"You might find love too, Sami."
"Nah, I'm all good. I have enough on my plate for now." She took a sip of her wine and noticed Mason moving around the visitors. Sami kept her gaze on him as he walked and talked, looking casual and happy.
"Hmm, really. I'm sure you could find time for yourself. He is pretty good looking isn't he? And not a bit like his father, so don't let that put you off at all."
Sami grinned and took another sip of her wine, content to sit and watch what was going on around her.
* * *
By the time Mason found himself with a moment alone it was late afternoon. He glanced around looking for Sami and found her sitting under the old oak tree with Eliza and a few of the local kids. He sauntered over and crouched down on his heels in front of her.
"I have someone who is dying to meet you."
She turned stormy eyes toward him and sighed. "I already had words with your father thanks. The answer is still no."
"Shit. Sami I warned him not to say anything, I am truly sorry." He stood and held out his hand to her. "Please come."
When Mason thought he would have to walk away, she slipped her fingers into his and stood. A silent breath escaped his lips. Thank you universe. As he turned away with his arm around her shoulders Garth looked up and winked at him.
It wasn't until they were almost at the stables Mason spoke. "I really am so sorry. I spoke to my mother who said she warned Dad not to get involved. I guess he can't help himself. He will never understand I don't do business the same way he does."
She looked up and gave him a half-hearted smile.
"It's true. We are so different it's not funny. I accept what you say yet my father doesn't like to give up. In his mind, everyone has a price and he hasn't found yours yet. I'll have a talk to him."
"Thanks, because I almost slapped him. I hate people who can't take no for an answer and you know what else I hate?"
"Tell me."
"Guys who call me girly or lovey. It's so damned condescending. I can run this farm and run it well. He seems to think I'll have it in the red before I know what's happened. He doesn't know me very well."
"I'm sure he will find out. But don't let him get to you. We have an understanding and it's all that matters at the end of the day. Now, come and meet the gorgeous guy you were so hooked on the other day. Nothing he likes more than seeing a pretty girl with an apple for him."
Mason walked her into the stables and watched as Sami sweet talked his stallion. She was tickling him on the nose laughing at the horse’s antics when he handed her a small sweet apple. "Caesar’s favourite."
"Thanks." Sami held it in her palm, fingers closed over it while Caesar nibbled trying to get at it. When he threw his head back and snorted she burst out laughing.
"Typical guy, no patience." Uncurling her fingers she held her hand out to him. When he quickly nipped the apple away from her she smiled. Mason stood behind her and leaned his arms over her shoulders, tucking her head under his chin.
"You should bring his girlfriend over for a visit. He misses her."
She looked up at him. "Really?"
"Yeah, they used to hang out a fair bit. It kept him calm and I think he misses her. Why don't we meet up for a walk tomorrow afternoon, when you've put in the required amount of hours on the farm? I'm sure the boss won't mind."
"I'd like that."
"I'll meet you down by where you fixed the fences. There's a gate between the farms I used to use when I was bringing the horses through."
"Okay."
"Right, now you've spent quality time with Caesar, how about giving me an hour before you go home? We can grab a bottle of wine and sit under the trees watching people mingle."
"Sounds nice. I think I can manage that."
He wound his fingers through hers and pulled her up the path away from the stables. Stopping in the cellar Mason chose a bottle of wine and two glasses before wandering back outside.
"Over there." He followed Sami to a low bench sitting back from the other chairs and sat down. Placing the glasses between them, he unscrewed the bottle and poured their drinks.
Mason held a glass up for her, letting his fingers dance with hers before relinquishing the drink. He picked up his glass and toasted her. "To neighbours."
"To neighbours." Sami took a sip of the pale green liquid. "Yummy. I like this one, what is it?"
"Chardonnay, yes it is nice. Very fruity, light and crisp." Casually Mason laid his arm over the back of the seat and toyed with the stray curls falling from her up-do. "So, how are you enjoying living in the Hunter Valley so far?"
"I like it here. Cooler than I'm used to but the positives far out way the negatives in my mind. I'm just so pleased to be away from such a bloody awful, dead-end job. I never want to see the inside of a pub again."
"It must have been hard taking on the responsibilities you did at such a young age."
She shrugged and took another sip of the wine. Gazing at the thinning crowd she spoke again. "It was what I had to do, you know. Not something I actually planned on doing but it was for family and it's how it is."
"Sounds like your mum was lucky to have you." He stroked the back of her neck, smiling as goose bumps rose on her skin.
"Nah, we were lucky to have her. She was such a wonderful mother. I wish she could see us now."
"She would be proud of you, Sami.
