“This is perfect.” The land is level, so people won’t be trying to dance on uneven ground, falling after having too many drinks. “I’ll have them set up the stage on this end.” I walk all the way to the left, cursing when one of my heels sinks into the grass and kick my shoes off so I don’t ruin them.
“I knew you’d shed the shoes.”
“My feet don’t hurt, they’re just too expensive to ruin in the grass,” I reply absentmindedly, and keep my eyes on the meadow, mentally measuring the space. “Yes, the stage will fit perfectly here. And with the sound equipment facing the villa, everyone will be able to hear the music, even if they choose to wander through the gardens and such.” I bite my lip and turn to gaze at the rest of the space. “This is a perfect place to set up a dance floor. There is plenty of room for tables around the perimeter.”
“Did you say there will be a tent?” Dom asks from behind me, startling me.
“Yes. It protects the guests from the sun and the rain, and around here, you never know what you’ll get.”
“It’s going to be a big tent.”
“That’s why they’re coming tomorrow to begin setting up,” I reply and fetch my shoes. “This is plenty of space for both a formal sit-down dinner and dancing. I love it. Okay, let’s move on to the ceremony site.”
I begin to walk away, and then realize he’s not beside me. I turn to find him standing, hands in pockets, watching me.
“What?”
“You’re good at this.”
“Of course I am.”
His lips twitch as he approaches me. “It looks good on you.”
“I’m working.”
“Meaning?”
“No flirting.”
“Is that what I was doing?”
“Weren’t you?”
He chuckles and reaches over to drag his fingertip down my neck, from just below my ear to my collarbone.
“Yes, but not on purpose.”
“Well, stop it.” I turn and begin walking again, ignoring the way my skin sizzles where his fingertip was. “Ceremony site?”
“Over here,” he replies, and leads me back onto a sidewalk path for about a hundred yards, passing a large, dark brown barn. “The barrels are in there, along with the bottling equipment.”
“Oh, that’s cool. I’d love to check that out.”
“I’ll show you,” he says, and leads me into a field just past the barn, where vines of grapes are standing in perfect rows.
“Oh, this is beautiful.”
He grins and nods. “Meg wanted to get married in the vineyard. So, she will. As you can see, there is a wide space in the middle of the vines where we set up harvesting supplies. I think it’ll be a good place to set up for the ceremony.”
My eyes are raking over the gorgeous green-leafed vines, heavy with purple grapes, and my heart yearns. I wish I could hold every wedding right here.
It’s amazing.
In the background, there’s a steep hill with more vines climbing up it and the Cascade Mountains are the backdrop, providing a glorious painting of color.
“This is beautiful,” I whisper. “Where does the sun set?” I shade my eyes and look around for the sun.
“Behind us. So, the guests won’t be looking into the sun.”
“Perfect.” I grin and tap notes into the iPad, doing the happy dance inside. “With the colors of the vines and the mountains, we don’t need many flowers out here. I’m going to have my construction crew build a simple arbor at that far end and I’ll have the florist weave some flowers into that.”
We go over the chair placement and then turn to walk back toward the villa.
“When will you pick the grapes?” I ask.
“The harvest usually begins in late August and goes through September,” he replies. “It’s a busy time for me.”
“Why?”
“I’m harvesting grapes?”
“Alone?” I ask incredulously.
“No,” he laughs. “I hire about fifty people to come help. But I love it, so I work right alongside them.”
“What do you love about it?” I ask.
“The feel of the grapes in my hands. They’re heavier than you’d think. Watching the buckets fill. Getting my hands dirty. I don’t even mind the blisters.”
“It’s hard work,” I remark softly.
“Very. But rewarding.” His voice is like smooth chocolate, full of affection and passion for this life that he loves. And what’s not to love? This place is simply breathtaking.
“Okay, I think we can go inside now and take a look at the bridal suites.”
Dom nods and gestures for me to walk with him back to the villa.
“I’ll take you through the back.”
“I love this patio.” The back patio is covered, with a beautiful outdoor kitchen and sitting area. Tuscan tile is laid on the ground and runs up the outside wall, framing a wide gas fireplace. “You could make a few s’mores in that fireplace.”
“I haven’t even lit it yet.” He chuckles. “But I think that’s a great idea. I don’t believe I’ve had s’mores before.”
He opens the back door and guides me into a wide, open sunroom, furnished with deep furniture in earth tones. A small fountain gurgles in the corner.
It’s the perfect space to curl up and read a book.
Not that I have time to read books.
This leads into the kitchen. I’m sure Blake cries tears of pure joy when he works in here. It’s industrial and huge, but manages to still be inviting and homey.
“Would you like something to drink?” Dom asks.
“I’d love some water, please.”
He fetches a bottle from the refrigerator and twists the top off for me, then hands it to me. “Anything else?”
“No thanks.”
“Okay. The guest suites are this way.” I follow Dom past a dining room that sits twelve to a staircase that leads to the second floor.
“This banister and hallway separate the two wings up here,” Dom says, gesturing to the dark oak banister that opens the hall up to the foyer below. “My personal wing is down there,” he points to the right, “and the guest wing is this way.”
Six heavy doors stand open to six fully furnished bedroom suites, each decorated in Tuscan colors, but in its own style. Some have king beds, some two twin beds, and a smaller one has a cozy-looking queen sized bed with an over-stuffed chair and ottoman that is just begging to be curled up in.
Another reading spot.
“These rooms are beautiful, Dom.”
“Thank you.” He grins and leads me to the room at the very end. “This will be the bride’s suite.”
I gasp when I step inside. The windows are floor-to-ceiling and run the length of the room, filling the space with light. Just inside is a sitting area with a fireplace. There are two doors, one on either end of the room.
“The bathroom is through there,” Dom points to the left, and I immediately open the door and gasp again at the ornate fixtures. You could swim laps in the soaking tub. “And the bedroom through that door, but I didn’t have the bed delivered. Instead, I had couches, chairs and tables put in there so between these two rooms, there should be plenty of room for all of the girls to do whatever it is that girls do on wedding days.”
I smirk, but my heart just melted, and if I was that kind of girl, I would let out a loud, “Awwww!” He’s done perfectly, and put so much thought and love into it for his family.
“It’s perfect, Dom.”
“You think?”
“I know.”
He nods once and gazes around the room in satisfaction.
“Where will the boys be?”
“We will be downstairs in the entertainment room.”
I let out a loud laugh. “Well, that’s appropriate.”
“I couldn’t very well put us next door or across the hall. I’d never be able to keep Will out of here.”
“You’re absolutely right,” I agree. “Lead on, then.”<
br />
Once downstairs, Dom leads me to the opposite side of the house and opens a door to a large entertainment room, with two pool tables, movie theater seats facing a wide screen, and a wet bar.
“This is the boy room.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, and I immediately feel my cheeks flush. “I’m sorry—”
“No, you’re right,” Dom says with a laugh. “I’ve had my brothers over a time or two to help me break it in.”
“It’s also perfect for the guys on wedding day. I’ll have the wet bar stocked with snacks and drinks, and I’ll do the same upstairs.” I add the notes to my iPad. “Starting tomorrow, I’ll be here at six in the morning until late into the evening every day until the day after the wedding.”
“Why will you be here the day after?”
“To oversee the cleanup. An event of this size makes a mess, trust me.”
“That’s quite a commute every day,” he says and shoves his hands in his pockets.
“It’s fine.” I glance back to the iPad.
“Stay here.”
My head whips up and I frown at him. “Why?”
“It’s more convenient. I have plenty of space. There’s no need for you to drive back and forth.”
“Dominic, I’m fine with it. It’s part of the job.”
“Let me put it like this,” he replies and steps closer to me. He cups my cheek in his palm, and his bright blue eyes are intense as they stare into mine. “I would prefer you stay with me. It’s safer.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Salvatore?”
We both turn at the voice in the doorway. A petite woman, in her early forties, wearing a sharp black suit and her jet black hair in a pixie cut, smiles at Dom.
“Celeste,” Dom says, and lays a hand on the small of my back. “This is Alecia. From this moment on, anything she needs is number one priority.”
“Of course,” she replies with a smile and a nod. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but you have a call from Italy, sir.”
“I’ll take it in my office.” Dom turns to me and grins. “Don’t leave yet.”
“I’m here for a few more hours.”
“Good.” He saunters out quickly, and Celeste smiles at me.
“Can I get you anything, Alecia?”
“No, thank you. I’m going to walk outside.”
“Just let me know if you need anything.” She winks and follows the way Dom left. I walk slowly through the house and back out through the sun room, the outdoor eating space, and past the wine store to see the grape vines that I didn’t see earlier.
When I turn around the end of the building, my breath catches in my throat. The terrain is certainly hilly, but for as far as the eye can see, it’s covered in perfectly straight lines of grape vines. The sun is bouncing off the green leaves as they sway in the light breeze. Heavy purple and green grapes hang from the vines.
The colors are spectacular. The breeze is light and refreshing. I can smell the earth and the pure clean of it all, and in this moment, I know why Dom chose this property, so far from the city.
It’s pure heaven.
Suddenly, the air shifts, and I can feel the heat from him at my back. He runs a fingertip along the nape of my neck as he steps closer, and just like that, my entire body is in tune with him, begging to give into the pull that I feel when I’m near him.
“This is the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen.”
He cups my shoulder in his hand, gives it a reassuring squeeze, and then nudges me around to face him. I keep my eyes pinned to his chest until he tips my chin up with his finger. His eyes are bright and warm with affection, which throws me.
How can he know me well enough to look at me with so much damn affection?
“Stay this week, cara.”
Say no. The commute isn’t that big of a deal. But instead, I feel myself nod and his eyes drop to my lips. His hands both cradle my jaw, his fingertips graze my hair, and he inhales deeply before tipping his face to mine. His lips brush over my mouth softly, barely touching my skin. He nuzzles my nose before returning to my lips, kissing me tenderly, as if we can stand here and kiss all day long. His tongue crosses my lips and just barely touches mine before retreating again, and rather than take the kiss deeper, he pulls away, presses his damp lips to my forehead, and then smiles down at me.
“Thank you,” he whispers.
For what? I want to ask. Agreeing to stay? Returning his kiss? My body is humming with anticipation. His warmth, his strength, his scent surrounds me, and I have to pull away before I do something really embarrassing, like jump him.
Suddenly, there is a loud truck honking from the front of the villa.
“The contractor is here.” My voice sounds strained, even to my own ears.
“We’d better get to work then.” He flashes me a quick smile, that sexy dimple winking at me, as he pulls away and simply laces his fingers through mine and leads me away from the breathtaking view.
Chapter Five
“This is a great start,” I say to Scott, the foreman of my construction crew the next morning. He’s one of Isaac Montgomery’s men, and given that Isaac is Will Montgomery’s oldest brother, I know that the whole crew will be paying extra special attention to this project. “The stage is fancy.”
“It’s sturdy,” he corrects me with a grin. “Knowing the Montgomery family, there will be a lot of people coming and going off this stage, and dancing too. We can’t have it falling in on them.”
“No, we can’t.” I laugh, knowing he’s right. “Also, some of Will’s teammates weigh a good three hundred pounds. Each.”
“I’m gonna add more support,” he says as his face pales, making me laugh again.
“It’ll be great. Thanks, Scott. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Scott waves and moves over to speak with his crew, and I turn toward the house, smiling when I see Dominic.
“How was the first day?” he asks as he approaches, coming from the way I’m headed.
“Busy, but productive.” I pinch my neck in my palm and stretch my head from side to side. I’m exhausted, and I’m secretly relieved that he talked me into staying here. Driving all the way home this tired probably isn’t the safest thing to do.
“Are you finished?”
“Yes.” I grin and take a deep breath. I love the way it smells here. “How was your day?”
“Busy as well.” He reaches over and brushes his finger down my neck, making me shiver.
Jesus, all he has to do is touch me with one finger and I want to jump him.
“What did you do?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Do you ever wear your hair down?” he asks, rather than answering my question.
“Not on work days,” I reply with a frown.
“Why?”
“Because it’s more professional and easier to wear it up.”
He offers me a mischievous half smile and leans in like he’s going to tell me a secret. “I can’t wait to mess it up.”
My jaw drops, and before I can respond, he smirks and takes my hand in his, gesturing for me to walk with him.
“I’d like for you to have dinner with me on the patio tonight.”
“I don’t expect you to eat with me every night, Dom.”
“I think I just asked you to join me.”
No thanks, Dom. I’ll just head up to my room now. I glance up to find his jaw ticking and his lips pressed in a line, as if he’s bracing himself for another rejection. But if I’m being honest, I am dying to eat on that patio. The sun is going to set soon, and the view is going to be awesome.
I’m here for a whole week. I might as well take advantage of it.
“I’d like that.”
His jaw and lips loosen, and he glances down at me with a smile. “Excellent.”
“So, what did you do today?” I ask again, as he holds a chair out for me at the table on the patio.
“I arranged for Cuppa di Vita wines to be available in a new liquor store cha
in coming to Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, listened to my cousin, Gianna, complain for about an hour about her brother, Marco, about what, I’m not entirely sure, because I tuned her out. Then Jules called and wanted to know if I was being nice to you,” he cocks a brow at me as he sits across from me and begins to uncork a bottle of wine. His hands look amazing, and he works with a quick efficiency, having the bottle open in seconds.
“What did you tell her?” I ask with a laugh.
“That I’d hardly seen you since you arrived this morning.”
“I got the same phone call.” He passes me a glass of the wine, and I smell it with appreciation. “Mm, smells good.”
“From Jules or my cousin Gianna?” Dom winks at me as I chuckle.
“Jules. But she wanted to know if I was being nice to you.”
“What did you tell her?”
“That you’re a big boy and can take care of yourself.”
“I bet she didn’t like that answer.”
“I think she might have threatened to come out here tomorrow to check on us, but I pretended that I was being called by a crew member and hung up on her.” I wink at him and sip my wine.
“My family is…tenacious.” Dominic begins uncovering silver-domed plates, and my stomach growls loudly. “Hungry?”
“Oh, God, yes. I just realized I haven’t had anything since this morning.”
“Well, there’s plenty.” He scoops large helpings of pasta and red sauce onto plates and passes me one. “This is my mama’s recipe.”
“You cooked this?”
“It’s not hard.” He shrugs and offers me bread, watching me with humor-filled blue eyes. His hair is a bit messy today, as if he ran his fingers through it over and over again. I take a bite of the pasta and lean back in my chair, eyes closed, and savor the flavors and seasonings hitting my tongue.
“Damn, that’s good.”
I hear Dom inhale sharply and open my eyes to find him watching me with his heated gaze.
“I think I love watching you eat,” he murmurs.
“I am good at it,” I reply with a laugh, and sip my wine. “This wine is excellent with the sauce.”
Come Away With Me Page 83