In the adjoining staff kitchen, she put together a small tasting platter. As she was carrying it out, her uncle called her name from the office next door.
"Isn't that Justin Wheeler?"
"Yes, it is. We've just been touring the factory, and now we are going to try some of this fine food." She looked fondly at his lined weather-beaten face.
"Make sure he tries the camembert. It's a particularly good batch. And I think you should take this." He opened the fridge door and pulled out a bottle of wine. "It will bring out the flavours of the cheese."
She took the bottle before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Thanks, Uncle Bill."
She returned to the room and found Justin still reading about the old butter factory.
He turned when he heard her approaching. "Maleny's history is so interesting. I had no idea."
"I know. As a child I had no interest at all, but it's part of what makes this town so great." She put the platter and wine on the table and poured them each a glass. She handed him one. "Since you're not driving anywhere tonight."
They clinked their glasses together and took a swallow before sitting at the table to enjoy the cheese. She pointed out what was what, then cut him off a piece and handed it to him.
He groaned. "This is so good. Between this and your sister’s cooking, how on earth do you stay so slim?"
She laughed. "Trust me, it's not easy."
"Well, whatever you're doing, keep doing it." His voice was honey smooth; she hadn't noticed the velvet tones yesterday. Heat rose up her neck, and a tingle coursed through her body.
She cut him another sample and their fingers brushed as she handed it to him.
She sucked in a breath as her gaze fell to his mouth. She wanted so badly to kiss him, to feel his lips on her mouth. On her body.
He leaned forward, and she could smell the fruity wine on his breath. He was so close. "Freya."
The door to the room burst open as a group of Japanese tourists entered, chatting noisily.
The moment broken, Freya leaned back and laughed. Justin squirmed slightly in his chair before joining her, laughing.
Chapter 5
The afternoon sun warmed her as they left the factory. Freya let her hand brush Justin's briefly and when he didn't object, she slipped her fingers between his. The grin he sent her made her heart thump so loud she was surprised he couldn't hear it.
She led him down the path marked ‘private’. She wanted to share things with him, experience things with him, do things with him.
"Where are you taking me?" He had a lightness in his voice.
She squeezed his hand, enjoying the feel of his touch. "You'll see."
He signed. "There is something about this place. It's almost magical."
Freya breathed in deeply, the scent of wisteria filling the air. "Do you believe in magic?"
He shook his head before turning to her. "At least, I didn't."
"Hello," her father's voice called from further down the path.
"Hi, Dad."
"Afternoon, Mr Montgomery." Justin moved to release her hand but she squeezed it and held him still.
She didn't care if her dad saw them holding hands. Her father wouldn't mind her being with Justin. He was very open-minded about letting people love whoever they wanted and be whoever they wanted. Her mother was the same, and she was proud of their modern, unprejudiced views. If only more people were like them.
Besides, she already knew how much they liked Justin. After dinner, they hadn't stopped speaking his praises. Who wouldn't like Justin, after all? With his mild manners and easy conversation, he was just the sort of man most parents would be thrilled to welcome into a family.
"I would have thought you had gone back to Brisbane by now," Mark said. Although his gaze flickered over their intertwined fingers, he didn't mention it.
"I was packing things up when I got the call about your offer. I'm just doing due diligence."
"Not a problem. These things have to go through the right channels, after all. We're here when you're ready."
Justin smiled at Mark, and her father shook his hand warmly. "You should come over to the pub tonight. All the locals will be there for our regular Friday night dinner and trivia."
"Oh yeah, you must," Freya said enthusiastically. "It's parmy night at the Bunya Bar."
"Parmy?" He shot her a quizzical look.
"Parmigiana. You know, crumbed chicken schnitzel with cheese and tomato sauce. Fridays are pretty much Greer’s only night off."
Mark nodded in agreement. "Even with all her experience, Greer still won't try to compete with the Bunya Bar when it comes to parmy night."
"Why would she want to give up her night off though, really." Freya adored her sister. She worked so hard and was so talented.
Justin chuckled. "I haven't had a good parmy in years."
"Great. I'll see you tonight then." Mark waved before turning down the path that led towards the milking shed, where the cows would be lining up ready for their afternoon milking.
Justin's gold-flecked hazel eyes held hers, and he spoke quietly. "Your family are great. I really like them."
Nerves skittered in her stomach. "Yeah, they are, and they like you too."
They continued up the path until Nutmeg came into view. She was quietly grazing in her paddock, just where Freya had left her that morning. "I was thinking that if you had grown up here, you probably would have learned how to ride a horse."
Justin looked at her with a furrowed brow. "Who says I don't know how to ride a horse?"
She rounded on him. "Do you?"
He laughed and shook his head. "No, I don't. But I know how to ride a bike, so it can't be that much harder, right?"
"Yeah, it's kind of different." She nodded before laughing. "Are you up to the challenge?"
He straightened. "Are you?"
She raised one eyebrow at him. "I am."
It didn't take long to saddle up Nutmeg, who dozed quietly as Freya tightened the girth and altered the stirrup length. After putting on the bridal, she handed Justin a helmet and waited for him to put it on.
"Okay, left foot in the stirrup and then lift yourself up," Freya said, turning the stirrup slightly, so he could angle his foot into it.
He tried but didn't get enough muscle behind the movement and ended up sliding back down the saddle, rather ungracefully.
She bit her lip so she wouldn't laugh at him. "That's okay—you've never done this before. Try again."
He repeated the process and this time managed to swing his leg up and over the back of the saddle. Before long he was sitting nervously astride her horse. She showed him how to hold the reins before gathering up the lead rope and urging the horse forward.
"Okay up there?" she asked when he remained silent.
"Yup."
Freya turned her neck and watched him. "Straighten your back and try to relax."
He did as she said, and after a few minutes he started to look more comfortable.
He looked good. Not just good—hot. She had always had a thing for guys on horseback.
Freya led Nutmeg around the paddock at an easy gait. She could feel Justin’s confidence growing with each step. "You're starting to get the hang of this."
"It's actually really fun. Beats mountain-bike riding—probably won't hurt as much tomorrow either."
"I don't know if that's true. If I go even a week without riding, I feel it the next day."
"Have you always liked horses?"
"Oh yeah. I was the kid who did pony club instead of ballet. I never competed seriously, but I loved being able to hang out with my best mate." She scratched Nutmeg behind the ear, just where the horse liked it. "Do you want to have a go by yourself?"
"Is that safe? Will you show me how?"
She nodded and unclipped the halter. "Nutmeg is as bombproof as they come. Finn rides her all the time."
She taught Justin how to direct and stop the horse before standing back and letting him pract
ice. He caught on quickly, and the two walked around the paddock for quite a while.
She could see his mouth moving, and it occurred to her that he was talking to the horse. Horses, she found, were very therapeutic, and she wondered what he was saying. Was he talking about his father and the life he may have lived had his mother stayed? Was he talking about his life in Brisbane? Was he talking about her? Did he feel the same connection that she felt? Like they were meant to be?
Eventually, he pulled up alongside her and stopped. She searched his eyes for clues, but they were shaded over. Whatever he and Nutmeg had discussed was private.
He slid down slowly from the saddle, and together they untacked Nutmeg and brushed her down.
"Thanks for that." He stroked the horse's neck one more time.
She slipped her fingers into her back pockets, looking at him from under her lashes. "Did you really enjoy it?"
"Yeah, I really did. She's a beautiful horse."
Freya smiled proudly. "One of the perks of living in the country." She hugged the horse's neck and rubbed her cheek against the silky fur. She loved the smell of horse, even a sweaty one.
"I better go and get changed if I'm coming out to the pub for dinner tonight."
"And what exactly are you going to change into? I didn't think you had any spare clothes."
"I'll raid Boyd's closet again. Although it mostly consists of checked shirts and jeans."
"You probably wouldn't be my dad's size, otherwise I'd offer you some of his clothes." She looked Justin up and down. "His wardrobe is mostly checks and jeans too."
"Boyd's fit me fine. Thanks though."
She smiled as he handed her the helmet and their fingers brushed, causing heat to rush through her body. "Do you want me to walk you back to your car?"
"No, it's okay. I remember the way, and you probably have lots to do here."
She nodded, not wanting him to leave. "See you tonight then."
"Save me a seat?"
She nodded and watched as he turned and walked away. She would be happy to save him a seat next to her, every night for the rest of their lives.
Chapter 6
Justin chose the nicest dress shirt he could find in his father’s wardrobe and paired it with the least-faded jeans from the dresser. By the time he was ready to leave, he was twitching to see Freya again.
He couldn't stop thinking about her, the way she looked in the sunlight, her hands slid into her back pockets. How it made her breasts thrust against the thin fabric of her shirt and show the ridges of her lacy bra. The huskiness of her voice, the lowering of her eyes.
The Bunya Bar sat proudly on a rise overlooking the town. The double-storey Queenslander had a large balcony decorated with a variety of green hanging plants.
He followed the sound of music and laughter to the bar where men dressed in high-vis shirts were nursing beers and chatting with their mates. Families and groups sat at tables in the adjoining dining room. He continued exploring the maze of rooms until he spotted Nina at an outside bar, ordering drinks.
"Justin, you made it. I'm so glad." She embraced him warmly. It was a mother’s hug and reminded him of his own.
"I heard the parmy here was the best in Australia."
"It sure is, and the company's not too bad either. Now, what will you have?" She gestured to the bartender standing at the beer taps.
Justin ordered a locally brewed beer he had never heard of and chatted with Nina while they waited for their drinks.
"Freya said she took you to the factory today."
"Yes, those cheeses are amazing. Do you sell them anywhere in Brisbane?"
She grinned a smile so similar to her daughter's. "No, only on the Sunshine Coast at the moment, although Freya has big plans for Emerald Hills. She wants world domination."
"I bet."
She had the attitude and drive to achieve anything she set her mind to. It was one of the things he liked most about her.
Drinks in hand, he followed Nina to a large table outside surrounded by lush green bushes adorned with fairy lights.
He heard Freya laughing before he saw her, and when their eyes met, it was like everyone else melted into the background leaving just them together.
She waved him over, then stood and hugged him, kissing his cheek, igniting his skin in her wake. "I saved you a seat, just like I promised," she said, moving down the bench seat so he could sit next to her.
They sat close to each other, their arms and thighs touching. He took a gulp of beer, hoping it would numb his reaction to her. He was pleasantly surprised by the lager's fruity taste.
Nina raised her arms and demanded quiet as she introduced Justin to the table full of family and friends. Names were exchanged, and hands shaken, but it was hard to take it in with his brain full of Freya's scent and touch.
The man sitting on his left caught his attention and introduced himself as Shane. Justin shook his ring-adorned hand and tried not to stare at his long, dreadlocked beard which matched his long, dreadlocked hair.
"Are you enjoying Maleny?"
Justin nodded. "More than I expected. It's a great place."
"It is." Shane tipped his beer in Freya's direction. "And she's a great girl, so you better treat her right." Shane's voice broke into a chuckle ,and he slapped Justin on the back.
He could feel Freya's body heat drawing him in. His mouth went dry. When he looked over, she caught his glance, holding it with those amazing brown eyes of hers. The corners of her mouth curved just a little, causing thrilling tingles to course through his body.
Over deep conversations, they all ordered and ate their way through hearty servings of chicken parmigianas, salads, and hot, salty fries. By the time he was finished, Justin's stomach was full, and his sides were sore from laughter.
"How are you with trivia?" Freya leaned in close, and he caught a whiff of her perfume—a mixture of citrus and jasmine.
He gazed into her chocolate-coloured eyes and tried not to drown in their depths. "I'm okay. I do enjoy watching Millionaire Hot Seat."
She rubbed her hands together. "You can be on my team then."
They joined up with Greer and Mark, and spoke in huddled whispers as the trivia questions were called out.
"What's the capital of Brazil?"
"Rio de Janeiro?" Greer shrugged.
"No, it's Brasilia," Justin said. "Trust me," he added, when Freya looked at him suspiciously.
"Who won the 2014 FIFA world cup?"
Everyone turned to look at Justin. "I'm not really that into sport, but I would guess either Germany or France."
"What about England?" Freya asked.
"No, they haven't won in years," Mark replied.
Greer tapped her pen against the paper. "Which one?"
"France. No, Germany," Justin said.
Justin felt quietly confident when the questions were finished, and the answers were called out.
"Brasilia! You were right." Freya clapped him on the shoulder.
"The winner of the 2014 FIFA world cup was ... Germany."
"Wow, good job!"
In the end they only had two answers wrong, but still beat everyone else.
"What do we win?" he asked Freya.
"A meat tray." She laughed. "Just what you always wanted."
The publican carried over a huge tray full of sausages, steak and mince and laid it on the table.
"Barbeque at our place tomorrow?" Mark suggested.
"I hope that means the men are cooking." Greer crossed her arms but smiled good-naturedly.
Freya wrapped herself around Justin's arm. "It'll be fun."
"You're intent on keeping me up here, aren’t you?”
"Is it working?" She fluttered her eyelashes.
How the hell was he supposed to resist when Freya looked at him like that? He had one hundred things he should have been doing back in Brisbane, but none of them appealed as much as being here with Freya. "I guess I could start packing up Boyd's things and go home Sund
ay."
"Yay." She kissed him ever so briefly on the lips and gazed into his eyes. "I'm not ready to let you go just yet."
Chapter 7
Justin awoke to the distant mooing of cows and light shimmering into the room through the sheer old curtains. He had slept longer than he'd expected and felt refreshed and ready to face the day. Perhaps it was the clear Hinterland air. Whatever it was, he couldn't remember waking up feeling so good in a long time. If ever.
He climbed out of bed and practically skipped towards the kitchen, where he prepared himself a cup of coffee and a bowl of muesli before sitting out on the porch to eat his breakfast and watch the farm fully awaken.
He thought back on the night before, the people he had met and their seemingly easy way of life. Things up here seemed so much more relaxed and less chaotic than in the city. There was less pollution, less traffic, less noise, and less people.
How he would go back to his life now where he was always surrounded by strangers. He didn't even know the other residents in his apartment complex—everyone kept to themselves and minded their own business.
Here, everyone knew everyone and was always willing to lend a hand.
His father was still a mystery—however, his life made more sense now. This area was the only place he had ever lived. It had been his life even when his family had left.
Justin resolved to start sorting through boxes that weekend and see if he could find out anything more about the man who might as well have been a stranger. Perhaps answers to some mysteries would be uncovered. Perhaps he would just be left with more questions.
He finished off his cereal and coffee, cleaned up the dishes, then headed to the bathroom where he showered and dressed in more of his father's clothes.
He then opened the wooden doors of his father's closet, deciding it was as good a place as any to start. His father had been surprisingly tidy and didn't seem to own much of value.
Justin decided that if he put in a few long hours he could easily have the job over and done with by the end of the weekend.
When he heard the sound of a car pull up on the gravel driveway, Justin stood and stretched. His morning sorting things hadn't uncovered anything he hadn't already known about his father.
The Dairy Farmer's Daughter Page 5
