Grand Parade (Show Time Fever Book 1) Read online

  “… Grand Champion goes to MT & KA Sunny of Sunnydale.”

  Jackson’s jaw dropped. Mrs. Colin stepped forward and placed the blue, red and white ribbon over Bruce’s neck, who snorted in return.

  “Congratulations, a fine bull,” said Mrs. Colin.

  “Thank you.” Jackson shook Mrs Colin’s hand.

  “Can you pause for a quick photo?” A young guy held up a camera. Jackson smiled broadly.

  Click. Click. Click.

  He couldn’t help thinking with a pang of disappointment that it could’ve been Megan taking the photo. But, then he was swept up with lots of congratulations, and handshakes, and some asking who the sire was of Bruce, and had they bred from him. After another half hour, with about half a dozen photos, with his parents and Bruce, all standing proudly, he was finally free to take Bruce back to the stalls.

  Jackson couldn’t help thinking that if Bruce hadn’t kicked out yesterday, that it would’ve been Megan taking this photo. But, then if Bruce hadn’t misbehaved, Jackson wouldn’t have met Megan. “Apparently I’ve got a lot to thank you for,” he mumbled to Bruce. That’s if he could work out how to see Megan again. And if she actually wanted to see him again.

  Megan couldn’t believe that the doctor was happy to discharge her that afternoon, on the proviso that she was picked up by her dad and taken home. She promised to rest for the remainder of the day. Her dad had taken the day off, assuring the doctor that he would make sure she followed the medical advice.

  Megan didn’t even argue. After the shower incident, and a night of little sleep, she really wanted to go home and familiarise herself with her bed for at least twelve hours. Well, if she weren’t forced to go home she would’ve chosen to go back to the show to see Jackson once more. His visit this morning had unnerved her, in a good way. It had made her think that there was something developing between them, and it was something she wanted to nurture.

  Megan suddenly wondered how she could let Jackson know she wasn’t at the hospital. He had some of his cattle due for judging this morning and his own work to do. When he finished, he’d probably try and come back. She took out her phone. There were about a dozen messages, and she only had one bar left. Plus she didn’t know his number. But, Kristie did.

  So, she texted her friend and let her know that she was headed home. Then, she asked Kristie to let Jackson know. In less than a heartbeat, his details popped up on the tiny phone screen. Her heart increased in speed. Before it was just about asking Kristie to let him know, but to do it herself meant something else entirely.

  Jackson looked disappointedly at his phone when the message that Megan was headed home appeared. He’d been rushing through his evening jobs at the show with the plan of going back to the hospital to see her. He wasn’t sure that it was entirely appropriate. He’d done it this morning. He wanted to see her again, and it was the only way he knew to make sure he got to see her lovely grin, sparkling eyes full of passion, and to talk with her so he could know her more.

  Granted there were still people here who wanted to catch up with him, and congratulate him on the Grand Champion with Bruce. The afternoon had been spent standing in the arena with Bruce again when he came out for the Supreme judging with all the other beef breeds of cattle. They hadn’t won. The honor had gone to an Angus bull. Still a Grand Champion, Murray Grey bull would be a good selling point next year.

  Jackson texted her back. ‘That’s great news. Glad you’re doing better. See you at the show?’

  He hoped that would be enough encouragement for Megan to come and visit him. He wondered how creepy it would look if he hung out at the office with her editor. Pretty creepy.

  Jackson slipped the phone back into his pocket. He finished topping up the water for the cattle, and then added a little more hay for them to nibble on.

  “Wanna go to the pub?” Heath strolled over from finishing the nightly feeding of his own animals.

  “Yeah, sure.” It would be a good time to catch up with the other blokes, drink some beer and have some fun. Back on the farm, it was nearly an hour drive to the pub. Here he could walk, and didn’t have to worry about being over the limit with alcohol and driving. Jackson shoved the last of the hay in front of Bruce, patted him on the neck. If he couldn’t see Megan tonight, then going to the Jumbuck here on the show grounds with other farmers would be the next best thing.

  “First round’s on me.” Jackson smiled.

  “You bet it is after winning Grand Champion over me today.” Heath slapped Jackson on the back in a mateship manner.

  Chapter 6

  Early the next morning, Jackson grimaced as he lifted the bucket of water. His head pounded worse than if Bruce had kicked it himself. It had been a good night, which continued across the road at the pub into the early hours. He’d stumbled back with some of the other blokes to the sleeping quarters. A three-by-two meter room, he shared with three others, a tight squeeze, but it was a cheap option for accommodation when staying at the show.

  “Watering up a bit late,” said his dad as he walked past. “Don’t overlook the committee meeting later.”

  Jackson groaned inwardly. He’d forgotten about the meeting, about getting up early to feed the animals and there was still four more days of the show. He wasn’t sure he had the stamina for it. Besides, last night when he’d returned to his box-like accommodation, he’d woken everyone else there, including Julie. She’d moved her swag so it rolled out next to his and had spent the few hours of sleep snuggling next to him. Well, it was either her or Heath, and he was pretty sure that neither were a good option.

  “Reckon you’ll be in for an early night tonight.” His dad grinned. “Oh, can you muck out some of the soiled bedding? I’ve got a meeting with the Elders.” He didn’t even wait for a response and left before Jackson could protest.

  It wasn’t that he minded doing these jobs. He wanted to get down to the office this morning and see if Megan’s editor could tell him if, no when, she was coming in. But, that wasn’t going to happen. He knew damn well his dad was inflicting some gentle punishment on him for staying up late drinking.

  Jackson could count the number of times he’d been drunk like that on one hand. It wasn’t what he normally did. The last time was because of a girl. He gritted his teeth as he lifted the bucket. Oddly so was last night. About a girl he wished to see again. And thought he never would. Beer had seemed like the best way to get her out of her mind. But, then with Julie sidling up to him, and his memory foggy, he couldn’t help shake the feeling that things were probably now more complicated. He had a vague recollection she was at the pub. Next to him. Hanging off his arm.

  A sudden cold chill went through Jackson. He nearly dropped the bucket as he got out his phone. God, no. He fumbled punching in his password. God, I didn’t, did I?

  He looked at the message history between him and Megan. He exhaled easily.

  Fuck. He’d sent a drunk text. But, it wasn’t to Megan. The words blurred in front of him. It was meant to be to Megan, but somehow he’d sent it to the wrong person. To Julie. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He shoved his phone back in his trouser pocket in a pitiful attempt to forget what he’d done. He picked up the bucket and poured the water into the trough, breathing through the rising dizziness of a hangover gripping his head and stomach like none he’d ever had before.

  How the hell am I going to sort this out? He was interested in Megan. Not Julie. But, he’d just led Julie on, and didn’t know if he would ever see Megan again. And if he did, it was going to look like he wasn’t really single. He groaned in pain.

  “Enjoy last night?” A feminine voice filtered through his thoughts. Jackson looked up sharply, hoping to see Megan.

  “Julie.” His heart hammered in panic at the sight of her. She looked good despite the long night of drinking. Not as good as Megan. At least both his heart and head were in agreement.

  She smiled coyly. “You were certainly enjoying yourself.” She stepped in closer and lowered
her voice. “Especially later.”

  Jackson broke out in a cold sweat. Nothing had happened. He was too drunk. Still, he couldn’t help thinking he’d just become prey and he was well and truly caught. His mind scrambled thinking of what to say to her. He didn’t want to lead her on, not any more or any further. They had grown up together, from a distance, but still they had seen each other at the show over the years, and while he thought that she could’ve been a potential date in the past, she wasn’t now. Another woman had caught his attention.

  She came closer to him and he smelled her soapy freshness. This year was the first year they’d all shared a locker together, two guys and two girls. There was hardly enough room to sleep, let alone do anything else. His face flushed red. He had naively agreed because he hadn’t thought there was anything in it. Just mates hanging out. But, of course, Julie had organised it.

  And Kelly had a thing for Heath. It was obvious. He’d even teased Heath about it with the other blokes, the way that guys talk crap when they are together. Heath had turned bright red. That was the difference. Heath returned the interest in Kelly.

  Jackson closed his eyes not wanting to see what was bleeding obvious now in his hungover state. He wasn’t interested in Julie. Not now.

  “Well, I’m sure we can continue getting closer later, maybe when there’s just us in the room?” She raised her blonde eyebrow suggestively. She turned and left with a wink, swaying her hips deliberately as she walked away.

  Shit. He didn’t need to be told he was in trouble. Instead of dousing water over the flame she held for him, his silence had made things just that little bit worse.

  Megan steadied herself against the noise in the showgrounds as she walked through the gates, holding out her membership pass to be scanned. Day Six of the show. She’d missed two days. While tired, she was ready to get back to fulfilling the contract as photographer, even though she was a little late. She was sleeping more soundly than normal.

  She’d rung her editor, and eventually Megan managed to convince her that despite over-sleeping, she really was fit enough to work. Helen had given her the task of taking more photos around the show, particularly of the animals, and kids having fun. Megan was also told to see if she could take photos of the next Grand Parade, but that wasn’t until Sunday, giving her plenty of time to familiarise herself with the show.

  The real reason Megan wanted to come was to see Jackson. So far, she hadn’t the guts to text him back. Every time she typed something out she thought it sounded lame. I’ll just walk past him, say thanks. He’s probably distracted with show stuff. She knew that Kristie had been, and that she had finished up at the show on Monday, returning to her farm on the Yorke Peninsula with her sheep. Megan was disappointed she hadn’t gotten to see her friend again. There’d been a few text messages from Kristie checking in and mentioning how hectic it was at the show this year.

  Her last text read, ‘Sorry I missed you. I’ll be back Thursday.’

  ‘Great, I can see you then.’

  ‘How’s things with Jackson?’

  Megan hadn’t responded to her. I don’t even know if he has a girlfriend. She didn’t think so, but unless she asked him how would she know that. Also a guy as hot as that wasn’t going to be single. Surely not. She took a deep breath trying to settle her nerves. Her nose detected a strong hint of animal, mixed in with the sugary smell of fairy floss, and hints of fatty foods. Her stomach grumbled, even though she’d had breakfast.

  The show was different this year for Megan. A whole new world had opened up after having the job of taking photos, more so because of Jackson. She’d never bothered to walk down the cattle aisle before, and would’ve completely missed the opportunity of taking the photo of the girl, Katie, sleeping next to the cow. Friends on social media who had noticed Megan’s name in the minute font below the photo on the front page the other day, continued to send congrats.

  She placed her hand on the camera bag strap to ease the weight on her shoulder as she walked. She had a program of the events. Since it was Wednesday, the Merino sheep were scheduled to be judged, so she had to go to that pavilion for a while. First, she wanted to walk through the cattle shed.

  It was early, only 8.30 am. Crowds were thin, plus she’d come in on the Leader Street entrance. Most of the people around were from farms exhibiting stock here. Megan ignored the group of teenagers from the local agricultural school milling around by the cattle shed to her left, looking very upset and she skirted the large trucks where some of the cattle were being loaded. After the incident with Bruce, she stayed well clear of the animals, and kept her wits about her. She wasn’t about to take any risks in getting too close to anything that might kick or strike or run over her.

  Megan ducked into the small entrance on her right, into the cattle pavilion where the Murray Grey’s were, and where hopefully she could see Jackson. Her nose wrinkled automatically at the strong smell in the shed. Watching where she walked she casually went down the middle aisle, towards Jackson’s cattle. What if he’s not there?

  Suddenly, she didn’t think coming was a good idea. It wouldn’t matter if he wasn’t here. Her stomach tightened, and her breath shortened, as she approached the area where his cattle stayed for the duration of the show. She paused. Her heart pounded to a funky rhythm that was out of beat and out of time.

  She inhaled slowly to try and calm herself. It didn’t work. Instead, she took a step, and lifted her head. I’m going to do this. It won’t matter if he’s there or not. I have to try and see him again. And a text message wasn’t going to do it. She wanted to see how he responded to her. To glean if he was really interested in her or not. Can I lay it on the line so early?

  She kept walking down the aisle, watching where she placed her feet. She’d rested the day before, but it had been difficult with her thoughts always returning back to Jackson. She had to do something about realizing she was interested in him. Ignoring her body’s response and the pull she felt towards him was only going to make her crazy. She tried to blame the head injury, but it didn’t help the thoughts. If I see him, I’ll know for sure if these feelings are real or not.

  The cattle from Sunnydale farm stood, heads tethered to the wooden frame of the wall that stopped them from seeing the cattle on the other side. Their tails swished lazily, and they munched on hay. Megan got to the end without seeing Jackson. Her heart sunk. Oh well. Disappointment squeezed on her heart.

  “Can I help you?” An older woman approached. She wore a long winter grey dress, with a flowing thick woollen jacket that hung long on either side in the current fashion and a turquoise scarf that looked like a mix of wool and silk.

  “Ummm …” Megan wasn’t sure. She had just resolved that Jackson wasn’t here. She’d better get over to the sheep pavilion and see what was going on there. Sometimes she liked to get photos of when events were setting up. To her they told a bigger story. She didn’t want to say ‘hey, have you seen Jackson? I’ve got a massive crush on him’, which seemed to be the only thing her mind could think of as she stared blankly at the woman.

  “Hey, Megan.”

  Megan turned and exhaled with relief to see Jackson coming towards her. Then her breath caught in her throat. He wasn’t wearing his Akubra hat, so she saw his face clearly, clean-shaven, broad jawline, blue gentle eyes, tight jeans, and a light blue checked shirt, that looked very much country style.

  “Mum, this is Megan. She’s the girl I told you about.” He walked up causally to them.

  Oh. Megan swallowed hard. This meeting with Jackson wasn’t what she’d had in mind, or what she’d fantasised on the bus here this morning. I can’t meet his mum yet. She didn’t even know exactly how she felt about Jackson. The lust was there for sure. Attraction pulled her towards him. When she saw him again, calmness flooded through her body, easing the nest of butterflies that had taken up residence in her belly ever since they’d met.

  “Pleased to meet you,” Jackson’s mum held out her hand. “I�
��m Mary. The bump on your head from Bruce looks nasty.” Her eyes were full of genuine concern.

  Megan shook hands. “Oh it looks worse than it is.” The lie sat uneasy on her tongue. A night in hospital and a day resting meant it was a big bump. “I’m better now.”

  “Good. I’d feel very responsible if you weren’t.” Mary let go of her hand. She looked at her son with a huge grin on her face. “I’m going to the ladies’ lunch.”

  “See you later, Mum.”

  “Good to meet you, Megan.” She smiled at them both, leaving Megan feeling just a little uncomfortable, in a good way, standing next to Jackson.

  “Bye.” Megan managed to say wishing that her cheeks weren’t as red as they were feeling.

  “Hey, it’s good to see you up and about.” Jackson turned to look at Megan.

  “Thanks.” Her voice was breathless. Her mouth dried, something like a season without rain she figured, as she glanced up at him. He looked more hot than ever, and completely jumpable right here, right now. Her body responded straight away, muscles tightening low in her abdomen, breath held in her lungs, and her chest ached. She longed to touch him, kiss his lips, and feel his toned body with her fingers.

  Get a grip. Megan forced herself to take three breaths. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears. I don’t behave like this. She wasn’t prim and proper, or nun-like, but she wasn’t an animal in heat, who had to have it now. With a mix of horror and excitement she knew that was exactly how she felt.

  “Sorry, I didn’t reply to your text last night.” Megan made an attempt to take deep breaths, hoping to reduce the heat on her neck and face. Any minute I’m going to break out in a sweat and I’ve not even touched him. She thought wickedly that she could just reach out and touch his arm, where he’d rolled back his sleeves.

  “I’ve nearly finished feeding up,” said Jackson. “I’ve got to look after the beasts, then we can go for a coffee if you like. I seem to remember you’re a coffee and a choc-chip girl.” He winked.