, she looked up at me as we moved to the music. So, is Mac your first name?

No, it’s James, James MacLean.

Nice to meet you James, she smiled at me. I like you, I’m not sure about your wing man though. For the next ten minutes, we talked and laughed as we got to know a bit more about each other. The smart mouthed Ruby was actually very nice, and we hit it off from the start. She was funny, smart and very down to earth. I was enjoying myself, and we were dancing to our fourth song when Trav tapped me on the shoulder.

Mind if I cut in? He pushed in front of me and took Ruby’s hand, and the smile left her face instantly.

***

Ruby

The song could not be over quick enough, and as soon as it ended, I headed back to the table. I’m calling it a night Bell, are you done?

No, it’s early, I’m going to stick around for a bit, she smiled at me then looked at Trav with that doe eyed look, and I knew then that she’d found the cowboy she wanted to take home for the night.  

Fine, I’ll get a cab, I turned to James and said a short and sharp goodbye. Nice to meet you James, I’ll see you around. Trav went to stand and give me a kiss goodbye, but I turned on my heels and started walking before he could speak. Just as I reached the door, I felt a hand on my arm, and I was about to turn around and take a swing when James spoke.

Hey wait up, he looked at me. I’ll give you a ride home. There’s only a couple of cabs in town, you’ll be waiting more than an hour for one. Damn it, I sucked in a deep breath and let it out. I wasn’t sure which way to go, and it was dark out. I didn’t know Allenby at all, so walking wasn’t an option. Come on, I’ll drop you home, he held the door open and waited for me to decide.

Fine, I stepped outside then followed him across the car park.

Where’s home? he looked at me. Where am I taking you?

Allenby Countryside Motel, I looked at him as we stopped at a huge four-wheel drive ute.

You’re only visiting? I was sure there was a look of disappointment on his face.

No, he opened the door for me to get into the car. Once he was in his seat, I kept going. I start work here in two weeks, I need to find a house to rent.

Oh, he tried to hide his smile, but I saw it. I could use a coffee, do you feel like going for a coffee before I drop you at the motel?

Sure, but you’re buying. You owe me, I looked back out the side window as we drove down the street.

Ten minutes later, we were sitting in a booth in a café. How do I owe you a coffee? We only just met, and I already bought you a beer, he looked at me as I scanned the menu. He didn’t even look at his. 

You owe me a coffee because I’m mad at you. On the dance floor, you handed me over like I was some toy you were playing with in the sand pit. As soon as the other kid came along and asked for a turn you gave me away, I looked at him. If I wanted to dance with your friend I would have asked him, but I didn’t. I wanted to dance with you, you shouldn’t have given me away like that. He was still looking at me when the waitress came to take our orders. Hot chocolate and a banana split, no whipped cream, extra chocolate sauce and two spoons please, I looked at James. He ordered his coffee then turned back to me.

I’m sorry, it won’t happen again Petit Bijou, he gave me a small smile and I frowned. Petit Bijou, it means little gem, your name, Ruby, a gemstone and you’re so small, he shrugged as if it was self-explanatory.

Huh, so the guy was smart, and funny, when he got the chance to talk that is. His mate Trav was the one with the mouth, he dominated the conversation at the pub and I really hadn’t gotten a chance to see the real James. You know, when I left home this morning, my father gave me a lecture about the dangers of getting involved with country boys because they’re wild and not suitable for marriage, I sat back and smiled at him. He’d have a conniption if he could see me now, my first night here and I’m sitting in a café with the first guy I meet.

Wild and not suitable for marriage, he raised his eyebrows and smiled. Is that why you and Bell were at the pub, are you looking for husbands? he sat back and waited for an answer. Because I have to tell you, your friend is going to be bitterly disappointed if she thinks Trav’s a keeper, he let out a little laugh.

We both thanked the waitress when she put our food and drinks on the table. I pushed the banana split into the middle of the table and handed him a spoon. Trav’s not in any danger, Bell isn’t looking for a husband, she’s just looking for a cowboy to spend the night with, nothing more, I winked at him and he laughed.

He took a scoop of the ice cream and looked at me. What about you Ruby, what are you looking for?

I shrugged and thought about my answer. It was a difficult question to answer really. I didn’t know what I was looking for. I knew I wasn’t looking for a one-night stand, but was I looking for more? I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I know what I’m not looking for, I sat back and looked at him. And I’m afraid you’re not going to be as lucky as your mate back at the pub, so don't go getting your hopes up with me. I don't do one-night stands, and I don't hook up with men as soon as I meet them. If that makes me a prude then so be it, I don't care, I shrugged and licked some chocolate sauce off my spoon.

I don't think it makes you a prude. I know what you mean about the one-night stands, apart from the sex there’s no benefit to them really, he scooped up some more of the dessert and looked at me. And besides, for every one guy out there who loves one-night stands, there’s ten guys who want something more substantial.

I studied him for a moment, and I had to laugh when he gave me a gorgeous smile. So which one are you? Are you the one guy who likes the one-night stands, or are you one of the ten looking for something more?

I am most definitely one of the ten who wants something more, he sat back and sipped his coffee. I’m too old for all the one-night stands and the games that girls play. I don't want to wake up one day and find that I’m an old man and it’s too late to have a family, he shrugged again and looked at the mug in his hands. This man was not what I expected that’s for sure.

Given that you’re sitting here sharing a banana split with me, can I assume that there’s no girl waiting for you at home? I looked at him over my mug as I sipped on the hot chocolate.

He took a few minutes to consider his response. No, there’s no girl at home, but there is a girl, he put his spoon down and sat back. I’ve fallen in love with her, only she doesn't know it, she doesn't really know me, he shrugged again, something I noticed he did when he was considering his answers. I hope one day that she’ll feel the same.

Why don't you tell her how you feel? I pushed the dessert away and sat forward. What if she finds someone else and you never get the chance to tell her how you feel about her? It would break my heart if I was in love with someone and I lost them because they didn't know how I felt.

He was shaking his head before I’d even finished my sentence. No, it’s not the right time to tell her. She doesn't even know me, and besides, I have something that I need to sort out before I can tell her how I feel. He looked at his coffee again and this time his smile faded. Even though I’d only just met the man I could tell he was a man of principal, and he was a man who did things right, and even though he was opening up to me now, I could also tell that he was also good at hiding his feelings. He was hiding something else as well, not that I had any right to pry into his personal life. I’d just met the guy, but I knew he was someone that I’d like to call a friend.

You know what James? I sat forward and smiled at him. I like you, you’re different from most guys. You’re refreshingly honest and not at all egotistical and conceited like your buddy Trav, I reached over and patted his hand. I’m glad I met you tonight, you’re my first friend in Allenby, and I think we’re going to get along great.

He laughed at me when I grinned at him. Trav’s not that bad. Why don't you like him? Most women fall at his feet as soon as he looks their way.

It’s not that I don't like him. I don't know the man well enough to make that determination yet, he just reminds me of someone, I finished off my hot chocolate and pushed the cup away. He reminds me of my ex. He was a womaniser, a real ladies man, everyone could see it but me, I gave him a little smile and shrugged. I was blind to his ways, until one day I walked into his flat and found him naked on the couch with some girl that he swore he’d just met. He stood there and begged me to forgive him, he said that he’d never cheated on me before and it was his first time with her, I waved my hand a little. Then the naked girl gets all huffy and tells me that they’d been at it for months. There was silence for a moment while he waited for me to go on. So I kicked him in the balls and walked out. He laughed at this. Everyone thought Richie was a good looking guy, and girls were always throwing themselves at him, even when we were out together. He played on that, he lapped it up, and he knew he could go home with any girl in the bar, I looked at him. I got the impression that your mate Trav is a bit like that.

James sat forward and looked at me. He’s a bit like that, but he’s also a great guy. He wouldn’t cheat on a girl that’s for sure. He might be confident, and he usually gets the girl he wants, but he treats them right. He laughed a little and grinned at me. He wasn’t too happy when you didn't fall for his charm.

I’m sure he’ll get over it, Bell will make sure all his attention is on her that’s for sure. When the waitress put the bill on the table I went for my purse but James held up his hand.

I got this, I owe you remember, he winked at me and put a twenty on the table. He held the café door open for me, and then he opened the door to his truck for me as well. He was a true gentleman, and all I could think was that the woman he was in love with would be mad if she couldn't see how great this man was. He was funny, smart, honest, and on top of all that, he was absolutely gorgeous.

***

James

I looked over at Ruby as we drove to the motel. She was the one. From the moment Trav and I sat at their table, I knew she was the one. I loved her quick wit, her smile, her eyes, and the way she was so refreshingly honest. She made me laugh, and