Read Between the Vines for Free Online

way. Once again she hadn’t thought it through. She shrugged her shoulders.
    â€œWe’ll find somewhere. Don’t wait up for me.”
    â€œTaylor.” Mandy took a step towards her.
    Taylor gave her a wave and slipped out of the door just as headlights lit up the car park. A dark four-wheel drive pulled in beside her. The window slid down and she was greeted by a smile and a wink from Ed. She hurried around to the other side of the vehicle and climbed in beside him.
    He leaned across. The sharp scent of aftershave engulfed her as his lips brushed hers.
    â€œWhere would you like to go?”
    His eyes twinkled in the glow of lights from the dash.
    â€œI’m in your hands.”
    â€œOnly place I know that’s open at this hour is my place. I’ve madesupper.”
    â€œSounds good.” Taylor smiled in spite of feeling full enough to burst. Rosie’s special night out had been a plentiful dinner at a local restaurant.
    â€œI’ll take you on a town tour then the back way to my place.”
    They set off and drove up and back along the main street. The only sign of activity was at the pub. He turned down a side street and slowed in front of a large building. The streetlight illuminated cream walls, elegant arched windows and a dark roof.
    â€œMary Mackillop Centre.” Ed nodded at the building.
    â€œAustralia’s first saint.” Taylor turned in her seat to take another look.
    â€œWe’re not only famous for our wine.”
    They passed more houses and drove up and down a few more streets with leafy trees and tidy gardens. Few houses had lights on.
    â€œThat’s it,” he declared with a grin. “Now Wriggly Creek.”
    Away from the streetlights the passing scene was lit by a full moon. The landscape was mainly flat with row after row of vines. Ed named places as they passed. A wave of apprehension swept through her. What did she know about this guy? Here she was driving with him to who-knew-where in the middle of the night. Where was the common sense she’d vowed to listen to?
    After ten minutes, he slowed and turned onto a dirt track. Up ahead she picked out the dark shape of a house. He pulled up beside it and came around to her as she opened the door. He gave her a bright smile and took her hand.
    â€œThis is our family home. Mum and Dad built it on the only piece of slightly higher ground on the property. The dip we call Wriggly Creek is down behind the house.”
    The night air was cool after the warmth of the cabin. Taylor wondered where Ed’s parents were. She stayed close to Ed as he led her up some side steps to a verandah. She stopped. Candles in pots flickered along window ledges, from tables and beside chair legs. The air was warmer under the protection of the roof and sidesthat were partly enclosed and covered in climbing roses.
    â€œIt’s so pretty,” she said.
    â€œMum’s doing. I try to maintain it. Have to admit to having a cleaner. I’m not good with the fancy stuff.”
    â€œLike housework.” She grinned and followed him to the chairs.
    â€œHave a seat.”
    Taylor snuggled into the soft cushions of the wicker couch. He put an arm on the headrest behind her and leaned in. She took in the rich brown hair swept back from his forehead, his clear blue eyes, his lips–
    â€œBeer or wine?”
    One of his eyebrows arched up as he spoke. Taylor was mesmerised.
    â€œBeer…thanks.”
    He pulled away and disappeared inside. She shivered and burrowed deeper into the cushions. Edward was one gorgeous guy and she deserved a drink. Once more she’d driven everyone to the restaurant and had only had one pre-dinner drink.
    He carried out two beers and a platter of cheeses, olives and crackers, put them on the low table then sat beside her. She felt his weight against her hip as he reached for the beers. He handed her one and tilted his towards her.
    â€œWelcome to