by SJ McCoy
Chelsea leaned her head against his arm—she couldn’t reach his shoulder. “Thanks, Cole. I will. It’s a bit confusing right now. It might turn out to be a very short story.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her into his side. “Short or long. I hope it has a happy ending. You deserve that.”
She burst out laughing and looked up at him.
He shook his head with a chuckle. “Not that kind of happy ending!”
“Okay, good to know. Anyway, what can you tell me about selling my Hamilton-Groves shares?”
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
She shrugged. “Not really, no, but I am sure that I want to buy Dad out of Zosca, and I don’t see any other way I could raise the money.”
Smoke nodded slowly. “There might be a couple of ways you could do it.” He looked up at the yard. “We should probably get up there and see everyone. Let me wrap my head around it, okay? I’ll see what ideas I can come up with for you, and we can talk about it tomorrow.”
“Okay, great, thanks.” They made their way into the yard to join everyone.
Chelsea smiled when she saw Mary Ellen standing with Cam and Piper. She’d seen Antonio off in no uncertain terms. It made Chelsea laugh that he seemed almost scared of her. Normally he could sweet-talk any woman into doing whatever he wanted—usually him—but his charms just didn’t work on Mary Ellen—despite the fact that she found him totally swoon-worthy.
She spotted Rita standing by herself. “You should probably go and rescue Laura,” she told Smoke. “I’m going to go and say hi to Rita. I’ll catch up with you both in a little while.”
By the time she reached Rita, her parents had joined her. She kissed them on the cheek and gave Rita a hug. “Thanks for inviting me, Rita.”
Rita smiled. “As if we wouldn’t. It’s been a while since we got everyone together, and I thought it’d be nice for Gene to have everyone around. You know we see you as family.”
“And you know we see you that way,” said Chelsea’s mom.
“I do,” said Chelsea. “I’ve always thought of you and Gene as an honorary aunt and uncle.” She looked over her shoulder to where he was standing at the grill with Grant. “How’s he doing?”
Rita’s smile faded. “He’s holding up. He’s enjoying coming over to Zosca and helping you out. I don’t know what he’d do with himself otherwise.”
Chelsea’s dad smiled at her. For a moment she felt defensive, wondering if he was going to make some comment about her needing the help. She felt bad when he spoke. “You know what Chelsea’s like, she’s always the one to want to help out, to find ways to make people’s lives a little better in whatever way she can.”
Chelsea raised an eyebrow at him. Was it a veiled dig at her?
“I’m so proud of her,” he added.
“Aww, thanks, Dad.” She gave him a hug.
“It’s true. I am. Just because we don’t see eye to eye on the business, it doesn’t detract from anything else.”
Chelsea smiled at her mom, who nodded. “Don’t look so skeptical, Chelsea. He brags about you all the time.”
She looked up at him wide-eyed. “Seriously?”
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
She laughed. “That’s awesome. You just made my day.”
“I don’t know why you’re so surprised.”
“Because of the business.”
“As I said, the business isn’t everything.” He looked up. “And how’s it going having him around?”
Chelsea followed his gaze to where Grant now stood chatting with Antonio and Smoke. “It’s going well, much better than I expected.”
Her dad smiled. “Do you think you’ll be able to do as he says?”
“Probably not.”
Her mom laughed. “I told you, dear. I think you’re both counting on the other compromising further than they will.”
Chelsea gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”
“You think you can sit tight until Grant’s gone and then go back to running things your way. Your dad thinks that you’re really going to toe the line. All you’ve achieved with this deal the two of you struck is to delay the showdown.”
Chelsea met her dad’s gaze. “I don’t think that’s true. Do you?”
He shook his head slowly. “Not entirely, no. I don’t expect you’ll ever be able to toe the line—any line. Though, I believe your mom may be right about delaying the inevitable.”
Chelsea smiled. They did understand each other then. “The inevitable being?”
“You buying me out.”
She nodded.
“Really?” Her mom and Rita both turned to look at her.
“Yep. Much as we’d like to work together, we’re too different in some ways, and too similar in others, right, Dad?”
He smiled. “I believe we are. You know, I’ve been wondering if Grant’s going to be able to earn his fee.”
Chelsea’s heart started to race. “What do you mean?”
“Well, since it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to buckle down and abide by his recommendations, I’m not sure I should keep him around to make them.”
“Oh, but I thought …” Chelsea frowned. He was giving her the out she’d hoped for just a few weeks ago, but now she didn’t want Grant to leave. “I never said I don’t need help. He’s coming up with all sorts of useful recommendations. Things that will help, no matter what.”
Her dad raised an eyebrow. “So, you don’t want him gone? I thought you’d be glad to have him out of your hair.”
“No, I don’t. I mean … I …” The way he was smiling at her made her uncomfortable. It was almost as if he knew how she felt. “I’m going to need some time to figure out how I move forward. I think it would be useful for Grant to keep doing his job, as we planned.”
“Very well.” He gave her a knowing smile. “Let him do his job then.”
She nodded. “Look, Gene’s all by himself. I haven’t said hi to him yet.” She hurried away from them. That exchange had been a little confusing. She was surprised at her dad, but more surprised at herself. Why hadn’t she jumped at the chance to get Grant out of Zosca? And why was she refusing to let herself think about going out to dinner with him?
~ ~ ~
Madeleine put a hand on her husband’s arm. “Are you toying with her?”
Cole smiled. “Would I do such a thing?”
Rita laughed. “Yes, you would. What’s going on?”
“Perhaps nothing, but perhaps something,” said Cole.
“Don’t talk in riddles,” said Madeleine. “What are you playing at? I thought you brought Grant in because you were determined to bring Chelsea into line, but ever since he got here, you’ve had something else in mind, haven’t you?”
“What makes you say that?”
Madeleine narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t play the innocent with me. You were going to have Grant turn things around from day one. Then you came home from that first meeting saying you were going to let him and Chelsea figure it out between them. What’s going on?”
Cole jerked his chin to where Chelsea was standing talking to Grant. She hadn’t made it as far as Gene and the grill.
“Oh.” Tears pricked Madeleine’s eyes as she watched. Grant was so tall and handsome, and Chelsea looked small and delicate beside him. They were leaning toward each other as they spoke. Grant was smiling; Chelsea’s eyes sparkled. Madeleine turned to look at her husband again.
He nodded. “You just saw the same thing I saw that first morning in the boardroom. There’s something there. Something between the two of them that I don’t want to get in the way of.”
Madeleine smiled. “I thought we agreed never to interfere in our children’s lives again.”
He chuckled. “I’m not interfering, that’s the whole point. When I saw sparks like that flying between them, how could I pit them against each other? How could I allow
him to be the ogre who came in to tear her beloved Zosca apart?”
Madeleine took hold of his hand and squeezed it. “And you don’t think she gets her big heart from you?”
He chuckled. “I remember you telling me I didn’t have a heart.”
Rita laughed. “I remember that, too.”
Madeleine smiled. “That was a long time ago.”
“It was, but I learned the lesson well. When it comes to choosing between love and business, love comes first.”
Madeleine looked back at Chelsea and Grant. “You really think there’s a chance for love there?”
Cole nodded. “I might be wrong, but I do. I like Grant. He’s a good businessman, but more importantly, he’s a good man. He’s the kind of man I’d choose for Chelsea myself.”
Madeleine laughed. “And you’re prepared to lose Zosca to see her with the right man?”
“Absolutely.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Did you drive yourself here?”
Grant looked up to see Mary Ellen standing over him. She had her arms folded, and her tone sounded almost accusing.
“I did. Why, do you need a ride home?”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “No. I’m about to leave.”
“Oh. Well, it was good to see you.” He wasn’t sure why she felt the need to tell him, but he didn’t want to be rude.
She sat down beside him and blew out a sigh.
“Is there a problem?” he asked.
“Maybe. I’m not sure.”
“Do you want to tell me about it?”
She pursed her lips again. “Okay. Here’s my dilemma. I brought Chelsea, so she needs a ride home.”
Grant waited. He still wasn’t sure what Mary Ellen thought of him. He’d offer to give Chelsea a ride, but he didn’t know if she’d think he was being helpful or opportunistic.
She turned to him and narrowed her eyes.
“What?” he asked.
“Should I take her, or do you want to?”
“I’d like to.”
“But?”
“But I’m waiting for you to bite my head off if I offer.”
She laughed. “I’m more likely to bite your head off if you don’t.”
“Okay, that’s a relief. I didn’t know if you still saw me as the big bad wolf.”
“No. I don’t. And, more importantly, Chelsea doesn’t either. So, maybe the two of you should just get on with it.”
He raised an eyebrow.
Mary Ellen shrugged. “With whatever the two of you are going to do.”
Grant nodded. “Thanks. So, I have your blessing?”
She made a face. “As long as you don’t mess up.”
He smiled. “I don’t plan to, but I can’t guarantee I won’t.”
“None of us can ever guarantee that. Okay, I’m going to sneak off before she sees me then. It’s up to you what you do with it.”
“Thanks, Mary Ellen.”
She got up with a smile. “I’ll see you around.”
Grant smiled to himself as he watched her walk away. He was glad he’d refused Antonio’s offer of a ride here. He’d wanted to be able to leave whenever he was ready. Now he was hoping to leave whenever Chelsea was ready. He looked around for her. She was sitting talking with her brother, Smoke, and his wife, Laura, a beautiful brunette whom Antonio had introduced him to earlier. He decided to wait until she was done with them.
He didn’t have to wait long. She turned in his direction and met his gaze. Damn, if it didn’t make his heart beat faster whenever she looked at him like that. He smiled, and she smiled back. He got to his feet before he even knew he’d moved. He watched her make her excuses and come to meet him. He could feel Smoke’s gaze on him, but ignored it, preferring instead to watch Chelsea approach.
“Hi.”
“Hey.” They stood facing each other. He was pretty sure the smile on his face matched the one on hers.
“Are you having fun?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yeah. Are you?”
“I am, but I think I’m going to find Mary Ellen and head home soon.”
“You’re not going to find her.”
She gave him a puzzled look.
“She left a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, but I came with her. She was supposed to … oh.” She looked up into his eyes.
He held her gaze for a long moment. “Do you want to?”
She nodded slowly.
He could feel his smile grow bigger. “Do you want to go now?”
She looked around. “Maybe we should. Everyone’s still enjoying themselves. I don’t really want to wait until they’re ready to leave.” She shot a look back at Smoke who was still watching them. She smiled. “Someone else might insist that they can take me.”
“Yeah. I have a feeling you’re right.”
He pulled his car keys out of his pocket. “Shall we?”
She nodded and set out down the driveway to where his car was parked.
~ ~ ~
“What are you scowling about?” asked Laura.
Smoke pursed his lips. “Chelsea’s leaving.”
“We’ll see her tomorrow; maybe she’s tired.”
Smoke had a feeling she was going to get to bed early—tired or not.
Laura slapped his arm. “Don’t look like that. She obviously likes the guy.”
Smoke sighed. “I know. I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.”
Cam and Piper came and sat down with them. “What’s up, guys?” asked Piper.
Laura shrugged. “You’d better ask him.”
Cam looked at Smoke. “Problem?”
“Maybe. How well do you know Grant Dawson?”
“Well enough to like him,” said Cam with a smile. “I take it you just saw Chelsea leave with him?”
Smoke nodded.
“It’s okay. I don’t know what they’re up to, but then I don’t think they do yet.”
Piper smiled. “She likes him a lot.”
“And I don’t need to worry?” asked Smoke.
Cam laughed. “I don’t think so. He’s good people. He even has Dad’s blessing.”
Smoke looked around and spotted his dad. He was sitting at a table with Gene and Rita, but he wasn’t taking part in the conversation. He was looking down the driveway, watching Grant’s car pull away—and he had a big smile on his face. “Wow! The old man looks happy about it.”
Piper nodded. “He is.”
Smoke and Cameron both turned to look at her. “What do you know about it?” asked Cam.
Piper chuckled. “It’s not my place to say. Remember when I said I’d be your dad’s new ally since all of you gang up on him sometimes?”
Cameron nodded, looking puzzled.
“Well, he asked for my thoughts on Grant—or more specifically on Chelsea and Grant. It seems he’s hopeful there may be something between them.”
“And you didn’t tell me this because …?” asked Cameron.
She laughed. “Because you didn’t ask.”
Cameron turned to Smoke and shook his head.
Smoke laughed. “Don’t look at me.” He snaked his arm around Laura’s waist. “I can’t tell you how to control your woman. I haven’t figured it out yet.”
Laura pushed him off with a laugh. “And you never will, jerk. Not unless you find yourself a different woman.”
Smoke rolled his eyes at the others. “See what I mean?” He closed both his arms around Laura and hugged her tight to his chest. “Sorry, lady. You know I was only joking.”
She chuckled and planted a kiss on his nose. “That’s okay. You know I wasn’t.”
~ ~ ~
Chelsea sneaked a look at Grant as he pulled out onto the road. “What are we doing?” she asked.
He chuckled. “I was just asking myself the same thing. You hadn’t even answered me about when we could go out to dinner, and here I am taking you ho
me.”
“I thought we should wait until you were finished at Zosca.”
“But you changed your mind?”
“It looks that way, doesn’t it?”
“It does, but why?”
She shrugged. “I never did want to wait, and then tonight, my dad suggested that maybe I’d want you out of Zosca, and I realized I didn’t.”
He shot a quick glance at her.
“Don’t worry. He doesn’t want you gone. He was just wondering if there was any point you being there if I’m going to ignore everything you suggest.”
He smiled. “I’ve wondered the same thing myself.”
“No. It’s like I told him, I do want to hear what you recommend. I know you can really help—even without going to extreme measures and laying people off.”
He didn’t say anything for a while, and Chelsea stared out the window at the starry sky.
“Maybe I should go,” he said eventually.
“What do you mean? Why?”
“Well, I’ve already seen enough to be able to suggest a bunch of changes that will make you more efficient—and profitable. I don’t need another six weeks to figure it all out. The three months was just an arbitrary number you and your dad came up with.”
She watched him as he drove.
“And,” he continued eventually, “if we’re not working together, then I’ll feel a lot more relaxed about asking you what we’re doing here.”
“You mean here, right now?”
He nodded. “Here, right now, in this car, heading back toward town—back toward my hotel or your place.”
She smiled. “My place.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure. I’m not sure about you finishing at Zosca so soon, though.”
He smiled. “Maybe it’s for the best. Even if I do, I won’t be going far. Cameron’s asked me to work with him next.”
Chelsea smiled. “And you do like it here in Napa, right?”
“I do.”
“Okay then.” She pointed to a turning up ahead. “You want to make a right up there.”
He frowned. “We’re going back to Hamilton-Groves?”
“No. We’re going to my place. My cottage is on the estate.”
“Oh.”
When he pulled up outside the cottage, he unfastened his seat belt and turned to face her. “I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.”