Page 55 of A Vineyard for Two

When the words came out of the man’s mouth, Brookes had to restrain himself from knocking the man out. Boyfriend. Who the hell was he kidding? There was no way that he was Harper’s boyfriend. For one, he looked nothing like her type. Wanky, swanky and full of himself. And second, Harper had slept with him and there had been no mention of a boyfriend.

‘Harper McGregor?’

‘The one and only. She hasn’t mentioned me?’

‘No, she hasn’t.’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your names,’ David said, his gaze shifting between the two of them.

‘I’m Leo, I’m Harper’s brother. And this is Brookes.’

‘Leo, I have heard about you. It’s a pleasure.’ He shook his hand and then turned to Brookes. ‘I’m sorry, but I’m not familiar with you. But lovely to meet you. Harper never talked about home much. She’s not one to share details, is she?’

Brookes made an attempt at smiling and shaking the man’s hand, but he doubted the forced smile was fooling anyone. ‘Harper should be back shortly. Would you like a drink while you wait?’

‘Oh, that’s very hospitable of you, but I’m driving so I probably shouldn’t. And I’m more of a brandy man myself. Wine’s not really my thing.’

Brookes raised an eyebrow and exchanged looks with Leo. ‘I’m sure Georgia has some brandy locked away.’

‘Excuse the mess,’ Leo said. ‘We’re just in the process of organising a dinner. Usually, Georgia would be on top of it, but the poor old girl got herself into a bit strife this morning and ended up in the hospital.’

‘Explains why Harper hasn’t come home then,’ David said.

Brookes went inside the house, with Leo and David behind him. He was seething inside, and it was taking every ounce of his energy not to burst out in fury. Boyfriend? Not once had she mentioned a boyfriend and there had been plenty of occasions to do so. He restrained himself and tried to focus on the food. ‘So, how long have you and Harper been together?’

‘Two years.’

‘That long, hey,’

‘She really never mentioned me?’

‘Like you said, Harper doesn’t divulge much. Keeps the important things to herself.’

The man laughed. ‘Sounds like Harper.’

‘Does she know you’re coming?’

‘No. It’s a surprise. I figured it was an excellent opportunity to meet her family. She always changed the subject when I brought it up. I figure this way; we’ll get it over and done with. I’ve met you both, and you seem lovely, so I’m not sure why she’s hiding you all away, though. Beautiful property too. A bit too quiet for my liking.’

This guy didn’t know Harper at all. If he did, he wouldn’t be surprising her this way. Brookes couldn’t wait to see the blow up when she returned from town and saw this douchebag waiting for her in the kitchen. He was going to give her an earful, too. He felt himself seething again the more he thought about it.

‘So, what do you do, David?’

‘Real estate. Mostly beachfront.’

‘Must have been busy for you recently?’

‘We’re always busy. It’s been easier to close deals, not as much spruiking and cold calling. People went nuts for beachside properties. I made more last year than the last three combined. It’s slowed a bit now, but I’m not complaining.’

‘Hmm,’ Brookes said, imagining grabbing the guy by his collared shirt and throwing him outside.

‘How’s the market out here?’

‘Specialised,’ Brookes said.

‘Sure is. Not many young people coming here. It’d be mostly the older crowd, no kids, retirees, or empty nesters trying their hand at wine.’

‘You’d be surprised.’

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