listen to what you would need to do. All of this from a mere woman?”
“I find what you do … strange. Surely you can understand that?” he asked.
“What is so strange? The fact that I’m a woman?”
He inhaled audibly. She smiled. He was probably counting to ten. The guy was so serious.
“No, what I find strange is that you claim to know what a horse is thinking,” he said slowly as if talking to a child.
Cilla rolled her eyes. “It’s not that strange, you know. If you think about it, you probably also communicate with the animals on your farm, although you may not even be aware of it.”
“When will you be able to come?” he asked, completely ignoring what she’d said.
Why did she think he might understand? He had obviously decided what she did was weird and that was it.
“I don’t have to be there,” she said. “If you e-mail me a photo of Bravo, I can help him. I often do it like this.”
“Are you completely ins …” he began but inhaled sharply.
Probably grinding his teeth. The thought made her smile.
“I’d prefer it if you could come to the farm again. I will obviously pay you for your time, your petrol and your … help.”
Cilla swallowed the catty remark that nearly slipped out. She knew she could help the horse, it wasn’t his fault that his boss was prejudiced.
“Well, during the week I teach so I won’t be able to get there before next weekend.”
“No, that’s too long to wait. What about tomorrow?”
Cilla turned to look at Imke before she answered. “A friend is staying with us. I’ll check whether she wants to go with me, we should be able to be there at …”
“Come at eleven, I’ll make sure there is something to eat. And … well, thanks,” he said and rang off.
Stunned, Cilla stared at her phone. “He put the phone down!” she exclaimed. “He phones me, struggles to apologize, orders me to be on his farm tomorrow morning, and before I could react, he puts the phone down! And, oh yes, Imke, apparently you and I are having lunch at his place.”
Imke smiled. “Mmm, the first guy I know of who doesn’t immediately jump through hoops when talking to you. And he bothers you a little bit. Interesting. I think I may like this guy.”
“Interesting is not the word that comes to mind when I think of him, and I can promise you, there is nothing likable about him,” Cilla said in a huff. “And I don’t think he’s going to be able to let me do what I should do. Mom, I’m sorry but it seems I won’t be here for lunch tomorrow.”
“Well, you tell that man that I’m not impressed,” her mother said but she was smiling. “We’ll see you next weekend though, right? And Imke, you know you’re always welcome.”
Cilla gave her mother a hug. “Of course. We love coming here, Mom. As you know, Imke doesn’t cook and I rarely have time, so we’re always looking forward to your lovely meals.”
“Thanks, Mrs S, but the younger members of our staff are going to Hermanus next weekend and I’ll be joining them. Cilla, didn’t you also agree to go?” Imke asked.
“Oh, my goodness, yes, you’re right. I’ve completely forgotten. A whole weekend in Hermanus sounds lovely, but I don’t want to disappoint the kids and not be here on Saturday. I know we have students who help out, but some of the younger ones are still very unsure of themselves.”
“I could help out …” her mother said.
“No, you are not also going to work over weekends. You are busy enough during the week.”
Her mother smiled. “I’m not over the hill, yet, dear and you know I love to help with the kids.”
“I know, but I can always join them in Hermanus when I’m done.”
“Where are you staying?” her dad asked. “You know you’re always more than welcome to use our beach house.”
“Thanks, Dad, but I think accommodation has been organized for everyone. But I promise to check on the house. I have a key.” She turned to Imke. “Would you mind coming with me tomorrow when I have to visit the horse again? I’ll understand if you don’t want to …”
“Wild horses won’t keep me away! Of course I’m coming with you. I have to see what this gorgeous, sexy, attractive guy looks like. Any man that makes you frown, I have to meet. I can’t remember ever hearing you talk about any man for such a length of time, don’t you think so, Mrs S?”
Her mother smiled. “I want to hear every single bit of detail, Imke. Make sure you don’t miss anything. It’s high time someone bothers my daughter a little bit.”
Cilla snorted. “You are going to agree with me, wholeheartedly, Imke. He is a chauvinist and one of those men who can’t believe a woman is capable of doing anything right. I can’t wait to see what your reaction to such a man will be.”
“Where’s the house?” Imke asked while leaning forward. It was just before eleven and they were driving down a neatly cobbled road towards the big farmhouse.
“It’s just beyond that row of blue gum trees,” Cilla said, pointing towards the trees. “You should be able to see it at any moment now … there it is.”
“Wow, it’s beautiful. And look, from here one has a glimpse of the sea. I didn’t know that would be possible. You didn’t say a word about the house or the view.” Imke wiggled her eyebrows.
Cilla scowled. “I was so angry with the man I completely forgot about the lovely scenery. I’d really like to know why he’s changed his mind. Yesterday he was convinced that I’d cast a spell on his horse and today he wants me to help the animal. He must be desperate.”
She steered her car down the small road. The beginning of a headache was brewing behind her eyes and she was so irritated. She’d hardly slept a wink. Not even the gallop on her favourite horse late yesterday had helped her to fall asleep quickly.
The moment her eyes had closed, a hundred pairs of dark blue eyes were watching her from all sides. Some were smoldering, some were pleading, one pair was even trying to seduce her … Damn it, all of them kept her from falling asleep. She honestly hoped after today she never had to lay eyes on Cameron Rahl again.
She parked her car in front of the house, and even before she opened the door, the front door opened and two men stepped out.
Imke inhaled sharply and started fanning herself. “Oh, my goodness, Cilla, look at all that gorgeousness – who are these sexy men? And why didn’t you tell me there are two of them?” She was clearly in awe.
“Come on, Imke, seriously. It’s not
