Read Online Breaking The Drought by Lisa Ireland - Free Book Online Page B

instant romances, but Jenna knew that most of them would not last beyond the weekend. She wished she could be so carefree, but she had always been sensible where love was concerned. She was not one to give in to feelings of heady passion. She had her mother to thank for that.
    Jenna chose her lovers carefully. An absent father, two stepfathers and countless “special friends” of her mother had taught her the danger of relying on wild-eyed passion to select a partner. Love needed foundations, something solid to build on.
    She had thought Simon was the perfect man. He’d checked every box on her list. They had everything in common: work, friends, the same taste in music. And he had totally swept her off her feet. She had actually felt smug about finding the perfect man just at the right time. She was 26 when they met and she had planned on marrying him before her next birthday. She was thrilled when Simon presented her with an engagement ring on Valentine’s Day.
    Now, here she was, 27 and alone. Lonely, if the truth was known. Simon’s rejection had upset more than her perfect life plan. He’d made her feel unattractive, undesirable…
    Unlovable.
    To hell with being careful. If ever there was a time to throw caution to the wind it was now. Luke Tanner liked her, she was sure of it. He was probably waiting for her to give him some type of signal. Brooke was always telling her that she gave off negative vibes to guys. Well, not this time.
    What possible harm could come from a weekend fling? Normally casual interludes were not her thing. It was too risky, too messy. Melbourne might be a big city but her world was surprisingly small; the same people at the same parties, only the venues changed. All actions had a consequence and she was never willing to risk her position or her reputation on a one-night stand. But Barlow may as well be a million miles away from Melbourne it was so far removed from her world.
    Carpe Diem, Jenna. Seize the day!
    She smiled in delicious anticipation of the days ahead. A few days of devouring Luke Tanner might be just what she needed.
    * * *
    Luke managed to get outside the hall with only a few nods and waves to locals, which was fortunate, as he did not trust himself to speak. He made his way behind the building and leant up against its rear wall. He took a deep breath and tried to collect his thoughts.
    He had almost done the unthinkable in there. What was he doing, trying to kiss her like that? No good could come of such folly, not for either of them. Jenna was warm, intelligent and breathtakingly beautiful. A city girl. Not the sort to get involved with.
    The last thing he wanted was to add Jenna to the list of people he had failed.
    * * *
    Much of the journey back to Tandarra was spent in silence. Jenna decided that Luke must have been overcome with the romantic atmosphere at the ball, because he was definitely not in the kissing mood now. In fact the closer they got to the homestead, the more distant and morose he became. He answered all her attempts at conversation with monosyllables.
    She inwardly scolded herself for caring so much. Had she totally misjudged his intentions back at the dance? Surely she wasn’t that hopeless at reading men?
    When they reached the peak of the hill where Tandarra first came into sight Jenna could take it no more.
    â€˜Luke, is there something wrong? I mean, have I done something to offend you?’
    â€˜No, of course not. What would make you think that?’
    â€˜You’ve gone all quiet on me. I thought we were getting along well.’
    â€˜We were. We are.’
    Jenna took a deep breath and decided to be honest. ‘I thought we had a moment, back there at the ball.’
    Luke glanced at her, went to say something and then stopped. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned the ignition off.
    â€˜I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.’
    â€˜You didn’t. I