The Winemaker's Dinner: Entrée

by Dr. Ivan Rusilko

  “Hello, Jade,” he said with a drawl. “Don’t you look delicious tonight?” Snatching her hand in his, he kissed it, posing for the cameras and giving the media what they salivated for.

  Not quite able to conjure up the anger to scold him for calling her Jade, she simply replied, “Thanks. So do you.” Wait…Did I just tell Damian Gris he looked delicious? Fuck!

  “Let’s take some pictures and give them what they want. Shall we?” He smiled and took her hand as they stood side by side in front of the show’s logo.

  When Damian wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her to him, she noticed the whispers that began to spread through the crowd. She tried to distance herself from him, put some space between their bodies, but the flashes once more began to pop.

  When the media’s enthusiasm dwindled after a few moments and the photographers turned their attention to the next person on the red carpet, she was thankful for the reprieve. She needed a minute to collect her thoughts and stepped away from Damian. She hated him, didn’t she? He was supposed to be the enemy, but she found herself softening toward him. He was here tonight, working hard and promoting the show just like she was. That had to count for something…She felt him lean over and his voice, soft and just the right amount of friendly for once, whispered in her ear.

  “Let’s grab a drink.”

  Yesterday she would’ve said no to his request, but tonight, she nodded in agreement. The two made their way through the throngs of people in the ballroom. Crowds milled around, talking in hushed tones, but their whispers quickly transformed into chatty gossip and blatant stares. Where’s the goddamn bar? Jaden searched the room. Bingo! There wasn’t just one bar, there were several.

  “Be a doll and grab me a cranberry and vodka. I have to ask Stacey a question,” Damian announced. “I’ll only be a minute.” And without a backward glance, he disappeared into the sea of people.

  Did he just call me doll and make me his waitress? For a moment, she’d allowed herself to look at Damian as her equal, not some pretty boy trying to ruin her life, but he’d just reminded her how annoying he was. He was a womanizer who only thought of himself. Ivan had never sent her to the bar. The people in Damian’s life were there as long as he deemed them useful, she suspected. When they’d exhausted their usefulness, he’d discard them like yesterday’s trash.

  “One dirty martini and one vodka cranberry, please,” she told the man behind the bar. As he went to work, she sighed. She’d been looking forward to this night for months, so how was it that ten minutes with Damian had her wanting to run for the hills? She leaned against the brass rail of the bar.

  “How does your boyfriend want his martini?”

  “He’s not my boyfriend. He’s my co-worker,” she snapped, startling the man. “I’ll have my martini straight up, and I’m guessing he wants his vodka cran on the rocks.”

  “Sorry, ma’am,” the bartender replied and went back to making the drinks.

  A moment later, one dirty martini and one vodka cran sat on the bar in front of her. “Thank you.” She picked up the drinks and merged back into the mess of media and industry people.

  Weaving her way through the crowd, she joined Damian, Stacey, and a third man she didn’t know. She handed Damian his drink, then stood and watched. He spoke with great energy, demanding attention from everyone around him, and Stacey clung to his every word. Hell, if she drooled any more, the woman would need a bib. After a few more moments of nonsensical conversation, Jaden jumped in just to change the subject.

  “Hi, there, I’m Jaden Thorne,” she bellowed, conveying her mood and startling the others. She offered the unknown man her hand.

  “Hello, Jaden. I’m Gary Pallaria,” he replied in a thick Boston accent as he shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I love your show.”

  “Thank you. And what is it you do?”

  “I manage an exclusive venue and event planning company in—”

  “Ladies and gentleman,” Kevin’s voice boomed over the PA system. The lights grew even more dim, and their conversation ceased as he took the stage.

  “Please excuse me,” Gary whispered. “It was nice to meet you, Ms. Thorne. You are all that and more.” He disappeared, leaving her with Damian and Stacey.

  “I want to welcome you all here tonight,” Kevin continued. “It’s such an honor to have everyone under one roof—and not working! Tonight is our thank you for all your hard work. So grab a guy, grab a gal, grab a drink, and let’s enjoy the evening.”

  The crowd erupted in cheers, the spotlight lifted, and the grand chandelier in the ballroom once again came to life. Both Damian and Stacey seemed confused to find just Jaden standing beside them.

  “He excused himself, and so will I,” she said. “I’ll let you two chat.” Without waiting for a response, she slipped away. Halfway across the dance floor, she dared a glance over her shoulder and caught Damian eyeing her. A jolt of adrenaline left her feeling like a giddy high school girl. It was the same look Ivan flashed when he was feeling frisky, and she made a beeline for the closest bar. God, how she missed Ivan. If only he were here.

  After another martini and a visit to the ladies room, she found her way to a group of people standing by yet another bar. She didn’t recognize them all, but she spotted a few familiar faces among the eclectic mix of other stars from the network, as well as PR gurus and the fashionistas who consulted with wardrobe. Many of them seemed eager to talk with her, and it was a change to be the one sought out rather than the one doing the seeking.

  “Excuse me, miss.”

  Jaden turned to find a waiter at her elbow.

  “Compliments of Mr. Gris,” he added, handing her another martini. That’s more like it, she thought, her mind a bit fuzzy. That’s the way you treat a lady. Maybe there’s some hope for him after all.

  Is someone

  feeling a little sassy?

  No, someone

  is feeling drunk.

  Quelling the voices and turning back to her entourage, she continued to field questions about her show, her dress, and, of course, her hot co-host. As she chatted and laughed—it was a relief to speak with others in the business, those who really understood the pressures and demands of television—martini after martini found its way past her lips, each one tasting better than the last, though she wasn’t always certain where they came from. From time to time Damian caught her eye from across the room, and she couldn’t stop herself from smiling in return. He was taking such good care of her. What was Ivan doing right now? Who even knew. He said he was working, but she was smart enough to know there were no guarantees.

  Suddenly Jaden’s thoughts surprised her, and she needed to clear her head. She excused herself from the circle of conversation and retreated to an empty table in the shadows. Oh, how she missed Ivan—his touch, his smell, the way he brushed her hair aside to look into her eyes as she woke in the morning. She pulled out her cell phone and stared at it for a moment. She needed to hear his voice, but it was the middle of the night on the east coast. What if she called and he didn’t answer? She’d only feel worse. You don’t need Ivan right now. You’re perfectly capable of handling yourself. Be confident! She returned her phone to her purse, and another martini appeared on the table in front of her—attached to the end of a very tan arm. Sparkling blue eyes bore down on her.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “Why not,” she said, throwing her hands in the air as Damian took a seat across from her. Then he scooted the chair around. Even in her inebriated state, she knew this scenario had “bad idea” written all over it. But how could she resist such a cute puppy dog face? She held the glass in the air and examined the viscous liquid through heavy eyes. “I don’t know if I should drink this. I’ve had far too many of these little suckers already. Maybe I should just find Kevin and go home.”

  “Is Kevin driving you home? I thought you had a driver.”

  “He isn’t. I mean, I do, but I’m not sure.” The words s
he slurred sounded confusing even to her. She’d had far too much to drink, but it would be a shame to waste the martini in front of her. Jaden raised it to her lips and downed it in one gulp before slamming the glass onto the table. “What I meant was no, Kevin is not driving me home, and yes, I do have a driver waiting for me outside. So perhaps I should go.”

  “What? It’s ten thirty on a Friday night, and you’re already calling it quits? I thought this was the time of night you Californians started the party.”

  “Well, I’m not from California,” she countered.

  He offered her the puppy dog look again.

  “Fuck it! To a good time and a great night,” she announced, raising her glass to his.

  Now sporting a victorious smile, he clinked his glass with hers. “That a girl.”

  Her glass was empty, so Jaden flagged a passing waiter and secured yet another dirty martini. How many was that now—seven or eight? Maybe more…Friendly banter transformed into open flirtation. Damian was always overly familiar, but now she could see his charm. Perhaps she’d misjudged him. They sipped their drinks, throwing each other seductive smiles and risqué glances. Jaden knew she should just stand up and walk away before she said or did something stupid, but Damian’s infectious smile kept her glued to her chair.

  “So how are things with the boyfriend? Ivan, isn’t it?” he asked. And before she could formulate an answer he continued. “Are you happy with the show? With me?”

  She was caught off guard. He really seemed to want to know. His fake façade was nowhere to be found, and she could see him for who he was: a handsome, successful, charming overachiever who was doing his best to make her feel at ease. Feeling courageous, she decided to be candid. “At first I wasn’t happy with the idea of you being on the show, but I think you’re kind of growing on me. Granted, you’re gorgeous, but it was my show, my baby that I’d worked so hard for.”

  Damian’s smile spread across his face. “I’m gorgeous, am I?”

  “You know what I mean,” she slurred, slapping him on the shoulder. “Of course you’re good looking. That’s the reason Kevin hired you.”

  “Ouch. Now that stings.”

  The smile on his face belied the hurt in his voice, and Jaden felt a tinge of guilt. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “Yes, you did,” he cooed as if he didn’t mind a bit. He took her hand in his. “But you still didn’t answer my first question. How are things with you and Ivan?”

  She knew she should withdraw her hand. Something about this was wrong. But they were talking about Ivan. He knew she had a boyfriend. And his skin was warm, welcoming. Squeezing his hand, she stammered her response. “Things are great. He was supposed to be here this weekend, but he was called away on business. The distance can be tough, but we’re working through it. It’s just been way too long since…” She stopped talking, as if her mind had switched off in an emergency.

  “It’s been too long since what?”

  Was that his hand on her knee? Damn! Her mouth sprang back into action, and she was unable to prevent herself from finishing the sentence. The time for thinking rationally seemed to have passed. “It’s hard, you know? He’s in Miami, and I’m in LA. When we’re together the sex is great, but when we’re apart…Well, let’s just say I’ve replaced the batteries in my silver bullet more times than I care to count. And I suppose the same is true for him…”

  “Jaden, you’re young. I still don’t understand why such a beautiful woman has limited herself to one man. You should be out there experimenting and experiencing new things, not waiting for a boyfriend who may or may not be out with another woman at this very minute.”

  “I don’t know.” She sighed and shifted forward in the chair, her knees now touching Damian’s. “I don’t think Ivan would cheat on me. He’s not the type.”

  He eyed her for a moment, then sprang into action. “Come on,” he said, as if making an important decision. “Let me drive you home. We can talk on the way.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” She looked around the tilting room, hoping to catch someone’s eye. Someone else needed to be part of this conversation. Where was Stacey?

  “Please? I’d feel bad letting you go home alone.” His fingers brushed her leg, causing her to shiver.

  Worried about

  a missed opportunity?

  No, she’s just curious.

  There’s a difference.

  No, no, no.

  If curiosity is piqued

  that implies doubt, right?

  No, not necessarily.

  No stone unturned…

  “Are you sure?”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Damian assured her. He picked up her purse. “Let me take you home and put you to bed.”

  “Okay?” Jaden conceded, standing unsteadily and still unsure what to do.

  Next thing she knew, Damian was leading her by the hand to the back exit of the hotel, through the parking lot, and to a waiting black Mercedes Roadster, the twin of the one the network had provided for her. Her heart pleaded with her as she slid into the front seat, but her mind—drunk on martinis and well-placed words—ignored the requests. After ensuring she was buckled in, Damian slid into the driver’s seat. With a flick of the key, the Roadster roared to life and eased out of the parking space, leaving Stacey, Kevin, the party, and her last shred of dignity behind.

  The car screamed down the highway toward…her place? Damian’s? He wasn’t asking for directions, and she couldn’t tell. Her lazy mind decided not to care. His hand found its way to her thigh, smoothing her skin with long strokes and every so often sneaking beneath her dress. She relished the feel of his cool hand against her heated flesh, and the world outside the car began to disappear. With every twist of the road and turn of the steering wheel, her mind became more and more consumed with Damian. His hand crept farther up her leg, then retreated, as if he were working up his courage, testing the waters. He was intimidated by her! She smiled to herself. He was like a nervous high school boy. How sweet—and hot…

  The car slowed and came to a stop in front of a house Jaden didn’t recognize. It must be his. I need this, she told herself, taking a deep, unsteady breath. I want this. What if Ivan was out with some other girl? What if the distance had become too much for him? What if it was too much for her?

  She needs this.

  She isn’t missing

  anything. She has

  everything.

  She doesn’t want

  any regrets.

  Maybe Damian was right. Maybe she needed to experience more before she settled down with one man for the rest of her life. Now the battling voices in her head seemed to be saying the same thing.

  If she sleeps

  with Damian, she’ll know.

  She’s doing this

  to know for sure.

  She needed this. It was justified. And it might be nothing Ivan wasn’t already doing. Without warning, Jaden leaned across the seat and crushed her lips to Damian’s, tasting every inch of his greedy mouth. She could feel him grin against her lips and increase the fierceness of the kiss. Then suddenly his door was open, and he disappeared, only to reappear moments later and open her door. Supporting her weight, he claimed her in a lusty embrace.

  Her mind had shut down, no more voices of any kind, and she was now running on pure instinct. Live in the moment. They headed up the path to Damian’s townhouse, laughing and tripping over each other’s feet as they clung together. The front door unlatched and a spine-tingling gush of cold air flooded out of the darkness. Jaden felt her body shiver, although she couldn’t tell if it was Damian or the cold air causing it. The door slammed shut behind them, and he once again took her hand to lead her inside.

  There was nothing but the sound of a lock sliding into place and the giggling of a girl about to leave no stone unturned.

  Chapter 16

  “Criminal”

  THE BANGING OF HER HEART echoed in her ears. He
r temples felt as if a vice was tightening around her head. Darkness, utter pitch black darkness, surrounded her because she literally could not open her eyes. The air that filled her lungs carried with it a cloying aroma. Far from her favorite in a cobalt blue bottle, this was too sweet, too much. Her stomach rolled as she struggled to place the scent, to grasp its meaning. Then her conscience reminded her of its source.

  Oh fuck! A jolt of disdain, the likes of which she’d never known before, resonated through every cell in her body. Her hangover was shoved aside by a desperate feeling that spread through her body. How could she forget? That same sickening scent had accompanied him to every taping of the show this year. It belonged to the man who stood beside her every day, preening in her spotlight and contributing minimally to the actual cooking. It was Damian’s cologne, and it clung to her like a parasite.

  Oh my God,

  what has she done?

  She did it.

  She needed to.

  No, she didn’t.

  It was a horrible mistake.

  Jaden forced her eyes open to find an empty bed and an even emptier feeling. The evening was a blank—a hazy, throbbing blank—in her memory, but she didn’t have to lift the covers to know her clothing was missing. She lay under the down comforter wearing only her bra and panties. The pink dress she’d worn the night before now lay on the floor, a wrinkled mass of silk, satin, and regret. She grasped the beads of her tiger-eye rosary, both comforted and horrified to find them around her neck, and tried to force the tears from her body. She was incapable of producing them. Her chest constricted. All her body would allow was an occasional gasp of air. Guilt coursed through her veins and pressed down on her chest. Seconds turned to minutes as she lay paralyzed, not knowing what to say or do. What have I done?

  Finally a sound outside the door diverted her attention. Then there was a clang that sounded like a pot or pan. What do I do? What do I do? If she grabbed her clothes and made a run for the door, where would she go? She didn’t have a car, nor did she know where she was. Praying that her phone was close by, she slid out from beneath the covers and tiptoed over to the dresser to search for her purse. Shit! Not there. Glancing around the room, she saw the shiny strap peeking out from underneath the bed. Thank God!