by Lisa Ireland
He looked up to see Jenna watching him intently, her brow creased in concern. He forced a smile. ‘I had no idea what I was doing when I took over six months ago.’
‘I assumed you’d always lived here.’
‘Tandarra’s always been home, but I went to boarding school in Geelong and then to university in Melbourne.’
‘What did you study?’
For a second he contemplated telling her the truth, but that would mean telling her everything and he wasn’t ready to see the inevitable look of pity in her eyes. He settled for a half-truth. ‘I’ve got a science degree,’ he said and screwed up his face. ‘Boring, nerdy stuff. You don’t want to know.’
Jenna smiled. ‘I wouldn’t understand anyway. I’m a total idiot when it comes to science. I majored in English.’
‘Ah, the enemy,’ Luke said in mock horror.
Jenna threw back her head and laughed again. Her auburn curls fell away to reveal her alabaster throat, which Luke had the sudden urge to lay his lips on.
There was a break in the pounding music for a moment, while the band made an announcement regarding the following day’s events. The night was drawing to a close. His time with Jenna would soon be over. When the band struck up its final number — a slow one, thank goodness — Luke couldn’t resist the opportunity to take her in his arms. ‘Shall we dance?’
‘I thought you’d never ask.’
Luke took her small, perfectly manicured hand in his and led her out onto the floor. He drew her close and began to move in time with the music. She smelled like honey, sweet and delicious. He closed his eyes just for a second and thought about what might have been.
If only he had met Jenna in Melbourne, before…before he screwed up his life and the lives of everyone he had ever loved.
Chapter 5
Jenna hoped Luke couldn’t feel her heart pounding against his chest. The proximity of his lean, muscular body as he expertly danced her around the floor had sent her head into a spin. Luke was not what she expected. Far from a slow-witted farmer, he was intelligent, articulate and funny.
And he could dance.
Maybe he wouldn’t be so out of place at a black-tie event after all. She indulged herself for a moment and imagined what it would be like to have Luke on her arm as she walked down the red carpet to another shallow A-list event. It would be wonderful to have someone to joke and laugh with, someone who didn’t take the whole thing seriously.
With Simon it had all been about image. When she complained about not seeing him at all at the Gloss Christmas party, he had used work as an excuse. ‘Networking, my love, networking. That’s what these things are all about.’
It seemed Simon had networked himself into a new relationship.
Luke was different. He exuded honesty and integrity and right this minute he was making her feel like she was the only woman alive. Jenna pressed her body closer to his, wishing that the song would never end. She looked up to find Luke gazing down at her with dreamy eyes. He bent his head down towards her, his intent obvious. Oh God, he was going to kiss her!
Jenna’s heart thudded. She held her breath as Luke came closer, his breath mingling with her own. She closed her eyes in anticipation but as she did the music stopped.
The moment was broken.
Luke stepped back from her as the hall lights came back to full strength. He cleared his throat awkwardly. ‘I have a few jobs to take care of for Maggie before we leave. I hope you don’t mind waiting a minute or two.’
Jenna shook her head. ‘I probably should find Jason and bid him goodnight.’
Luke nodded slightly. ‘I’ll be back soon.’
Jenna was left to contemplate what had almost happened. Was he really intending to kiss her or was it just wishful thinking on her part? It was crazy. She knew that they had no future together, that their worlds were just too far apart. But, damn it, she wanted to be kissed by him. Maybe Brooke had been right after all. Maybe what she needed was a fling, some harmless adult fun. Perhaps a weekend with Luke was just what she needed to rid herself of Simon forever.
She looked around the hall at all the other couples, many entwined in passionate embraces. The dreamy atmosphere had produced instant romances, but Jenna knew that most of them would not last beyond the weekend. She wished she could be so carefree, but she had always been sensible where love was concerned. She was not one to give in to feelings of heady passion. She had her mother to thank for that.
Jenna chose her lovers carefully. An absent father, two stepfathers and countless “special friends” of her mother had taught her the danger of relying on wild-eyed passion to select a partner. Love needed foundations, something solid to build on.
She had thought Simon was the perfect man. He’d checked every box on her list. They had everything in common: work, friends, the same taste in music. And he had totally swept her off her feet. She had actually felt smug about finding the perfect man just at the right time. She was 26 when they met and she had planned on marrying him before her next birthday. She was thrilled when Simon presented her with an engagement ring on Valentine’s Day.
Now, here she was, 27 and alone. Lonely, if the truth was known. Simon’s rejection had upset more than her perfect life plan. He’d made her feel unattractive, undesirable…
Unlovable.
To hell with being careful. If ever there was a time to throw caution to the wind it was now. Luke Tanner liked her, she was sure of it. He was probably waiting for her to give him some type of signal. Brooke was always telling her that she gave off negative vibes to guys. Well, not this time.
What possible harm could come from a weekend fling? Normally casual interludes were not her thing. It was too risky, too messy. Melbourne might be a big city but her world was surprisingly small; the same people at the same parties, only the venues changed. All actions had a consequence and she was never willing to risk her position or her reputation on a one-night stand. But Barlow may as well be a million miles away from Melbourne it was so far removed from her world.
Carpe Diem, Jenna. Seize the day!
She smiled in delicious anticipation of the days ahead. A few days of devouring Luke Tanner might be just what she needed.
* * *
Luke managed to get outside the hall with only a few nods and waves to locals, which was fortunate, as he did not trust himself to speak. He made his way behind the building and leant up against its rear wall. He took a deep breath and tried to collect his thoughts.
He had almost done the unthinkable in there. What was he doing, trying to kiss her like that? No good could come of such folly, not for either of them. Jenna was warm, intelligent and breathtakingly beautiful. A city girl. Not the sort to get involved with.
The last thing he wanted was to add Jenna to the list of people he had failed.
* * *
Much of the journey back to Tandarra was spent in silence. Jenna decided that Luke must have been overcome with the romantic atmosphere at the ball, because he was definitely not in the kissing mood now. In fact the closer they got to the homestead, the more distant and morose he became. He answered all her attempts at conversation with monosyllables.
She inwardly scolded herself for caring so much. Had she totally misjudged his intentions back at the dance? Surely she wasn’t that hopeless at reading men?
When they reached the peak of the hill where Tandarra first came into sight Jenna could take it no more.
‘Luke, is there something wrong? I mean, have I done something to offend you?’
‘No, of course not. What would make you think that?’
‘You’ve gone all quiet on me. I thought we were getting along well.’
‘We were. We are.’
Jenna took a deep breath and decided to be honest. ‘I thought we had a moment, back there at the ball.’
Luke glanced at her, went to say something and then stopped. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned the ignition off.
‘I’m sorry.
I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.’
‘You didn’t. I really enjoyed spending this evening with you. I thought the feeling was mutual.’
‘It was. Jenna…’
It seemed an age before he spoke again and Jenna had the feeling he was choosing his words very carefully.
‘Jenna, I like you. I’m very attracted to you, but I just can’t do this. You don’t want me in your life, believe me.’
‘Not even for a weekend?’ She hoped her voice was suitably alluring.
He shook his head. ‘I don’t think so. I can’t get involved with anyone right now. Let’s not complicate things.’
‘It doesn’t have to be complicated.’
‘I’m not a good person, Jenna.’ The pain in his voice was palpable.
Jenna couldn’t resist the urge to touch him, to comfort him. She laid her hand on his. ‘I know that’s not true.’
Luke was silent, but he didn’t move his hand away.
‘I can tell that you are a very warm and loving person,’ she said, looking straight into his eyes.
He looked at her tenderly. ‘Jenna, you’re very sweet, but you don’t know me.’
Four glasses of champagne had warmed her blood and loosened her normally tight rein on her emotions. Stuff being sensible. Here was a red-blooded man who was attracted to her. The fact that he was completely unsuitable for her as a long-term partner somehow made him even more attractive. Brooke was right. There was something to be said for one-night stands.
She reached over and placed her hand on his face. Her pulse raced but her voice was steady. ‘I know that I’ve never been attracted to another man the way I am to you.’
And then his mouth was on hers. He parted her lips softly, tenderly at first, and then, as she responded, his kisses became more urgent. The sound of her heartbeat drowned out all other sound. A knot of warmth formed low in her belly and began to spread throughout her and she longed to be closer to him, to feel his bare skin against her own. She was shocked at the strength of her desire.
And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.
Luke pulled away sharply. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t do this. I just can’t.’
‘Luke — ’
‘I need to get you home. I don’t want Maggie worrying about us.’ He sat upright and buckled his seatbelt before turning the key in the ignition.
Jenna silently slid her own belt back on and stared out into the starlit night. It seemed she was cursed where men were concerned. She couldn’t even to manage to throw herself at one properly.
Chapter 6
Jenna was woken by a soft tapping on her bedroom door.
‘Jen, wake up,’ Brooke said, as she burst into the room. ‘Come on, sleepy head, we’ve got a recovery barbeque to attend in less than an hour.’
Jenna groaned. The events of last night had left her confused and unsettled. She had spent most of the night tossing and turning, wondering what was wrong with her and cursing herself for giving in to blind passion. She had been stupid to go against her own instincts.
Now she was exhausted and had a headache. But much worse than that, once she left this room she would have to face him.
‘How did your night end up?’ Brooke asked as she pulled the covers back from Jenna’s bed.
‘Fine,’ Jenna said. ‘What about yours?’ With a bit of luck Brooke would take the bait and change the subject.
‘It was fantastic. Rob took me up to the lookout. The town looks gorgeous from up there.’
‘So it was strictly a sight-seeing venture?’
‘Guess that depends on your definition of sight-seeing,’ Brooke said, with a mischievous grin. ‘I was looking at a mighty fine sight right there in the car.’
Jenna laughed. ‘I take it your date went well.’
‘Yeah, Rob’s great. We got on like a house on fire. I can’t wait to see him again this morning. Which is why, lazy-bones, you need to get out of bed and get ready. Maggie’s made a pot of tea if you want some sustenance before we go.’
‘Okay, I’ll be out soon.’
‘Not so fast, sunshine. You didn’t answer my question. How was your night?’ Brooke looked at Jenna expectantly.
‘I told you. It was fine.’
‘Don’t think you’re getting off that easily. I know the gorgeous Luke brought you home. I thought I sensed some sparks between you two. Am I right?’
Jenna sighed. ‘I have no idea what’s going on. There’s definitely some chemistry there, I’ll admit that much.’
Brooke smiled. ‘That’s great, Jen. Just what you need, a bit of sizzle in your life.’
‘Don’t get too excited. Nothing’s going to come of it.’
‘How do you know?’
‘We kissed last night. He seemed interested at first, but then he pulled away like I had burnt him. He said he couldn’t do it. Obviously, I repelled him in some way.’
Brooke frowned. ‘That’s strange.’
‘Maybe I’m repulsive to men.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. He must have a reason. Maybe he has had his heart broken, or maybe he’s seeing someone else and didn’t want to do the wrong thing by them.’
Jenna shrugged. ‘I don’t think it’s another woman. Everyone in town seems to have him pegged as Barlow’s most eligible bachelor.’
Brooke leaned over and squeezed her hand. ‘Well, he’s an idiot then. It’s the only explanation. Never mind, there are plenty more fish in the sea, or cowboys in town, to be precise.’
Jenna smiled despite her melancholy mood. ‘At least this trip has been a success for one of us. I’m glad you found Rob.’
‘Oh, he’s just a bit of fun. Still, I can’t wait to see him today so we’d better get a move on.’
Brooke bounded off and left her to get ready for a day she did not want to face. First there was the recovery barbeque, which was being held at the cricket ground. Afterwards the visitors were invited to watch the Barlow first eleven play nearby Curlewis. Normally Jenna enjoyed watching a game of cricket, but today she could think of nothing worse.
Reluctantly she headed for the shower.
* * *
The morning sun streamed through the windscreen of Luke’s black four-wheel drive as they all headed into town. ‘Looks like it’s going to be another scorcher,’ said Maggie.
‘I can’t believe how hot it is already,’ said Brooke. ‘I mean it’s not even eight o’clock yet.’
‘The weather bureau predicted it would get to 40 degrees today,’ Maggie replied. ‘That must be some type of record for November, surely?’
Luke was grateful for the mindless chatter. While Brooke and Maggie prattled on about the weather nobody seemed to notice his silence. Or Jenna’s.
He longed to be alone with her. He desperately wanted to explain the abrupt end to their evening. The look of pain on her face when he recoiled from their embrace had haunted his dreams and as a consequence he had not slept well. Today she was carefully avoiding his gaze, smiling, pretending that nothing had happened. But when he looked in the rear vision mirror a moment ago, they had locked eyes, just for a second. The hurt in her eyes made him ashamed. The last thing he wanted was to cause Jenna grief, but already he had made her unhappy.
* * *
By ten o’clock the barbeque had taken on a party-like atmosphere. Most of the visitors and their hosts had managed to drag themselves out of bed to attend. Jenna was grateful for the high turnout. Avoiding Luke should be easy in this crowd. He was the day’s head chef and due to the Total Fire Ban, the barbeques had been swapped for electric hotplates set up inside the cricket pavilion. There would be no need for the two of them to cross paths.
Brooke brought Rob over to meet her properly. A large Labrador trotted beside him. Jenna eyed the dog suspiciously. ‘Does it bite?’
Rob laughed. ‘No, but she might lick you to death.’
‘Has Brooke told you about her little dog?’ Jenna asked.
Rob grinned. ‘Yes s
he did mention him.’
‘Once she starts talking about Dougal she’s hard to shut up,’ Jenna said. ‘I have to admit, he’s pretty cute — for a dog. I’m more of a cat person myself.’
Rob smiled indulgently at Brooke. ‘I think I’ve found the perfect woman,’ he said. ‘A dog lover who barracks for Collingwood. What more could a man ask for?’
The morning passed more pleasantly than Jenna had imagined it would. Rob introduced her to his friend, Charlotte, a journalist at the Curlewis Times. Charlotte’s black and white polka dot skirt teamed with a fine wool halter neck top and expensive pumps set her apart from the other local girls. She lowered her oversized Dior sunglasses with one hand and offered the other hand to Jenna. ‘Pleased to meet you,’ she said. ‘Now what brings a big time magazine editor like yourself to our humble town?’
Jenna blushed, surprised that she had been recognised. ‘I’m just a simple girl at heart,’ she replied.
Charlotte eyed Jenna’s Gucci sandals. ‘So I see. A girl after my own heart.’
Charlotte entertained Jenna for the bulk of the morning with her hilarious tales of life as a country journalist. Jenna almost wept with laughter at Charlotte’s anecdote about researching a story on the artificial insemination of cows. ‘Let’s just say it was a hands-on experience,’ Charlotte said and gave a throaty laugh.
Jenna was so engrossed in their conversation she didn’t notice that Luke had come up behind her.
‘I hope you’re not corrupting our guests, Lottie,’ he said.
Jenna’s heart sank as she heard his voice. She had hoped that he would avoid her and that last night’s events could be pushed to the back of her mind.
‘Just trying to impress the big city editor with tales of my brilliant reporting,’ Charlotte said.
