There were a few other investments Gracie wanted to look into. For starters, she was set on raising horses, to see her father’s dream come true. He’d worked as ranch manager for the Wingate family and often spoke of having his own ranch one day. And it was always her goal to start an event-planning business. After working with Beth on galas and charities, she’d caught the bug. She had a knack for planning, design, decoration and making her vision come to fruition. But today, her focus was all about Lauren and The Eatery.
“It’s all so exciting,” she said to Lauren. “And a lot of hard work. But I’m sure it’ll pay off.”
“Exciting and nerve-racking,” her friend replied. “This has been a dream of mine for a long time. I only hope I haven’t forgotten anything.”
“You haven’t forgotten a thing. You’re a pro and I know it’s going to be great. I’ll be with you all day tomorrow.”
“I appreciate that.” Lauren smiled. “You and Sutton have given me so much support.”
“You deserve it. You’ve worked hard for this.”
“Thanks.”
“Now I think we should lock up and go home and get some rest,” Gracie said.
“It’s only six.”
“And knowing you, your day will start at six in the morning.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.” Lauren wrapped her arms around Gracie’s shoulders and hugged tight. “The three of us need our rest.”
The reference to the baby immediately turned her thoughts to the baby’s father. Sebastian was making her crazy, saying the wrong things, and his last accusation had really rattled her. She’d always seen him as a kind, thoughtful, hardworking member of the Wingate family. Where was the man she’d crushed on for years? Was he gone now, taken over by someone she didn’t recognize or trust?
* * *
Later that evening, Gracie hung up the phone from her Realtor in disbelief. Last week she’d gone to his office to sign the necessary papers for the purchase of the Wingate property, hoping for a short escrow period. After all, the house was just sitting there empty. She was anxious to settle in and the Wingates were eager to get their money. Money that they desperately needed to build back their business. But Tom Riley had just told her there was a holdup. Or rather, a holdout. Sebastian was stalling. He’d given her Realtor one excuse after another regarding signing the final papers for the sale of the house. It’d been eight days already. Without his signature, the deal wouldn’t go through as planned.
Sebastian had her back up against the wall. He’d called her every day, and every day she’d put him off. Now he’d fixed it so she would have to call him. She could go through her attorney to get to the bottom of this, but Sebastian was well versed in business dealings. He knew how to get what he wanted, and she understood he wouldn’t cave until she spoke to him.
Gracie squeezed her eyes closed. All the man had to do was touch her and she melted on the spot. It wasn’t fair that he had that kind of power over her. She didn’t like not being in control...didn’t like not knowing which Sebastian she was dealing with. The decisions she would have to make for the future were too important, and she couldn’t allow her confusion and, well, yes, her desire for him to get in the way.
If that made her a control freak, okay, she’d own it. She had a baby to consider and she’d do everything in her power to protect her child.
So far, Sebastian had called their night together a mistake, making the child she was carrying a mistake, too. He’d accused her of social climbing, thinking so little of her that he thought she would actually push him away because of his recent lack of wealth. And now he was blackmailing her, for lack of a better word, by holding back the sale of the house.
“Not a way to win friends and influence people,” she muttered.
If she was a mean girl, she’d teach him a lesson and back out of the deal entirely, to call his bluff. But backing out would mean hurting all the Wingates, and she didn’t want to do that. It would also mean denying herself a beautiful place to live. She’d come to love the estate and had spent a lot of time there while growing up. To throw that all away because Sebastian was being obtuse didn’t seem right.
Her cell phone rang, breaking into her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and picked up immediately. At least Sebastian did one thing right—he called her. Just like he had for the past week.
“You do know you’re jeopardizing the sale of the estate,” she said to him.
“Hello to you, too, Gracie.”
“Sebastian, I know what you’re doing.” Her foot began to tap the floor.
“That’s good, because I don’t have a clue.”
“What are you talking about?” she demanded.
“I mean it, Gracie. I am jeopardizing the sale of the estate. Because that’s how much I want you. If things go sour, I’ll be sabotaging the company’s success.”
“I’m glad you recognize that.”
He huffed out a breath. “I’ve been trying to get your attention all week.”
“So blackmailing me was your answer?”
“Blackmail is a strong word.”
“What would you call it?”
“I’d say it was...a subtle nudge.”
“Subtle?” She groaned loud enough for him to hear. “You are delusional.”
“Determined is a better word.”
Gracie was tired of this back-and-forth already. He’d found a way to have things on his terms, and she hated that, but in order to move on with her life, she needed to hear him out. “Okay, fine. What do you propose?” Oh, boy, that was such a bad choice of words. “I mean, what do you want?”
“I think we should talk. The sooner, the better.”
“Why, are you afraid I’d back out?” she prodded.
“Maybe. Would you?”
“No, not unless you gave me a good reason to,” she answered.
“I won’t, I can assure you.”
Gracie sighed. “And can you assure me you’ll sign the documents?”
“Yes, I’m a man of my word.”
Maybe he was, but she didn’t like his tactics.
“How about we meet tomorrow?” he asked.
“Tomorrow is impossible. It’s the grand opening of The Eatery.”
“Oh, right. I forgot.”
“I can meet you on Monday.”
“That’s three days away.”
“Yes, and...?”
“Okay, fine,” he said grudgingly. “I’ll come to you. Monday morning.”
She closed her eyes. “Monday morning. And I’ll meet you at your office.”
He paused, clearly not happy, but he kept his tone neutral. “We’ll talk Monday, then.”
She could only push so far. “Yes, goodbye.”
“Good night, Gracie.”
His deep, low rasp brought an onslaught of full-body tingles. That voice with its beckoning tone did things to her. The attraction between them was undeniable, like nothing she’d ever felt before. She couldn’t quite separate the man blackmailing her from her childhood crush. It gave her a headache and kept her up at night. She’d been avoiding him for that very reason...kept waiting for her head to clear. Only, it wasn’t cooperating.
“Sleep well.”
“Same to you,” she whispered back, before she even realized her mouth was opening. Sebastian was masterful in so many ways, and even though she was angry with him, she couldn’t quite get the night of the masquerade ball out of her mind. His touch, his kiss, the way he made love to her. It had been surreal, and something she would never forget.
She had three days before she had to speak to him. She wouldn’t dwell.
Tomorrow was all about The Eatery’s grand opening, and helping Lauren realize her dream.
Three
Royal 7 News showed up during the lunch rush to interview Lauren about her tra
nsition from her Street Eats food truck business to her very own eating establishment, the news van parked front and center on the street. Gracie didn’t have to do much arm-twisting to get them there. Whenever the Wingate name was bandied about, it made news. Most of the press for the past year had been negative, their good name and reputation ruined, but the Wingate family had pulled together, cleared their name, recouped some of their embezzled cash and were now on the road to recovery.
Gracie stood off to the side listening as Lauren continued speaking to Daniella Moon from Royal 7 News. “I was proud of Street Eats, and loved having those food trucks, but opening my own restaurant has always been my dream,” she told the reporter.
“Well, judging from the line outside, your restaurant is going to be a huge hit. Royal can use another dining hot spot. And you’re engaged to Sutton Wingate. The Wingates were involved in a big scandal not too long ago. Do you have anything to say about that?”
Lauren paused a second, then gave the reporter a big smile. “I never had any doubt that Sutton and his family would clear their name. They were framed and have been vindicated. That’s all behind us now.”
“Rumor has it you have a silent partner, none other than Gracie Diaz, the recent winner of the sixty-million-dollar Powerball. How much has her support meant to you?”
“I couldn’t have done any of this without Gracie’s help. She’s backed me in every way, believed in me, and I’m very grateful to her.”
The reporter walked over to Gracie. “Miss Diaz, looks like you found a good investment in The Eatery. Business seems to be booming.”
Gracie didn’t love being in the limelight—she’d had enough of that when she’d first won the lottery—but she answered Daniella Moon’s questions and then they took off in their news van.
Back in the kitchen now, Lauren wiped her brow. “Thanks for setting that up. I don’t think that interview will hurt business,” she said with a grin. “Sorry they put you on the spot, Gracie. I know you don’t like being in front of cameras.”
“For you and The Eatery, I’ll endure a camera in my face.”
Then Gracie’s happy mood soured when she spotted a tall Texan with blond hair and green eyes striding through the back door.
Until she realized it was Sutton. He waved hello to her and walked straight into Lauren’s arms. It was nice to see the two of them so happy. Her friend’s dreams were all coming true. Good for her.
Cam and Beth stopped by for a late lunch and Gracie seated them at a table near the kitchen. Beth was not only her dear friend and mentor, she was Sebastian’s sister. Beth was marrying rancher Cam Guthrie in a matter of weeks and she couldn’t be happier for them. Cam was one of the good guys.
“It’s great to see you two. I’m really glad you’re here, and, Beth, I miss our brainstorming sessions.”
Gracie had worked with Beth for years at the estate, helping her plan events, galas and parties, and she’d enjoyed it so much she hoped to open her own events company one day. Back then, it had been a lofty dream, but today it was actually a possibility.
“Yeah, I’ve heard about those brainstorming sessions,” Cam deadpanned. “According to Beth, they’d turned into margarita parties for two.” He gave her a wink.
“Giving away our trade secrets, Beth?” Gracie asked.
“Well, it was when we did our best work,” she answered.
Beth turned to speak only to Cam. “Gracie gets a drink in her, and then she lets loose.”
Gracie chuckled. “With ideas, Beth. And I could say the same about you.”
“That’s why we made such a good team.”
“Well, Lauren will be thrilled that you two are here.”
“Of course,” Beth said. “Lauren is family. Where else would we be?”
“Uh, planning your wedding, maybe. You guys don’t have that much more time.” Cam had built Beth the home of her dreams, and they were having a private wedding there in two weeks.
“Beth’s got it all covered,” Cam said, smiling. “Who better to plan a party than my beautiful fiancée?”
“So true,” Gracie admitted.
Beth beamed. “I’m all set.” Then her brows gathered. “I think.”
“Knowing you, everything will be perfect,” Gracie reassured her. “But if you need any help, you can always count on me.”
“Thanks, and I might take you up on that. We’ll talk later.”
“Okay.”
Beth scanned over the entire restaurant. “I think I love this place already. The artwork is beautiful.” Beth had an eye for those things. Gracie had always admired her good taste.
She handed each one of them a menu. “Check out the menu and I’ll have a waitress take your order.”
“Sounds good. And, Gracie, congrats. The Eatery is...something. You played a big part in getting this place opened. I know it’s going to do well.”
Gracie gave Beth a hug. “Thanks for saying that. Means a lot. Now I’d better check on Lauren. She needs to pace herself or she won’t make it to dinner.”
* * *
By eight thirty the dining room was starting to empty out. Gracie’s feet ached and she could only imagine how Lauren felt. She took a seat at a corner booth, coaxing Lauren to do the same. Her friend was on an emotional high, but fatigue registered on her face. “You’re beat, but in a good way, Lauren.”
“You’re right. I am beat. But excited, too. There weren’t any glitches today, except for running out of cheesecake. I didn’t think it’d be so popular. Tomorrow I’ll be better prepared.”
“No one complained. You gave everyone free dessert. Can’t argue with that.”
The front door opened and in walked Sutton. “Maybe not entirely over,” Gracie said. “Looks like you have to feed this guy again.”
Lauren grinned and rose from her seat. She wrapped her arms around her handsome fiancé and then asked him to sit down. That was when Gracie realized it wasn’t Sutton this time, it was Sebastian. He’d caught her off guard once again. She didn’t like it. She wasn’t too happy, either, about the way her stomach flip-flopped every time the man entered the room. Images of their sizzling hot night flashed in her head and she had trouble purging it, trouble forgetting what it felt like being with him that way.
“Thanks for coming, Sebastian,” Lauren said.
“I would’ve been here sooner, but I had meetings most of the day. Congratulations to both of you. I heard your grand opening was a huge success.”
“It was more than I could’ve imagined,” Lauren said on a lovely sigh. “Really awesome.”
“Yes, it was pretty amazing.” Gracie didn’t want to burst Lauren’s bubble or in any way put a damper on this night by being rude to Sebastian. He had every right to be here, she supposed. But the second he sat down and pierced her with those melt-your-heart green eyes, her pulse pounded and her breath stuck in her throat.
“I bet you haven’t eaten, Sebastian. And I know you haven’t had a bite to eat since lunch, Gracie. You both need sustenance. Let me get you something wonderful from the kitchen.”
“I don’t want to put you to work,” Sebastian protested. “I’m fine.”
“Me, too,” Gracie said. “I’ll eat later.”
“Nonsense. Gracie, you’ve been a godsend today, and you need to eat.”
Her point was well taken without the mention of the baby. Although Sebastian’s eyes did immediately rivet to her belly. She flushed, her skin prickling under his scrutiny.
“And, Sebastian, I know how you Wingates roll. I bet you’re hangry.”
He stared straight at Gracie, giving her another unnerving moment. “Okay, I guess I could eat.”
“Thanks for not making me argue,” Lauren said. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
After Lauren walked off, Sebastian smiled. “She’s perfect for my brother.”
&
nbsp; “I agree.”
“Well, that’s good. We agree on something. It’s a start.”
“Sebastian, please let’s not talk about anything tonight. I’m really tired.”
“You’ve been here all day?”
She nodded. “It’s been fun, seeing a business start off from its very roots. I’ve never been a part of something like this before.”
“You have a mind for business, Gracie.”
She shrugged. “Maybe. I have some investment ideas.”
“Care to share?”
She shook her head. “Not at the moment. You know, it’s uncanny how I almost can’t tell you and Sutton apart. He was here today, and when you walked in just now, I thought you were him for a second.”
“Yeah, we’ve gotten that all of our life. You said, almost. Does that mean you can tell us apart sometimes?”
Gracie hesitated, biting her lip.
“Well?”
“I, uh...”
“You feel it, too. This pull between us. When I get close, you know it’s me.”
She closed her eyes briefly. She didn’t want to say it aloud. She didn’t want him to know.
“I guess I have my answer,” he said quietly.
No triumph, no smugness. Just truth.
She nodded. It was the most she was willing to give as admission. Up until now, she hadn’t spoken of it, hadn’t acknowledged the draw between them. But it was there. It was real. She felt it every time he walked into the room. But she still really didn’t know Sebastian, the father of her baby. She still didn’t know what he wanted from her. Or if she could trust him.
“Gracie,” he whispered.
But before he could say anything more, Lauren arrived with a savory chicken-and-rice dish with yeast biscuits and a quinoa salad for them to share.
Sebastian took his eyes off her to glance at the meal. “Looks delicious.”
“Yes, uh, thanks.” Gracie’s stomach growled in a delicate way, but enough to turn their heads. She gasped and put her hands over her tummy. And everyone laughed. “I guess I’d better eat, or this little one is going to be making more noise.”
One Night in Texas Page 4