Page 78 of Lime Tree Hill

“Maybe.” He stood and grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair. “Anyway, I have a meeting in town. I’m not sure when I’ll be home.”

“Do you want me to keep you dinner?”

“No. I’ll grab something later.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Don’t wait up.”

On the drive into Clifton Falls, Mitch berated himself for his own stupidity. He knew better than to engage with Ella, but when she’d arrived at the loft, upset after an argument with Chris, their history had tugged at his heartstrings. They’d met a few times after that night—for lunch one day and the odd coffee. But every time she quizzed him about converting part of the Stone and Pip Group’s holding to organics, he couldn’t help but doubt her sincerity.

Ella had always run hot and cold with Mitch. Whenever she and Chris had a major fight, she’d gravitate his way, arriving at the orchard in the early hours of the morning, or texting him throughout the night.

Now it was his turn to arrive at her place uninvited.

Ella pulled the door open, her perpetual smile firmly in place. “Mitch! I was just thinking about you.”

Really?“Is Chris here?”

“Not right now.” She stilled for a moment, offering a small frown. “Is everything okay?”

“I’ve had better days.”

She stepped back in invitation. “Come on in. I have a new pinot you should try.”

Mitch hesitated. Sharing a wine with Ella while she was home alone was not a smart move. But he stepped inside anyway, the aroma wafting from the kitchen making him realize how hungry he was. He followed her into the family room, removed his jacket, and stood while she checked the casserole in the oven.

“Please, sit. What do you want with Chris?”

“I thought he might be able to shed some light on why I’m being investigated by the OCA.” He pulled out a chair at the breakfast bar and sat.

“What? When did this happen?”

“I received the email this morning. The inspector arrived not long after.”

Her arms crossed, Ella rested her butt against the kitchen counter. “And you think Chris is behind it?”

“It fits his style. Has he mentioned anything to you?”

She held his gaze. “Don’t get angry with me. It’s not my fault.”

“He’s your husband. I don’t need this kind of bullshit in my life. Doesn’t the way he conducts business ever play on your conscience?”

“I’m not him, Mitch.”

“No, but you’re a director of the company. If he’s meddling in my affairs as a ‘concerned’ competitor, surely you should’ve been informed.”

“You don’t even know if itwashim.”

“Who else would it be?”

“Prue? A jealous ex of your wife’s?” Ella poured him a glass of wine, then topped up her own and slipped into the seat next to his. “Are you okay otherwise? I don’t often see you upset.”

“This investigation’s a big deal. I could lose my main marketwhile they search for something that doesn’t exist. I have nothing to hide, but the inconvenience is huge. Especially at this time of year.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

Mitch inhaled deeply then released the breath. He didn’t need Ella acting as an intermediary between him and Chris. “No, it’s all good. I’ll call him tomorrow.”

“He’s in Auckland at a conference until the weekend. Why don’t you stay for dinner? I’m sure Tayla wouldn’t mind you spending a night in town.”

The hairs on the back of his neck stood to attention. Ella had always been forward, but not usually as blatant as this. “Am I missing something?”

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