Outback Dreams — Julie Baker

Outback DreamsTheo Hurst owned Deep Lake Station in outback New South Wales. The station was prosperous, carrying sheep and cattle on its vast paddocks. His pride and joy were the thoroughbred horses he raised and trained. The frown on his face was the result of learning a female photojournalist was coming to his home to do a story about the family’s new enterprise, an Outback Adventure, including accommodation by way of private lodgings for visitors and a list of activities such as trekking, horse riding, the chance to see the ancient Rock Cave Paintings, all topped off with a swim and bar-b-q at a hidden lake. Who could resist? Theo grinned, deciding they’d pretty much hit all the buttons. Still, he didn’t like the idea of putting up with a snooty City girl. He’d leave her to his friend and Housekeeper Meg.Reya was on her way to Deep Lake Station. The property’s area was immense. Flat and dry in most places yet beautiful none the less. The icing on the cake was looking out and finding the breathtaking panorama of three mountains shimmering way out on the horizon . She was looking forward to meeting the owner and his staff. As for her assignment it sounded like it would be multifaceted. She’d get some shots of the construction going on, have a drive around the property, get some background on the family and workers and then have a look at the Caves and the Lake.The company she worked for had a arranged a two week stay so Reya would have a great story for her next issue in Dreamtime Magazine’s Travel section. She had a large following who often chose the destinations she photographed for their next trip.Unfortunately Theo and Reya’s first meeting was not as expected, and the first few days at the Station were somewhat fraught. Neither of them was looking to get involved, they refused to give in to the lightning flicks of fire that seared them whenever they came into each other’s purlieu.Reya’s work was done. She returned to Sydney and found herself wallowing in misery. The damn man had got under her skin, big time! After a couple of weeks wracking her brains trying to find a solution to her dilemma she was saved from herself when her friends visited her in Sydney, and with a little nudging from her friends, Reya decided to return to the Station and confront the irritating male that she’d found she just couldn’t live without.At the same time, Theo threw his hands in the air as he decided it was time to track down the stubborn woman and convince her she needed him.Then Fate, the Universe - who knows what other powers, had struck. Adversity, by way of a storm had crashed into his world. Theo hadn’t even found her, when his friend was telling him that Amelia, Meg and Reya were missing.