Breaking The Drought by Lisa Ireland Page A

attention to her foot.
    Brooke winced in pain as he touched her.
    â€˜Good thing you didn’t move her,’ he said to Rob. ‘Looks like it could be broken.’
    â€˜I’m sorry,’ said Brooke. ‘I’ve ruined everyone’s day.’
    â€˜Don’t be silly,’ said Luke. ‘We’ll have you out of here in no time.’
    * * *
    Jenna scanned the interior of Rob’s ute for anything that might be useful. She gathered up a length of rope, a bottle of water, some painkillers she found in the glove box and a newspaper that was on the floor of the back seat. Maybe they could roll the newspaper up and use it as a splint? She spied a large toolbox in the back of the truck. She tried to lift it, but it wouldn’t budge. She tried opening the lid but it was locked. Damn!
    They would have to make do with the things she could carry. She bundled up the few bits and pieces she had into her towel and hurried back along the track, hoping that Brooke’s injuries weren’t too serious.
    Luke seemed to know what to do and had impressed her with the way he had taken charge of the situation. He was obviously used to being in control. Maybe they were more alike than she had first imagined.
    Her heart raced and her breathing was laboured as she hurried along the overgrown track back to the others. It was tough going but she knew it was more than the physical exercise causing her heart to pound. The thought of Luke’s touch, of what had happened in the river, was causing an adrenalin surge. When she pictured his wet hands caressing her slowly, his lips gently kissing her all over, it caused a reaction she’d never felt before. It was a mix of elation, nervous anticipation and an absolute desperate desire for those hands to be on her again as soon as possible.
    She heard voices coming from below and realised that she was close to the spot where Brooke had fallen.
    â€˜Luke,’ she called. ‘I’m back.’
    He scrambled up the bank towards her. ‘What did you get?’
    Jenna handed him the bundle.
    â€˜Great. The newspaper will make a good splint. We just need something to secure it with.’ He tossed the other items aside. ‘Best not give her anything to drink in case she needs surgery.’
    â€˜Do you really think it’s that serious?’
    â€˜It’s hard to tell without an x-ray. Her whole lower leg is tender so there might be a broken bone there, or it could be just bruising.’
    Jenna nodded, impressed with Luke’s knowledge of first aid. Obviously that sort of thing was important to know if you lived out here.
    â€˜Wait here. I’ll splint the leg as best I can and then Rob and I can carry her up.’ Luke took off his T-shirt and started ripping it into strips.
    As she looked at his bare chest, an image of their bodies entwined on the riverbank flashed through her mind. Stop it . This was definitely not the time to be thinking about her desire to be back in Luke’s arms. She tried to focus on the task at hand. ‘What’s that for?’ she asked.
    â€˜To secure the splint. Stay here. We’ll have her up in no time.’ Luke set off down the embankment again.
    From up on the road it was hard to tell what was happening. Jenna caught glimpses of Luke and Rob bent over Brooke and after some time she saw Brooke’s body being lifted. Rob appeared to have her under the arms, while Luke supported her legs. Progress up the slope was painstakingly slow and Jenna began to feel anxious.
    Finally they made it safely to the road. Jenna rushed to Brooke’s side. ‘Are you okay?’
    â€˜I’ve been better,’ Brooke said, but she managed a smile.
    â€˜Spread the towel out, Jenna. We’ll let Brooke rest for a minute before we head back to the ute,’ Luke said.
    â€˜You mean give yourself a rest,’ joked Brooke, as the two men set her down on the towel.
    Luke grinned. ‘Good