Free Breaking The Drought by Lisa Ireland Page B

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.’
    â€˜Has Brooke told you about her little dog?’ Jenna asked.
    Rob grinned. ‘Yes she did mention him.’
    â€˜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.
    â€˜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.
    â€˜Just trying to impress the big city editor with tales of my brilliant reporting,’ Charlotte said.
    Jenna smiled. ‘It worked. I am impressed. Charlotte, let me give you my card.’ She fumbled in her hot pink Prada handbag. ‘If you ever feel like submitting a piece to Gloss then let me know. We’re always on the lookout for a fresh voice.’
    â€˜Wow, thanks. You’ll definitely be hearing from me.’ Charlotte’s eyes flitted to Luke and then back to Jenna. ‘I guess I should share you around, Jenna. I’ve already monopolised enough of your time.’
    â€˜Not at all,’ Jenna replied. Please don’t go .
    But Charlotte was already backing away with a wave.
    â€˜How has your morning been?’ Luke asked, with no hint of emotion in his voice.
    â€˜Lovely,’ Jenna replied, forcing a smile. ‘I’ve met lots of interesting people.’ She saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes.
    â€˜Anyone in particular?’
    Jenna considered whether she should try to make him jealous. Rob Fraser had introduced her to several handsome, young farmers and she wondered how Luke would feel if she started gushing about one of them. It would serve him right. He deserved to be punished, but it wasn’t in her nature to play games.
    â€˜Charlotte, for a start.’
    â€˜Oh yes,’ he smiled. ‘Our Lottie is one out of the box.’ Luke hesitated for a moment, like there was something he wanted to say but couldn’t. The memory of the passionate kiss they had shared hung in the air between them.
    God, was he going to say something about what had happened? Jenna sucked her breath in sharply, in terrified anticipation.
    Eventually he asked, ‘Are you staying for the cricket match?’
    Jenna let out a relieved laugh. ‘I don’t have much choice