Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
She smiled widely. “Awesome. I’ll send you Anne’s information.”
“Thank you.”
“Can we do dinner one night? The four of us? We all got along so well.”
“Sure,” I agreed. “As long as we stick to other subjects aside from your father.”
“Our father,” she corrected. “You certainly have his stubborn streak. You and Gracie.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’re all stubborn—you’ll figure that out on your own, but Gracie has Dad’s temper and his stubbornness. Combined, it’s lethal at times. She’s so angry—” She stopped talking.
“About me?” I asked.
“Yes. They argued. She and I argued. She’s pregnant again, so that’s adding to the mix.”
“I’m sorry.”
She waved her hand. “Not your fault. Dad admits he told her with the wrong mind-set.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was upset when he told her. He should have calmed down before he did. She fed off his worry and jumped all over him. Now they’re not speaking.” She frowned, picking at a loose thread on the arm of the chair. “He’s miserable. She’s upset. Jaxson is pulling his hair out, and I’m caught in the middle.”
“Why?”
She shrugged. “As I told you, I like you, Ashley. I defended you to Gracie, and she got upset with me. I talked to Dad, and he was upset about how she is taking this piece of news. So I can’t talk to either of them. Thank God for Mom. She told me to let things settle. She’s the one who encouraged me to reach out to you.”
“Why would she do that?”
Heather smiled. “She knows you’re not the enemy, Ashley. My mom is a walking example of love and warmth. Once you get to know her, you’ll realize that.”
Before I could respond and tell her I had no intention of getting to know her mother, she stood.
“Okay, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Call me about dinner or get Luc to talk to Reed. I’ll get Anne in touch with you. Maybe we could have coffee the day you come to see the winery. I’m happy to show you and your clients around and answer any questions.” She winked. “As a satisfied client, I could help. So could Addi, Beth, or…” She trailed off, a sad look crossing her face. “Well, we’ll leave it at those three.”
I knew she was about to say Gracie but stopped. She left with a smile, not trying to hug me or push for more. After she left, I stared at the door. For some reason, it bothered me that her sister was upset with her over me. That Richard was at odds with his eldest daughter because of me.
Then with a start, I realized she wasn’t his eldest—I was. I ran a hand over my hair, feeling a strange twinge of guilt. I had given no thought as to how this news would affect everyone in Richard’s family. I hadn’t thought of anyone but myself.
Somehow, that bothered me more than I expected.
Luc picked me up at six, looking sexy in a button-down with the neck open and his shirt sleeves rolled up, exposing his forearms. His smile was wide as I opened the door, and he pulled me into his arms, kissing me hard.
I loved kissing him. The touch of his mouth on mine was something I swore I would never tire of. He pulled back and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Hello, love. You look lovely. That dress is killer. I love you in red.”
He never failed to compliment me or notice what I was wearing. “Hi.”
He frowned. “You look tired. Beautiful but tired.”
“It’s been a crazy week. I’ll be grateful when tomorrow is over.”
“Then let’s head to dinner and get to bed early.”
“I, ah, do need a little sleep tonight, big boy.”
He laughed. “That’s why we’re going to bed early, love. I get you—you get some sleep. And I’ll make sure to send you to work with a smile on your face in the morning.”
I picked up my purse, unable to stop my grin. “Promises, promises.”
He held out my sweater, sliding it on my arms and pulling it across my shoulders. “I always keep my promises,” he warned. “I’m very reliable.”
I ran a finger along his jaw, then traced his lips. “Yes, you are.”
Playfully, he nipped the end of my finger. “Then let’s go. I’m already craving dessert.”
He tugged my hand and I followed him.
I had a feeling I would follow him anywhere.
Luc sliced off a bite of steak and held out his fork. “You have to try this.”
I let him feed me and chewed slowly, swallowing the tender beef. “That is incredible.”
“You should have ordered the steak. You need the protein.”
I rolled my eyes at his words. “The chicken is delicious. Lots of protein there too.”
He laid down his fork, picked up his glass of wine, and studied me over the rim. “I’m worried, love.”
“No reason to be worried. I’m fine.”