Between the Vines Read Online Free Page A

as he saw the blonde head appear round the door then had to suppress a surge of irritation as her solidly built friend followed her into the bar. He had hoped none of the cackling women with Taylor would come with her, even though he’d made the offer.
    He lifted his hand to get their attention. Taylor gave a shy smile when she saw him and made her way over with her friend in tow. He only had eyes for the blonde. He was pretty sure it was her natural colour. He favoured blondes, especially good-lookers like her with decent boobs and hips that filled out her snug shirt and jeans. A simple gold chain hung around her neck. Not lots of jangly jewellery. He raised his gaze to her face as she came to a stop in front of him. And no heavy eye make-up.
    â€œSorry we’re late,” Taylor said.
    â€œDoesn’t matter. How’s your friend who was a bit green?”
    â€œSleeping like a baby now,” the other woman cut in. “I’m Cass.”
    He gave her offered hand a quick shake. “Edward,” he said.
    Cass made a show of looking around him and up and down the bar.
    â€œNo brother?”
    Edward frowned. How did she know Peter?
    â€œIgnore Cass.” Taylor gave her friend a playful slap on the wrist. “She’s being silly.”
    â€œCan I buy you ladies a drink?”
    â€œThanks, Eddie, I’ll have a Bundy and coke.”
    He turned his lips up in a tight smile. Few people called him Eddie. He’d always hated it. “What about you Taylor? Still hankering for a beer?”
    â€œYes, thanks,” she said.
    He paid for the drinks and they’d all taken their first sip when there was a crash of balls dropping on the pool table.
    â€œMy favourite game,” Cass said. “Back in a while.”
    He watched her walk over to where two guys were lining up the balls for a game.
    â€œNot very subtle, is Cass.”
    Edward turned back to see Taylor watching him with a smile on her lips.
    â€œHope you don’t mind. She insisted on coming with me,” she added
    â€œIn case I was Jack the Ripper?”
    â€œNo, she likes to have a good time. Eight-thirty was a bit early for her to turn in.”
    She drained the rest of her glass. The look she gave him held a hint of dare. He’d been right in thinking she was feisty behind the pretty face. He liked a woman who could take care of herself.
    â€œMy shout,” she said. “You up for a shot?”
    Was he? Edward’s grin stretched across his face. “Yes ma’am.” The night was fast improving.
    An hour later they were still at the bar going shot for shot.
    â€œYou like living here?” she asked.
    â€œThere are worse places.”
    â€œIt’s such a different lifestyle.” She turned her back to the bar and leaned on it with both her elbows. He turned to look at what she was taking in. Cass, who hadn’t lost a game since she started playing pool, still had a few guys hanging around keen to take her on. Several other people were propped at tall tables and a small group were playing darts at the other end of the bar.
    â€œDifferent to what?”
    â€œI don’t know. The city I guess. I’ve had the odd weekend in the country. Life seems quiet, not as frantic.”
    â€œDepends who’s around and what’s on. Some weekends you can’t get to the bar for patrons.” He drained his beer. “If it’s a party you want I’m sure I can think of something.”
    She laughed. It was a deep throaty sound. “Steady up, Ed. Just drinks, remember.”
    Taylor’s cheeks glowed pink and he drank in the sparkle in her blue eyes. She was one very attractive woman. He didn’t much like being called Ed either but he would put up with it for her.

CHAPTER
4
    Taylor slipped from the motel and closed the door gently behind her. She was glad of her sunglasses. After the gloom of the curtained room the morning sun was bright. Mandy was still