Passionate Harvest by Nell Dixon Read Free Book Online

really wanted to do.
    The doorbell rang as she finished her breakfast.
    “Take my umbrella from the hall. It’s tipping down out there,” Maggie called as Lucy grabbed her jacket and bag.
    Dominic was dressed in the same faded snug fitting jeans he’d worn yesterday, with the addition of a battered green waterproof jacket over the top of his shirt. She scuttled to the shelter of the car and scrambled inside, grateful to be out of the rain. Dominic took the driver’s seat, droplets of rain water gleaming on his dark hair.
    “It’s not such a nice day today, perhaps it was a good thing we did the walk through the vineyard yesterday after all,” he suggested.
    Since her legs had only just stopped aching and her lovely blue shoes were in the bin Lucy wasn’t so sure.
    “I have to be at Mr Fullwood’s office by two thirty. Would you be able to drop me there when we’ve gone through today’s agenda?” She tucked Maggie’s umbrella inside her bag and tried to look cool and composed. She’d remembered to bring a notebook so she could take down anything she wanted to check later on at her meeting with the accountant and her solicitor.
    “No problem.”
    She breathed a small sigh of relief. At least that was one hurdle over.
    “I’m sorry yesterday went a bit wrong. I should have taken you on an easier route, and I promise Mutley will be well out of your way today.” He gave her a half smile.
    “Thank you.” Why did she have to sound so awkward around him? How would she manage if she stayed? Especially when he had a nasty habit of stirring her hormones into a frenzy every time he came near her.
    Silence stretched between them and Lucy wracked her brains to think of a neutral topic besides the weather. As they approached the traffic lights Dominic flicked the button for the CD player. Loud rock music blasted from the speakers making her jump until he quickly brought the volume down to a much lower level.
    “Sorry. I forgot I had it turned up loud.”
    She hadn’t had him pegged as a rock fan. Somehow she’d thought he might be more jazz or classical. He definitely hadn’t appreciated Take That the other day when he’d been chauffeuring her around. That was something else she would have to do if she stayed – get herself a car.
    She hadn’t needed one whilst she’d been living in Tenerife. Her apartment had been on the hotel complex and she had walked to the other hotels within the resort when there had been meetings or when cover had been required. She’d also need somewhere to live. Maggie had been adamant that she could stay with her but she would have to insist that she be allowed to pay rent and grocery money, otherwise she would move out. Her conscience wouldn’t let her stay there for nothing.
    “Okay, we’re here. Shall we do the public buildings and the winery first?”
    His question took her by surprise. She’d been so deep in her own thoughts she hadn’t realised they had pulled into the vineyard car park.
    “Fine.”
    He frowned as he turned up the collar of his coat as protection against the rain before leaving the car to open her door for her. She put up Maggie’s umbrella to shield her from the rain as they hurried across the almost empty yard towards the barn where the wine was produced, bottled and stored.
    An hour later Lucy had cramp in her fingers and a notebook full of information which she was sure she’d never manage to master. She had to admit that the process was fascinating and Dominic clearly knew his stuff when it came to producing wine. It was no wonder that her Uncle Nick had been pleased to secure him as his partner for the venture.
    “You look as if you could use a break.” Dominic locked the door to the storage area.
    “It’s a good thing you know about all of this side of the business. I don’t think I’d be much use.” She slipped her notepad and pen back inside her bag.
    He opened the door leading back outside and peered out at the pouring rain. “You still