Because of you, I'm home

Chapter 9 - About a country boy...

"Well my dear, you've definitely tantalised our taste buds tonight." With an almost licked-clean plate, Al leant back in his chair at the head of the table – completely sated.

"What can I say, Ali's a great assistant chef." Claire was please that, for the most part, everyone had enjoyed their meal of Aussie style meat pies with mashed potato's and honeyed carrots. It had been almost as good as her mothers' home cooking, though she doubted she'd ever be able to make something as sensationally has her mum could. That woman was able to make even something as simple as 'Fruit-Cup Cordial' taste better than it should.

She rose from her chair, collecting everyone's plates from the table with the help of her little assistant. Despite Alice's initial apprehension, the young girl quiet enjoyed the mix of beef, gravy, carrot, peas and onions encased within a crispy pie crust. But she still remained preferably partial to the sweeter kinds.

"I've left a plate wrapped in the fridge for Maggie. Just in case..."

Al nodded and offered the girl a warm smile, extremely appreciative for not only the gesture but for also going to the effort for all of them. She's a good kid. "I'll excuse myself and go check on Maggie. I'll fix her plate later for her, thank you."

The two girls placed the dishes in one of the sink tubs, while Claire filled the other with warm soapy water. Despite the presence of a dishwasher in Maggie's well equipped kitchen, Claire opted to doing the dishes by hand. She'd have had a bugger of a time trying to work the machine out, and figured it saved time to just do it manually.

"I'll dry!' Alice yanked one of the dish cloths from its hanging place and held it up as if battle ready.

"Roger that, partner!" The blonde chuckled as her hands dove into the hot soapy water. She hadn't even noticed that Jarrod had moved from his place at the table and was leant against a counter top, observing the two of them from behind.

"At ease soldier." The deep masculine tone made Claire jump, while Ali giggled and stood completely straight with her small hands pressed flat to her thighs.

"Yes, sir. Dad, sir!" Quipped the youngers sparrow like voice as she played along, causing both adults to shake their heads in amusement.

Despite the entertainment, Claire held her attentions on the task at hand, refusing to turn and face a certain blue eyed male. He'd certainly treated her a lot better in the last twenty-four hours, contradicting his musings about his change in attitude being a 'one time thing'. But she still felt a little uncomfortable around him, almost hyper-alert which was turning out to be a little wearing.

"Cadet Ali is required in the bathroom for bedtime duty."

Trying to supress a smile, Claire side glanced in time to see the young girl slouch her shoulders and groan, but she didn't protest any further as she marched her small frame past her father.

"Then you have to help dry." The girl huffed and flung the dish cloth at her father before dashing off with a high pitched giggle.

Claire said nothing, but the very idea had her standing a lot straighter as she placed rinsed plates in the drying rack. The instant Jarrod stood beside her, the hairs stood up on the back of her neck, and she shifted her weight from one foot to the other as if to make more space between the two of them.

"I won't bite." Amusement laced Jarrod's tone. The supposedly confident woman he'd seen the night before appeared to have taken a back seat which he found rather fascinating.

"I'm not worried about your teeth, Mr McMoore." Claire mused, seemingly absentminded.

"Then what are you worried about, Miss-" It occurred to him at that moment that he had no idea what the woman's last name was. That didn't sit right with him, given the duration of her stay in his home.