Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.

This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Marina Adair. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original St. Helena Vineyard Series remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Marina Adair, or their affiliates or licensors.

For more information on Kindle Worlds: http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds

INTIMATE STRANGERS

BY STEPHANIE ROSE

Intimate Strangers

by Stephanie Rose

Cover Design:

Najla Qamber Designs

Photography:

Lindee Robinson Photography

Models:

Aisha Guenther & Nick Ahern

Editing:

Brenda Letendre, Write Girl Editing

Proofreading:

Mitzi Pummer Carroll

Formatting:

Christine Borgford, Type A Formatting

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the St. Helena Vineyard’s Kindle World, where romance is waiting to be uncorked and authors from around the globe are invited to share their own stories of love and happily ever after. Set in the heart of wine country, this quaint town and its cast of quirky characters were the inspiration behind my St Helena Vineyard series, and the Hallmark Channel movie, AUTUMN IN THE VINEYARD. I want to thank these incredible authors for spending time in St. Helena, and all of you readers who are adventurous enough to take the journey with us.

I hope you enjoy your time here as much as we have.

Warmly,

Marina Adair

Table of Contents

Intimate Strangers

Dear Readers

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Marina Adair for this amazing opportunity. Thank you for letting me create Derek and Mia in your world. To Reina Torres and Nicole Kuhn for doing a great job organizing the launch and guiding a newbie like me. And a big thank you Lara Ross Petterson, for introducing me to Marina and for just being one of the best people I ever knew.

I hope Intimate Strangers makes you all believe in finding love in unexpected places.

ONE

Three months earlier

Emilia

“MIA, YOU SO HAVE THIS promotion locked!” my friend and assistant, Desiree, whispered in my ear.

“Nothing is ever locked, Des. I’ve learned not to get my hopes up, and you should do the same.” I raised an eyebrow and shook my head at her scowl.

“There is not a thing Prada can complain about tonight. We hosted the largest event ever in Thompson Hotel history without a hitch. Hell, I just passed Will Smith by the bar. If she doesn’t make you head of event services, she’s lost her mind.”

My boss’s name was Paula, but she’d earned the unofficial nickname of “Prada,” short for the movie title The Devil Wears Prada. Her appearance and demeanor struck an uncanny resemblance to Ms. Miranda Priestly herself. She even had the same severe haircut. When I came here two years ago, Thompson had the air of being one of Manhattan’s fancier hotels, yet nothing came through the marble-covered lobby other than business conferences. It was my idea to revamp our social media page and website to cater more toward parties and recreational events.

I was met with a hell of a lot of resistance at first, but as inquiries trickled in, our reputation started to shift, and the dollars flowed in. Even before tonight’s engagement party for Senator Stark’s daughter, we’d been booked solid for the past two months. I was never given one iota of credit, but I didn’t need a nod of validation from Paula’s botoxed head to know I was doing a good job. The promotion with a pay increase—that I would gladly take and run. But I made sure not to let myself get carried away with that possibility.

“She can do whatever she wants. Owners have that privilege. It’s a great event, and you guys did a beautiful job. I’ll do a quick walk-through now that everyone is busy with dessert.”

“Okay, fine.” Desiree crossed her arms. “But if you don’t ask for that promotion tonight, I will pull every platinum blonde strand of hair out of your head.”

I laughed and elbowed her side. “Go celebrity watch. Judging by the number of bodyguards scattered all over the place, I’m sure you can find some more.”

“You know . . .” She tapped her chin as her eyes darted back and forth around the room. “I should do a walk-through, too. See you later, boss.” She scurried away, and I strolled right behind her.

Straightening my black blazer over my pencil skirt, I made my way through the still crowded room. I nodded hellos to staff and guests the senator introduced me to earlier this evening. My sore feet ached in my black pumps and the empty seat at the bar in the back of the room called to me like a siren. I considered taking a five-minute rest before I was pushed forward and almost fell onto the floor.

“Oh, God. I’m so sorry—” A smooth, baritone voice pleaded after he caught my arm.

“It’s no problem.” I righted myself as I met his gaze.

A lot of good-looking men passed through our doors, but this one was so gorgeous I wasn’t even sure he was human. Golden eyes locked on mine as he clutched my arm. The short black curls on his head and trimmed scruff on his jaw contradicted the expensive black suit he wore. The entire package was hot as hell, but this was a work event, not a club. I’d never do anything inappropriate with any of our guests, yet a parade of bad things marched through my mind as his tongue traced his bottom lip. I inhaled a long breath and found the most professional voice I could manage.

I squeezed his other arm and stepped out of his hold. “Enjoy the rest of the night.” I offered a smile before I sauntered away.

I slid my hand to the back of my neck and attempted to squeeze the tension away. Shake it off, Mia. Geez. Maybe my friends were right and going this long without a date was starting to warp my brain. Yes, that had to be it. I couldn’t be that into a guy I met for less than five seconds. He was nice to look at, but so were the lily centerpieces on each table. Just something aesthetically pleasing in the room and nothing to be flustered over.

This wasn’t a great event; it was an awesome event. Will Smith wasn’t the only A-list actor in attendance, and I slipped my card into a few famous hands over the course of the evening about a return for another party. Things were finally happening. Three long years at Thompson Hotel and maybe, just maybe, head of event services was within my reach.

I couldn’t hide the twitch of a smile as I did my last lap around the room. I was hyperaware of a pair of sexy eyes tracking me. Since almost knocking me over, he seemed to be everywhere. I was so affected by his presence the last time I glanced his way, gooseflesh broke out on my neck. How was I still hot and bothered hours later? I’d been submerged in work for so long, I didn’t know how to flirt or even strike up a conversation anymore. It was pathetic and sad, but my professional life was doing so well tonight I resolved to worry about my nonexistent personal one later.

“Mia!” My face scrunched up at the shrill voice behind me.

“Hi, Pr . . . Paula.” Damn it, Desiree.

“This is not a bad party. Senator Stark seems impressed.” She pressed her glasses further up her nose as she pursed her lips at me. Paula had what we all referred to as “resting bitch face.” An unhappy scowl was her permanent expression. Even her bob length hair stood perfectly straight and away from her face as if it was afraid to annoy her, too.

“Thank you, Paula. Business has been great.” I took a deep breath and decided to go for it after all. “If I was head of event services, I have a ton of ideas that could bring in even more—”

She rolled her eyes and let out a bored sigh. “Your little party tonight went well. This is still my hotel, and I’ll decide what kind of business we bring in. Don’t get in over your head.”

“More than just this little party went well.” My voice raised before I could get a handle on it. My half-Italian temper was bubbling, but I tried to keep it check. “Our event billings doubled this year, and I think we can do even more. If I had that position—”

“There is no position.” Paula narrowed her eyes and cut me off again. “Not for you. You think posting on Facebook about booking an event at my hotel earns you a promotion?” She cackled and shook her head. My mouth fell open as her bony ass strutted away from me.

I uttered a sad chuckle as I moped away. All this time, all the twelve-hour days and weekends dedicated to this job; thinking about all I’d sacrificed made my stomach queasy. Don’t get in over my head? I had a double masters in Marketing and Hospitality. I knew exactly what I was doing. She wanted this place as pretentious and stuffy as she was. I never wanted her validation, but her dismissal infuriated me.

I found myself at the bar and fell into the empty seat. Paula frowned on us drinking during an event, but I was too angry to give a frog’s fat ass what she would say.

“Are you okay, Mia?”

“Yeah, Louie. I’m fine. I’m a moron, but fine. Could you pour me some brandy, please? The good stuff.”

“For you, only the best.” He dropped a napkin in front of me before scooping up a tumbler and filling it with the amber liquid I needed. I pulled the bobby pins out of my low bun and shook my hair out before Louie set the glass in front of me.

“You’re sure you’re all right, doll?” His gray brows pinched as he leaned his elbow onto the bar. Louie was the best. He was my personal fatherly therapist. We’d sit and chat after a late night event, and somehow he always made me feel better. Tonight, though, even his magic was useless. I’d hit a professional dead end, and now I had to figure out what to do about it.

“I’ll have what she’s having,” a buttery timbre noted from behind me. I craned my head and found Mr. Golden Eyes himself settling into the seat next to me.

Louie squinted at me, and I shrugged in response.

“One brandy coming up.” He looked at us and smirked.

“Brandy?” Golden Eyes furrowed his brow. “That’s surprising.”

“Why is that surprising?” My nose crinkled as I set down my glass.

“I don’t know. I would have guessed something sweet.” His mouth spread into a wide smile.

“Sorry to disappoint.” I swished the brandy around in the glass before I took another sip.

“Not disappointing at all. I like when people are unexpected.” He winked, and I was too pissed off to be affected by his mega-watt smile and bedroom eyes. Not too pissed off to notice, of course, but I wanted to be left alone. I rolled my eyes and shrugged.

His brow furrowed as he scooted closer to the bar. “Are you all right?”

“Fine,” I clipped. “Just a little tired of being tired. I’m overworked and frustrated and probably not the best company.” I shot him a sour glare.

“I feel you on that one.” His expression turned serious. “I have been traveling for two weeks straight. I was supposed to go home yesterday, but my boss sent me to this party tonight. The senator is a longtime client of ours, and I’m here for ‘representation.’” He uttered a sad chuckle and shook his head.

“Two weeks? That’s rough.”

“Tell me about it.” He picked up his drink and held it in front of me. “Let’s be tired and miserable together. I’m Derek.”

Despite myself, I let out a chuckle. “Mia.” I clinked his glass with mine.

For the next two hours, we talked about everything and nothing. I knew where he went to college, the name of his first pet. I filled him in on the best restaurants in the city—the ones I used to go to before I became a raging workaholic. His husky laugh and kind eyes made me forget my troubles for a little while. It was easy conversation—share, laugh, try not to stare at the gorgeous man, repeat. The tension pulsating across my shoulders when I first plopped into the barstool was gone. Well, maybe not gone. When he leaned in closer, and his woodsy cologne filled my senses, the tension still pulsed—just lower.

“So, Mia. Are you responsible for this party tonight? You seemed to be in the center of everything.”

“Yes, I was. Thanks, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Why doesn’t it matter?” Derek nodded across the room.

I exhaled and fought off the burn in my nose from unshed tears. “I was sure I’d get a promotion and just found out that not only didn’t I get it, but I probably never will. Nothing will ever happen for me here, and I have to figure out what to do about it.”

I tapped my glass on the bar to get Louie’s attention. I needed a few more pours before I headed home on the subway.

“You are beautiful and obviously smart.” He arched a brow. “I think you already know what you have to do.”

“And you know me so well from almost knocking me over and talking to me for a couple of hours?” I smarted as I raised a brow.

Derek laughed before turning toward me. “I . . . may have noticed you earlier and . . . watched you. I found it hard to take my eyes off you. And call me crazy, but I may have seen you notice me back.”

I narrowed my eyes, not wanting to acknowledge that he caught me.

“Mia, if you think this isn’t the place for you, go somewhere that is.” He shrugged. “Easier said than done, of course.”

“You’re right.” I dropped my head and nodded. “Endings and beginnings are hard, I suppose.” Louie, God love him, refilled my glass before I even had to ask. “So, enough about me. Why are you miserable and on the road?”

“I work for my family.” He rolled his eyes and inched closer. “Here is where you have it better than me. I can’t quit them completely. I have ideas, but get pushed aside a lot because I’m still the little cousin in their eyes. Doesn’t matter that I’m almost thirty and have a business degree. I suppose I’ll get there eventually. Just sucks to work so hard and not have anything to show for it.” Derek let out a deep sigh and took another sip. Watching his full lips wrap around the rim as he took a drink confused me. I never had a twinge of jealousy for a glass before.

“So maybe you and I are both at a crossroads.” I raised my newly-filled tumbler. “Let’s have another toast. Here’s to leaving it all behind and getting on to a better path, without bitchy bosses or overbearing relatives. Live for today.”

Derek laughed and shook his head. “I knew it.”

“Knew what?” I felt a little silly holding my glass midair for so long. Even that little rejection was too much for my battered ego today. I pulled my glass away, and Derek dropped his hand on my forearm. The simple touch set off a butterfly storm in my belly. Something about this guy was making me lose both my senses and faculties.

“You are beautiful and smart, with a little fire. I like that. And you’re right.” Derek lifted his glass. “Let’s toast. Live for today. Leave the shitty job, kiss the pretty girl.” He tapped my glass with his and I froze.

“Um, excuse me?” I looked around at the vacant ballroom. The only ones left were the cleaning staff. I crawled out of the throes of my pity party as the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I didn’t know even know his last name. I shouldn’t have had the overwhelming urge to delve my tongue into his mouth to see if he tasted as sweet as he looked.

“I said,” Derek feathered his hand down my cheek and grazed his thumb across my bottom lip. “Live for today. Leave the shitty job.” He inched closer as he cupped the back of my neck. “Kiss the pretty girl.”

His mouth sealed over mine, and I should have pushed him away. I shouldn’t have kissed him back or threaded my fingers through his hair. I definitely shouldn’t have forgotten where I was and sucked his bottom lip between both of mine. My heart drummed in my ears as I tilted my head to deepen the kiss. When Derek moaned into my mouth, realization of where I was—and what I was doing—barreled over me. I jerked back and looked up at his hooded eyes.

“Wow,” he whispered as we broke apart.

“I . . .” The room spun as I chased my breath. “Look, Derek, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

He shook his head. “I’m not. I’m sick of doing everything for everyone else. Tonight, I want to do what I want. Be with who I want to be with.”

I rolled my eyes. “Seriously? You just met me.”

“Tell me you don’t feel a pull between us.”

But I wasn’t sure what we had was what you’d call a ‘pull.’ All-consuming lust? Sure, I’d agree with that. I knew exactly what he was suggesting. And the scary part was, I was totally considering it.

“Where are you from?” My eyes trailed his fingers as they drifted along his stubbled jaw and across his full bottom lip. I never had a one-night stand. And when I said never, I meant never ever. A drunken hookup with my ex over the holidays was the last male contact I had. Ashamed of hitting rock bottom, I’d forced myself to remain solo ever since.

A night with a beautiful stranger who couldn’t take his eyes off me? Why should I deny myself? I wouldn’t have to worry about the fallout as he was an out-of-town guest. Yes, I worked here and tomorrow’s walk of shame in my place of employment would be awkward, but not enough to deter me from the craziest thing I was about to do in my twenty-eight years.

He ran his tongue along his teeth as his eyes locked with mine. On anyone else, it would have been a gawky toothpaste commercial type of move. But when he did it, my panties almost evaporated. The air whooshed out of my lungs, and the breath I tried to inhale back was shaky. A cocky yet humble smile spread curved his mouth.

“California.”

Bingo. Far enough.

“Louie!” I gulped the rest of my drink and slammed it onto the bar harder than I intended. “Close us out!” I waved him over, and a laugh bubbled out of Derek’s broad—and probably ripped—chest.

“Where do you want to go?” Derek squeezed my hand.

“What floor is your room on?”

TWO

Emilia

THE RIDE TO DEREK’S FOURTH-FLOOR hotel room was quick but seemed to take hours. It was almost midnight, and all my staff had gone home, but my body stiffened with every ding of the elevator before the doors opened. Derek and I didn’t touch and maintained a safe distance from each other. Still, since the moment we rose from our seats at the bar and headed toward the elevator, the buzzing between us made me squirm. He kissed me and said he wanted to be with me tonight. At this late hour, what else could he have meant?

I followed him off the elevator to Room 427 and exhaled a slow breath. My shaky hands sifted through my hair. Maybe it was time to tell Mr. Golden-Eyes-Beautiful-Stranger goodnight before I humiliated myself further.

Derek locked the door once I was inside and threw his key card on the end table. He shrugged out of his suit jacket and draped it across the paisley armchair next to the bed. My eyes followed his fluid movements as he undid his tie and rolled up his sleeves, revealing the edge of a couple of black lines of ink. I had an odd thing for forearms, especially ones like his. They were thick, toned, and strong. My heart picked up the pace again, thundering in my chest as my gaze descended his body.

“Hey,” he whispered as he sauntered over to where I was leaning against the door. “We don’t have to do anything.” He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “We can just talk if you want—”

Before I gave myself the opportunity to change my mind, I launched myself at him. I took his mouth in a fierce kiss. He tasted like chocolate and brandy, and the combination of his soft lips and the rough bristles of stubble was intoxicating. His hands framed my face as he slowed the kiss down.

“You never do anything halfway, do you?” He chuckled, and I couldn’t help smiling back.

His fingers wove into my hair as he tugged me closer. “You are so beautiful. When you took down your hair at the bar, I knew I was done for. You had me, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.”

“I have you, do I?” My mouth twisted in a breathless smirk.

The mirth in his eyes vanished as he gave me a slow nod.

“If you want me, abso-fucking-lutely.”

Derek crashed his lips into mine and slid his hands down my hips. I yanked my camisole off and kicked off one shoe before he grabbed my wrist and shook his head.

“Heels stay on. Everything else—off,” he growled and heat pooled between my legs. The air crackled as the slide of my skirt zipper filled the heavy silence.

Holding my gaze on his, I sat on the edge of the king-sized bed and inched my skirt down, following it with my black stockings. I threw them across the room and stepped back into my heels before rising. I strutted up to Derek, a man I’d met not five hours ago, in nothing but my bra, panties, and black pumps. The blistering heat that sizzled between us made me dizzy.

Derek unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall from his shoulders. I gasped a short breath as my hands drifted down the hard planes of his chest, over the black tribal tattoos trailing his arm and wrapping around his shoulder. My mouth watered at the sight of him. I traced the light dusting of hair over his abs and stopped at his belt buckle.

“You’re so . . .” I trailed off and shook my head.

A laugh bubbled out of his chest before he grabbed me and pulled me flush to his body.

“Not as much as you.” He cupped the back of my neck and swept his tongue along my bottom lip. I fell back onto the bed and yanked him toward me by the waist of his pants, fiddling with his belt as he settled on top of me.

“Slow it down, gorgeous,” Derek rasped as his hand feathered down my cheek and continued to the swell of my breasts. “I want every single inch of you, and refuse . . .” He brushed my lips before grazing open-mouthed kisses down my chest, “Refuse to rush any of it.” His tongue glided above the black lace of my bra before he pulled down one of the straps. My breast popped out of the cup, and his tongue traced a circle around my nipple.

My hips bucked off the bed as I fisted his hair. A groan escaped my throat as he dropped his hand to the apex of my thighs. Any trepidation that came with me when I walked through the door was long gone. My lust-clouded brain didn’t care if this was right or wrong. It felt too damn good to care.

“You’re drenched,” he hissed as I bucked against his hand. “So damn perfect.”

“Derek,” I panted as I dug my nails into his back. “Derek, please . . .”

“What do you want, gorgeous? Tell me.” The sides of his mouth twitched as he leaned his forehead against mine.

“You,” I breathed. I didn’t even recognize my own voice. I sounded desperate and needy, but I was so consumed with Derek there was no way I could even try to hide it.

He climbed off me and pulled his wallet out of his pocket, flinging a foil packet onto the bed. My eyes grew wide after he dropped his pants and boxers. He was total perfection—lean muscles, tanned skin, all masculine beauty from head to toe and everywhere in between. Hooking his thumbs into the sides of my thong, he smirked as he inched it down my legs.

“I said . . . I want you naked, Mia,” he whispered as he came back over me and unhooked my bra. He was sweet and alpha all at once. I hated being told what to do, but Derek ordering me around was hot. Rational thought snuck into my brain, asking what the hell I was doing. I shook it off as he threw my bra on top of the heap of clothes next to the bed. His eyes locked with mine as he rolled the condom on and gently slid inside me.

I raised my hips to get him to go faster. His arms wrapped around me, lifting me as he moved deeper inside. His gaze stayed on mine, and I felt exposed. I was naked other than my shoes, but it was as if Derek saw more than just my body. I knew there wouldn’t be anything between us past tonight, but it would be glorious while it lasted.

Tingles started in my spine and grew into tremors that I couldn’t fight off. My body convulsed as my heels dug into Derek’s back. He stiffened in my arms and collapsed into my shoulder.

I inwardly groaned at my amazing but rotten luck. If we didn’t live on the opposite ends of the country, maybe we could see where this would go. Lying naked in his arms, we were already a memory.

“That was . . .” I propped my head on my elbow. “If only—”

“California was closer to New York? Crossed my mind too, gorgeous.” He kissed my forehead and pulled me closer.

“It’s . . . a little crazy.” I squinted at Derek and shook my head. “It feels as though I’ve known you a lot more than a few hours.”

A sad smile ghosted his mouth. “It does.” He shook his head. “It’s definitely crazy. This . . .” His voice trailed off. Our eyes locked again, and no further explanation was needed. “It’s unexpected, let’s put it that way.”

I chuckled with him and nestled into the crook of his shoulder.

“So, now what?” I drifted my nails up and down his chest and let out a long sigh.

“Now, you stay in my arms until morning. We remember tonight just like this, and tomorrow, we figure out the rest.”

The rest. My eyes grew heavy as the thought exhausted me. I was clueless about what to do with the rest, except a daily dose of miserable wasn’t cutting it. Not anymore.

THREE

St. Helena, California

Present Day

Emilia

“EMILIA CALLO,” I BREATHED INTO the phone.

“There’s my girl!”

I fell back into my office chair and smiled. My eyes clouded at the sound of my grandfather’s voice. A pang of homesickness settled in my stomach.

“How did you get this number so fast? Mom doesn’t even have it yet.” A laugh bubbled out of my chest despite the rogue tear streaming down my cheek. Forty-eight hours into my new life and I was already an emotional mess. I sniffed and sat up straight, no time for waterworks when you were a boss.

“I owed ChiChi a call anyway.” I could hear the smirk in his voice from the other side of the country.

I let out a long sigh. “Grandpa,” I groaned.

“We go way back; you know that.”

“Yes, I agreed to ignore that was probably how I got this job, but you can’t keep calling her about me.”

“That is not how you got this job. You are why you’re sitting there. I made the phone call, but ChiChi Ryo would never hire anyone who wasn’t qualified.”

After one amazing night with a stranger, I decided that living a dead-end life wasn’t cutting it for me anymore. The day after the engagement party, I quit without having another job lined up, and hit the pavement to look for a better position. When it became obvious that Paula harbored ill feelings and shared them with any potential employer, my recruiter asked if I’d be willing to take a job out of state. However, she failed to mention out of state meant on the opposite end of the country. I mentioned Ryo Wines to Grandpa one Sunday, and wouldn’t you know he was well acquainted with the owner. How well acquainted, I begged not to know. For a man in his seventies, he still had a ton of swagger. Pretty girls of all ages were ‘honey’ and ‘sweetheart’ to him. I didn’t even have to fly out; ChiChi gave me the job over the phone. I was head of event planning for Ryo Wines. I brushed up on the DeLuca family and how all of St. Helena, California revolved around them. Ryo was the only DeLuca owned and female run winery. I had already amassed a list of creative ideas for how to use the winery and its location.

I arrived at my first meeting with Sarah, the new head of marketing, with a full promotions and advertising plan. I even had ways to capitalize on the St. Helena holidays and events. She was so impressed, she told me to run with it. I was jumpy but elated. Someone was actually listening to what I had to say. I was finally where I was supposed to be. I had to move out of the city I’d lived in my entire life to do it, but, like Grandpa told me when I got the offer, I had to go where things happened—and not a damn thing would happen at the Thompson Hotel, at least not for me.

“Hey, Mia!” Sarah peeked into my office. “Staff is ready to meet you!” She lifted an eyebrow as she cocked her head.

“Okay, I’ll be right there,” I whispered as I pointed to the phone. She waved back and nodded before heading into the hallway.

“I’d better go. I’ll call you tomorrow. And, in case I didn’t say it before, thanks.”

“Eh, nothing to thank me for. I bragged about my smart granddaughter. I do that all the time anyway. I love you. Show them what you got, capeesh?”

I rolled my eyes as I chuckled. “Yes, capeesh. I love you, too.” I missed New York Italian slang. I wondered if he ever said “capeesh” to ChiChi in their younger days—days I absolutely didn’t want to think about.

I gazed out the window at the quaint little town. The fresh air and quiet took some getting used to. St. Helena’s had its own soul—sophisticated, yet cozy—and maybe a little romantic. The gorgeous DeLuca men I’m sure had something to do with that. I’d only met two and couldn’t figure out why their faces weren’t plastered all over their website. Women—and some men, I’m sure—would travel from all over for an up-close and personal glimpse.

I rushed out of my office and bumped into Sarah.

“Why the rush? You’re the boss; you can walk slowly. They’ll wait.” She winked as she led me down the small hallway leading to the conference room.

“I keep forgetting.” I shook my head and tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear, trying to hide the fact I was fidgeting.

“You have an extra staff member. One of the DeLuca cousins is now a Ryo employee.” Sarah snickered as she reached to open the door.

My brows knit together. “Why is that a surprise? The DeLucas have family working for every winery up the coast, and their grandmother and sister own this one.”

“Well, this is the first male DeLuca cousin who came to work for us. He used to be sales manager for DeLuca Wines and was looking for a ‘change.’” Sarah curled her fingers in air quotes. “He was sick of the travel and was looking for something different. I’m sure he took a fair amount of shit when he asked to work here.”

The door pushed open, and three expectant pairs of eyes met my gaze.

“Hey, everyone. This is Mia. Mia, this is Claire, Gabby, and Derek.” She motioned to the other end of the conference table where one very familiar face gawked at me. My hands fisted at my sides to hide the shaking.

This wasn’t happening. My one-night stand couldn’t have followed me all the way here. And my one-night stand was a DeLuca? I clutched onto the edge of the table as I forced a smile.

“Hi, everyone. Nice to meet you.” I nodded at the two women on either side of Derek. They were a bit younger than me at first glance, maybe early twenties. Claire had long curly black hair, and Gabby had pin straight, fire red hair. At least they were easy to tell apart.

My eyes drifted over to Derek and the twitch of his lips. The bastard found this funny? The one night I threw caution to the wind, it came back to haunt me. I slept with one of my employees. And not just any one, but the one who was related to my new boss. My new life could be over before it even started. I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves. My one lapse in judgment wouldn’t cost me everything; I’d make damn sure of that.

“Sarah told us you had a plan for the next few months. I’d be happy to help however I can.” Claire’s mouth split in a wide grin I wasn’t positive was genuine. Gabby probably meant to huff to herself, but I caught her. I took pride in assessing people fairly quickly. The tiny event planning staff had a brown-noser, someone who may not want to do anything that made her break a sweat, or maybe just didn’t like her co-worker, and one sex on legs DeLuca cousin with his shirt sleeves rolled up. I stared at the same amazing forearms that had wrapped around me for a night before my eyes darted back to the table. How did he look even better now?

“I do and thank you. Today, I thought we’d just get to know each other and figure out how we can divide and conquer. There’s a spring event in St. Helena coming up. I’d like to coincide an open house with the winery. People have been there before for tastings and to pick up wine, but if we show an actual event, people may see it in a different light.”

“I know the ins and outs of all the events. I think that’s a great idea.” Derek shot me a wide grin. I responded with a tight smile and a nod. The expression on his face seemed genuine. It was an agreeable smile, not the I’ll-melt-your-panties-off-before-you-could-even-take-them-off-smile he gave me the last time I saw him.

And that smile had done the trick. Twice.

“Terrific. Maybe the town would let us be an event sponsor—”

“Leave that up to me.” Derek crossed his arms and nodded. “This event has been stale the past few years. I’ll ask Ro what she thinks about bringing some new life into it.”

“Ro?”

“Rosalie Barrett. The one who runs the event every single year since my father was a kid. Since I grew up here, I can give you the lowdown on all the names and people you should get acquainted with. We can talk to her together.”

“That would be great! Thanks, Derek.”

“My pleasure.” He gave me an easy smile. Why was he so damn beautiful, and how would I learn to ignore it? He was going to make my professional life both awesome and a living hell; I knew it already. And by the way he laughed to himself as he dropped his gaze to the table to scribble some notes, he knew it, too.

FOUR

Derek

OF ALL THE WINERIES IN California . . . She had to walk into mine.

Mia, the woman I knew for only one night but couldn’t forget all these months later. We did more than enjoy amazing sex. We talked—really talked. In fact, I talked to her more in those few short hours than I’d talked to anyone in months.

I loved my family, but I couldn’t show them any weakness. I hated flying all over the country on a dime just to meet someone for half an hour but kept my mouth shut and dutifully drove to the airport after one of my cousin Gabe’s last-minute travel requests. All for the remote possibility they’d want to buy a few cases of DeLuca wine or take us on as a supplier. Before that party, I was done with it all. I was disgusted with waking up each morning and not registering where I was for the first few minutes. Florida, Michigan . . . Who the hell knew what state you were in from the inside of a hotel room? The only room I remembered well was the Thompson Hotel in New York City. My king-sized bed had a gorgeous blonde in it, and I never wanted to let her out.

Since that night, even though we agreed to part with no contact information or questions asked, I searched for her. After all those hours of conversation, we were careful not to mention last names. A week after I returned to St. Helena and told Gabe I wanted to look for employment elsewhere, I called the hotel and asked for her. I wasn’t sure what I would say, but things felt unfinished. The receptionist told me no one by the name of Mia worked there, and before I could ask anything else, she hung up on me. Social media was good for shit if you didn’t have the last name to look up. Or, as it was in this case, a real name to look up. I was told my new boss’s name was Emilia Callo. My Mia wasn’t even really Mia.

She’d told me I was her one and only one-night stand, but that was obvious. One-nighters with strangers weren’t my scene either. Jodi Moran, the other sales manager, wound up in my bed a couple of times after one too many beers, but I’d steered clear of her ever since. Had I wanted Jodi like I wanted Mia, things would be easy. I could discern our one night that nothing about Mia was easy. That’s why when she let me in I felt like the king of the world. Now, instead of me being the king, she was the queen—untouchable and unattainable. I laughed at my twisted luck.

The offices for Ryo Wines were small, but it was quickly becoming one of the more successful local wineries in the area. I lost track of the awards they’d won as of late, but when Gabe suggested I take a position here, I laughed my ass off at him at first. His sister and grandmother—my cousin and aunt—owned and ran this place. Both prided themselves in Ryo being the only female run and owned winery, but Gabe said the new event planning department needed a good sales guy—and I was his best. Mia seemed as though she wanted to hit the ground running, but I had the lay of the land—so to speak—in St. Helena. With my inside track and killer instinct, the sky was the limit. I was sure of that.

“Mia?” Her office door was half open, and I tapped on it, but she was so engrossed in whatever was on her computer screen, she almost jumped out of her chair.

Ryo only had ten people on staff, not including the new event planning department. Ryo may have been thriving, but the offices were two inches bigger than a storage closet. Mia’s office was nestled in a corner with half a window, desk, and small chair, in addition to the one she sat her sweet ass in. I blinked the thought away, even though forgetting how my amazing new boss looked naked was going to be a battle. As she pulled her skirt down before she turned to me, I did my best to shut out the image of Mia on top of her desk instead of in her chair, and me on top of her. I could make small quarters work. Hell, I’d gladly take her into the closet if that was what she wanted. Mia took in a deep breath and straightened before motioning to the chair beside her desk.

“Have a seat.” She smiled but didn’t make eye contact for more than a second. Maybe she wanted the closet as much as I did right now, but the lines were drawn. Intimate strangers were now employer and employee, and judging by Mia’s rigid stance, those lines wouldn’t be crossed.

Falling into the seat, my eyes took her in. Platinum blonde hair fell over her shoulders almost down to her elbows. Mia hadn’t caught any California sun, as her ivory skin still had the same pale hue. But the blush spreading across her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed. She rubbed her forehead as she grabbed a pad and a pen, and I held in a smirk remembering the last time she got that flushed. She wasn’t as tense as she was now; she was jelly in my arms after back-to-back orgasms knocked her out.

“Need something, Derek?” Her tone was professional as she took in a deep breath through her nostrils. Our night together was playing in her head as much as it was in mine, and she was crap at hiding it.

“Well, first.” I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees. “I need to somehow acknowledge the elephant in the room. I—”

“Look, this doesn’t have to be weird, right? We had a nice night . . . a while ago . . . and now it’s over, and we work together. No need to complicate things.” She shrugged as her blue eyes pleaded with mine.

“No, I suppose not.” A smirk tipped the side of my mouth. “Once you use another word.”

Mia put down the pen and folded her hands. “Another word?” Her brows knit as she leaned forward.

“Nice.” I rubbed my hands together and shook my head. “I can describe it a dozen different ways, but nice? Not the word I would choose.” My eyes bored into hers, but she only scowled back.

“I just uprooted myself and moved across the country. This is a great opportunity. I can’t screw this up. So . . .” She threw her gaze to the window before turning back to me. “Nice is how we have to leave it.”

I leaned back in my chair and nodded. For Mia, there was a lot at stake. As much as I still wanted her, I wouldn’t be the one to take it all away.

“Have lunch with me.”

She let out a long sigh and dropped her head into her hands. “Derek, I can’t—”

“I said lunch, Mia, not find another hotel room. I’ll take you to my favorite place and fill you in on St. Helena. You can tell me all about your real name.” I quirked an eyebrow.

A chuckle escaped her before she nodded. “Lunch. Sure. Just. Lunch.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I gave her an exaggerated salute as I stood and motioned to the hallway.

“I’m your age. Calling me ma’am isn’t going to get you any brownie points with your new boss.” She poked her finger into my chest.

I raised my hands in defeat. “Apologies, Emilia.”

She rewarded me with a genuine smile, exactly like the one she had at the bar that night, and the next morning when we parted ways.

“I’m still just Mia.” She grabbed her purse and shut the door behind her. “Let’s go.”

She was still Mia—but I wanted her to be my Mia.

FIVE

Emilia

“THIS IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?” I craned my head around as we walked into Taster’s Refresher’s Shakes and Burgers.

“Indeed.” Derek nodded as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Nothing like a good burger.” A smile stretched across his face as he nodded toward an empty table. I kept my eyes on his. As dreamy as his golden orbs were, they didn’t have the potential to make me as stupid as his arms would. I’d already seen the full tattoo that was peeking out of his sleeve. I’d touched it and licked it. Somehow, I had to figure out how to think of him as only an employee. I’d have an easier time changing the sky from blue to green.

If I was honest, Derek ran through my thoughts more often than a random one-night stand should. Granted, I had no frame of reference for how casual sex with a stranger was supposed to go or what to expect from the aftermath. What confused me the most was that it didn’t feel casual. We formed a connection that I couldn’t explain. In between the amazing sex we had—sex so awesome it was incomparable to anyone else—I told Derek things my best friends didn’t even know. The possibility of going through all those years of schooling plus all those long hours under Paula at the hotel and still ending up a failure crippled me, but I couldn’t share that with anyone. Anyone except—apparently—Derek. The day after I left his hotel room, I finally realized making myself crazy trying to excel at everything was ruining my life. My futile attempts to win the love of a dead father made me bang my head into wall after wall. One night with Derek gave me a breakthrough a couple of thousand dollars in therapy could never accomplish.

“I think,” Derek whispered as he slid into the booth, “we both need a burger and shake right now.” He winked, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

I couldn’t argue with that. I planned to hit the grocery store for Oreos after work. Eating my feelings seemed to be the only thing that would soothe the harsh reality of not being able to act on them.

“This place wouldn’t spike the shakes, would they?” I smirked as I opened my menu.

His head fell back as he laughed. “If only.” His smile faded as he leaned over the table. “I get why I have to stay at a distance, but after . . . I’d hate to not even be friends. Can we figure something out?”

“Of course, we can.” I smiled and brought my gaze back to the menu, fighting the urge to squeeze his hand.

I would hate it, too, and hoped it wouldn’t come to that. I needed to be smart and not let the attraction between us ruin everything. Usually, people got to know each other and then had sex. We needed to figure out how to go backwards, and, if I didn’t want to screw everything up, accept that we couldn’t go forward ever again. There was a lot more at stake than a walk of shame the next morning. Giving in to the crazy attraction we still had could ruin everything even if—by the grace of God—I could keep my job. Screwing an employee wasn’t the best foundation to build a good business reputation on or a reputation in general.

“So, what’s good here? You did say you’d give me the inside track on St. Helena. Does this fine burger establishment have your last name on it, too?”

“Nope. Could be the reason it’s my favorite place. And my last name is actually Marconi, not DeLuca.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Not that I don’t love my family. But everything I’ve done my entire life was connected to them in some way. Sometimes it’s nice to eat or drink something that my family had nothing to do with.”

“Family is tough.” I nodded and raised my head. “What brought you to Ryo Wines? Seems such a big jump from DeLuca Wines sales manager.”

“The travel was killing me; you know that. I thought I could do a lot more here. I know this town very well and the people who make the decisions. Little tip, sometimes it’s not who you think. With your ideas, and using what I know, Ryo Wines could add event planning to their growing list of awards.” He grinned at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“And working for an all-female company doesn’t bother you?”

“There’s no set rule that a man can’t work there, and in the other offices back in Italy, they have some male employees. It’s not the big deal it seems to be.”

Maybe not to him, but on our way to lunch, every female head swung in Derek’s direction as he sauntered out of the office. I had a sinking feeling the day-to-day would turn into one of those Three’s Company reruns my grandmother always loved to watch.

Derek tipped his chin at the waitress, and she rushed over. I laughed to myself. I didn’t doubt he had the inside track, but I was sure he’d gotten so far in sales because it was near impossible to refuse him anything.

I was Exhibit A.

“We’ll both have the bacon cheeseburger and a chocolate shake.” He cocked his head at me. “How do you like your burger?”

“Medium.” My eyes narrowed to slits. I detested when anyone ordered for me, but I’d let it slide since I really wanted that damn burger.

“Problem?” Derek smirked as he handed back his menu.

“What if I didn’t like beef?” I huffed as I narrowed my eyes.

“Then,” he whispered as he leaned forward again. “You probably should have said something when I walked you into a burger place.”

I laughed before I could help it. “And what if I didn’t like chocolate?” I crossed my arms, trying to keep hold of the scowl on my face.

“Well.” He tapped his chin and frowned. “I remember splitting a box of hotel chocolates with a certain blonde not too long ago. In fact, if I recall correctly, I went for the last piece and almost lost a hand. Was that you, or am I mistaken?” He smiled and ran his tongue over his teeth. Sweet baby Jesus. Why was that weird move the hottest thing I ever saw? He was right; I did eat the last piece of chocolate. While we were in bed, naked, between rounds two and three. I lifted my hair off my sticky neck as my body temperature rose. One night yielded a lot of delicious memories, but in order to stay in St. Helena, I had to do my damnedest to ignore them all.

SIX

Derek

THE FIRST THING I LEARNED working for sales at DeLuca Wines was how to maintain a poker face. You never knew what my cousin Gabe was thinking, and that was all pure honed skill. He always drilled into my head to keep a calm demeanor, don’t react, and close the sale. Of course, that all went out the window when he met Regan. Watching someone get the upper hand on him was funny as hell to watch. The cool cucumber was unglued and couldn’t hide it. A few of us got a chuckle at that one.

I learned how to hide my tells so well it was second nature until Emilia Callo became my boss. We made a fantastic team. She was smart as a whip with amazing ideas, and I ran interference with the people in town to make things happen. We already had a twenty-first birthday party booked at Ryo, and Mia reached out to wedding magazines for a feature. I was on board with all of it, until the photographer from West Coast Bride magazine kept ogling Mia between shots. It was all I could do not to grab the back of his neck and swivel it away from her—or bash his head into one of the wine barrels he was supposed to be focusing on.

This was what I was reduced to—wanting to beat other guys up for touching the woman who was supposed to be mine but wasn’t. Late nights at the office in close proximity led to lingering stares. I was sure that was the reason for side glances coming from Gabby and Claire whenever Mia and I were in the same room. Lately, the attraction between us had evolved from distracting to consuming. During yesterday’s team meeting, I stopped paying attention early on as my gaze fell to her lips. God, that woman could kiss. As much as I tried to use intrusive thoughts to detract from images of her mouth on mine, and on the rest of my body, I could never forget. I adjusted myself under the conference room table and straightened in my chair, looking anywhere but her way. Denying it was dumb and pointless, but to my constant dismay—giving in wasn’t an option.

This job was important to Mia. In her eyes, this was finally her chance. She wouldn’t dare risk anything, even though the want and need I battled on a daily basis were reflected in her eyes.

Mia fluttered over to me as the douchebag photographer gathered his equipment.

“I think we’ll be a feature next month,” she whispered as her eyes lit up. “Abby admitted she loved the idea of having weddings here, but they were so focused on wine and gathering more property, they didn’t have the time to look into it. Imagine if this became one of those hot wedding spots?” Mia clutched my arm. The excitement radiating from her was infectious.

“No need to imagine. Just wait.” I winked and put my hand over hers. She stiffened when our eyes locked, and I gave her wrist a squeeze. The little current that was always between us pulsed harder and harder each day. Being around Mia was what I could only describe as sweet torture. I craved my time with her but hated it at the same time. It was a tease for what we couldn’t have—or what she would never let us have.

“Hey, Mia.” The photographer’s voice brought us out of our sad trance and Mia recoiled from me as though I had a virus.

“I’ll email you the proofs, but I think we got good stuff today.”

“Good,” I interjected maybe a bit too abruptly as if to remind him he wasn’t alone with her. I wondered if I was as pathetically obvious to everyone as I was to myself. He smirked and shook his head, most likely realizing what I was trying to do.

Mia strolled up to him, extending her hand. “Thanks, Marcus. I appreciate you coming all the way out here today.”

A slimy grin split his mouth as he took her hand. “My pleasure, Mia. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”

“Mia!” Gabby called from the doorway. “The permit office is on the phone again. They’ll only talk to you.” She shrugged as she turned to leave the winery and head back to the office. Everything was going perfectly, except for the two morons who pretended to work for her. It annoyed me, too, but I was too focused on making sure Marcus kept a safe and professional distance away from Mia to care today.

Mia rolled her eyes and shook her head before following Gabby. “I better take this. Let me know if you need anything else.” She gave him a quick nod and smile before her heels clicked into the distance.

“Dude, you have it made.” Marcus snickered as he swung his bag over his shoulder.

My brows crinkled as I narrowed my eyes. “Made? I’m not sure what you mean.”

He cocked his head and laughed harder. “The only guy here, nothing but beautiful women at every turn. Especially that one.” He lifted his chin toward the door. “Is she . . .”

“Is she what?” Mia would kill me if I punched the photographer, so I took deep, slow breaths to ward off the growing irritation.

“Are you guys . . . You know . . . I kinda had the feeling you wanted to kick my ass every time I got within three inches of her.”

The man bun resting on the top of his head wasn’t too tight after all; he had that spot on.

“She’s my boss.” I glared as I crossed my arms.

His eyes widened as he laughed at me again. I had a good half a foot of height on Marcus, but he was stockier. I was pissed enough to take him and win, given the rage coursing through my veins at the moment. Mia and I could be apart, as long as she was apart from everyone else, too. I didn’t want to dwell on my new caveman mentality as I inched closer.

“Would you like to make a comment about that, or leave and send her the pictures like you said? I’d hate to tell Linda an employee of hers was behaving less than exemplary.” I smirked as a serious line flattened his mouth.

“How do you know Linda—”

“I know everyone. And if I don’t, someone in my family does. So, watch yourself,” I whispered before I turned and strode back to the office.

“Derek!” Claire’s whiny voice stopped me in my tracks.

“What’s up, Claire?” I answered without looking.

“I’m dying for a cup of coffee, feel like taking a walk with me?” she purred as she came closer. She wasn’t a bad-looking girl at all, just fake. I didn’t like to waste my time or anyone else’s. This wasn’t my first invitation to go somewhere with her, but I supposed taking a hint wasn’t her strong suit.

“No thanks, I have work to do. Enjoy your walk.” I turned to leave when she grabbed my bicep.

“Then how about a treat? Anything you want.” Her eyelids fluttered, and I pitied the cliché she was turning out to be.

“Look, Claire—” I picked up her hand from where it was inching down my chest.

“Derek!” Mia peeked into the hallway from her office door. “What am I doing wrong with these permit forms that the town isn’t letting me . . . Oh.” Her brows raised in disapproval. “Never mind.” Her face hardened as she turned back inside.

I left Claire and rushed into Mia’s office, shutting the door behind me. Part of me hated that she saw me with Claire like that, but a bigger part of me loved it. I needed something to get a rise out of her, and judging by the ticking of her adorable jaw, this was perfect.

“Look, Mia. You should know how Claire is. That wasn’t anything—”

She let out a deep sigh and leveled her eyes at me. “What it was is none of my business. Just don’t do it here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have permits to figure out.”

I ignored her request and settled into the chair in front of her desk. She stopped ruffling through papers to lift her angry eyes to mine.

“First of all, you know damn well nothing is going on between Claire and me. She tries—a lot—but I’m not interested. See, the woman I am interested in . . . She doesn’t seem to want me.” I shrugged as Mia’s eyes narrowed to slits. “So it’s a little funny that she’s this mad over someone playing with the lapel on my shirt.” I quirked a challenging eyebrow and could almost see the steam billowing out of her ears.

“I don’t care what you do. Just don’t make this a hotel bar, that’s all.”

A sad chuckle escaped as I rose from the chair. I made my way around her desk and put my hands on the arms of her chair. She was completely closed in, nowhere to look but at me. Her breathing quickened as I inched closer. I had her trapped, and she knew it. She couldn’t run from me, or from us. Not this time.

“Sure, Mia. You can pretend that was just how I operate, and we were two ships passing in the night. I know what that night meant to me, and you can downplay it all you want, but I can’t.” I backed away and slid my shirt sleeves to my elbows. “Once you figure out what your problem is, you know where to find me.”

I reached for the door knob when Mia grabbed my arm. Her eyes darted from mine to my arms and back up to meet my gaze. Her hand shook as her nostrils flared.

“What, Mia?” I pushed. “What is your problem?” I closed the distance between us; my chest heaved along with hers.

“My problem.” Her voice cracked as she tried to hold on to that last bit of control. “My problem is that I hate not having what I really want.”

I snaked my arm around her waist and pulled her body flush to mine. Her breaths were shallow as my face inched closer to hers.

“Then why don’t you just fucking take it, Mia?”

She took my mouth with such force, I stumbled back against the door. My fingers tangled in her hair as my tongue swept along her bottom lip. She wasn’t pushing me away now. She fisted the material of my shirt to bring me even closer. God, she felt so damn good. My hand drifted down her thigh and flirted with the hem of her skirt. I leaned her over the edge of her desk when she tore her lips away from mine.

If she wanted to stop, I would explode. I’d understand and walk away, but my brain would short circuit. One taste was all I needed to remember just how much I wanted this woman, and how since that night, I couldn’t settle for anyone else.

Mia panted as she gazed at me with hooded eyes. I braced myself for the ‘We can’t do this,’ or ‘Please stop.’

“Is the door locked?” Thank Christ.

I exhaled a big sigh of relief as I sprinted to the door and slowly clicked the lock.

“It is now. Give me back those lips, gorgeous.” She clutched the back of my head, and she covered my mouth with hers. I shoved the folders off the edge of her desk as I laid her on top. I undid the top button of her blouse and grazed my tongue over the exposed skin and licked a trail over the swell of her breasts. She whimpered as I painted light kisses back up her neck to the sensitive skin behind her ear.

“Touch me, Derek. Please.” Her voice was barely a whisper as she pleaded.

My hand glided up her thigh; her legs now spread with me between them. I only grazed the edge of her panties, drawing out a sexy groan of frustration. She bucked against my hand, but I shook my head.

“Tonight,” I whispered in her ear before biting the lobe. “I’m coming to you. There is too much I want to do to you to race against the clock.”

I stood and raked my eyes down Mia’s body. I smiled at her swollen lips and half opened blouse. Her thighs were still apart, beckoning me in, but I backed away. A smirk tipped the side of my mouth as I opened the lock and turned the doorknob. She hopped off her desk, straightening her skirt and fumbling with her buttons. We shared a silent laugh before I left her office without saying a word.

Mia wasn’t only a one-night stand. She was always more.

And tonight, if I played things right, would only be the beginning.

SEVEN

Emilia

SINCE DEREK LEFT MY OFFICE, I was useless. My body was at my desk, but my head was elsewhere. What the hell was I doing? What was I thinking? There was no way in hell we could give into this . . . thing I didn’t have a name for between us. All these weeks, I’d fought so hard to deny my growing feelings, but when Claire ran her hand down his chest, something inside flipped an angry switch. Keeping a safe distance worked as long as everyone else stayed away from him too. Derek didn’t belong to me, and I shouldn’t have any say in who touches him, regardless of how much it made my blood boil to watch.

I threw the permit forms I was sifting through onto my desk and dropped my face to my hands. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I tried to get Derek out of my mind. Considering I still smelled like him—and tasted him on my lips—that would be damn near impossible today.

Derek said he was coming to me tonight. For all I knew, he was waiting for me at home. The thought both excited and terrified me. He was the one who had to stop me earlier, so my control was already hanging on by a fraying thread. There was too much at stake for me to start a relationship with someone who was one, my employee, and two, a DeLuca cousin. Not that I was the first to mix business and pleasure with the men in that family. I’d heard enough stories about how they occasionally liked to dip their pen in the family business ink, but after it was all over, they still had jobs because they were family. I wasn’t. I wasn’t anyone. That was why I had so much to lose. But could I live with myself if I lost a chance at something amazing because I had to play it safe?

A soft tapping at my door made me jump in my chair. It was six o’clock, and everyone in the office was long gone.

“Emilia, can I come in?” ChiChi stood at the threshold of my office, dressed impeccably as usual. She was a timeless beauty, no matter her age.

“Sure, have a seat.” I forced a smile as I motioned to the empty chair in front of my desk.

“I meant to stop in earlier, but I hear from Abby you’re doing a wonderful job. I’d love to have weddings here. That would bring Ryo to an entirely new level of branding. Emilio was right when he told me you were a smart cookie.” She reached across the desk and squeezed my hand.

A smile slanted my mouth. “He’s biased. He tells everyone that.”

She chuckled as she sat back. “Grandparents like to brag. I always chew everyone’s ear off about Abby and the boys, even though to them, all I do is nag.”

I giggled at her crinkled nose. “I’m sure they don’t think that.”

She scoffed and waved her hand. “The only one who actually likes spending time with me is my nephew. I hear Derek is doing well, too. I’m so glad. He’s a good boy, and all that sales travel was wearing him down. Since working here, he doesn’t have those dreadful black circles under his eyes when we have lunch.”

“I . . . I didn’t realize you two were so close.” The sour spot in the pit of my stomach spread. I couldn’t sleep with the owner’s favorite nephew. Well, I couldn’t sleep with him again. I raked my hands through my hair, once again remembering how royally screwed I was.

“Oh, yes. He was my baby sister’s only grandson. She passed away shortly after he was born, so she never got to enjoy him. I filled in for her in that respect. Gabe likes to tease that I baby him, and I suppose I do, especially after his mother died.” ChiChi let out a heavy sigh and shook her head.

“She did?” I clutched my chest, realizing Derek only offered stories of his father, not his mother. My gut twisted with guilt at how I’d known him this long and had no idea.

“Yes—breast cancer—when Derek was only eighteen. Gabe took him under his wing and gave him a job at DeLuca Wines after he graduated college. And even though Derek was his best sales manager, Gabe was the one who helped him get a position here. I’m glad it’s working out for him. He’s a special boy, well . . . special man. I still think of him as the curly-haired little boy who tried to swindle me for ice cream. And it always worked.”

“Good at sales even then?” I smirked at ChiChi, and we shared a laugh.

“I wish he would find a nice girl. He deserves it, and whoever she was, she’d be lucky,” ChiChi whispered as she rose from her seat. The look she gave me was a little too knowing for my taste.

“I . . . I agree. He’s a great guy. He deserves that.” I dropped my eyes back to my desk and picked up the same pile of papers I was mindlessly weeding through moments before. She dropped her hand to my shoulder and squeezed until I looked up.

“Life is too fleeting to throw it away when you find something good. Remember that, Emilia.” She nodded before she turned on her modest heel and sauntered out of my office.

This cat and mouse game we were playing had somehow made it up to ChiChi. That meant everyone knew. And she seemed . . . Okay with it. What was my problem then? Why wasn’t I running to my apartment, where Derek was probably waiting for me? It was because I didn’t want things to change. If they did, I could get hurt. Maybe it wasn’t all about losing my job; it was also about losing him—taking a chance and screwing it all up. But in fighting to keep things from changing, maybe they already had.

Now I had to figure out what to do about it.

***

My car seemed to drive home on its own. Before I knew it, I was pulling into my spot. I dropped my head to my steering wheel and groaned. When was the last time I did something to make myself happy? Not the right professional move, not the practical choice—when did I just take something for no other reason than it was what I wanted to do?

I groaned since I already knew my answer. The Thompson Hotel, four months ago.

I trudged up the outside steps to my condo. My rent-free condo was included with my employment. I had a beautiful front porch, two huge bedrooms, and a bathroom with a tub big enough for my feet to not dangle over the side. The condo was a huge perk, one I would hate to give up if I had to leave for any reason—like if I had a torrid affair with a St. Helena favorite son and had to hightail it back east when it fizzled out. My emotions had ping-ponged so much in the past few hours I was dizzy. Give in to Derek, no stay away. I wanted to get into said tub and sink my head under the water. I headed for my door and slid my key into the lock.

“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming home.” A familiar rasp in my ear made me take in a quick breath.

I exhaled as I clutched my doorknob.

“Were you hiding in the bushes, for goodness sake? Give a girl some warning.”

“You don’t do well with warning.” Derek planted a kiss behind my ear—a soft, warm, wet one. My eyes clenched shut as I bit my lip, glancing around my street to see if anyone was watching. He nipped his way down my shoulder as his arm snaked around my waist. “Giving you time to think about it never works out.”

I craned my neck as a laugh escaped me. “I’m wound up that tightly?”

His nose crinkled as he shrugged. “A little.”

The door unlocked and I stepped inside. I didn’t look back at Derek as he followed me in and shut the door behind him.

He spun me around and pulled me close. “Since I left your office, I haven’t been able to sit still. I know this isn’t the ideal situation, but we can make it work. I don’t think we have a choice at this point.”

I jerked back and squinted at Derek. “We don’t have a choice?”

A smirk tipped the corner of his mouth as he tightened his hold around me. “Either you’ll end up pulling Claire’s hair out of her head, or I’m going to jail for beating up photographers. If we . . . admit what we are to each other, maybe silly stuff like that won’t bother us so much. Right?”

“Right,” I whispered as I squirmed out of his hold. “I still . . .” My voice trailed off as I tried to find the right words.

“Still what?” he rasped as he moved closer.

“I’m still scared, Derek. Whatever happens with us, you’ll be fine. This is your family’s business and where you grew up. Me? I’m the East Coast transplant who likes to sleep with her employee. I don’t have the roots and history you do here. And even though ChiChi seems to be fine with it—”

“You spoke to Aunt ChiChi?” His brows pinched.

“She came to see me after you left for the night.” I bit my lip and raised my eyes to the ceiling before bringing my level gaze back to Derek. “I hated when Claire touched you.” Admitting it left a sour taste on my tongue but took a brick off my chest.

“And I hated when that asshole photographer eye-fucked you all afternoon.” He cupped my neck and tugged my lips toward his until they almost brushed. “If it ever came down to it, I wouldn’t let you lose your job. I’d leave, without hesitation. I want to be with you, without the pretending—just this once. If we sit on the couch and talk all night—”

I closed the distance and covered his mouth with mine. I nibbled on his bottom lip and ran my hands down his chest.

“Always impatient, aren’t you?” He chuckled as he lifted me by the waist.

“My bedroom is—” I panted as I motioned over my shoulder.

“Oh, I’ll find it. Hell, I’ll take you right on the table. If I didn’t know Mrs. Bailey across the street was such a busybody, I would’ve tried to get you naked on the bench outside.”

Derek kicked my bedroom door open and laid me on my bed. “Waiting all this time and knowing exactly how it feels to make love to you has me pretty short on patience.”

I made quick work of the buttons on his shirt. My own impatience was at an unprecedented peak. I couldn’t get his shirt open fast enough.

“Gorgeous,” he whispered before he nibbled my bottom lip. God, I loved when he called me gorgeous. I was sad and pathetic, and, finally, more than happy to embrace it all, starting with the good-looking man pulling my skirt down my legs. “Slow it down. I’m not going anywhere. Not tonight. Not tomorrow.” He pulled my arm until I was sitting up and yanked my blouse off.

“Keep the heels on?” I fumbled with his belt buckle and inched the zipper down on his pants.

“Mia . . .” Derek’s eyes caressed my body. His hand drifted down my cheek, and his thumb grazed my bottom lip. I kept my eyes on his as I sucked it into my mouth.

“Cat got your tongue, Mr. Marconi?” I ran my tongue along the inside of his palm and smiled at his sharp gasp. My inhibitions went out the window, and it felt so damn good to let them go.

Derek’s hand fisted in my hair before he crashed his lips to mine. I raked my hands down his muscular back as he lowered me onto the mattress. My hips bucked off the bed as his other hand slid into my soaked panties.

“Derek, God . . . right there . . .” I whimpered as my head fell back.

“What did you ask me, gorgeous? You wanted me to touch you?” Derek made wide circles around my drenched bundle of nerves. “Feels like this is what you meant. Right, Mia? You like my hand between your legs? Or did you want something else? Like my mouth, or my . . .”

I grabbed the back of his head and shut him up with a desperate kiss. Sweet Jesus, I forgot Derek had a dirty mouth. I came with him that first night on that alone.

“I think,” Derek panted, “after all this time having you so close and not being able to touch you, if I don’t get inside you right now I’ll lose my fucking mind.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Just. Take. It.”

He pulled away to lean over the bed and grabbed his wallet from the heap of clothes. He ripped open a foil packet and slid on a condom, his gaze fixed on me.

I unhooked my bra and inched it off my shoulders before tossing it behind me. I was as desperate as he was, but watching his light eyes darken as I slowly pulled my panties off was worth the torturous wait. He climbed on top of me and pressed me into the mattress.

“Naked, right?” I winked before he plunged into me.

“You? Always naked.” The sex was already different than that first night. It was still as amazing, but the trepidation and hesitation on both sides were gone. We weren’t strangers anymore. We were two people who wanted each other so much and had waited so long, all that mattered was the moment. And in that moment, there was no job, no dread over repercussions. There was only us, as though it had only been us all along.

My heels dug into the small of his back as I clenched around him. He groaned and followed soon before collapsing next to me. Instead of my usual tense self, I melted into a relaxed and sated puddle. My mouth spread into a satisfied grin as I closed my eyes.

“As much as I hated it,” Derek said as he drew me into his side, “there is something to be said for delayed gratification.”

I laughed into the crook of his neck.

“I looked for you, you know.” He kissed the top of my head.

My head jerked up, and I rested my chin on his chest.

“You did?’

He answered with a sad nod. “I called the front desk of the hotel a couple of days after I got home, asking for a Mia in Event Planning. They said you weren’t there and hung up. Of course, had I asked for an Emilia . . .” His eyes narrowed as his fingers threaded into my hair.

“They would have told you no. I quit the morning after the engagement party, effective immediately. Why Paula made sure I couldn’t get another job at any hotel in Manhattan.”

Derek’s golden eyes widened. “Wow, that’s unlike you.”

“So said the rest of my family. My mom yelled at me and said I was reckless, but my grandfather was impressed. He said I was brave. I felt more stupid than brave, but don’t doubt my decision.”

“You shouldn’t. You’re where you belong. With me.” He kissed my forehead and pulled me closer.

“I think you’re right. I just, don’t know how to handle it when we’re—”

“You’re mine now. The other stuff . . .” Derek shrugged. “We’ll figure out as we go.”

“Can you stay?” My hand drifted along the stubble on his jaw. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” He put a finger on my lips and smiled.

“Now that I’ve got you, I’m not going anywhere.”

EIGHT

Emilia

“SO, THIS ISN’T WORKING OUT. Like I said, I need to give notice.”

Gabby’s arms folded as she sighed in boredom. She was never the most exemplary of employees, but given Claire’s abrupt exit last week and the fact she was only giving a day’s notice, I wanted to reach across my desk and slap the bad attitude right out of her.

“It’s fine, Gabby,” I clipped. “In fact, your notice can start today. Clean out your desk, and you can leave right after you’re done.

“Geez. You don’t have to be so mean,” she scoffed as she rushed out of my office.

I dropped my head into my hands and squeezed the bridge of my nose. We had two wedding showcases this month and the first ever St. Helena spring concert in the new vineyard. Not that Claire and Gabby would actually contribute anything, but having a staff of only one and all of this upcoming work made the beginnings of a migraine pulse in my temples.

“Hey,” Derek called from my office doorway. “Another one bites the dust?” He offered a sad smile and shook his head. I could only shrug in reply.

“Yep. It wasn’t working out. You’d think I was the boss from hell.” I let out a sad chuckle before I sobered. “Am I that bad?”

“No.” Derek snickered. He made his way inside my office and came to my side of the desk. He leaned back on the edge and tapped my chin. “You wanted them to do actual work, and it didn’t seem that was ever their thing. Although,” he whispered, “if you want to play mean boss tonight, I won’t fight you. Especially if you wear those glasses.” He tilted his chin toward me as he folded his arms.

“You like my glasses?” I squinted behind my black-rimmed frames. All the late hours going over budgets had my eyes ready to cross. I’d worn contacts since I was sixteen and dreaded whenever I had to give my eyes a rest. Glasses seemed to accentuate the gawkiness I could never shake off.

“Oh, yeah. Especially kissing you when you’re wearing your glasses. Watching those long eyelashes flutter behind the lenses when I drag my lips down lower. I’m hard as a rock just thinking about it.”

“Derek!” I nudged his shoulder as I crossed my legs to stifle the ache. My face twisted in a scowl as I narrowed my eyes. “We talked about this!” I yelled in a loud whisper as I straightened in my chair.

“Yes, we did.” His shoulders shook as he laughed at me. “But I made you feel better, right? Come on. We’ll be fine. Everything is already set. I got your back, gorgeous.” He squeezed my hand, and my body relaxed.

“If you say so, Marconi.” I inhaled a long breath. Derek knew how to handle me. Not only in the mind-blowing orgasms way, but he also knew exactly what to say and do to calm my constantly frayed nerves. We’d been together for a few weeks now, and even though I tried my damnedest to keep it as professional as possible during the day, he liked to goad me a little when we were alone. I didn’t hate it. In fact, it was what made him so damn lovable. And it wasn’t as though I had a staff watching us like a hawk when we were together anymore. I reached back to massage the growing crick in my shoulder.

Working for Paula, I was never this tense. At Ryo Wines, I felt as if I had something to prove, and even though things were going great and we were already turning a profit after only a few months, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Want me to wait for you?” Derek slid his hand to the offending knot and squeezed. My eyes clenched shut at the release of tension.

“No, I better speak to Sarah about putting out some feelers for new employees. You’re good, Derek, but you can’t be in three places at once.”

“You underestimate me.” He winked and stood from my desk. “Meet you at your place?”

“If you come with dessert, sure.”

Derek turned to make his way out of my office. “Anything for you, gorgeous.”

***

“So, talk to me!” Desiree whined in my ear. “You said you’d keep in touch, and this is the first time I’ve actually spoken to you since you left.”

Derek met me at my apartment after work, as he’d done every night for weeks. I snuck in a call to my best friend when he stepped into the shower.

“I know, and I’m sorry. I only have time for texts here and there. My mother is pretty ticked off at me, too.” I held in a laugh as I pictured her narrowed eyes. I missed her, but had to admit St. Helena’s became home a lot quicker than I would have thought. The naked guy in my bathroom probably had a lot to do with that.

“Hmm, for someone as overworked as you claim to be, you sound giddy. I know you’re a weirdo who likes to work, but I don’t think that’s it. Spill.”

“Spill what?” I ran my hand along my silk robe, hoping Des would wrap this up soon since I had nothing on underneath.

“Who is he?”

“Fine,” I huffed. “His name is Derek. He . . . He actually works for me.”

“Wow, look at you! You seem to have a thing for guys named Derek. Wasn’t that the name of the guy you spent the night with before you left?”

I dropped my head to my chest. She was the only one who knew about that night besides Derek and me.

“Well, Des . . . Funny story. It’s the same guy.” I giggled at her audible gasp.

“Shut up. The sexy stranger who made you say ‘fuck it’ and quit the next day. He works for you now, and you’re . . . together?”

“Yep.” The ‘p’ popped off my lips as I nodded to no one.

“This is like, I don’t know. I feel like we’re talking about an episode of General Hospital, not you. Geez, Mia. Wine country’s sure had an affect on you.” We shared a giggle. I was well aware of how ridiculous it all sounded. “All kidding aside, this isn’t like you. At all. At least not the Mia I knew. Guys on staff here hit on you left and right and you never took any of them up on it. This guy works directly for you, and you still went for it. Wow. Either you lost your mind a little, or he’s special.”

“He is,” I whispered. “I didn’t want to start anything—”

“You mean restart?” She snickered.

“You can’t count that night. Although, I don’t know, Des. I can’t explain it. We connected that night. I thought I imagined it, but I walked into the conference room and saw him sitting there, and it felt very real. I think you’re right. I did lose my damn mind.”

“Hey, even a moment in the soul has the potential to last forever.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Since when did you get so deep?”

“Been listening to a lot of classic Whitney Houston. Must be getting to me. Just enjoy it, Mia. For once, enjoy your life. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, Desiree. You should come here for a visit when you get the time off. Polar opposite of New York but it . . . grows on you.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice. I’ll get some prices on flights and let you know. Love you, friend. And like I said. Just enjoy it. Stop thinking.”

“Love you, too. I’ll try.” I ended the call and rubbed my temples. Stop thinking. I’d been doing that my entire life. I didn’t blame Desiree for being shocked. What the hell am I doing ran through my head several times a day, but I couldn’t stop. Being with Derek didn’t make sense in uptight Mia terms. But not being with him? I tried that, and the very thought of being without him now made my lungs deflate. Needing someone like this was terrifying.

I strolled out of my bedroom and inched the bathroom door open.

“I was wondering when you’d get in here.” Derek smirked as he stretched his arms out against the back of the tub. Sweet Jesus. I’d seen Derek naked quite a bit as of late, but wet and sprawled out in a bathtub, that was—new. He sat up and lucky drops of water streaked down the hard ridges of his torso. Everything south of my waist clenched in anticipation. My hand draped over my mouth, half in shock, half to cover the drool pooling in the corner.

“I thought you were in the shower.” I crossed my arms and arched an eyebrow.

“Well . . .” Derek shrugged as he raked his hands through the damp short curls on his head. “You kept bragging about the bathtub. I thought I’d give it a try.” He held out his hand. “It’s nice but lonely. Lose the robe and climb in.”

I slid the robe off my shoulders, letting the silk pool at my feet, as the heat of Derek’s gaze devoured my body. I grabbed his hand as I stepped into the tub and settled between Derek’s muscular legs.

“Mmm . . .” I purred as I stretched my legs in the just-hot-enough bath water. Long days full of meetings around St. Helena and running around setting up for open houses at the winery on the weekends wreaked havoc on every muscle in my body.

“Want some bubbles?” Derek whispered into my ear. I elbowed his ribs as he tightened his hold on me from behind. He brushed wet wisps of hair off my shoulder and sank his teeth into the sensitive skin behind my ear. I let out a weird sound that was a cross between a yelp and moan. His chest shook against my back as it rumbled with a laugh.

“What was that? What other strange noises can I bring out of you? This is fun.”

Derek and I were together in all the ways it mattered. Sure, there were no public displays of affection and I fought hard to make it appear we were friendly colleagues when we were at work, but I was far from stupid. Derek and I stepped out of the office for lunch, and the sly grins and side glances were hard to ignore. I guessed we were Ryo Wines’ worst kept secret. When I was in his arms, happiness oozed from every pore of my body. I wanted nothing more than to claim him out in the open—to kiss him and touch him whenever I wanted. Even though everyone knew, I didn’t want to broadcast it. At least not now. I rationalized in my head that as long as nothing actually ‘happened’ at work—other than the one instance of glorious dry humping on my desk—then I was doing nothing wrong. We were doing nothing wrong. Nights like tonight, when Derek and I were in our own little bubble, I could almost believe that. I wished I could do what Desiree said and simply enjoy this. I loved being with him, but couldn’t shake the dark cloud looming over my head.

I tried to squirm away, but even though the bathtub was big enough for two people to squeeze into, we couldn’t really move around. Being squished together wasn’t the most comfortable of situations, but my body being so entangled with his wasn’t exactly a hardship.

“I could get bubbles if you’d like.” I craned my head and pecked his lips. “I love a man who’s comfortable enough with himself to take bubble baths.” I giggled until the heat in Derek’s gaze made me shiver under the water.

“I like that I can see everything,” he rasped as his hands glided down my wet torso and cupped my breasts. I arched my back and rubbed against his growing hardness.

Derek growled in my ear before biting the lobe. Instead of the sex slowing to a more familiar pace, it ignited each time. More passion, more urgency, more desperation. The forbidden romance we fell into was as hot as it was frustrating. He pinched my nipples, drawing a low moan from my throat before his hand slid underwater. I snaked my arm around his neck as his finger slid inside me. Turning my head to the side, I crashed my lips to his. My pruned toes curled as my body stiffened. Like with everything else, he was great with his hands.

“Derek,” I murmured before his tongue glided along the seam of my lips. I dropped my hand to the erection peeking out of the water, causing Derek to take a short breath. My hand stroked in languid motions up and down his length as his moved faster between my legs. My thighs quivered from the growing tremors stirring in my spine. I jerked away, and my rapid movement splashed water over the side of the tub. I turned to face him as I straddled his legs and sank over him.

Derek’s head fell back and his eyes shut.

“Mia,” he breathed as his head fell forward to my chest. I wrapped my arms around him as I rocked back and forth. Water was all over the floor, and I couldn’t care less. Derek was working his magic, making me forget everything around me but him.

“Do you . . .” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he raised his gaze to lock with mine. “Do you know what you do to me? I want . . . Mia . . . Be with me.” His hand threaded into my hair and tugged my mouth to his.

Tears stung my eyes as my orgasm hit me hard. “I am with you, baby.” And I was. I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. I wasn’t falling for him. I’d already fallen—hard. All we had and all we could lose both excited and scared the shit out of me at the same time.

Derek’s fingers dug into my hips as he found his release. His head nestled into the crook of my shoulder as I tightened my arms around his neck. I had been afraid we were only a fling or a spark that would quickly die out. Now that I knew we were more, that was much worse—and I was terrified.

His hands glided over my thighs as a crooked smile twisted his lips.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m a little chilly. Want to dry off and get under the covers?” He smoothed my damp hair away from my eyes and gave me a soft kiss.

His dark, wet curls fell over his face. The Derek I met at the hotel and the one I worked with was the sales guy. He was a gorgeous smooth talker who knew how to close any deal. The Derek peering into my eyes had a vulnerability he only showed me. That’s how I knew he was mine.

***

“I’m freezing.” My damp body shivered under my comforter. “Maybe we should put some clothes on.” I draped my leg over Derek’s thigh in an effort to gain warmth.

“Body heat is the best thing if you’re cold, and clothes ruin it.” He pulled me to his side and rubbed my arms.

“Do you think people notice you coming over every night?”

Derek stiffened next to me. “Do you care if they do? It’s a small town. Everyone notices everything. I’m sure Mrs. Bailey takes notes for the garden club.” He huffed and scowled down at me. “Are you ashamed of us?”

“No!” I pushed off Derek’s chest so I could meet his gaze. “I guess I still don’t know how to handle this. Your aunt knows, so I don’t think I’ll lose my job.”

“You wouldn’t lose your job anyway. I told you I’d be the one to leave if it came down to it.”

“No, you like your job as much as I like mine. And besides . . .” I ran my hand down his jaw. “I’d hate being there without you. We make a good team.”

His gaze softened as he kissed my forehead. “If we told people we were together it would be fine. But I won’t rush you. As long as I don’t have to share you.” He narrowed his eyes as his hand stilled in my hair.

I smiled and shook my head. “Never.”

He pulled me back into his chest and rested his chin on the top of my head.

“Good. I have to admit, the sneaking around is hot. I can deal for now.”

I chuckled and pressed a kiss to his chest. “It’s not in my nature to relax.”

“You? Never would have guessed.” I slapped his stomach as he laughed at me.

“I’ve been like this since I was a kid. My dad saw me a disappointment. I always thought if I worked hard and was the best at everything, maybe I wouldn’t be, you know?”

Derek kissed the top of my head. “I think you’re pretty amazing, and I can’t see anyone else not seeing that.”

“Well, he wanted a boy. And didn’t make that a secret. He died in a car accident when I was twelve. I’m not asking for sympathy; I had a good mom, and my grandfather spoiled me. Still does. I guess he’s compensating.” I let out a sad laugh.

“You have no clue, do you?”

I sat up and rested my head on my elbow. “Clue about what?”

“You’re gorgeous, brilliant, and . . . everything. I’d love to have the chance to spoil you in front of everyone. Show you all the things about yourself that you can’t see.”

I brushed my lips against his. “You’re cute when you try.”

“I try to use that power only for good like my mom told me to.” He smirked, but a sadness washed over his face.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He cupped my cheek and ran his thumb along my jaw.

“Why don’t you talk about your mom?”

He let out a long sigh.

“Because even though it’s been over a decade, it still hurts. She would have liked you.”

A smile curved my lips. “Yeah?”

“Well, she’d probably want you to loosen up a little bit.” He quirked an eyebrow and laughed at my dropped jaw.

Derek inched closer and kissed my lips. “She was happy when I was happy. And I’ve never been happier than I am right now.”

NINE

Derek

“WOW, YOU GUYS DID SUCH a great job!” Abby craned her head to peer around the winery and nodded in approval. We were set up for another wedding open house, this time with a deejay and band that played off each other. The magazine article had reaped a huge response, and Mia thought another open house would get us faster bookings than individual meetings with engaged couples who might be interested. I hoped no brides fought over booking dates this time, like the two who almost came to blows at the wedding open house we had a couple of months ago. But, as Mia was quick to point out, both booked their receptions here, so as long as there was no bloodshed, all was well that ended well.

“Thanks, Abby.” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Are you staying?”

“No, just stopped in to say hi. Tell Mia I’m sorry I missed her. Event planning really took off, considering it’s just the two of you. I hear another sales manager is interested in making a move here.” She winked before slugging her bag over her shoulder.

I nodded but inwardly groaned. Jodi Moran wanted to work here, and Mia was completely on board after interviewing her last week. I was trying to figure out whether to tell her about the blip of a past Jodi and I shared. We needed help, and unlike the other two that quit within days of each other, Jodi had a marketing background and would produce. Mia and I couldn’t do it all anymore, and aside from work becoming even more fucking uncomfortable for me, Jodi would be a good fit. I just didn’t want a lie of omission to hurt us later on.

“Yes, Gabe will think I’m poaching.” I covered my concern with a laugh. “We have a lot going on, and extra hands would be great.” That was, as long as Jodi kept those extra hands to herself. Last time I saw her, she didn’t take ‘no, I’m not interested’ as a feasible answer.

Abby sauntered out of the winery, and I perused the room to make sure everything was in place. Mia and I were in a tough spot. Well, maybe she wasn’t, but I sure as hell was. For the first time in my life, I was in love. Completely and stupidly in love—with my boss. The simmering pull between us had turned into something much more, but instead of embracing it, I had to hold myself back. I wasn’t allowed to hold the hand of my girlfriend of three months in public. Sure, the illicit nature of it all was fun at the beginning, but all it did now was piss me off. No one would care if we admitted we were together, but Mia wouldn’t let us be a real couple outside her bed or mine. I wondered if protecting her reputation was only an excuse at this point. The sneaking around in plain sight had me at my wits’ end. Mia breezed in and set her briefcase on one of the tables.

“Abby was here, and I missed her?” Her curvy body was hugged by a red sleeveless dress, and my mouth watered as my eyes drank her in. My girl was drop-dead gorgeous, and not being able to claim her in public infuriated me.

“She ran in and out.” I strutted up to her and laughed at her exasperation. My hand cradled the side of her face and ran my thumb along her jaw. “She’s impressed by everything and by you. Relax, gorgeous,” I whispered as I kissed her cheek. She relaxed into me but jumped back when the front door creaked.

“Sorry I’m late, Mia!” Jodi rushed in with a handful of folders. My brows knitted together as I brought my eyes back to Mia’s.

“Listen; I hired Jodi.” Mia leaned in to whisper in my ear. “I forgot the interest forms and asked her to stop by the office to pick them up.” Jodi looked over her shoulder and gave me a wave.

“I think the band is here, so I’ll show them where to set up. Welcome, Jodi. Thanks for coming on short notice.”

“My pleasure,” she replied with a genuine smile before turning to me. Mia sprinted away without looking back at us.

“Life is funny, isn’t it?” Jodi chuckled. “You don’t have a problem with this, do you?”

“No, not at all.” I ran my hand along my jaw, trying to figure out how to set her straight.

She squeezed my wrist. “I’m with someone now, and we—whatever we were—ended a long time ago. Only reason I’m here is I’m sick of travel and think this is a great opportunity. Why I’m sure you’re here as well. Okay?”

I laughed and nodded. “Okay.”

“Besides, I think you’re with someone else too, right?” She motioned to the path Mia had just taken away from us. Five whole seconds in our presence and even she knew.

I shrugged and grabbed some of the interest forms and put them on the tables. I had no clue how to answer that. Yes, I was with someone, but she didn’t want anyone to know.

I told her I’d wait until she was comfortable, but the little patience I had was wearing thin. When you loved someone, you wanted to shout it from the highest rooftop, not whisper so no one would hear.

***

“Three wedding bookings, and no fights. These open houses are getting better! I hope they close that deal on the extra vineyard property. Imagine the huge events we could have there!” Mia bounced next to me. Most of the couples were gone except for the two that couldn’t get off the dance floor. Watching happy lovers appealed to me as much as a root canal, but I still smiled the same reassuring grin I always gave to Mia after one of these events.

“I think I’m going to head out.” Jodi sauntered over to where Mia and I stood. Mia pulled her hand from where it rested on my arm, and I sucked in a short breath of frustration. Her eyes cut to mine, squinting in a plea. Stay quiet, keep the secret. The secret everyone knew, yet she was afraid to confess.

I’d finally had enough.

“See you Monday, Jodi. Thank you!”

“Thank you, Mia. Hey . . .” Jodi chuckled as she jabbed my shoulder. “Since when are you so tense?” She turned her back to Mia and huffed. “Times have changed. You used to be a hell of a lot more fun, Marconi. Thank God you weren’t this uptight on all those trips.” She winked before she strutted out the door.

Mia’s brow furrowed as she turned back to me. “I didn’t realize you traveled together. How . . .” She stammered as she raked her hands through her hair, her tell when she was frustrated or nervous and trying to shake it off. “You guys didn’t—”

“Yeah. Just a couple of times. She wanted serious, and at the time I didn’t. I made sure not to have too many drinks with her if we had to travel together.” I ambled closer to the band. I knew she followed without turning around. That was easier than I thought, now that I didn’t care if I pissed her off. When I met her gaze again, her chest heaved under her folded arms.

“I guess that’s how you entertained yourself on trips. Here I thought I was special. What a joke.” She huffed and turned to storm away.

I grabbed her arm and spun her back. “Know what’s a joke, Mia? Being in love with someone and keeping it a secret. And what’s even funnier?” A sad laugh fell from my lips. “Is when it’s a secret that everyone already knows. From the second I met you, you were special. You know that.” I dragged my hand down my face and shook my head. I’d finally reached my breaking point. “Jodi was casual; you were never anything close to casual. I want things with you. But I’m not sneaking around anymore.” I shrugged and let her go.

“Derek,” Mia called in a whisper, her eyes glassy as she sank her teeth into her lip. “What do you want from me?”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “I guess I want that.” I nodded at the couple dancing. “I want my arms around you without giving a shit who’s looking.” I stalked toward her. Her body stiffened, but she didn’t back away when I moved closer. “I want to kiss your lips and your neck and whatever else I feel like, whenever I want to.” I leaned in to whisper in her ear. Goosebumps trailed down her neck. “I want people knowing you’re mine.”

“I am yours.” She took a quick glance around the room before clutching the back of my head.

A humorless laugh fell from my lips. “At night. At my apartment or yours. Not here. Not anywhere else.” I peeled her hand from my neck and shook my head. “I think that makes you not mine at all.”

Mia’s lip quivered as I backed away. I turned from her watery gaze and strolled out of the winery. I wouldn’t let her tears affect me. Crying for me didn’t prove she loved me back. Following me might have.

But she didn’t.

TEN

Emilia

“MY GRANDDAUGHTER, THE BIG SHOT.” My grandfather grinned at me as he set his fedora on the table. Yes, he was the type of man who still wore fedora hats and pea coats. He surprised me at the office and whisked me away for lunch. Since the day was slow and being near an angry and ice cold Derek was chipping away at my soul, I couldn’t follow him out the door fast enough.

“I’m not a big shot, Grandpa.” I shook my head as I opened the menu, trying to forget how many times I’d been here with Derek. Breaking up with someone you loved was hard enough without seeing them every day. For the past week, other than good morning and goodnight, Derek hadn’t said a word to me. We emailed back and forth in a painfully formal manner if we needed to speak about anything work related. He was right there, in the same office, but he was gone. And it was all my fault.

“So, what’s wrong? You look tired. I thought the open houses were over for a few weeks.”

“They are.” I closed the menu and leaned my folded arms on the table. “You know me. I always find something to do.”

“I had dinner with ChiChi last night.” His smile faded into a frown.

“Of course, she was your first stop. I didn’t even know when you got here.” I smirked, trying my best to ignore the grave expression he was directing at me.

“Well, I didn’t want to bother you so late. I honestly didn’t think you’d be alone, but I heard from ChiChi last night you’ve been alone the past few days.”

My effort to keep my relationship with Derek quiet was laughable. You couldn’t go to the bathroom in this town without the garden club discussing the details. Still, I thought laying low was a good thing. The right thing. Nothing felt right since Derek walked away from me.

“I hate that you do this to yourself.” He folded his hands as his lips pursed.

I love my grandfather but hated the sixth sense he always had when it came to me.

“Do what?” I rolled my eyes as they met his.

“Spite yourself. Be miserable when you could be happy.”

My mother worked a lot of long and crazy hours after my father died. I spent more of my childhood at my grandparents’ house than our own. They were more like parents to me, and Grandpa was the only father I knew growing up. After my grandmother had died, we grew even closer. Too close, since he saw through me like a piece of cellophane.

“That’s not it. I’m sure you know everything, so I don’t have to give you any details. What I did was wrong; it’s better that it’s over.” I scoffed and tucked my hair behind my ears.

“Better for who? You’re unhappy, and I have it on good authority that Derek is, too. It may not have been an ideal situation, but when you fall in love, it never is.”

The waitress came to take our order, and a heavy silence fell over us. Lying to him was pointless. I fell back into my side of the booth and dropped my gaze to the table.

“You know, I loved your father. Truly. But when I see you like this, I want to dig him up and kick his ass.”

“Grandpa, it’s not that—”

“Oh, the hell it’s not. You don’t make your children feel guilty for who they are. That is something you could never shake. You always had to be perfect and the best at everything. God forbid you got less than an A on a test or didn’t come in first in something. You ran your fingers to the bone since you were a kid, missing out on so much because you thought you had something to prove.” He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “Everyone always adored you. Even your father, although he had a lousy way of showing it.”

I shrugged as my eyes met his. “I shouldn’t have started anything with Derek. I was his boss, and I didn’t move across the country to lose my—”

“You really think ChiChi would have fired you? Ryo Wines didn’t even have an event planning department until they hired you, and you’re looking at a six-figure revenue in only four months. In fact, she told me she gave you a push toward Derek. What’s the real problem, sweetheart?”

“How is anyone supposed to respect me if I’m known for shitting where I eat? You know, dating employees, not the best way to build a professional reputation in a new place.”

“Granted, it’s not the best business strategy, but most people already know, don’t they? What was the big deal about going public? Keep it professional at the office and do what you want when you leave.”

“True,” I whispered as I once again looked away. Everything he said made sense. I should go back to the office, tell Derek I love him, and I’m sorry. Why was I still sitting there, frozen and stuck to the plastic cushion under me?

“If you ask me, the fact you’re his boss isn’t the issue.” He raised a gray eyebrow and leaned forward.

I squinted and dropped my hand from where it rested under my chin. “That’s a pretty big issue, don’t you think?”

“You’re scared because you love him. If you officially say you’re together, there’s no going back. And if things go wrong, you can get hurt.”

What I felt for Derek scared me. I felt vulnerable and exposed, but being apart from him was awful. The sadness that burrowed into my heart was palpable. He thought I was ashamed of him, of us. What I really was, was scared to death—and I let that affect me to the point I lost the very thing I couldn’t seem to live without.

“So,” I sighed as I picked at my burger and fries, “I really messed up this time, right?”

Grandpa laughed and shook his head. “No, cookie. It’s hard to fight against how you’re wired. You never backed down from hard work. And taking what you want to make yourself happy, well, that takes work. You’re smart and brave. You’ll figure it out.”

I didn’t have a damn thing figured out, except that when I finally did, it would probably be too late.

***

I trudged back to my eerily quiet office. The light in Derek’s cubicle was off as if he’d left for the day.

“Hey!” Jodi called from my office doorway. “Derek asked me to tell you he had to cut out early.”

I nodded without meeting her gaze. “That’s fine.” I plopped into my chair and grabbed a random file from my desk. The man I loved didn’t want to be anywhere near me. Would he be quitting soon? Then I wouldn’t see him at all. I perused the papers in the file, not reading anything on the pages as panic rose in my throat.

“Listen.” Jodi sat in the chair in front of my desk. “Did me working here cause problems with you and Derek? Believe me, that was years ago, and I’m with someone now. Plus, there is no way I’d be able to take Derek from you. No woman could, seeing how he was looking at you at the open house the other night.”

“Don’t worry about it, Jodi. We weren’t . . .” It was stupid and exhausting to keep to denying something that was common knowledge. May as well stop now. “It had nothing to do with you.”

She let out a long sigh. “Good! And Mia, I’ve been here for five seconds, and it’s none of my business, but Derek is a good guy. And I can tell whatever happened between the two of you is hurting him. I hope you both can work it out.” She rose from her chair and strolled into the hallway.

I picked up my phone, my fingers tempted to punch out a text to Derek. But I knew that wouldn’t work. I needed to prove somehow how I felt, and how sorry I was. My grandfather was right; I never backed down from a challenge. I just hoped this wouldn’t be the first time in my life that I failed.

ELEVEN

Emilia

“I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW BEAUTIFUL this place is,” Jodi whispered next to me as she craned her head to get a look at the vineyard. “They just bought this?”

“Well, Abby’s been negotiating for a while since it’s right outside of St. Helena. It took a few years and a few awards for Ryo Wines for the owner to take her seriously.” I chuckled as I took in the beautiful grounds accentuated with the white lanterns I had brought in. Events here would double, maybe even triple, our revenue. This was a huge win, but without my partner, all I felt was loss. Derek’s attendance at work was spotty, and I had the strong feeling he was interviewing. Tonight would be my last and only chance to get him back. He wouldn’t speak to me, so I had to get creative. My ingenuity tonight would either be the most humiliating experience of my life, or a fantastic story to tell our grandchildren. Only time would tell.

I’d invited the band from the last open house back tonight, and they were able to set up a huge stage under the tents. People were eating and drinking wine, and Jodi couldn’t tap out inquiries on her tablet fast enough. In addition to prospects, most of St. Helena had stopped by as well. My insides clenched as tension surged through my body. Well, it was go big or go home, right? Derek was my home, so I had to go big to get him back.

“This is beautiful, Mia.” I winced at the familiar deep timbre behind me. “You did an amazing job setting this up.”

I craned my head back and locked eyes with his. I held his gaze until he lowered his eyes to the floor. His dark blue shirt stretched across his chest, without his usual tie. His black pants molded to his body as if they were made for him. I held in a whimper at how much I missed him. I missed his kisses; I missed his friendship. I missed him—period.

“I just called a few vendors and filled out some permit forms. Nothing to really take credit for.” I shrugged and managed a wide but tense smile. “I miss having a partner, though.”

He rubbed the back of his neck as he shook his head, still not looking at me. “Nah, you don’t need me. You’re running this all by yourself.” He—finally—lifted his eyes to mine. “And doing a pretty damn good job.” A smile danced across his lips. The easy, sweet smile that I remembered. The one that belonged to me, and it was up to me to get it back for good.

“Hey, everyone.” The lead singer’s voice boomed from the speakers. “Thanks for coming out tonight. The lady in charge would like to say a few words before we all get kicked out.”

Derek’s brows crinkled before I turned away from him to walk toward the stage. My breath and legs were wobbly as I strolled the short distance. I mouthed a ‘thank you’ before I grabbed the microphone.

“Good evening, everyone. Thanks for coming tonight. Ryo Wines is now more than just a wine label. It’s a place, a memory of a special day, and I’m delighted I could be a part of it.” My eyes landed on Derek in the crowd as my tongue darted across my parched bottom lip. “I love that we’re able to host weddings. There is nothing more important than to start your new life without a hitch with the person you love. Although, having someone to love is the important thing—more than the party you plan. Even though it’s probably bad for business for me to say that.” A few chuckles popped up. I even spied the corners of Derek’s mouth curve a bit. “When you find someone to love, you do all you can to make sure they know. Whether it’s buying a huge diamond or hosting a lavish wedding or announcing it in front of a room full of people, ‘Derek, I love you.’” My eyes clouded as they met his shocked gaze. “And I’m sorry if you spent one second thinking I didn’t. And you can have me, all of me, if that’s what you still want.”

Derek straightened as his eyes went saucer-wide. Loud whispers drifted back and forth. This was the part in my plan when Derek rushed the stage, scooped me in his arms, and gave me a long, passionate kiss. That wasn’t happening. Time froze, and sweat trickled down the back of my neck.

“Well,” I said into the microphone louder than I intended. I white-knuckled the grip as I tried in vain to slow my breathing. “Jodi is taking inquiries, and the bar is still open. Have a great rest of the night.” I handed back the microphone and hoped I made it down the steps without falling headfirst. I was worried about tarnishing my reputation? My grand gesture of love had just annihilated it. Now, instead of the side glances and whispers, I’d get long pity stares at my very public rejection.

I made long strides to the back of the tent, hoping the tears burning my throat wouldn’t break through until I was out of sight. I leaned against one of the poles and clenched my eyes shut. This too shall pass, I told myself. It wasn’t the end of the world, no matter how devastating it felt.

“Mia!” My head swiveled at the sound of Derek’s voice. I folded my arms as he rushed toward me. It was my defense mechanism whenever I got scared or wanted to cry. My arms wrapped around my torso, squeezing like a boa constrictor, but it offered no comfort or relief. I backed away as he came closer.

“Did you mean that?” He grabbed the pole behind me as he brought his face so close to mine, our noses were touching.

“Yes.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Every single word.”

“You know . . .” He rubbed his jaw as he looked me over. “You could have texted or called me. It’s been over a week.”

“You wouldn’t speak to me or look at me. I needed something big. Something to make up for being such a chicken. I love you. Tell me it’s not too late—”

Derek grabbed the back of my head and shut me up with a passionate kiss. His tongue swirled over the seam of my lips, and they parted to grant him entry. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him even harder.

“I love you,” he murmured against my lips. “You’re all I want. And that’s all I needed to hear.”

“So that was good?” I pulled back and beamed into his golden eyes. “It worked?”

He laughed and pulled me closer. “Yes. Yes, it did. But now . . .” He cocked his head to the side. “If everyone didn’t know before, they know now.”

“Good. Because you’re mine, and they all should know that.” I cradled his face and brushed my lips against his.

“I already spoke to Jodi. She’ll shut everything down, and we can leave. Now.”

My brow furrowed as I shook my head. “We can’t do that.”

“But we can. That declaration up there? It did things to me. And now I need to do things to you—like get inside you as far as I can go. You’re mine, and I’m claiming you all fucking night long.”

I burst out laughing, then went silent as he leaned his forehead against mine.

“I hope you realize this is it, Mia. I’m never letting you go again. Twice was enough.”

My hand feathered down his stubbled cheek. “You count that first night?”

“I count everything. We were never strangers. We always were supposed to end up just like this.” He cupped my neck as he tugged my lips back to his.

A one-night stand led me to the love of my life. Who would have thought strangers could fall in love and it could be forever? Our forever just happened to start with one night.

EPILOGUE

Derek

“CAN YOU DRIVE ANY FASTER?” Mia’s knee bobbed as her head swiveled back and forth.

“Not if we want to get there in one piece, gorgeous.” I laughed at her exasperated sigh. The event planning department doubled at Ryo Wines in a year, and tomorrow was the first wedding we were hosting at another recently acquired vineyard. My girl usually kept a clear and calm head, but the first event at a new space always had her on edge. A little twinge of guilt hit me at playing her so easily, but she’d love it in the end.

“Did they say what the damage was? The Murphy wedding is tomorrow, and we won’t be able to get tents and lights and chairs in enough time—”

“Easy, boss lady.” I grabbed her hand as I kept my eyes on the road. “All they said was they needed us there. No damage that I know of.” I brought our joined hands to my lips and kissed the back of her wrist. “Relax until we know what we’re dealing with.”

I pulled up on the dirt road behind the vineyard. Mia shot out of the car before I had it in park. Getting her here was entirely too easy. I ran behind her as she sprinted toward the tent.

“Okay, okay,” she mumbled to herself. “Nothing looks out of place. Chairs are here; lanterns are—why are the lanterns on? And the flowers shouldn’t be here until tomorrow.” She huffed as she dug into her purse for her cell.

“Mia.”

“Is Kevon still in the office? It looks like there’s an event today and not tomorrow. They never mess dates up. These kids are trying to kill me.”

“There is an event today.”

Mia’s brow furrowed, and she turned to face me.

“Today? There’s nothing on the schedule—”

Mia froze and draped her hand over her mouth as our eyes met. I gazed up at her from where I’d dropped to the ground on one knee.

“I love you. I love every single second I get to spend with you. I want to make a life with you. Because you are my life.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my mother’s engagement ring.

“Marry Me, Emilia.”

“You have never called me Emilia.” She sniffled as she wiped at her wet cheeks.

“Mia, gorgeous, love of my life. Marry me.”

She knelt down on the ground in front of me and grabbed my hands. “Here is where I should make you sweat for freaking me out to get here.” A laugh bubbled out through her tears. “But there is no way I can pretend to not want to marry you.”

“So . . . Yes?” Mia nodded as she took in a shaky breath.

“I need to hear it. Say you’ll marry me.”

She chuckled as a beaming smile spread across her lips. “Yes, baby.” Her hand drifted down my cheek. “I would love to marry you.”

I heaved a sigh of relief as I pushed the diamond ring on her finger and grabbed her face. I kissed her so hard she fell back, and her blonde hair splayed over the ground.

“Making me sweat wouldn’t have ended well. I’m too anxious to start the rest of my life with you.”

“The rest of my life started one year ago today.” A smile beamed across her cheeks.

“You remembered?” I raised a brow as I settled on top of her.

She let out a giggle as she nodded. “Think that chapel across the highway is open?”

My brows shot up. “You want to get married today? We run weddings for everyone else, and you don’t want one?” I laughed and cupped her cheek.

“I don’t need the lanterns or the flowers or the beautiful settings. I just need you.” Her arms wrapped around my neck. “Marry me tonight. Please.”

My lips curved into a smile before they covered hers. “Well, since you said please . . .”

THE END

STEPHANIE ROSE

STEPHANIE ROSE WAS born and raised in the Bronx, New York and still lives there with her superhero-obsessed husband and son.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a day job in marketing, but she always has a story in her head. Her books are full of swoon-worthy men and feisty heroines.

This lifelong New Yorker lives for Starbucks, book boyfriends, and 80s rock. Her voice is often mistaken for a Mob Wives trailer.

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Books by Stephanie Rose

Always You

Only You

Finding Me

Always Us

After You