A feeling of wicked satisfaction raced through Evie before her conscience reasserted itself. She could afford to be charitable to the biggest loser in this scenario.
Just so long as she never had to see Chrissy’s face again.
Steve had been dragged in to take over the interviewing role, although he remained off-camera. It was more than a little confronting to be asked questions rather than ask them, and Evie gained even more respect for Adam, if that was possible, for the way he conducted himself.
He explained how he’d told each girl separately and as gently as he could that, without going into details, she would not be his choice tonight. Apparently Meg had already realised Adam was not the man for her and welcomed his honesty, but Chrissy had laughed it off, giving him some story about a relationship she’d ended for him, and not accepting for one minute he wouldn’t be choosing her.
But it was the grace and humility with which Adam finally spoke the truth about his childhood that held not only Evie but everyone in the studio captive. The number of misty eyes, including hers, testified to that. He really had made peace with his past, she knew that now.
The deeply fulfilling joy inside couldn’t be contained and the best way to express it was physically. Happy tears streaming down her cheeks, Evie hugged Adam to her to the strains of ‘You’re the One that I Want’ in the background as the credits began to roll.
‘I want you so much right now,’ he breathed in her ear.
Sensation thrilled through every part of her, tingling her scalp, electrifying her fingertips and tickling her toes. ‘No more than I want you,’ she whispered, her body sinking into his.
‘Hey! You’re still miked up!’ shouted a familiar male voice.
‘Get a room!’ That one was female.
Evie opened her eyes to the sight of Cam and Meg chuckling good-naturedly together. They seemed such a couple.
‘Get a room yourself,’ she called back, hastily ditching the mike.
If her instincts were correct, and they usually were, the flirty look that passed between the two of them spoke of a distinct possibility there. Evie couldn’t have been more pleased for them.
‘How about we go for a drink and talk about that?’ Meg suggested with a huge grin.
‘Thought you’d never ask.’ Cam casually draped an arm around her shoulders as they left.
Beside her, she felt Adam’s frame shaking. The roar that erupted came from deep inside, a burst of exhilaration that lit up his gorgeous face; a face she had every intention of waking up to every morning for the rest of her life. Before she knew it she was laughing too—with relief and pure, unadulterated happiness.
They stood while she helped Adam remove the mike. The dark eyes that roamed over her face were shiny with love and his smile remained uncontainable. ‘You’re … perfect.’
Evie let go a very unladylike guffaw. ‘Perfect? Are you kidding? Perfectionist, maybe. I’m driven, and I can be argumentative and—’
He put a finger to her lips. ‘And you’re talking too much. I’m telling you, what we have is perfect.’
He tilted her chin and kissed her with a thoroughness that left her melting in his arms. With a blissful sigh, Evie closed her eyes and focused on the heartthrob farmer she was hopelessly and totally and mindlessly in love with, while the noises of the emptying studio faded around her like shadows of the past.
Adam was right. Love didn’t get more perfect than this.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Where to start? Firstly, with two lovely ladies, Sue Brockhoff and Annabel Blay, for whom nothing was too much trouble; they made me feel very special as a debut Harlequin MIRA author. Also, a big thank you to Kate James and Sharon Ketelaar, editors extraordinaire.
I love researching for a book, especially when it involves travel. Huge thanks to the helpful people at the Broome Visitor Centre and Willie Creek Pearl Farm, and to Nikki Logan for answering my many questions about the TV industry.
To my beta readers, Lyn Crandell and Catherine Lee, your feedback and encouragement have been invaluable. Thank you so much.
To my wonderful critique partners, Cassandra Samuels, Enisa Haines and Alyssa J. Montgomery, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your belief in this story and your help in getting it written. I’d also like to thank the inspiring and talented ladies of Breathless in the Bush, our fantastic writing group.
Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to my husband, Leigh; I couldn’t have done this without your unreserved support, enthusiasm and encouragement. You make our life a dream.
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ISBN: 9781760374174
TITLE: The Farmer’s Perfect Match
First Australian Publication 2016
Copyright © 2016 by Marilyn Forsyth
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilisation of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the permission of the publisher:
Harlequin Enterprises
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201 Elizabeth Street
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
MIRA and the Star Colophon are trademarks used under license and registered in Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, United States Patent and Trademark Office in other countries.
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The Farmer's Perfect Match Page 30