Page 27 of The Orchard at Rosevale
If the outside of the pub channelled old-school charm with its red bricks, green trim and ivory fretwork, the inside appeared surprisingly modern, all cream and pale blue decor, from the chairs and tables to the extensive bar that ran along an entire wall.
‘This place looks different,’ Cruz said, his eyebrows shooting up. ‘When did they renovate?’
‘New owners took over four years ago,’ Kyle said. ‘Revamped everything except the original front bar.’ He pointed to a chalkboard featuring the Specials of the Day. ‘The pub grub staples are good, but they change the specials daily and they’re usually amazing.’
‘Who’s the chef?’
Kyle shrugged. ‘Some guy from Sydney.’
‘Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s got nothing on you,’ Elora said, patting Cruz’s arm, unprepared for a zing to zap her palm where he’d kissed it a few minutes earlier.
‘Do I look worried?’
She leaned in close to murmur, ‘You look hot.’
‘What are you two whispering about?’ Kyle’s astute gaze swung between them, before he shook his head. ‘El, I’d warn you to stay away from this bloke, but I can’t, because he’s one of the good ones.’
Cruz’s eyes widened in surprise and Kyle slapped him on the back. ‘I’ll grab us a table. The rest of the gang should be here soon.’
As Kyle strode towards the hostess, Cruz’s expression hardened. ‘I should warn you, I wasn’t the most social kid at school, and I haven’t seen these people in twelve years, so we’ll have little in common.’
‘Were you friends with Kyle?’
He shook his head. ‘I was a loner, he was popular. I’m surprised he’s acting like we’re mates.’
‘Age gives people perspective. Life experience mellows us.’
He snorted. ‘You sound middle-aged.’
‘Just a very wise twenty-eight.’
‘While I’m a very jaded thirty.’ His nose crinkled. ‘I’m not looking forward to this.’
‘Then why did you come?’
He hesitated, looking somewhat sheepish. ‘Because I didn’t want you stuck on the farm the entire week. I know how boring it gets.’
‘I’m quite capable of exploring the town on my own. And Kyle asked me to dinner and to tag along with his friends, so you didn’t have to put yourself out on my account—’
‘I want to be here, okay?’
His gaze drifted to Kyle, who beckoned them over to a table, and she realised why Cruz might’ve tagged along.
‘You were jealous?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
She grinned. ‘That’s okay. Deny it all you want, but I know the truth.’
‘What’s that?’
‘You haven’t forgotten what happened at your restaurant in Melbourne and now that I’m living on your farm, you want a repeat.’
She expected an instant rebuttal for her fun baiting. But when his expression tightened she wondered if she might be playing with fire.
CHAPTER
15
