Between the Vines

by Tricia Stringer

  She looked away quickly. “See you later then.”

  She’d just pulled up at the quarters when Ed drove up. She got out of the van to meet him and planted a kiss on his lips.

  “So glad you’re pleased to see me,” he said with a mischievous smile. “Sorry I didn’t call in earlier. Busy morning.”

  “I know.”

  He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

  “What have you been up to?”

  “Shopping.”

  “Lucky you.”

  “For food. Have you got time to help me carry it in?”

  “I was hoping for a coffee.”

  “Carry a bag and I’ll make you one.” She slid from his hold and opened the van door.

  Ed leaned in and picked up some of the shopping bags. “What’s all this?”

  Taylor collected the rest. “I’m going to do some cooking.”

  “For an army?”

  “For the four of us.”

  “The four of us?”

  “You, me, Pete and Antoine. None of you have time to cook for yourselves.”

  He put the bags on the table and took her in his arms. “Me you can cook for whenever you like.” He kissed her. “But you don’t have to worry about the others.”

  “I’d like to.” She brushed her lips across his cheek and extricated herself from his hug. “It’s something I can do to help.”

  Ed’s brow wrinkled. “We all finish at different times.”

  “I thought about that. I’ll have the meal ready by seven and keep it warm. You can call in when you’re ready, eat it here or take it home.”

  He took her hand. “It’s a nice idea but if we want to see each other the evenings are our only chance at the moment.”

  “Come for dinner then. We can catch up.” She squeezed his hand. “I’ll make you a coffee.”

  Ed sat at the table, his smile replaced with a sullen look. “What will you cook?”

  “Something with chicken tonight.”

  “You know Antoine’s vegetarian?”

  Taylor’s finger paused over the start button on the coffee machine. She hadn’t even asked if they had any food preferences. “I’ve got tuna.”

  “I hate tuna.” His tone was like a petulant child.

  Taylor was tempted to say hate is a very strong word, as her mother would have. Funny she was thinking more of her mother since she’d been at Wriggly Creek. “That’s okay. I’ll make a chicken and a tuna dish. What about Pete?”

  “What about him?”

  “Does he have any food dislikes I should know about?”

  “You’ll have to ask him.”

  Taylor put his coffee on the table and made one for herself. Ed’s reaction to her food offer wasn’t what she’d thought. She hoped Antoine would accept or she’d have leftovers everywhere. She could freeze some for the weekend when Cass came. Something else she needed to tell Ed. She didn’t like the feeling she had to tread carefully whenever she told him anything.

  “You remember my friend Cass? She came with me to the pub when we were here for the hen weekend.”

  “The big girl? Yeah, why?”

  Taylor felt suddenly protective of Cass. Ed had said ‘big girl’ as if she was a giant. Cass was tall and solidly built but Taylor hadn’t ever thought of her as big. “She’s coming for the weekend.”

  “You know we’re all really busy with vintage.” He glared at her across the table.

  “Of course.”

  “I’m trying to spend time with you when I can.”

  Taylor shrugged her shoulders. “I know.”

  “So why invite Cass down now?”

  “I…” Taylor had been going to say she didn’t. “She’s got a free weekend. Doesn’t happen very often. I’ve offered her a bed here if that’s okay.”

  Ed slurped down the rest of his coffee and stood up. “Sure. The more the merrier. Perhaps we should all move in here if it’s going to be the dining house.”

  She studied his face for signs of humour but found none.

  “Thanks for the coffee,” he said.

  She reached up and kissed him. A brief brush of their lips.

  He looked her directly in the eye. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

  A little shiver ran through Taylor. Was that a threat or a promise?

  CHAPTER

  22

  Ed stared at the cordless phone he gripped tightly in his hand. He couldn’t believe his luck. He was going to get a second try with Mr Zhu. Well, not with him directly but with his Australian contact Mr Cheng. At least he was still in with a chance.

  He’d nearly missed this second opportunity. He’d happened to walk through the back way from the winery in to the office only to hear Felicity almost arguing on the phone declaring Edward Starr was not available. He’d caught her before she hung up on the caller. It had been Mr Cheng.

  Zhu had gone back to China but he’d been impressed with the wine he’d tasted and Lister had added his praise. Before Zhu left, he’d engaged Mr Cheng to follow up with Edward regarding the possibility of a partnership.

  Edward leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. He didn’t want Peter to know about it yet. He’d been dead set against a partnership outside the family. The only problem was Cheng wanted to meet in Melbourne on Saturday. Edward would have to drive over first thing that morning, stay overnight and leave early the next. It would be difficult to come up with a reason for the trip, especially since he’d just been there and vintage was well underway. He had told his brother Cheng was interested in buying wine and Peter would ask too many questions if he thought that’s what the meeting was about.

  Perhaps Taylor could come. No sooner had Edward thought it than he canned the idea. She might be company on the long drive but he didn’t want her to know about his meeting. He didn’t want anyone to know until he had everything sorted. Once the partnership was locked in he’d present it to Peter. No point in discussing what may yet not happen.

  Pity Taylor couldn’t come with him though. An overnight stay in Melbourne might be what they needed. Frankly it wasn’t working out how he’d hoped with her. He’d been surprised but pleased that she’d come back. He liked her. She was good-looking with curves in all the right places, bright and fun, or at least that’s what he’d thought. He didn’t know what to make of her insistence in staying with Antoine at the quarters or her developing friendship with Peter. Edward had tried his best to get her to move to his place and yet she resisted. It was as if she ran hot and cold with him. He’d never had much trouble enticing a woman to his bed in the past.

  Felicity stuck her head around the door. “I’m sorry about that call earlier. Was it important?”

  “I’ve sorted it.”

  She stepped into the office. “The man was difficult to understand and he wouldn’t let me take a message. Insisted on talking to you in person. I tried to explain you could be anywhere on the property. He wanted me to find you.”

  “You should have rung my mobile.”

  Felicity paused. She flicked a look to the window then back at Edward. “He didn’t give me the chance to try.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Are you happy for me to lock up?”

  He glanced at his watch. He hadn’t realised how late in the afternoon it was. He still had several jobs to finish.

  “Yes. I’ll go back out through the winery.”

  “Fine.” She flashed her brilliant smile at him. “See you tomorrow.”

  He grinned. “Night, Felickity.”

  He listened as she let herself out the front of the office. Her key turned in the lock. In the silence his stomach grumbled. He’d not stopped to eat lunch. At least he would get another decent meal tonight. One he wouldn’t have to get for himself. He wasn’t all that thrilled at the idea of having to share Taylor with the other two but he was looking forward to her cooking.

  Somehow he had to think of an excuse to go to Melbourne this weekend. May
be there was some way Edward could conjure something up that involved a weekend away with Taylor. If she came with him he’d only have to find a way to keep her busy while he met Mr Cheng. He drummed his fingers on the desk then gave it a thump. That wouldn’t work. Taylor had said her friend Cass was coming. She wouldn’t want to leave on the weekend anyway.

  There had to be some other way. He looked out the window across the vines to the roof of the cellar door and another idea started to form. He picked up the phone.

  Taylor looked at the clock and gave herself a mental pat on the back. It was nearly the time she’d said her food would be ready and it was. She took up a tea towel and began to wipe the dishes she’d used in her cooking spree. In the oven her tuna and leek mornay was keeping warm alongside her chicken lasagne. She’d made a green salad to go with the hot food if they wanted it. There was also some fresh crusty bread.

  She hummed to herself as she set the table. She wasn’t sure if Ed and Pete would want to eat at the quarters or take the food with them, that’s if they turned up at all. Ed hadn’t seemed too pleased about her idea and Pete could be forgetful.

  Male voices drifted closer, then the sound of boots on the gravel surface outside. She faced the door as it scraped open. Antoine stepped inside followed by Ed, and Pete who was carrying a sixpack of beer.

  “Smells good,” Pete said.

  Ed crossed the room and kissed her, just long enough to be more than a casual kiss.

  “Beer or wine?” Pete asked.

  Taylor put her hand up for a beer and so did Ed. Antoine opted for wine. Pete organised the drinks.

  “Sit down everyone.” Taylor waved a hand towards the table “I’ll get the food.” She put everything on the table and let them help themselves. Pete took some of the lasagne and the tuna.

  Ed eyed his plate. “Hungry, little brother?”

  “Not sure when I’ll get a feed like this again.” Pete grinned at Taylor. “Thought I’d make the most of it.”

  Taylor took a seat at the table beside Ed. “I wanted to talk to you about that.”

  All three men stopped eating and looked at her.

  “I was thinking I could do this each night.”

  “Cook for us?” Pete’s eyebrows lifted.

  “Except for weekends,” she said.

  Antoine put down his fork. “No, no Taylor.”

  “See, they don’t want you to.” A satisfied smile spread across Ed’s face.

  “It’s not that.” Pete swept a kind look her way. “It’d be great but we can’t ask that much of your time, Taylor.”

  “I don’t mind and it gives me something to do.”

  “But the cost,” Antoine said.

  “I’ve been thinking about that too.” The bit of money she’d put aside was shrinking fast. She wasn’t about to feed them for nothing. “You could all put something in so we shared the cost of the groceries.”

  “Oui.” Antoine nodded. “I’d be happy to do that.”

  “Are you sure it’s not too much?” Pete was still studying her closely. “We might need you in the cellar door from time to time.”

  “I’d love that.”

  “You’re going to be busy.” Ed spoke through a mouthful of lasagne.

  “I prefer to be busy. How is the food?” Taylor looked at each of the men, all at various stages of devouring the meal.

  Antoine and Peter were quick with their praise.

  “I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve cooked for me.” Ed winked at her and reached for some bread. “Still don’t think you have to cook for everyone.”

  Antoine looked up. Taylor noticed the uncomfortable expression on his face.

  “I told you it’s no extra trouble. I lived on my own in Adelaide. I’m enjoying the company around the table.” She smiled at each of them in turn then when she got to Ed she winked back. “I might need a stroll in the fresh air later.”

  His hand found her thigh under the table and gave it a squeeze.

  Taylor had another mouthful of the mornay. It had leek and orange in it. This recipe was one of her favourites and it froze well. “I’m not a fancy cook but I’ve got a few recipes up my sleeve. If you don’t like what I make you don’t have to eat it. I won’t be offended.” She glanced around. Their plates were all scraped clean. She laughed.

  “I’m prepared to eat nearly anything,” Pete said. “I hate coming in at the end of a long day and trying to find something.”

  Taylor was eager to make it happen. “Sometimes I can cook in advance, then if I’m needed at the cellar door, I can take something from the freezer.”

  “You have given this a lot of thought,” Pete said.

  “Sounds like you’re thinking of staying long term.” Ed’s tone was serious.

  Taylor shifted in her seat. What did that mean?

  Antoine stood up and gathered the plates. “I’ll do the dishes.”

  “I’ll help.” Pete stood up too. “Why don’t you two go for that walk? Antoine and I will clean up.”

  Taylor gave him a grateful smile. He was a thoughtful bloke.

  “Great idea.” Ed pushed back his chair. “Oh by the way, Peter, I had a call from our distributor Barry. There’s been a problem with storage in their Melbourne warehouse. He wants me to check it out.”

  Taylor studied Ed. His tone had been casual but his words rushed.

  “What kind of problem?” Pete paused, a pile of plates in his hands.

  “I don’t know. There’s been an accident, some pallets dropped or something. I thought I’d drive over Saturday and straight back Sunday.”

  “Perhaps I should go?”

  “No need.” Ed put up a hand. “You’ll come with me, won’t you Taylor.” He looked at her with his blue eyes wide.

  “I can’t, Cass is coming to visit, remember?”

  “Oh, that’s right.” He looked disappointed.

  Taylor felt bad. They’d had little time alone since she’d arrived. Perhaps a trip to Melbourne would be a good way to spend time together without the interruptions of the winery.

  “I’ll give Cass a call,” she said. “She can come another weekend.”

  “No, don’t do that,” Ed said quickly. “I’m only going over and back and it will be all work.”

  Taylor squeezed his hand. “Are you sure?”

  He nodded.

  “Perhaps you should speak with Barry again,” Pete said. “Find out more before you drive all that way.”

  “I will,” Ed said. “Just thought I should give you the heads up.” He nodded at the two men at the sink then threw an arm around Taylor’s shoulders. “Now what were you saying about fresh air?”

  His lips were close to her ear, his breath warm on her cheek. Taylor smiled and let him guide her out into the night.

  Back at his place, Ed poured them both a glass of sauv blanc and flicked on the television. Taylor leaned into him while he channel-surfed. Finally he left it on a political debate. She wasn’t a fan of politics but he turned down the sound at least and pulled her closer.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to put Cass off?” she said. “I’d be happy to come to Melbourne with you.”

  “Like I said it will be a quick trip and all business.”

  Taylor’s head was against his chest. She felt the rumble of his voice against her cheek. He was solid and warm. She relaxed.

  He kissed the top of her head. “Thanks for the meal.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “You know you don’t have to cook for all of us.”

  “I enjoyed it. Which reminds me.” She tipped her head back to look at him. “Would it be okay for me to use a computer in your office? I brought some cookbooks with me but I’m doing a lot of recipe searches and I’d like to post on my blog. It’s a pain on the phone.”

  “I’ve got a laptop you could use. I take it when I’m travelling so I don’t need it at the moment.”

  “Thanks.”

  They both sipped their wine. Taylor felt so comfortable s
he could easily doze off.

  Ed took her glass from her hand and she righted herself as he leaned forward and put both glasses on the coffee table. He turned back to her and pressed his lips to hers as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight against him.

  Once more she responded to his lips, his hands, the feel of his body against hers.

  His phone rang. Taylor jolted away from him as he swore and tugged the phone from his back pocket. He stared at the screen with dark brooding eyes then tossed it on the table beside the wine glasses.

  “Sorry.”

  He turned back to her but his sudden anger had stifled her desire as effectively as a bucket of cold water. There was a side to Ed she really didn’t like, she decided. Taylor stood up.

  “Time for me to go. It’s been a busy day.”

  “You don’t have to go.”

  “Yes, Ed. I do.”

  She saw the flash of anger in his eyes and she couldn’t blame him. Part of her wanted to fling herself back into his arms but part of her held back. Something wasn’t quite right and until she knew what she wasn’t going to take the next step with him.

  “If you’re sure,” he said.

  “Yes,” she said with more resolve than she felt.

  “Okay, I’ll walk you back.”

  Taylor paused. “Can I take the laptop with me?”

  “It’s in my office over at the winery. I’ll drop it off tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.”

  He threw an arm around her shoulders and walked her out the door. The night was chilly again and she was grateful for his warmth against her. They walked the track in silence. Taylor felt more and more awkward at their lack of conversation but she had nothing to say. At her front door he dropped his arm and turned to face her.

  “One day you’ll stop running away from me,” he said. He bent and kissed her firmly on the lips then turned and strode away into the night. Taylor shivered, part from the cold and part from the recollection of his lips on hers.

  CHAPTER

  23

  Next morning Taylor was up at first light. Antoine was still eating his breakfast when she wandered into the living area.

  “Good morning.” She grinned at him.