Page 94 of The Orchard at Rosevale
‘Hey, my lame banter isn’t that bad,’ he said, eyeing her with concern. ‘What’s with the face?’
‘I’ve never been able to hide my emotions.’ She shook her head and braced for a potentially devastating conversation. ‘I have something to tell you.’
‘Okay, this sounds serious. Do I need to sit down?’
‘We both will after this.’ She inhaled a breath and blew it out slowly. ‘I got a call earlier from the biggest pineapple plantation in Queensland. They saw the work I’ve done for your farm and restaurant and want me to do the same for them. They’re investing millions in a pop-up restaurant similar to yours, highlighting their pineapples in every dish.’
A smart guy would make the leap between what she said and how much it would be worth to her, and Cruz had brains and then some.
‘I’m assuming you’ll get a sizeable payday if they’re investing millions.’
His monotone scared her, but she had to do this, despite her heart urging her to take the easy way out and disappear into the night. Not that she’d ever do that to him after the time they’d spent together, but witnessing his disappointment when she chose her career over him would break her.
‘Yes. It’s a massive opportunity for me.’
‘And you’re going.’
The pain in his eyes slayed her and her chest tightened. ‘I think so.’
‘That doesn’t sound definitive.’
‘I know it’s not forever but it’s a big move. Far North Queensland is so far away …’From you, she wanted to say, but an admission like that could change everything. Could she really give up her dreams for a man who hadn’t promised her anything beyond fun while she was in town?
‘Don’t go,’ he whispered, and her heart stalled.
‘Pardon?’
He cleared his throat and eyeballed her, the depth of emotion in his gaze equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. ‘Don’t go. Stay with me. Move in with me. Be with me.’
He took hold of her hand and pressed it against his chest over his heart. ‘I know I’m asking a lot. Hell, it’s probably too much. But I want you to live with me, El. After your job in Queensland, that is, because I would never stifle you.’
Her pulse roared as he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. ‘I want you to fly, then come back to me.’ He released her hand to slide his arms around her waist. ‘But full disclosure. The craziest thing has happened, and this place is growing on me, to the point I may not sell. I might stick around instead. So I can’t make any promises about returning to Melbourne. Are you okay with that? Okay with living here with me?’ His eyes crinkled as he smiled. ‘And in case I didn’t make it clear, this place isn’t the only thing that’s grown on me. I love having you around. I love having you in my life.’
He lowered his head to whisper in her ear, ‘I love you.’
Cruz’s declaration cracked the cynical part of her heart that Elora had locked away, allowing her to finally admit the truth to herself, and him.
‘I love you too.’ She clasped her hands behind his neck. ‘Welcome to your new housemate.’
‘Make that roommate,’ he murmured, a second before he kissed her.
EPILOGUE
Commentary from Elora on the latest Instagram reel for Kinstead Avocados:
Hey lovely followers, this week I have loads of intriguing observations from your favourite home of the green mushy stuff, Kinstead Avocados.
Is it true that the handsome chef and owner of Kinstead Avocados is mooning around town while the love of his life is in sunny Queensland? That’s me in case you didn’t know. As if that’s possible considering I still post the occasional thirst trap of our gorgeous chef and shout my feelings for him to the entire world. That reel I posted of him baring his chest at the bush dance a few weeks ago had more comments and likes than my reel of him stripping by the pool, so I’m assuming you all have excellent taste, like me.
Have you heard that Smashed is booked out for the next two months? This lucky social media guru can personally attest to the mouth-watering avocado parfait that is sure to become famous Australia wide. I still can’t believe I’m an avocado convert!
Did you know that Ferne Wardlow is taking a round-the-world trip for six months with her dashing new beau? Go, Ferne!
Kudos to Bindi Hazelwood, who, along with being the hostess at Smashed, is now a leading advocate for local homelessness and the new food bank. Please check out the interview with Bindi on my last reel to discover how you can help.
And in my usual weekly plug, if your business needs a revamp or boost, contact me. My PR services are second to none. The proof is in the popularity of Kinstead Avocados and Smashed. Just ask Cruz Wardlow, the love of my life. And if I haven’t already said it a billion times on previous reels, thanks to the amazing locals of Rosevale Grove for embracing me as one of your own.
Speaking of locals, Lance Thomson’s motel is undergoing renovations, so not sure where I’ll get intel for my reels if Thommo doesn’t have any guests to spy on.
