Breaking The Drought Read Online Free PDF Page A

agent.’ She ended the call and looked at him. ‘What is your problem?’
    â€˜My problem is that I’ve had to leave the rest of the group to come searching for you. This is a working farm. The Dawsons can’t have people wandering around unaccounted for.’
    â€˜I’m not wandering around. I’m sitting here, minding my own business, getting on with my job.’ Her clipped tone revealed her irritation.
    â€˜How was I supposed to know that? Did it ever occur to you to mention your whereabouts to someone?’
    â€˜Brooke knew where I was. If you’d bothered to ask her you could have saved yourself this giant tantrum.’
    She was right of course. He could have asked Brooke, he simply hadn’t thought to. ‘You should have let one of the organisers know your whereabouts, that’s all I’m saying.’
    â€˜Sorry. It didn’t occur to me. You knew that the only reason I came to the farm was to get a phone signal. I didn’t realise I needed to get your permission to play hooky from the shearing demonstration. Honestly if I’d known this weekend was going to be run like a school camp, I wouldn’t have come.’
    Luke felt his pulse thud in his temple. ‘Why did you come? I mean you’ve obviously made up your mind not to enjoy yourself. You clearly think this whole town is beneath you, so I’m not sure why you want to be here. Maybe you should take your bad manners back to Melbourne where they belong.’
    * * *
    Bad manners? That was a bit rich from a man who had left his pregnant wife at home so he could socialise with a bevy of beautiful, single women. And why on earth did he care so much about what she was doing? If it wasn’t for the fear of insulting his charming wife (and incurring Brooke’s wrath) she would pull the pin on this whole stupid weekend right now. But, seeing as she was stuck here, at least for the time being, she supposed she should make some effort to fit in.
    Courtesy costs nothing . Grandpa Bob’s voice, ever her conscience, rang in her ears. Jenna’s anger began to taper. She’d been so busy thinking about her own issues, her own discomfort, that she hadn’t given a thought to the impact of her behaviour on those around her. Maybe Luke had been genuinely concerned for her welfare.
    As much as she hated to admit it, Simon’s engagement had totally thrown her. Instead of spending this weekend away loosening up and having some fun as Brooke had suggested, she was focussing on all the negatives of being away from the city. It wasn’t just the loss of a phone signal she was lamenting, it was her life as she’d known it. All her plans for happily-ever-after had gone out the window and now she had nothing.
    It was ridiculous. Life had thrown her far worse curve balls than this and she’d always prided herself on facing adversity with strength and grace. No matter what she thought of Luke Tanner it certainly wasn’t his fault that her life had gone so spectacularly off course and she had no right to take it out on him.
    â€˜You’re right,’ she said. ‘I should have been more considerate. My apologies. I have a lot on my mind right now and I guess I haven’t really been the most gracious guest. I hope you’ll forgive me.’
    Luke was obviously surprised at her back down and, if she wasn’t mistaken, he seemed a little disappointed. Maybe she wasn’t the only one spoiling for a fight this weekend. Well, he’d have to look elsewhere, because from this moment on she was determined to make the most of her weekend escape from reality.
    He gave a quick nod. ‘I need to get back to the shed to help with the shearing demonstration. Now that I know you’re safe, I’ll leave you to your work.’
    â€˜Oh. Actually, I’m pretty much done now. Would it be okay if I joined you?’
    He shrugged. ‘Sure.’ Without another word he