Page 15 of The Dairy Farmer's Daughter

He smiled. She made him want to smile. A lot. "No. I'm still here. And, since your mum is bringing me out a glass of wine, I don't expect to be driving back to Brisbane tonight."

Freya pulled out the chair next to him and sat down. "Staying another night then? Sounds like we're growing on you after all."

"Seems like it. Every time I try to leave, I find a reason to stay."

She looked at him in such a way that he wanted to bare his soul. To tell her everything about himself and to learn everything about her. And she made him hot. Hot, hard, and messy-brained. Also, a little bit hopeful that he might have a future here after all.

"Do you mind if I eat with you? I'm on my break."

"I'd like that. But you better order your own chowder. I heard it's amazing."

She laughed, and he enjoyed the sound more than he wanted to admit.

After a delicious lunch of chowder and wine, Freya was feeling a little tipsy. The alcohol, the company, and the scenery made for an appealing combination. She and Justin had chatted for hours, discussing everything from their childhood experiences, to hobbies and work. Both being tech heads, they had discussed which software they preferred and what apps would be trending in the future. It had been such a lovely couple of hours—she found herself disappointed it had to end, and even more disappointed that he still planned to leave. He seemed hesitant, however, so she thought up ways to keep him around a little bit longer.

"Why don't you let me show you around Emerald Hills? I'll give you the grand tour?"

He caught her gaze, and for a heart-stopping second Freya thought he could read her mind. "I'd love that," he agreed.

She led him to the animal farm where they patted the sheep, calves, chickens, and pigs, all the while laughing and giggling like children.

"That's the milking shed"—she pointed out—"but I think you've already seen inside one of those."

He stood beside her. Close. "Can't say I'm in a huge hurry to see another one anytime soon."

"Let's go to the factory then." She took a step ahead, and then paused and placed her hand on his arm. "You do eat cheese, right?"

"That all depends on the cheese and on the company."

Freya giggled and walked her fingers up his muscled arm. "That sounds like a challenge."

She let her hand slide down his arm and curl around his fingers. His eyes deepened, but he didn't remove his hand.

Inside the factory, they walked around the viewing platform where they were separated from the machinery by glass panelling. She explained the manufacturing process of the cheese and yogurt as best as she could remember, having only guided the tour groups a handful of times. But she was surprised how interested Justin seemed to be in everything she said and showed him.

"I had no idea there was so much involved."

Freya pointed to a wall of photos and newspaper articles. which were framed and on display on the back wall.

"My Uncle Bill started the factory. It was his dream." She gazed proudly at the picture of her father, Bill, and their parents when they were much younger.

Justin leaned in closer. "I can see the resemblance."

"You stay here and read all about dairying in Maleny while I go get the cheese."

He nodded, still intently reading the articles.

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.

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