After texting Marcus, who was in the kitchen assisting with lunch prep, to run a bowl of raspberries to her mother, she replied to Peyton. Marcus on the way. Tell Gitta she can sit outside for twenty minutes. Must be on the west side of the house. For good measure, she added Nowhere else, then pressed ‘send.’
This team building activity would keep Rawlings and the other guests occupied for a bit longer. Even if they glimpsed the cabin on the way into the big house for lunch, Gitta should be safely indoors by then. She hoped.
As the exercise ended, the group declared Alex and Gemini the winners. The duo even created a figure made of twigs holding a sword fashioned from blades of grass and put it on the battlements. Rawlings and Andromeda, on the other hand, finished in last place. Based on their tiny house, they had spent too much time with hands-on communication, and not nearly enough on actually completing the exercise.
Jules praised all the work for an extra-long time, giving Peyton additional minutes to drag Gitta safely inside. After the teams had tidied their work areas, she instructed the team builders to deliver their projects to the gift shop for display.
Jules herded them all back to the main house, chatting with them along the way. “A few of you have appointments with Dr. Thorpe this afternoon. You should have notes in your itinerary. After that, you’ll join the rest of us for the canopy management session. Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes, long sleeves, and sunscreen. We’ll meet on the porch at one-thirty to walk to the vineyard. For those of you not joining us immediately, Marcus will run you down in the golf cart later.”
“I’d like to go first with the shrink.” Rawlings called from behind. “Can’t have anyone slamming me during their session.”
Even though they were moving, Jules felt Alex stiffen. He muttered, “More likely he wants to lay the groundwork for the doc to think the world of him and less of everyone else. Fucking narcissist.”
Although sure no one else had heard Alex’s comment, Jules felt obliged to warn him. She lowered her voice. “Hey now. Play nice, Alex. That’s no way to build a team.”
“Can’t very well keep an eye on him if I’m stuck in an anger management session after him. If I go before him I can hang out in the office and wait for him to get through.”
Excellent point. The situation called for a little strategy. Jules looked over her shoulder at Rawlings, sending him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Todd. The appointments are already set. You’re last.”
The second Jules got back to the office, she was going to call Dr. Thorpe and let her know that she’d be sending her two new clients into town to visit the clinic, instead of having the therapist come to the vineyard.
“I’ll just consider it my chance to redeem myself after being thrown under the bus,” Rawlings grumbled, not quite far enough under his breath.
“No one is going to do that, Rawlings. The idea behind these therapist sessions is to talk about yourself, not the person who remains a thorn in your as . . . uh, backside.” Alex’s voice was gruff, but not too antagonistic.
Rawlings snorted and mumbled something indecipherable. Judging by Andromeda’s giggle, it was witty, if less than complimentary.
Marcus had just finished stacking the last of the luncheon platters on the buffet and stood to the side. His normally pleasant expression was absent and in its place was a harried, exasperated pout. His lips were set in a grim line. When he caught sight of Rawlings and Alex, his deep brown eyes turned wary.
Jules sidled up next to him. “Did you take care of everything I asked for?”
“Yeah. Mission accomplished.” Marcus’ tone was as tight as the set of his jaw.
“You okay?” she asked.
“Hell no. I took care of all the other shit you needed then went to check on your other houseguests. Your mom wanted to stay outside more than twenty minutes and Peyton freaking chased me around the damn breakfast bar.”
“One day, you should let her catch you.”
Marcus shuddered. “Not in this lifetime.”
She threw her head back and laughed. Marcus snarled before he moved away to stack napkins next to the neatly laid out silverware. The idea of Marcus being afraid of anything was ludicrous. He was a bodyguard, for goodness’ sake. People should be leery of him, not vice versa.
Jules continued to chuckle as she scanned the room. Warmth and desire circled her core when she caught Alex’s hungry gaze on her. She held his eye for a moment, letting lust grow within her. Her lips parted, drawing his attention. He looked into her eyes again, smoldering heat darkening his to cobalt.
Marcus dropped a bus tray on the floor, the loud clatter breaking through the spell Alex’s stare had generated. Jules’ lungs heaved, releasing a gust of pent-up longing. She was going to have to get her libido under control. A glance at the other occupants of the room showed only she and Alex were aware of their exchange. The rest of the team members concentrated on piling sandwiches, salads, and fruit on their plates.
Marcus walked toward her, tray in hand. “Maybe you two should get a room.”
“Huh?”
“Jules, the tension between you and Dixon is flammable. Be careful there.”
“I am an adult now, Marcus.” She lowered her voice. “I’m not the same girl the press attacked all those years ago.”
“Just don’t want your heart to get broken.” Marcus lowered his voice and hissed, “He’s press, for God’s sake. A damn television reporter.”
“I have this under control. I want you to take him and Rawlings into town to see Emily Thorpe. She’s agreed to meet them there instead of coming to us. It’s a way to isolate and keep an eye on them. With them off-property, maybe Gitta’s secret will stay safe. In fact, if you can invent a reason to stay there until dinnertime, that would be great.” She paused and drew a breath. “I trust Alex, but Todd is an unknown. He doesn’t get out of our sight.”
Marcus grunted, but gave a curt nod of his head. “Maybe an oil change at Sal’s garage. He works at a glacial pace. I’ll be ready to leave right after lunch. Guess I can use the time while they’re in meetings to pick up raspberries and more high-priced ice cream.”
Chapter 7
As soon as Marcus had dropped them off at Thorpe’s office, he’d made an excuse about taking care of business for Jules and blew off down the street. Alex watched as the Team Vino van sped away from where he and Rawlings stood. Ignoring Toad, Alex climbed the steps. The entry to the brick mansion was impressive, with leaded-glass front doors and a huge bronze placard with Dr. Thorpe’s name. Only thing it didn’t say was ‘head shrinker.’
Rawlings didn’t immediately follow him, which was fine. The jerk was stranded in town, same as Alex. Jules had pulled him aside and told him the plan was to keep the pair of them in town all afternoon. That was right before she made a point of confiscating everyone’s cell phones, laptops, and tablets for the duration of their stay at the vineyard. She claimed it was to promote team interaction without distraction.
Alex was only too happy to part with his devices, but Toad balked. Jules hadn’t backed down and ended up with the asshat’s phone locked in her safe along with everyone else’s. Didn’t really matter; she hadn’t turned the Wi-Fi back on yet. She was one smart, sexy cookie. He grew more intrigued and enamored with each passing hour.
A gust of cool air blew against Alex’s face as he pushed open the door to the doc’s office. The space was calm, soothing. About the way he’d expect a psychologist’s office to appear. Very Zen. He introduced himself to the receptionist and took a seat in one of the brown leather armchairs in the waiting area. He sank into the comfortable cushions, enjoying the way they cradled his body like they were custom-made for him.
As he squirmed around, seeking the sweet spot of sag, Rawlings skulked through the door. After shouting his name to the young woman seated behind the
dark oak desk, he threw himself onto the antique sofa. Its tall, carved back hit the wall and creaked ominously.
Alex didn’t bother to hide the giant roll of his eyes. Neither did the receptionist.
Standing, she gestured to Alex. “The doctor will see you now, Mr. Dixon. Step this way, please.”
Toad glowered at him. Hmm, still miffed he didn’t get to go first. How was Alex going to make that little factoid work to his advantage? He’d think about it later. Right now, he focused his attention on the middle-aged therapist lounging in an armchair identical to the one in the waiting room. Alex resisted the urge to ask her to move to the couch and let him sit in the chair. Instead, he took a seat on the equally comfortable sofa adjacent to it.
He relaxed against the cushions and crossed one ankle over his knee. Remaining silent, he waited for Dr. Thorpe to lift her gaze from the file folder on her lap.
Finally, she closed the cover. She looked up and pulled her reading glasses off. “Mr. Dixon, what shall we talk about today? Your favorite sports team? Or perhaps you’d prefer to talk about finance? I understand that’s a particular area of interest for you.”
Her questions caught him off-guard. Not near what he expected her to ask. In fact, inquiring after his interest in sports or finance wasn’t even next to the list. He tipped his head to the side. “I’m not sure I follow.”
Holding tight to the stem of her glasses, Dr. Thorpe waved her hand in the air. Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “Ah, Mr. Simon didn’t fill you in.”
“About what?” Suspicion flickered at the back of his mind. He sat up a little straighter.
She tapped the folder atop her knee. “Mike Simon’s instructions were quite clear. You’re not here for anger management counseling. It seems he doesn’t believe you have a problem with animosity. And your HR people agree with his assessment. Talking to you is only a . . . shall we say, smoke screen to make Mr. Rawlings more forthcoming about his issues. It is Mr. Simon’s contention that maintaining the image of fairness is key in helping your co-worker soothe his temper.”
I knew it! Simon didn’t believe Alex had anger problems. It was just a ploy to make Toad believe he wasn’t being singled out. If that wasn’t vindication, Alex didn’t know what was.
Happily, he spent the next fifty-five minutes regaling Dr. Thorpe with fun facts he’d discovered about the rich, fabulous, and powerful during his stint as an entertainment reporter. They discussed the Giants’ baseball season, and even the latest trends with cinema production studios on the stock exchange. By the end of their session Alex felt almost as relaxed as he had while lying in Jules’ bed last night.
Dr. Thorpe stood at the end of their allotted time. “It’s been a pleasure taking this little break with you, Alex. I don’t have many opportunities to talk baseball or catch up on celebrity gossip during the day.” She extended her hand.
Alex wrapped his fingers around hers. “Thanks. Easiest counseling session I’ve ever sat through. Well, the only one, I guess. You want me to send the asshat in now?”
“Alex, use your words. No need to resort to name-calling.” Thorpe chuckled, a rich throaty sound.
Okay, she laughed while reprimanding him. He could deal. “Oops, sorry. Would you like me to send your next client in now?”
“No need, I’ll walk you out and call him in myself. I understand from Jules you’ll be in my waiting room until at least five. Make yourself comfortable and let my receptionist know if you need anything.” She escorted him to the door. Alex trailed two steps behind her as she called on the Toad. “Mr. Rawlings, if you’re ready.”
The asshat heaved himself up from the couch and stalked toward them. Alex scooted through the door as Rawlings approached. Dude had his lip curled in a sneer that dissolved away as he directed his attention to Dr. Thorpe. She shut the door, cutting off the chance to hear Rawlings’ attempt at flattery. The shithead was going to try to schmooze his way out of therapy. Alex couldn’t really point fingers, though. He’d had the same thought.
Alex stopped at the receptionist desk. The nameplate on the corner read Tracey. “I noticed an Internet cafe down the street. I’m going to do a little research and get a cup of coffee. Can I bring you anything?” After securing an order for an iced green tea, he sauntered from the office.
The strong coffee aroma hit him, the closer he got to the shop door. He probably should feel bad that he planned to cruise the web for the news, thereby disobeying Jules’ edict to stay off it. But, he reasoned, he wouldn’t look at any entertainment news, just catch up on the world of finance. If public computers weren’t available, he’d settle for a newspaper.
The second he wandered in, he discovered Marcus at one of the tables, his attention on the oversized phone that was still dwarfed in his massive fist, eyes wide and shocked. Alex stepped over to the counter and ordered a large coffee. Marcus hadn’t noticed him. Yet. Whatever was on his phone must be damned compelling for the former bodyguard to ignore his surroundings. Alex paid for his coffee and walked over to Marcus’ table.
“May I join you?” he inquired.
Marcus jerked his head up and narrowed his eyes. Something resembling panic resided in the depths of them. He flipped his phone screen down on the table. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
“Probably not. But I finished my session and decided I needed a stroll. And a coffee. The stuff Jules offers at the vineyard is pretty weak.”
“You got that right.” Marcus bobbed his head. “But you are still not supposed to be here. Jules wanted you off the Internet.”
“Just came for coffee and a newspaper. All the doc had in her office was Psychology Today and People. You probably don’t want me reading that either.”
“You can read the psych magazine. No harm there.” He sent Alex a tight smile that could be mistaken for a grimace.
“You know, I admire you,” Alex said.
“Huh?” Marcus folded well-muscled arms over his broad chest.
“I mean, the way you’ve stuck with Jules all this time. You’ve pretty much stayed by her side from the time she was eighteen.” Alex had done enough research to know that tidbit before Jules had asked him to turn off his mobile hotspot.
“Wouldn’t have been necessary if you assholes in the press had left her alone.”
“I was working Obits at the time, so why are you blaming me?”
Marcus grunted and looked away. When he swung back, his face was set in steely determination. “She was eighteen years old. Gitta’s stylist put her in the shitty outfit that got so much attention. It has taken her years to recover. I got so damn sick of seeing her wear gray and black to camouflage herself, make herself invisible. You know she got chased across campus by some dick demanding an interview? Scared the piss out of her. It took every trick I knew to drag her back to class. I sat through every lecture and discussion group she had to go to that semester. Should have been given a degree as well when she graduated.”
Not sure what to say, Alex held his tongue as he stirred his coffee with a flimsy wooden stick.
Marcus didn’t seem to notice his silence. He continued his rant. “It wasn’t easy for her to date or make friends with me as her constant shadow. But Gitta insisted I stay at her side.” He shook his head. “Not because she was concerned about Jules’ safety, but because Momma was afraid Jules would cause more embarrassment for her.”
Given that information, Alex yielded to rising confusion. “Why is Jules protecting Gitta?”
“Because that girl has a heart the size of California. She doesn’t want to see Gitta or her career harmed.” Marcus jabbed the table with a blunt finger. “Jules is more than a boss or a job. She’s family. And a fucking brilliant business manager as well. Brilliant! I know what’s going on with you two. Don’t hurt my girl. If you do, I’ll hunt your ass down and kick it to next Tuesday. You
feel me?”
Alex lifted his hands, palm out. “Not going to hurt her. Her secret’s safe with me. Gitta’s, too.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it.”
The big man’s concern for the state of Jules’ heart shifted Alex’s ticker in his chest. He genuinely liked Jules, and would never intentionally do anything to hurt her. He didn’t want to break her heart. He wanted to claim a part of it. “I know.”
Marcus gave him another evil eye before he stood. He strode out of the shop without a backward glance. Alex didn’t bother to try to find a newspaper. He passed the time contemplating his coffee and his assurance that he wouldn’t hurt Jules. It was the farthest thing from his mind.
When had the condition of Jules Capelli’s heart become so flipping important to him?
Chapter 8
Returning to the vineyard with Alex and Todd, Marcus made a beeline straight for Jules. He seized her upper arm in a firm grip then steered her into the office they shared. After closing the door, he leaned against it and shut his eyes.
Nerves fluttered wildly in her stomach. “What’s wrong?”
Marcus handed her his cell phone. “You better check this out. Gitta’s absence has been noticed. The entertainment rags are speculating all kinds of crap.”
Son of a— She read the story aloud. “Gitta Grimes’s unexpected absence from the Beauty By Nature Forever Young launch sent up red flags in Hollywood. Is the organic beauty brand ditching the aging star in favor of a fresher face? Neither Grimes nor her publicist were available for comment.”
Hidden in the Vines (Romancing the Vine) Page 7