Page 95 of Lime Tree Hill

“I do.” Tayla picked up the jacket and panties and walked toward the door. Engaging in a conversation about Prue wasn’t a smart move. “I’ll leave you a bag of oranges on the kitchen counter. They’re big and ugly but taste divine.”

“Thanks. Mum loves oranges. And I’m sorry I have such a big mouth.”

“It’s fine. You weren’t to know.”

Tayla jogged along the river track until her lungs burned with determination and her mind screamed with regret. There had once been a time when she’d act before her thoughts had a chance to register. But after what had happened with Hayden, she’d learnedto take a different tack. To step sideways and observe from a distance before making rash decisions. Or so she’d told herself.

Leaning over to catch her breath, Tayla checked her Garmin. And as she watched the sun dip behind the western hill line, she wondered where Mitch went on his Wednesday poker nights—and who he was with. She’d never thought to question if he really stayed at Luka’s. But that was before she’d become invested in his world. Before he’d slid over her skin, claiming her with his arms of steel and hot mouth.

Tayla walked most of the way home, her energy only returning when she passed the lemon trees of the northern block, their blossoms fragrant in the evening air. She bounded up the stairs and made a start on dinner, already chastising herself for doubting Mitch’s sincerity.

But by midnight, as her thoughts raced with whys and what-ifs, doubt settled in a vacant corner of her mind. Feet on the floor, she cradled her head in her hands and sighed.

Outside in the night sky, a brilliant full moon mocked her exhaustion. Inside, the noise in her head did the same. She picked her phone up off the nightstand and unlocked it. She didn’t know why. Habit?

Or maybe she did.

Mitch:Thinking of you in bed this morning - my lips on your neck, your scent wafting around me…your touch… xx

As Mitch drove home from his meeting with Chris Stone the following day, an image of Tayla lying on their bed the day before came to mind. With the crinkledsheet covering her naked body, the line of her collarbone and the creaminess of her skin had taken his breath away. Apart from the few months that he and Prue were engaged, he’d seldom considered the term ‘domestic bliss’ and itsconnotations. But there were no other words for it. He was domestically happy.

Arriving at the loft before Tayla, Mitch entered his office to check his email.There was one from Ella asking if they could meet,and another from the police saying they had no leads on the avocado or grapefruit thefts.Not that he expected they would.

His phone rang. He picked it up and hitAccept.“Luka. What’s up?”

“How did the meeting with Mr. Stone go?”

“Fantastic. I asked him about the OCA complaint, he denied any knowledge and called me out for filling Ella’s head with organics bullshit. Then just as I was about to leave, he pushed me against the wall and threatened me to stay away.”

“But the guy’s half your size.”

“Yeah, but he’s strong. He used to box as a teenager.” Mitch chuckled. “I was just waiting for him to take a swing.”

“Those two are as bad as each other.”

“Maybe. Mind you, Ella’s been all business since I went to see her that night. Like butter wouldn’t melt.”

“I still don’t trust her,” Luka said. “Anyway, how’s it going with your tenant in Seaview Road? Mike’s interested, as long as he can move in early next year.”

“Her contract’s almost up, so she’ll be out of my hair soon. If not, I might have to change the locks. So, hook me up. I’m keen.”

“Perfect.”

“It’s been the year from hell having her in my life. But, anyway, I’m counting down the days. I should have trusted my gut.”

“How did she take it?”

“I haven’t told her yet. I’ll get my lawyer to sort it out while I’m down South. She’ll be out by the new year.”

“Okay, I’ll give him your details. The space will make a great café. Any problems converting the side room into a kitchen?”

“Shouldn’t be. We’ll take a look once she’s moved all her stuff out.”

“How’s Tayla?”

“Great.”

“She’s a keeper that one. I’m glad you guys are happy.”

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