Propositions by Tania Joyce Read Free Book Online

week for the next few months.”
    “Have you talked to him?”
    “I texted him. Is that wrong?”
    “Ouch!” Max smiled cheekily. “Why don’t you have a fling with him for the next couple of months while he’s here? Have some fun. Some great sex. Then he leaves.”
    “No, Max. It’s bad enough I did it once. I’ve never had a fling in my life.”
    “Hell, I would. Keep it purely as sex. No intimacy and no emotions so no one gets hurt at the end.”
    “Max, stop. It’s not going to happen.” Jessica giggled at Max’s crazy proposal. “Can you come with me out to the winery this weekend? I wanna get out of here for a while, drink a couple of bottles of good wine and clear my head.” Jessica was hoping to put all this mess behind her. Then she’d apologize to Nate and focus on her business as always.
    “I can’t.” Max pouted her lips and genuinely looked disappointed. “Billy has his soccer game on tomorrow. Maybe next time.”
    * * *
    The drive northwest out to Gumtrees Winery and Ranch Retreat in Pokolbin took Jessica just over two hours from the city. Nestled at the foothills of the mountains, the cozy Hunter Valley getaway backed onto a flowing creek lined with towering silver-gray eucalypts and sweet scented wattles. The sandstone homestead, stables, boutique restaurant, cellar door and several timber cabins sat on the crest of a small hill. Vineyards covered the rolling hills in all other directions. Winter had turned everything to shades of earthy brown. Crisp, dry grass blanketed the ground and leafless vines hung precariously on their trestles. Even in the harsh, cold conditions, it was picture perfect, and felt like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
    Jessica loved coming out to Gumtrees once a month or so to relax, do some work in the peace and quiet, and ride horses. She’d grown up in the nearby town of Cessnock and had been coming here on and off for over ten years. It made her appreciate all she had achieved at such a young age. She’d been very lucky her hard work and sacrifices had paid off.
    After driving up the long gravel driveway, past rows and rows of grapevines that seemed to long for the return of the warm summer sun, she parked outside her usual cabin next to the homestead. Stepping outside, she sucked the fresh country air deep into her lungs and instantly felt better.
    As she unlocked the back of her car to unload her gear, she caught sight of Nick Hill, the owner, coming out of the reception office. Rugged up in an oversized brown parka and blue woolen beanie, he strolled down the pathway to greet her.
    “Good to see you as always. Here’s your key,” Nick offered politely. “Are you okay? You were only out here three weeks ago.”
    Jessica slipped her sunglasses back on in an effort to hide the dark, tired circles under her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just need a break.”
    “Don’t we all,” Nick said as he gathered her luggage and food basket out of the back of her car. He led her up the steps and placed her belongings at the door.
    Jessica slid the key into the lock. “I think I’ll go for a ride and get some fresh air into my system. I’ll take Stirling out, if that’s okay? I’ll ride up along the top ridge paddock and back down the vineyard trail.”
    “Sounds good. I’ll be in the office. Let me know if you need anything.”
    After changing into her riding gear, Jessica made her way to the horse yards. Stirling, her favourite chestnut quarterhorse, hung his head over the rail and whinnied softly at seeing her.
    “Hey boy, how are you? Miss me?” she said as she rubbed the white star on his forehead. As she entered the yard through the gate, he stuck his nose out and nuzzled into her as she put his halter on. “You ready for a ride? Come on, let’s go and get you saddled up.”
    Jessica rode all afternoon, and hit the same trails on Stirling the following morning. The scent of eucalyptus in the air cleansed her soul. The