by Kimi Flores
Leah was chatting with the receptionist when I walked through the glass door. She gave me a smirk over her shoulder, and I could feel myself boiling again. This woman loved pissing me off.
Why am I letting her get to me? This was definitely a first.
After checking in, Leah excused herself to go to the bathroom, and I took the opportunity to approach the receptionist. Behind the desk, the brunette’s eyes sparked with lust.
Perfect. “Hey, sweetheart, I need you to do me a favor.” She looked at me with rounded eyes as I lifted an eyebrow and smirked down at her. “Can you change the credit card information on our reservation? It's under Leah Valdez.” I reached in my back pocket for my wallet and handed her my Amex card.
She chewed her lip nervously. “I’m sorry, I can't do that. It's already been charged.” A blush rushed to her face.
Son of a bitch. “Can you refund the card and put it on this one instead? Charge me double. I don’t care.” Leaning on the counter above her, I gave my best smoldering expression while rubbing the side of my index finger over my lips. Women melted whenever I did that.
“We don't give refunds.” She pointed to a sign on the wall directly behind her. “I'm sorry. There isn't even a way for me to process a refund.” She swallowed hard, avoiding my gaze.
“How is that possible? If you can charge a card, you can credit it.” I gripped the counter until my knuckles were white, my attitude slowly dissolving into a temper tantrum.
Damn, my head hurts.
Leah stepped up with her hands laced behind her back, trying to look innocent. “Whatcha doin'?”
My eyes tightened on her. “Did you do this?” I nodded back to the shy receptionist.
Poking her slender finger into my chest, Leah spit out, “Yes. I knew you’d try to pull some shit. You’re so predictable. Get over yourself, Stefen. Enjoy the day.”
“What’s your problem?” I fumed. “I'm just trying to be a gentleman. Why do you insist on proving you can pay your way? I'm the man. I'm supposed to pay.” Huffing, I tried to keep my voice down, hating that we were having this heated conversation in front of the nosey couples that sat in the reception area.
Placing her hands on her hips and jutting out her foot, Leah shot right back, “I enjoy paying sometimes. Accept it. Stop making such a big deal, and let's have fun. I don't want to fight with you anymore.”
Her slightly sad tone made my heart constrict.
Sighing inwardly, I grabbed her by the shoulder and moved us to a more private space outside of the office. I pushed her gently up against the building and tried a softer approach. “Fine. But if there are any other expenses today, please let me pay. I'm considering this a date.” I reached out and took her hand.
A pleasant warm feeling flowed between us when she looked down to where we touched. “A date?” She swallowed, uncertain.
My laugh vibrated in my chest. “Yeah, you know, fun, food, a little wine and—” I paused, looking down at her wickedly.
“And?” She gulped again.
“And this.” I moved my hands up to the sides of her face, pulling her in for a slow, tender kiss.
She tensed at first, but as my lips worked against hers, she curled her arms around my neck and melted into me. It felt so natural to kiss her, and she tasted exquisite. Savoring her, I loved the way she responded to me. I could kiss her all day, on every part of her body if she’d let me.
Leah pulled away first, but I wasn’t ready to let her go yet.
The wonder on her face was quickly replaced with disappointment. “Stefen, I’ll agree with the paying part, but we’re just hanging out while you're in town. We can't date or kiss, ever again. You’re leaving.” Pain was evident in her expression when she moved away and started walking back toward the front door.
Grabbing her hand, I spun her around to face me once more. “I didn't say we’re dating. I said this is a date, which is basically the same as hanging out, except I may steal a kiss here and there, and hold your hand.” I’d never been turned down by a girl before and Leah was the last woman I’d ever want to be rejected by.
Gulping hard, she pulled away, whispering, “Can we please just forget that happened and go back inside?”
Looking down at the floor, I let her go. This was a new feeling for me, and I couldn’t help the honest words that came out of my mouth. “Impossible to forget. That was by far the best kiss I’ve ever had, but we can go in if you want.”
I watched as she walked away, putting as much distance as she could between us.
⁂
Leah
As we rode in the Hummer’s backseat to the first winery, I felt Stefen’s eyes on me. Glancing around the inside of the vehicle, then out the passenger window, I tried to ignore his scrutiny.
It didn’t help when the lady across from me smiled warmly, asking, “How long have you two been together? You make a very handsome couple.”
I shifted uncomfortable in my seat. “Oh, um, we’re not dating.”
Stefen scoffed, and I turned to find him scowling before he looked out his own window.
The woman frowned. “I’m sorry, I saw you guys in the parking lot and just assumed.”
“It’s okay,” I waved her off, “just a misunderstanding.” Since our kiss—and my rejection—the tension couldn’t get any thicker. This certainly didn’t help.
We turned onto a pathway. Off to the side, a large faded sign read, ‘Evanwood Vineyard’. Driving down a dirt-covered road, we passed row upon row of grape vines intertwined along wires that stretched across the fields.
I was in awe of the beautifully, lush grounds. The moment we came to a stop, I jumped out, eager to leave the awkward atmosphere behind. At the entrance, I stretched my arms, feeling my shirt ride up.
Stefen strolled passed, catching me off guard as he ran his warm fingertips along my bare belly. I gasped, then blushed. He turned and smirked at me, and I found myself fisting my palms, squashing the urge to reach for him.
He’s going to do me in for sure, I thought, tugging down the hem of my blouse.
A tan-colored shaggy dog greeted us in the parking lot, giving me a perfect excuse to redirect my focus. Bending down, I scratched the back of his floppy ears. “Hey there, fella.”
I wasn’t a huge fan of dogs and would’ve normally been put off, but this pooch had the sweetest face. Stefen didn't appear to be a dog person either as he quietly stepped away.
I stood and followed the group to an old rustic wooden table to the side of the main building. It was situated under a trellis. Vines with grapes hung down, ripe for the picking, and dark brown, antique metal candelabras adorned the table.
In awe of my gorgeous surroundings, I inhaled the fresh air. “Wow, this place is wonderful.”
“Thank you,” a deep masculine voice sounded from behind me.
Spinning around, I met an extremely handsome, rugged kind of guy. His plaid button-down shirt enhanced the blue irises of his eyes, and although his jeans fit nicely, I noted that no man wore a pair quite as well as Stefen.
With a kind smile, he offered a rough, callused hand to me. “I'm Zachary Evanwood. I own and operate the vineyard along with my father.”
“Very nice to meet you, Zachary. I’m Leah—” My voice trailed.
Startling me, I felt a soft, warm hand on my lower back. “And I’m Stefen.” He extended his other hand to Zachary.
With a knowing look, Zachary acknowledged, “It’s very nice to meet you as well, Stefen.” Then he left us to personally welcome each person in our group.
He was handsome, but I didn’t feel anything. Which was weird. That didn’t, however, mean that Stefen had the right to act like I needed protecting.
While the rest of our party was distracted, he wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. I froze, wanting to shrug him off, but couldn’t find the strength.
“Don’t overthink things, Leah. Stop fighting this.” He lightly stroked the skin on my hip, just unde
r the hem of my shirt. I felt his breath in my hair, against my ear. “I know you feel what I feel.” I fought a moan when he placed a quick kiss on the side of my neck before releasing me and strolling away.
Did he just—Bastard.
Shaking out of my daze, I focused on Zachary as he addressed the crowd. “I hope you’re all hungry. We've prepared an egg, potato, leek and goat cheese frittata for you this morning.” Beaming with pride, he rubbed his palms together. “There’s also a spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette. Your meal will be paired with our two-thousand and twelve merlot. Please join us in the tasting room when you've finished, and I'll show you some other selections we have to offer.”
“Thanks, Zachary. You're the best.” The blonde tour guide, Brittany, fanned her eyelashes, flirting with him as he walked away with a slight grin. She’d also been keeping an eye on Stefen and, after he pulled my seat out, Brittany rushed to sit on the other side of him.
She propped her chin on her hand and gawked at Stefen, chattering excitedly. “We always bring our clients here first since Zachary is the only vineyard owner on the tour who insists that everyone eats first.” She placed her hand on his arm and smiled sweetly.
Laying a napkin on my lap, I rolled my eyes. This skank must flirt with every male she comes in contact with.
Brittany went on, fanning her overly exaggerated false eyelashes. “He’s also a remarkable chef. I'm sure you’ll enjoy the food, Mr. Hunter.”
Huffing through my nose, I couldn’t believe this bitch. Kiss ass.
Oblivious to me, the bimbo leaned in enough to show off her cleavage and whispered, “I watch what I eat carefully, so there’s normally a special dish just for me. You’re welcome to try anything I’ve got.”
Puta barata. I would love to call her a cheap whore to her face.
Waiters arrived with plates of food for each of us, as well as bottles to fill our wineglasses. Annoyed, I gulped down half the burgundy liquid in one shot. When I put the goblet down, a shit eating grin came over my face as Stefen gently took Brittany’s arm off his and placed it on the table.
Without thinking, I gave the other woman a warning glare as I shoveled a forkful of frittata in my mouth. I might have announced that we were not a couple, but that didn’t mean I wanted to see other women drape themselves all over him.
Paying no attention to Brittany, Stefen looked at me and licked the olive oil from his lips. “This food is incredible.”
“Yep.” I bobbed my head up and down, tantalized by his tongue swiping across his mouth.
Zachary appeared with an older gentleman, who walked with a cane slowly beside him. Taking his time to help the elderly man, Zachary spoke to our group. “I'd like to introduce my father, Joel Evanwood. The original owner and operator here.” Love and respect were evident all over both their faces.
“It's a pleasure to meet you all.” Joel braced himself on the cane in his hand. “I hope you’re enjoying the meal my son and our staff prepared.” Everyone gave encouraging nods. “Fantastic. Just let us know when you’re ready to move on.”
Joel turned, and I got a peek of his t-shirt that read, ‘BEWARE, my dog can't hold his licker.’
Giggling, I pointed to the words. “Actually, he’s a well behaved dog. He didn't lick me once when I pet him.”
Joel looked down at his shirt, then smiled back at me. “Yeah, that dog has a thing for pretty ladies.”
“Don't we all,” Stefen growled, sending chills down my spine and blood rushing to my face.
Hijo de puta!
⁂
Stefen
As much as I didn’t want to admit it, this place was far nicer than I thought it would be. Aside from Leah’s kiss earlier, the food was the best thing I’d tasted since I left Chicago. I did, however, have a problem with the stolen glances I kept catching the owner giving Leah after she announced, once more, that she and I were not an item.
Sitting in the tasting room, I draped an arm on the back of her stool, sipping a bit of the wine left in my glass as she chugged another sample.
“You’d better slow down,” I warned her. “You’re going to be buzzed before we even get to the next vineyard.”
“Too late.” Her half lidded eyes were evidence of that fact. “Hey did you hear Zachary’s coming to my shop? Yeah, he wants to discuss using me as his florist for the weddings they host.” She smiled, completely buzzed.
“Yes, I was sitting right there.” I sneered.
“Oh,” she giggled, a little sloppily. “Well, did you hear that he wants to come get a feel for my style? Isn’t that exciting?”
Her unfocussed eyes would’ve been cute if I wasn’t so irritated. Is she trying to rub this in my face?
“Yep, heard that, too,” I grit out. I wonder what else Mr. Evanwood wants to get a feel for. I tipped my head back, polishing off the last drop of wine in the glass, when Brittany announced we were moving on to the next winery.
Leah swayed a bit when I helped her up from the bar stool. How is she going to make it to the next couple of vineyards?
Still, I was relieved that we were leaving. I reached for her hand, but she pulled away, sauntering over to Zachary. They murmured something I couldn’t hear, but I caught Zachary glancing at me as Leah shook her head. Zachary gave her a knowing look, and I squinted to read his mouth.
“Trust me,” it looked like he said.
Looking over her shoulder, she caught me glaring at them, then twirled around to join me.
“What was that about?” I grumbled, my lips forming a flat line.
“Some nonsense about finding ‘the one’ and not letting them slip away. I don’t believe it, though.” She waved her hands, dismissing the conversation.
Infuriated, my blood boiled. Who the hell is this guy? He just met her and was suddenly declaring that she was ‘the one’? What the fuck?
I shot daggers in Zachary’s general direction as we slipped out the large rustic wooden doors into the warm sunshine. We’d just made it to the vehicle when Zachary came jogging up with two bottles of wine.
“Here, try these and tell me what you think.” Pride radiated off the vineyard owner.
Leah kissed him on the cheek as he handed the bottles to her. I almost growled aloud, about to lose my shit, when it hit me like a ton of bricks—Leah was egging me on. This was on purpose.
Son of a bitch.
My lips curled up. This day was about to get even more interesting. I narrowed my eyes, steeling a sideways glance as Leah fluttered her eyes innocently, running a cute little hand through her hair.
Two can play at this game, sweetheart. And I’m a fucking expert.
⁂
Leah
Climbing into the waiting vehicle, my head began to spin. I’d need to hold off on the wine at the next stops. Plopping myself down, I made sure to leave room for Stefen. I was tired of fighting him off and decided to just go with the flow. Whether we ended up together or not, I was still going to feel like shit when he left. I convinced myself that as long as I went in knowing we had an expiration date, his departure would not destroy me.
When I looked around for him, I saw that he’d squeezed between Brittany and another flirty blonde who I’d caught eyeing him earlier.
Confused, I patted the seat next to me, but he announced loudly, “Nope, I’m fine over here.”
Everyone heard. I sank into my seat, embarrassed.
Damn, I’m buzzed. Did Stefen really turn down sitting next to me? Prick.
Mixing alcohol with a temper was never a good idea. And now I felt stupid about my resolve. Fuck him. With a little effort, I managed to get my phone out of my skintight pocket, surfed my social network page, and pretended like I didn’t give a crap what was going on in front of me.
I was impenetrable. Untouchable.
He can’t hurt me. He doesn’t affect me. At least that’s what I tried to convince myself.
As much as I didn’t want it to, his voice traveled back to me. “Yeah, I’m a lawyer
in Chicago at my family’s firm.”
Unable to help myself, I turned my head, letting my hair create a makeshift barrier so I could spy on them without being detected.
He smiled at both women as they ate up the bullshit he was dishing them. “Oh, Mr. Hunter, that’s so impressive.” He did nothing to stop the second blonde from running her hand down his chest while the son of a bitch stared directly at me.
“Please, call me Stefen.”
I peeked over and caught him raising an eyebrow, giving Brittany a playful grin.
Ugh. I’d had enough.
Thankfully, the next winery was just down the road, and I had no intention of spending another minute with him. Once we stopped, I threw the door open and darted out in search of a restroom.
After I patted my face and neck with a cold, wet paper towel, I took a deep breath, looked in the mirror and gave myself a pep talk. “You knew what kind of guy he was. Stop acting childish. It’ll be much worse if you don’t ignore him. He was never and will never be yours. Now put on your big girl panties and go enjoy your day.”
Exiting, I bumped smack into Stefen. He grabbed my arms to steady me.
“Oh, there you are. I wondered where you ran off to. Are you feeling all right?” Although I’d love to think he was concerned, his eyes and smile said he was goading me.
Smoothing my hair down, I assured him, “I’m fine.” My buzz was lessening. I definitely need more wine. Raising my chin, I put my plan to ignore him back into action.
I heard him snicker behind me, and knew that he’d caught on as I left him standing outside of the women’s restroom.
I was proud of myself for not giving any importance to the flirting going on between Stefen and the two tramps during the last couple of vineyards. Well, as far as they knew, I wasn’t paying attention. But I sure as hell saw every touch and heard most innuendos. By the time they made it to the last winery, I was beyond done.
After calling a cab to pick me up, I began to drink even heavier. If I was going out, it would be with a bang, and he’d sure as hell never forget it.