Page 13 of Lime Tree Hill

“Why do you say that? You’re a catch. Maybe that’s his plan—to lure you into a life of passion via a fake marriage.”

She snatched another slice of cucumber. “That imagination of yours is running wild again.”

“Well, real life is just too depressing. And for what it’s worth, I think it’s a fabulous idea. Mitch gets his bride, your parents get their money, and you have somewhere to live until you return to Sydney. It’s a triple win. But…”

“Go on.”

“With his rugby coaching and his work in the community, Mitch is a popular guy. Especially with the ladies. My concern is, can you trust him to be discreet? What if it gets back to your folks that their new son-in-law’s a randy man-whore? They’d be devastated.”

Earlier, Tayla had thought about Mitch and his high profile, wondering how she’d fit into his world. “Yes, you’re right. But he’s not really a randy man-whore, is he?”

Tim cocked a brow. Grinned. “Clifton Falls may be a small city, but people still gossip as if it’s a country town. It’s not like living in Sydney.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

“Set some ground rules. Expecting Mitch to be celibate is a stretch, but if he wants to play away, he needs to pick his playground carefully. Or, make sexy time one of those ground rules.”

A warm blush crept up her neck. “You think we should sleep together?”

“Why not? He’s hot as. You may as well take any benefits offered.”

“That’s a complication I don’t need. Anyway, it’s not like hewas offering, and I can’t sleep with someone I don’t have an emotional connection with. Besides, he’s not my type.”

“Brandon and I met on a one-night stand. Now we’re solid as. An emotional connection doesn’t necessarily have to come before sex.”

“Maybe not, but…” Tayla stopped herself before blurting out her virginity status. When it came to her sexuality, she’d never been one for sharing, even with Tim.

“But?”

She took the roast chicken and potatoes out of the oven and placed them on the table. “This is a mess of epic proportions.”

“You know what they say. One person’s mess is another’s opportunity. So, if you need a witness and photographer,” Tim continued, “I’m your man. What’s the time frame?”

“Thank you. Settlement’s due mid-April, so a few weeks yet.”

“Just as well it’s an elopement.” Tim placed the bowl of salad on the table. “Right, let’s get this chicken carved, then you can tell me what happened with you and Hayden.”

Tayla huffed out a heavy sigh and dropped her shoulders. “Do I have to? I’m starving, and I don’t want to ruin my dinner.”

Tim held her gaze the way only he could: with love and compassion. “He hurt you, didn’t he?”

She opened the fridge to get the dressing and let the cool air soothe her. “Yeah. But hearts mend. The memory may stay with me forever, but I’m slowly stitching myself back together.”

7

RUBY’S ON A TUESDAY

Ruby’ssuburban house was lit up like a Christmas tree when the Uber pulled up outside two weeks later. Tayla had caught the dusk flight from Clifton Falls to Auckland. When she walked in the door, her nieces were already in bed and her brother-in-law at work. Ruby greeted her with a tight hug, a compassionate smile, and the promise of a glass of chardonnay.

As she’d approached Clifton Falls Airport, Tayla had been unable to resist another peek at the billboard. She wished they’d take the darn thing down, so she didn’t have to look at his naked torso every time she drove past. It wasn’t as if she needed reminding what an annoyingly handsome man Mitchel Harrington was. It had occurred to her, more than once, to either look away or focus on the other men in the shoot. But what was it they said about train wrecks?

As Tayla followed Ruby toward the kitchen, the smell of curry wafting through the house helped her relax. They ate straight away, their conversation focused on their father and Cherry Grove. It wasn’t until Ruby served an almond coconut cake for dessert that the discussion turned to Mitch.

“So, what have you decided?” her sister asked.

“Well, as I said on the phone, I’ve been over the orchard’s books with the accountant, and it’s not looking good. They even have credit card debt they can’t meet the repayments on.”

“Really? I had no idea.”

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