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Watching Lucas using my key to the cottage from where I’m seated in his car, I can’t help the feeling of surrealness whirling through me.
"What am I doing?” I can’t help but ask myself aloud.
I had promised myself to stay away, but his persistence and complete openness in wanting me over the past few days, had worn me down. I knew it was only a matter of time before he would succeed. How could anyone avoid his advances? He was stunningly beautiful, his warm blue eyes always intense when he held my gaze, causing my body to always react to him from across the room.
Sighing, I shake my head.
I know I should have stopped this, but now it was too late. If I got out of his car right now, tried to put distance between us, I know Lucas wouldn’t leave. He’s too persistent, confident in what he wants and right now he has his sights set on me. Whatever happens between us in the future could mean our professional relationship would flourish or come to an abrupt end. It’s a terrifying thought for me, someone who prided herself on working hard, making my own way in this world, not to mention absolutely loving everything about my current position.
Over the past couple of weeks, I had considered leaving my position, due to this undeniable chemistry between Lucas and I – to remain unentangled from him - but I had come to love the vineyard as much as the restaurant and inn.
It has somehow slipped underneath my skin, deeper than I had imagined, and right now I didn’t want to be any other place than waiting for the disturbingly erotic man that had once again seduced me tonight.
“What about California?” I silently question myself. I firmly and abruptly push it away. This will probably end as quickly as the attraction began. Hopefully at the end of whatever this is, we can retain a professional working relationship.
It’s not as if I would be at Reid Vineyards forever.
I just want to be here.
Just for now.
To explore this man.
I watch as Lucas open the doors and quickly swoops down to lift a wriggling and happy Quinny into his arms. I watch in amusement as she gives him a few quick kisses and see his face squint as she lovingly licks his jawline. He quickly kisses the top of her head before he steps inside. A few seconds later and I see a light come on and go out a few seconds later. Then he is back outside, striding confidently in that sexy swagger he has to the car, while holding Quinny in one arm and her bag of food in the other.
I can’t help but admire his physique as the car headlights illuminate him.
Yeah...there was no way I could have resisted him. Even now, after having him less than a half hour ago, I want him again.
I feel myself pulse between my legs, my heart beat picking up from knowing I get to go home with this man.
Lucas opens the back door to place Quinny in the back seat and I coo to her in welcome with a wide smile on my face.
I feel so very happy.
Content.
Lucas grasps my hand once we are back on the road, my stomach filling with butterflies as it hits me again and again that Lucas is taking me to his home.
That I’m spending the night with this beautiful, sexy man.
As he pulls into the driveway, he kisses the back of my hand before telling me to wait for him to open my door. It’s these small things that make me feel that I’m the center of his universe.
He holds his hand out for me to grasp as I exit the car and as soon as the car door shuts behind me, he pushes me up against it.
Lowering his lips to my ear, he whispers, "I can't believe you’re here."
My nipples tighten, between my legs where we had been joined, pulsating deeper, more of our combined liquid slipping from me.
“Me either,” I whisper, as I pull him into me for a quick kiss on his neck.
Now that I’m here, that I have accepted this attraction for now, I plan to enjoy him.
Every seductive inch of him.
Lucas pushes away from me and then with a wink, he opens the backseat door and reaches down for Quinny. I watch as he lays her on the ground to have a pee break, his large hands so very gentle with her. Quinny quickly uses and not wasting another moment, Lucas is back to grabbing my hand to tug me to the door of his house. He slides his key in quickly, then grinning widely at me, he swings the door open to tug me inside, flicking on a light switch as I cross over the threshold to his home.
He waits until Quinny is also inside before shutting the door and locking it.
And I suddenly feel nervous.
Overwhelmed.
My palms sweat as I take in his penetrating blue-eyed gaze.
Sensing my nervousness, Lucas pulls me to him, sliding his arms around me in comfort before laying his cheek on top of my head.
"Would you like some wine?" I hear him murmur into my hair.
Nodding into his chest, I admit to myself I need the wine to settle my nerves.
He releases me and heads towards the kitchen where he pulls a bottle of white from his wine cooler. I watch him, how his hands are strong and steady on the wine bottle as he smoothly removes the cork. I watch how his long dark hair lies lightly against his collar, that is still ruffled from our session in the vineyard, the top five buttons of his shirt still undone exposing the hard, defined planes of his chest. I flush, loving that I was the one that made this man look so unkempt.
That he had just been fucked by me.
I’m slightly shocked at my inner thoughts. But this man, he makes me feel things like I have never experienced before. He makes me so sexually aware of myself as a woman.
I watch as he grasps both glasses of wine, walking towards me.
I can't wait to have him inside me again, - I silently acknowledge, suddenly feeling empowered and all nervousness leaves me.
He holds my eyes, and I know he knows my mood has shifted.
That he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
I feel myself swell further between my legs, wanting him so bad.
"Want to go to my room?" he asks softly as he hands me my wine.
I nod.
God, I’m already on fire.
I take a sip of my wine, his eyes watching me as he does the same.
He grasps my hand again, and I follow behind him, my desire becoming more and more heightened, knowing that he is going to give me what I want.
Opening his bedroom door, he flicks a switch that turns on the two bedside lamps. My gaze wanders around the room, feeling like I’m having an out of body experience, as my mind tries to catch up with physically being in this beautiful man's bedroom. He releases my hand to cross to a wall that is nothing but windows. I hear him unlock them, surprised that they fold back completely, allowing the night air in to touch my skin.
Taking another sip of my wine, I watch him as he undoes the rest of the buttons of his shirt, showing his flat, muscled belly.
My eyes follow the deep V that disappears down underneath the waistline of his pants...
My mouth waters, mixing with the wine, in my desire to taste him.
I swallow slowly then lick my lips at the thought of satisfying my every desire for this man.
He holds my gaze as he walks back to me, taking my wine glass from my hand before I drop it, laying it on a dresser close by. Still holding my gaze, he walks behind me. He prevents me from turning my body by placing his hands on my waist from behind, only allowing my head to turn and watch him.
He pushes my hair to one side and I close my eyes as I feel him place his lips on my neck, suckling. His hands come up to grasp my breasts through my dress. They swell for him, desperately wanting skin on skin contact.
I moan and allow my head to fall back on his naked and powerful shoulder.
He lifts his head, detaching his lips from my neck, as he pushes me forward until I’m standing in front of a full-length mirror. He holds my gaze in the mirror as one of his hands comes up to my left side to slide my zipper down. Loosened, my dress falls away from my chest and Lucas tugs it down until I can step out of it along with my shoes. Holding my eyes once again in the mirror, his hands come up to the front of my bra, easily releasing the clasp, allowing my breasts to spill free. His heated gaze spears through me, even in the reflected image from the mirror and I feel as if I have a heart beat in each nipple.
I silently beg for his hands to come up and grasp each globe, to gently pinch each throbbing nipple, to make me feel again that feeling that only he can seem to make me feel.
"Your breasts are so full. I love to watch them as I fuck you," he whispers behind me, not touching me, only watching my face in the mirror.
"Lucas..." I whisper, about to turn but he prevents me once again by placing his hands on my hips.
His touch is burning me, inflaming me further.
I squirm, trying to push my bottom into his erection. Quickly, he slides both of his forefingers into the elastic waistband of my underwear, kneeling behind me as he pushes them down and off my legs.
He doesn't straighten to a standing position but stays where he is as he whispers, "Lean forward to put your hands on the mirror and spread your legs."
Unable to deny him, I do as he asks.
"Fuck..." I hear him whisper as he stares at where our combined liquids from our previous lovemaking is still leaking from my body.
He straightens quickly and grabbing my hand, he pulls me to his bed, pushing me face down onto it. I hear him remove his clothes and I try to turn. He once again grasps my waist with both of his hands, squeezing me in warning, before tugging me up until I’m on my knees.
"Look ahead, Emma," he commands quietly.
I lift my head and realize that he has placed me in a position to watch as he fucks me in the mirror. I writhe, on fire, wanting desperately for him to take me like this as I arch my back, trying to push myself back at the same time to impale myself on him. I see him reach for himself, and I hold my breath in anticipation, again pushing backwards, becoming agitated when he only rubs the tip of himself around my wet opening. I inhale deeply and open my mouth to beg but he quickly pushes forward and I’m suddenly, completely, filled by him.
"Is this what you wanted, Emma?" he asks, as he watches as my breasts in the mirror. He pulls out to thrust into me once again, his hands tightly holding my waist, allowing my breasts to flow freely back and forth with his movements.
I’m unable to speak, so I nod instead.
"Do you have any idea how good you look impaled on my cock, your breasts swinging at my every thrust?" he whispers.
I moan.
"You feel so fucking slippery and wet," he groans upon another powerful surge into my body.
I feel him remove one hand from my waist, to slide down over my abdomen, to rub against my clit. I explode against him, throbbing all around him. He picks up speed after my orgasm, letting himself explode inside of me again. His weight crushes me to the bed as he collapses on top of me and I savor the feeling of the sheer fullness of him, feeling as if he is all around me, completely surrounding me from the inside out. I feel his heavy breathing on my ear as my body comes back to earth, absorbing and loving the feeling of his body on mine.
"Sorry," he whispers, about to push off me but I reach back with my hand, grasping his ass to hold him there.
He chuckles as he teases, "Can't get enough now?"
I wiggle my ass in response.
He chuckles again, lifting himself slightly to trail kisses over my shoulders. I savor the sensation of him, and of me, being so deeply connected like this as I revel in the feeling of his lips on the sensitive skin of my shoulders.
"We should shower." I feel his whispered words against my skin.
I moan, not wanting to move.
He chuckles, lifting himself from me, disconnecting us as he slowly slides out. When he lightly swats my ass, I roll onto my back and for the first time, I have a look at this beautiful man without any clothes.
My gaze runs over every indent and defined part of him and I can't believe he wants me. There is certainly no doubt about it as his leering gaze runs over me, settling between my legs.
I flush, warm again.
"God, you look good with me seeping from you," he murmurs.
I bite my lip. His lack of hesitancy to use such erotic descriptions turns me on.
"We should probably be using condoms," I whisper.
Shaking his head, he says, "I disagree." Holding my eyes, he continues, "I don't plan on being with anyone else. I'd like it if you'd do the same."
Holding his eyes, knowing that he is solidifying this relationship between us, I nod as I reply, "I'd like that."
A grin spreads across his face.
He leans forward and grasping my hand, he pulls me into a standing position. Wrapping his arms around me for a quick hug, he whispers into my ear, "I’m glad you agreed because there is no way I could share you."
My heart flutters as I follow him into his shower, my future plans, for now, pushed to the back burner.
We don't sleep much that night and are still awake when the sun comes up, slanting across our faces in his king-sized bed. We lay there, content and happy, watching it as it rises across the tops of the vines.
It is in the morning light that I realize exactly how truly stunning his home is. Not big and gaudy, but a sensible sized bungalow, that has been designed to take advantage of the view of the vineyard with Lake Ontario gleaming behind it. I silently pray that I’ll have many mornings, lying here with him, my head on his strong, sculpted chest listening to his heart beat while watching the sun rise. I can't think of a better way to start each day.
The next two days are the weekend and we decide to take them off to spend the days together. On Saturday morning, we take a trip into town for coffee in Lucas’s black convertible. I’m unable to take my eyes from him, from his hands, as he confidently handles the smoothly purring vehicle, flushing – feeling extremely aroused as I remember how just as expertly he had held me by the waist last night and sunk himself so deeply – and very satisfyingly - inside of me. After parking the car, Lucas tells me to remain where I am, still seated in his car, as he exits and quickly crosses to my door.
As he opens my door, pleasure helplessly sliding through me at his gentlemanly gesture, I slide out and ask softly - teasingly, “Why do you always feel the need to open my door?’
He grins, swings the door shut, before pushing me up against it as his hands slide around my neck, up into my hair as he lightly draws his lips over mine. A few soft kisses later, he confides, “A guy gotta have an edge over the competition somehow and impress their girl. Not many guys do that these days and you’re definitely worth impressing.”
My cheeks flush scarlet, my heart hammering at his use of the words in implying that I’m his girl and I watch his eyes closely as he connects our lips again. My eyes slide close at the pleasure seeping through me – from his words – from the heady feeling of just being with him.
A few moments later, Lucas releases me and grasps my hand as he takes me to his favorite coffee shop. When we walk inside, there are several people of all ages that greet Lucas warmly. He introduces me to each of them and I begin to realize just how much this town respects Lucas and adores him. As we walk down the sidewalk with my coffee clutched in hand and my other hand firmly wrapped around his, Lucas introduces me to the people on the sidewalk that he knows along the way. Their reaction to him is one of welcome and respect as well, like old friends and it exhilarates me. Everyone seems to react to Lucas, their eyes brightening as he greets them all warmly by name and asking about their families. Seeing the love and respect in their eyes can’t help but make me feel special to be with such a man.
My hearts beats thickly in my chest as I feel him chip a piece of it away from me.
I knew from the first moment I met Lucas that he would do this to me and I only hope that when this ends, I have enough of my heart remaining because I know he could steal every single piece of it.
We come across a group of elderly ladies, distracting me from my thoughts, who are sat outside another coffee shop and they each lift their cheeks expectantly to welcome his greeting kiss. Their knowing and assessing eyes fall on me, sizing me up, and I know immediately they are silently accessing as to whether I’m good enough for him.
In the afternoon, we head back to the vineyard to attend brunch at his parent's home. I had tried to back out of it, feeling uncomfortable at the newness of our relationship, worrying about how his parents will react to seeing us together.
Dating...
An employee sleeping with the boos.
As we enter their home, I try to shake free of Lucas’s hand, feeling a little awkward about the situation, but Lucas only grasps mine tighter as we enter their kitchen. William is sitting at the counter, reading the paper, his coffee cup up to his mouth when Lucas strolls in, dragging me behind him. Charlotte is in her usual flurry of activity as she prepares her weekly brunch and doesn’t immediately notice me.
His father's goes to our entangled hands and he pauses only for a moment before taking a sip of coffee to murmur in welcome, "Morning Emma. Lucas." I don’t miss the wink thrown Lucas’s way as William lowers his mug.
I flush.
Charlotte looks up at hearing her husband greet us and her gaze immediately goes to our hands as well. Dropping her spatula, she quickly crosses the kitchen to where we are standing, happiness radiating clearly through her smile.
"Emma," she says, taking my free hand to squeeze. "This is such a wonderful surprise."
"Sorry," I say quietly. "We should have called to let you know I was coming."
Shaking her head, squeezing my hand again, she says meaningfully, "I told you that you have a standing invitation for every Saturday. All that matters is that you are here. Come and sit. Lucas get her some coffee."
I do as she asks and watch as Lucas pours my coffee, my unease settling a little before disappearing completely after he comes to sit next to me. He takes my hand from my lap to hold it again as we chat with his dad about the latest vineyard news while his mother finishes her cooking.
Brunch passes comfortably with Lucas sitting next to me, his hand on my upper thigh from time to time or around the back of my chair. I can’t help but silently wonder what his parents think about him dating his employee but from what I can see, they seem to be only happy for us.
Saturday evening, we decide to barbecue at his place, wanting to be alone. As he looks at me from across the kitchen bar from where he is straightening from filling the dishwasher, his gaze becomes intense and I feel heat instantly race through me. Watching such a beautiful, exotic looking man such as Lucas, doing mundane everyday things like the filling the dishwasher is such a turn on for me.
He could be anywhere, with whatever beautiful woman he wanted, but yet he is here with me.
His eyes clearly showing me that he wants me.
I don't protest when he abruptly grasps my hand to pull me back to his bedroom.
I don’t murmur a word of protest when we stay there for the rest of the night.
Sunday morning, I wake to sunshine falling across my face and Lucas standing by the bed with a coffee in his hand for me, wearing only boxers. Unable to stop myself, I place both of my hands on his upper thighs, loving the feel of how his muscles jump at my touch, before sliding them up underneath – one hand grasping his now ridged cock with the other gently grazing my fingernails over the sensitive flesh of his inner thigh. Looking up at him, I watch his chest rise and fall quickly, his blue eyes penetrating me – begging me – for what I’m about to do.
Releasing him, I slide my hands out from under his shorts and into his waistband to quickly tug his boxer shorts to his knees. The head of his cock is bobbing invitingly before me and I can’t resist holding off tasting him any further as I lean forward and flick my tongue over the tip of him.
I hear him groan and looking up at him from between his legs, I slowly take him into my mouth, gently suckling – savoring – his taste. Suddenly, he pops himself free from my mouth, quickly laying the forgotten coffee on the night stand before pushing me onto my back. His arms hook behind each of my knees, bringing them up and over his shoulders as he quickly sinks himself so perfectly into me.
I lose my breath for the moment from the sheer pleasure of feeling him so deep. My insides throb, begging that he move and move quickly.
I don’t have any further thought as he withdraws himself completely and then spears back up and into me just as quickly. My eyes close in ecstasy as he performs the exact same moves for the next few moments causing an orgasm to start deep inside of me, pulling him into me further, inviting him to do with me as he will.
Afterwards, I lay underneath him, completely spent but also completely happy as I hear his breathing return to normal.
I continue to push away any questions that I want to ask myself because right now I’m too happy to think past this moment. I only want to allow myself to enjoy Lucas, to let my hair down and enjoy an affair with the first man who has ever made me feel like I’m the most desirable woman in the world.
After a shower, we decide to spend the day at the local farmer's market and it is here that I realize that I have to be more proactive in cautioning my heart with him. Being with him, wandering around from stall to stall of fresh produce as we decide on dinner, holding his hand – feeling him squeeze mine from time to time – laughing with him as he tries to eat an ice cream without it melting all over the ground...all of those little mundane everyday things only draws me in further.
And he is doing it inch by all-consuming inch.
Lucas and I make dinner together at his house and as I cut the vegetable for our salad, his hands come to my waist and squeeze gently, possessively, before placing a swift kiss on my neck. Sighing contentedly, I lay my head back on his shoulder and close my eyes as I push away any thoughts of work tomorrow and the complications that will arise from our affair.
As the clock on the night stand torturously creeps towards ten o’clock, I push myself off Lucas's chest, where I had collapsed moments before, after he had rocked my world again.
"I should get going," I whisper, kissing his chest lingeringly one last time.
His arms come up to grasp my hips, wrapping tightly around them as I feel him slide deliciously from my body.
"Going where?" I hear him ask firmly.
"Home," I say, trying to push away. I really do need to get home. I need to have a good night's sleep, to get ready for my workday in the morning.
To have a break, to have a moment to think about what this new relationship means – how it’s going to work.
And I can’t seem to think around Lucas.
That’s because you don’t want to think about it around him, - my mind mocks me.
"You’re not going anywhere," he insists, his tone rough as he abruptly sits up to lick the pulse on my neck. My nipples tighten in response quickly even though I had just used Lucas’s body to slake another round of desire that had over taken me upon seeing his naked, powerful body as he stepped from the shower.
I had practically tackled him as the towel he had swung around his hips had dropped to the floor as he reached to pull on his boxer shorts. It had seemed such a shame for him to cover that beautiful part of him so I had launched myself at him and he had allowed me to playfully pretend that I was conquering him as he fell back onto the bed, where I had quickly removed my underwear and impaled myself quickly and deeply onto his now hard cock. As I had rode him, I had secretly relished in the female seductive power that I had over him, as his eyes darkened, his lips whispering, “Fuck...” repeatedly over and over, as I lifted and lower myself onto him, my hips occasionally rotating when he was deep inside, wanting him – always - deeper and deeper.
"Lucas..." I whisper, "I have to go home. I have work in the morning."
He stops his assault on my pulse and lies back down, laying his head against the pillow, to stare up at me. My center squeezes, wanting him again.
"You're serious?" he asks, his tone petulant.
Nodding my head, I can't resist a quick kiss to his lips, before I push myself off him and climb out of bed.
He leans up on one elbow, looking deliciously used as he asks, "Why can't you stay here?"
Smiling, loving that I had been the one to deliciously use him, I pull on my clothes as I respond, "Because I won't get any sleep here and I need to have clothes to get ready for work in the morning."
"Stay here. I'll let you sleep and you can stop by the cottage in the morning to change your clothes on our way into work," he says, his tone persuasive.
Laughing, I button my jeans as I respond, "I somehow doubt you will be able to keep your promise and let me sleep. I also doubt that I will be able to keep you from keeping your promise plus I don't want us arriving at work together."
His face abruptly changes as he quickly pushes the blankets off him, coming to a standing position. I sigh and watch him wearily, knowing he is going to try to persuade me to stay.
"Why don't you want to arrive to work together?" he asks, staring into my eyes and I hold his eyes firmly, not backing down on this.
"What happens between us is separate from work. No one needs to know and I don’t want them to know," I reply forcing a firmness into my voice.
"I don't give a fuck who knows or not. I’m not hiding us," he states, his irritation on the topic evident.
Sighing, not wanting an argument, I reply, "I’m the supervisor of your staff, Lucas. How will they look at me, respect me when they know I’m sleeping with the boss? I’m going back to the cottage." I turn from him, not willing to discuss this further. I call Quinny, who lifts her head from the new bed Lucas had bought at the market. She slowly rises, as if she is reluctant to leave too. I scoop her up and exit through the bedroom door as a naked and irritable Lucas follows me.
"This is stupid. They will find out at some point," Lucas continues his protests from behind me.
Turning to him when I reach the front door, I put my hand on his chest as I state firmly, "Lucas, I’m going home."
He catches me around my waist, pulling me close, to say, "I’m not going to hide. We have no reason to hide."
I push away from him, saying unwaveringly, "And I don’t want employees knowing. I’m asking you to respect my wish in this."
I hold his eyes until he sighs out, frustrated, “Let me get dressed to walk you home.”
Knowing he will persist in staying with me if I allow him to walk me to the cottage, and also knowing I’m too weak to push him away again, I shake my head.
I finally see him concede before he says firmly, "I'm definitely picking you up in the morning." He swoops down to place a quick kiss on my cheek before releasing me and I don’t bother to start in on that argument.
Instead, I take one last glance of his handsome face before I turn from him and open the door to step out into the night to walk the short distance home. Quinny shows her obvious reluctance to leave too as she longingly glances back to Lucas’s now closed door as I place her on the ground. She finally moves to walk but stops after a short distance to stare back at the house until I call her firmly to follow me.
Going back to the cottage turns out to be futile for sleeping purposes as I spend most of the night tossing and turning, missing the warmth of Lucas's body already.
At 5am, I finally give up.
After a shower and a coffee, I decide to walk Quinny earlier than usual so that I can get into work before Lucas makes good on his plan to pick me up.
A little over an hour after I have arrived at work, I can feel Lucas’s presence in the doorway of my office before I see him. I look up in time to see him stalk towards me, not hesitating in walking behind my desk to angrily jerk my chair out, uncaring that I’m still in it.
Placing both his hands on each arm rest, I can clearly see how irritated he is as he leans over me saying, "I told you I’m not going to hide," before placing his mouth heatedly on mine. Not able to move because he has me trapped in my chair – along with the fact that his sexy strut over to claim me has my head spinning - I eagerly return his kiss.
God...he tastes so good, - I admit to myself as my body flushes, responding to him.
I’m hungry for him after all night and for a moment I forget where I am, or that the door is open, as I place my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat and contemplate pulling his shirt from the waist band of his jeans just so I can trace the deep V that I had nipped my teeth along just last night.
He breaks the kiss saying firmly, "And tonight you stay with me." Straightening, he doesn’t wait for a response as he pushes me back into my desk from where I’m still sitting in my chair – my chest rising and falling erratically from wanting this man so very much - before walking out the open door.
And past Martha.
My face burns.
"I was wondering when that was going to happen," she says calmly as she walks into my office, ready for our usual Monday morning meeting.
"I..." I clear my throat before trying to start again, "We are..."
Martha lets out a bark of laughter as she sits across the desk from me, revealing amusingly, "Emma, everyone has been expecting it. The way you two have been, speaking one moment, avoiding each other the next, but then again secretly glancing at one another. It’s been visible to everyone.’
My cheeks burn hotter as I realize that everything between Lucas and I had been so noticeable. It had been the last thing I had wanted.
“I’m not one to sleep with the boss,” I try to begin to explain.
Martha’s amusement abruptly stops as she says softly, “Of course you’re not, Emma. Anyone who has worked alongside you knows you are not the type to sleep around. Everyone here respects you. Admires you.”
She pauses for a moment before she asks, “Is that why you have been giving Lucas such a hard time? You thought we would think less of you?”
Squirming, uncomfortable with this subject but glad to be discussing it openly, I reply, “It was one of the things.”
“One of the things?” Martha quickly jumps on my reply. “What’s the other?”
Wishing I had not brought it up, I reply evasively, “There are many reasons why Lucas and I probably shouldn’t have happened but they are a moot point now.”
Martha eyes scan my face as she replies softly, “If it helps, I have known Lucas a long time and he has never been like this with another woman. We can all see that you are different for him. He has changed and I don’t think he’s the playboy he was before you came along.”
Her words are meant to reassure me but instead I feel panic...
Guilt...
I had never dreamed that there was someone out there like Lucas. He had not been a part of my plans.
But he pushed past all my barriers and now here I was, tangled up in him.
And all that he is.
I avoid discussing it further and instead turn the conversation towards work. Lucas interrupts us half way through, bringing a coffee to me, sending me a wink before leaving us alone once again.
Bemused, Martha watches him leave before turning her gaze back to me.
"Never thought I'd see the day that Lucas would be so smitten," she says approvingly as she chuckles.
I once again flush, feeling as if my cheeks have been on fire since arriving to work.
At lunch time, Lucas appears in my doorway with a basket in hand and a blanket slung over his arm and a wide smile on his face.
"I have lunch," he says cheerfully, walking into my office to pull my chair away from my desk.
"Lucas..." I say sternly.
Leaning over me in my chair, un perturbed, just like he did this morning, he whispers in my ear, "Everyone knows, Emma. Chef has even prepared lunch for us to enjoy in the vineyard. Come, be with me."
His breath on my ear causes my nipples to tighten. Giving in, I don’t resist when he takes my hand to pull me to a standing position. He doesn't allow me to drop his hand as we walk down the hall, then down the stairs and out the door of the restaurant. Even though I had burned with embarrassment, I had met everyone’s gaze along the way and was only met with huge, happy smiles.
Maybe I’m being too sensitive, - I think to myself, allowing myself to relax just a little, as I allow Lucas to lead the way.
Lucas takes us further down the vineyard, away from where the public are picnicking to a more secluded area, as he keeps up a steady chatter about how thoroughly the guests are enjoying the lunches in the vineyard.
He finally stops when he deems it far enough away from everyone and spreads the blanket between the vines on the ground. It looks picture perfect as I watch him place the basket on the blanket before dropping to sit on the blanket himself, patting the area next to him. Sitting cross-legged on the blanket with him, I feel like pinching myself to see if this is actually real. With his hair moving in the gentle breeze against the collar of his shirt, and the three top buttons left undone showcasing his smooth taut skin at the base of his throat, I feel my natural attraction to him rise.
His gaze catches mine.
And he knows...
"Are you wet for me?" he murmurs.
Shocked at his words, I glance around quickly. His blunt question makes me flush, nervous - but yet aroused. He gently tugs my hand, his gaze asking me the question again, this time in silence.
I nod, my breasts pulsing, between my legs aching.
"Lift your dress and show me," he whispers.
I shake my head.
"Show me," he whispers again.
Glancing around again, I feel as if I’m in a dream as I slowly lift my dress. Lucas's breath becomes deeper, heavier, as his gaze focuses between my legs. Encouraged by his response, feeling like a different woman – a woman in control of this beautiful man - I slide my underwear to the side, exposing myself to his penetrating gaze.
I watch as he reaches his hand out, his finger touching me, causing tiny explosions in my body. I continue to watch as he slides his finger inside of me, watching as he pulls it back out, now gleaming in the sunlight from my wetness.
"So very wet," he murmurs as he slides it back in again.
I moan, feeling even more hot wetness flow between my thighs.
“I thought about you all night,” he admits softly. “I replayed over and over how it felt to be inside of you, watching how those beautiful breasts of yours sway with my every thrust. This morning I went to the cottage early to make love to you, Emma. I’ve been hard for you since you left me last night.”
I feel and watch his finger slowly slide out of me...
Then watch again, helpless, wanting it so very badly, as he slowly inserts two fingers - increasing the pressure.
"Come here, Emma," he whispers quietly, as he lightly rubs his thumb over my clit, causing me to moan and throw my head back.
As I uncross my legs to do as he asks, he withdraws his fingers before pulling me onto him until I’m sitting on his lap facing him, my underwear still pushed to the side.
Lucas asks softly but intently, "Would you like me to fuck you here, like this?"
I nod, my breath hitching.
I feel him fumbling between our legs, hear the zipper on his jeans lower and finally I feel him pushing into me, filling me. My head falls forward onto his shoulder as I absorb the feeling of him.
I feel his hands grasp my bottom as he uses his strength to lift and lower me.
It doesn't take long before he is erupting inside me - filling me - sending me over the edge. I collapse against him, breathing heavily, loving the feeling of him still inside of me.
As our working day comes to an end, I don’t protest when Lucas comes to take my hand, pulling me away from the table assignment sheet that I had already looked over three times. Instead, I follow him without argument as he tugs me along to my car.
Opening the door, he says with a tone that doesn’t allow any sort of argument, “I’ll follow you back to the cottage to pick up Quinny and drop your car off. Then we’ll have dinner at my place after our run.”
After dinner, he doesn't allow me to go home, insisting that I stay with him. I protest, telling him I needed to get back to the cottage. I’m unprepared when he suddenly grasps me by the waist, lifting me to place me on the table where we had just finished clearly our plates from dinner only moments ago.
Placing his hands on each of my cheeks, he gently kisses my lips as he coaxes, "Stay with me, Emma."
His lips trail down my neck as his hands drop from my face to push my dress up over my hips. I feel him pull at my underwear, sliding them down and off my legs before he pushes me back to lie on the table top. I watch as his gaze focuses between my legs before he kneels and wrapping both his hands around my hips, pulls me to his mouth. As his tongue touches me, I watch his dark head between my legs, his eyes probing into mine, feeling myself grow wetter. I moan as he dips his tongue teasingly inside of me before he changes his attack and gently starts to suckle on my most sensitive area.
“Push your dress down and let me see those beautiful breasts,” he murmurs his command against my sensitive flesh. I quickly obey, anxious and wanting him to continue his assault on me.
As they pop free, his gaze zeros in on them and I flush further.
My eyes roll back in my head, my back arching off the table as my head falls back and I push myself onto his talented mouth. I feel my toes curling around the edges of the table and as soon as I feel his tongue sweep back inside of me, my nipples tighten and I convulse on his tongue.
When I open my eyes, I glance down at him and more warmth sweeps through me as a gentle quiver. The visual effect of having such a hot man between my thighs is only making me want more of him.
He holds my eyes, gently biting my upper inner thigh and I jerk. I realize he did that to fulfill his obsession of watching my breasts move. Wanting to tease him further, I hold his eyes as I grasp each globe, squeezing them together, forming a valley as my index and middle fingers pinch my nipples between them.
His gaze flashes hotter as he abruptly stands.
I continue to watch as he pushes his jeans down his hips, preparing to enter me but I can't wait any longer to taste him again. Sitting up, loving how his hot searing gaze focuses on my swinging breasts as I slide off the table, I drop to my knees and take him in my mouth. His hand comes up to the back of my head as I bob up and down, my hand cupping him. Then, wanting to fulfill a fantasy that I know he has without even having to ask, I release his cock. Holding his eyes, I stand allowing the skirt of my dress to fall, completely covering me from the waist down before sitting in a chair, and propping my back against it. I grasp both of my breasts again to form a valley and inviting him with my eyes, I watch as he straddles me so he can place himself perfectly between them. Slowly, he starts to thrust himself, and I lift my gaze to watch how his eyes are focused on the highly erotic view.
Dropping my own gaze to watch the head of his cock disappear and then reappear between the valley of my breasts, I hear his whispered, “Fuck,,,” and it sets off another flow of heat through my body. Leaning my head forward, I open my mouth so he can slip the tip of his cock into my warm mouth on his every thrust upwards. I feel his hands tangle in my hair, gently helping me to hold my head at the perfect angle as he fulfills his fantasy.
He takes this self-inflicted treatment for a few minutes before he groans, and slowly releases my head before stepping away from me. Then he is reaching for me, all gentleness gone as he tugs me to my feet. I feel he has lost his control as he somewhat roughly bends me over the table, inflating my lust for him further, as my now overly sensitive breasts come into contact with the cool surface of the table. I feel the skirt of my dress lift and between my legs throbs, wanting him desperately.
Begging for him to take me this way.
Suddenly he is there, driving himself deeply into me. The table groans and moves slightly from his deep, uncontrolled thrusts. Grasping the edge of the table, I hold on as I arch my ass, encouraging him to go deeper...
Faster...
Suddenly he stops abruptly, me panting his name in protest, as he says, "Say you'll stay."
I squirm, trying to push back onto him but his hands prevent me, still wrapped firmly around my waist.
"Emma..." he warns.
"Please..." I whisper.
"Say you'll stay," he says and slowly he withdraws, leaving only the tip of him inside of me, making me now feel like I’m losing control.
I moan, and try to get him to impale me again.
“Say it, Emma,” he says, not moving an inch, only squeezing my waist tighter.
"Okay," I whimper, willing to do anything to make him pick up his movements again.
Thankfully, he slams back into me, his hands wrapping even tighter around my waist, repeating his movements over and over until I feel myself release, squeezing tightly around him.
A few more thrusts and he empties himself inside of me as he groans, “Fuck!”
He collapses on my back, his breath hot on my ear as I slowly float back to earth. Gradually, I become aware of how my fingers are still wrapped around the edges of the table with my dress hiked up to my waist and my bared breasts flattened on top of the table.
I have never felt so deliciously sexually used as I do with Lucas.
I have also never encountered a man who knew exactly how to blow past all my barriers.
Who completely seemed to be able to obliterate them.
The next few weeks pass with me slowly moving some of my items from the cottage into Lucas's house at his prompting. We spend every spare moment together, running together, walking the beach in the early morning sunrise together, and always walking the vines together. His parents seemed overjoyed at our relationship and I find myself slowly relaxing. Allowing myself to enjoy Lucas and whatever this relationship was to bring.
With no thought given to the future.
And the summer passes peacefully – completely blissful.
As harvest arrives, I’m excited to be among the activity, participating whenever I can. I thoroughly enjoy the process, love watching the pride and joy on Lucas's face as production exceeds what he had hoped. As Christmas approaches, Lucas tries to convince me to have my parents come visit me rather than me go to them. I keep putting him off until a few weeks before Christmas, I find myself broaching the subject with mom and dad. The truth was, I wanted to be here with Lucas for Christmas but I never thought my parents would want to leave their home. To my surprise, they seem happy to come stay with Lucas and I, at Lucas’s home.
Upon meeting Lucas at the airport, my mother's eyes immediately come to mine as she returns his hug. My mother’s head has never been turned by a handsome or pretty face as she always looks beneath the surface to who the person truly is underneath before letting them in. But Lucas’s hugs are all encompassing, totally enveloping you in warmth, never holding anything back and I can tell by my mother’s eyes that he impresses her.
Swooning almost.
Like mother, like daughter, - I admit readily.
Spending Christmas with Lucas and our parents is like fulfilling a dream you never knew you had and only realizing it once you start to experience it. We spend cozy, snow filled evenings by the fire, our parents taking turns reminiscing about when we were younger, telling tales about each of us. As I sit listening to the stories, with Lucas's arms wrapped around me on the sofa, I feel completely at peace.
I push away any thoughts that I’m slowly allowing myself to give up my prior future plans.
Something that I had always promised myself that I would never do.
New Year’s Eve arrives and we spend it at Niagara Falls, watching the fireworks after dinner from a private boat that Lucas had hired for the evening. As I stand there with Lucas’s arms wrapped around me, feeling the happiest I have ever been as the last of the fireworks finish up, he murmurs, “I have a New Year’s surprise for you.”
Laughing softly, squeezing his arm that is around my waist, I reply, “You are going to spoil me! I have nothing for you.”
“This is as much for me as you,” he whispers seductively as I feel his arm tighten around me. “After all of these festivities, I want you to myself so I booked a vacation to Napa Valley for us. We leave next week.”
Turning, surprise written all over my face, I wrap my arms around him, squeezing him tight. I feel only a little guilty that I still haven’t told him of my dream to move to LA, to open my own restaurant someday.
Because it seemed that dream was slowly falling away from me.
The truth was, lately, I had been questioning myself if it was still a dream of mine. And I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t something that still haunted me as much as it once did but occasionally, in the back of my mind, I would think about it. Wondering if I was capable of pulling it off doing my own venture, wondering if I would regret not following my dream at some point if I didn’t do it.
I knew of so many women who had given up their dreams to be with a man while I worked in Toronto as I put myself through school. While they seemed to be doing okay, I had often watched them arrive to work - harried and harassed - their minds on overload from juggling motherhood plus being a wife all the while trying to hold down a job serving tables to bring in money to make ends meet. On a night out after one of the girls had mentioned she needed a break from her husband and kids and needing to dance, I had listened as they had at first talked lovingly about their family but then it had quickly escalated into how tired they were.
How they wish they had followed the career paths they had dreamed of before settling down, having the husband, kids and a house behind a white picket fence. All of them had admitted their envy that I had stayed the course, attaining all that I had at such a young age and never letting a man interfere.
If they could see me now, - whispers through my mind and I firmly push it away.
The night before my parents are to return home, my mother and I take Quinny for a walk in the crisp night air, wanting a little mother and daughter one-on-one time.
"Lucas is wonderful, Emma," mom says quietly as she walks next to me.
I smile as I think of Lucas and nod my head in agreement as I reply softly, “Yeah, he is.”
She is quiet a few seconds and then she probes, "Does he know about your dream of owning your own restaurant in LA?"
Sighing heavily, I reply, “No.”
We walk in silence for several minutes before she asks, "Have you had a change in your dreams?"
I again sigh heavily as I admit truthfully, "I'm not sure. I never planned on Lucas."
She nods, understanding.
She takes a moment before she replies, "You can never plan for love, Emma. While I want you to still move forward with your dreams so you have no regrets later in life, I can understand how meeting someone like Lucas can set your dreams off course."
She pauses in her walk, causing me to stop and look at her as she continues.
"Life can never be planned despite the best planning efforts. The best advice I can offer you is to make sure that you can live with yourself in whatever choices you make,” she says. I know her advice is coming from her own life experiences and decisions. I know she gave up a lot to be with my dad and she had to work hard to achieve all that she has monetarily but I know it couldn’t have been easy starting a restaurant and inn in the same year she gave birth to me with no family support around her. I squeeze her tight to me, so very appreciative of her – of who she is as a person in addition to my mother – by never standing in my way or trying to direct my life.
After dropping my parents off at the airport the following morning, Lucas and I immediately get back into work mode to ensure the employees are well prepared for our absence. As I board the plane bound for LAX, I can’t contain my excitement as I reach over and squeeze Lucas’s hand once we are seated. He sends a quick sexy grin my way and I can’t resist placing a kiss on his cheek. Snuggling into his side, I hold his hand as we each sip on a glass of wine during the flight as we share the earphones to watch a movie together.
Like a kid in Disneyland, my eyes are wide open as we are chauffeured from the airport to where we are staying in a swanky hotel in downtown LA for the night. Lucas has arranged dinner at one of the high-end restaurants that he didn’t knowingly know were on my bucket list and I dine outside in the warm air on the most amazing food while the soft warm breeze blows against my skin.
Grasping his hand as we exit the restaurant, I pull him to a stop before leaning up to softly press my lips to his for a light kiss.
“Thank you,” I whisper against his lips.
I feel his free arm snake around my waist, tugging me closer to him as he whispers back, “Stick with me. I have a few more surprises planned.” I giggle against his lips before kissing him lightly again. Our kiss deepens and I hear his breath hitch.
Pulling back from me slightly, I hear him whisper intently, “I need to get you back to the hotel,” before turning from me to guide me, his anxiousness obvious, to the waiting limousine.
The next morning, Lucas rouses me early as he stands over the bed, leaning down to whisper in my ear, "Wake up sleeping beauty. Our driver awaits."
Stretching, feeling so happy, I throw the blankets off my naked body before crooking my finger at him. Never one to turn down an opportunity, Lucas quickly strips before joining me on the bed, pinning me under him as he spears up and into me.
Will I ever get enough of him, - I think to myself as I slowly come back to earth after Lucas had brought us both to the edge of the earth and back. Wrapping my arms around him, I squeeze him tight just before he pushes off me, taking my hand to pull me along to the shower with him.
The driver is waiting patiently at the hotel lobby for us. He takes our luggage from the bellhop to store in the trunk as Lucas reassures him that we can get comfortable in the limo for the drive to Napa Valley on our own. As I slide into the limo, I feel my excitement mount. Lucas tells me along the way that he has us booked at a B&B which also boasts a spa and is located in one of the more popular vineyards. As rows upon rows of vines begin to take over the landscape, I feel myself leaning forward, my face pressed to the window like an eager child. When we pull up in front of the B&B, I allow my eyes to roam over the farmhouse style house that has been completely renovated.
Someone is there waiting to greet us, and I immediately feel dark eyes scanning me from head to toe, causing me to flush uncomfortably. Lucas introduces him as Eric, the owner of the B&B and vineyard.
There is no disputing that Eric is handsome in that traditional California way with his light blond hair and a body of a surfer.
He also has that cocky surfer attitude.
"Well, well Lucas. You finally brought a girlfriend. And I can see why," Eric murmurs appreciatively.
"Down Eric, down. This one's a keeper," Lucas warns, his arm tightening around my waist, his body suddenly stiff.
Eric holds up his hands in faint amusement as he replies, "I get it. Hands off."
Feeling even more uncomfortable from the exchange between the two men, I change the subject as I extend my hand to Eric to introduce myself. "I'm Emma Ivany. I work as Lucas's general manager at his new inn and restaurant."
Eric's eyes don't hide his surprise as he glances quickly at Lucas before returning his eyes to me. Reaching his hand out to engulf mine in a firm, uncomfortable grip, Eric reveals, "Lucas didn't mention that you worked together."
"Emma started with me in March. She was instrumental in helping me get the restaurant and inn up and running," Lucas interjects.
"Ah. Beauty and brains. I can see why you are enamored, Lucas," Eric coos, his eyes boring into mine meaningfully as he lifts my hand to his mouth. I feel uneasy, and pry my hand from Eric’s as I feel anger beginning to radiate from Lucas.
Finally, breaking his gaze from me, Eric's tone fills with warmth as he invites, "Come. We have our best room reserved for you."
As Eric shows us to our room, I feel myself slowly relax a little from the initial encounter as he describes his operation along the way. From his description, it sounds as if it is twice the size of Reid Vineyard.
The room Eric has chosen for us is decorated with a mixture of new and old. The traditional, wooden windows are still in place but flanked on each side with aqua toned curtains, reminding me of a tropical ocean. The bed is covered in the same color tone, with contemporary bed side tables that are topped with old English style lamps. Across the room from the bed is an original fireplace that has modern candle holders adorning it and the view from the room overlooks the sweeping expanse of the vineyard.
While I like the décor, I admit that I prefer Lucas's more modern taste to this.
"Lunch will be ready in half an hour, after which, there will be a tour of the vineyard along with some wine tastings. Dinner tonight will be in the main dining room and will be informal," Eric murmurs, drawing our attention back to him.
"Thanks, Eric," Lucas says with forced politeness. He hasn't lost any of his anger. "We’ll be down for lunch shortly."
Eric nods his head, the smirk on his face clearly showing he is unaffected by Lucas's anger.
As soon as the door swings shut, Lucas exhales sharply saying, "I should have brought you somewhere else. Eric can sometimes be an arrogant ass when it comes to women. He thinks they are all fair game."
Feeling relief that we are finally alone, I smile warmly at Lucas before wrapping my arms around him, to place a swift kiss on his sexy lips.
"You have nothing to worry about with Eric, Lucas," I gently rib him.
I feel the anger slide away from him as he wraps his arms around me. He tries to lighten the mood as he whispers, "I think you should show me."
I grin as I reach for his belt buckle.
We arrive fifteen minutes late for lunch and when we walk into the dining room, Eric's eyes collide with mine before sliding to Lucas. I flush as I know Eric knows exactly what kept us late.
Lucas completely ignores Eric's look as he slides out my chair next to him on the right, leaving Eric on his left. I’m grateful for the space Lucas has intentionally placed between Eric and me.
Eric becomes the gracious host as he once again tells me about the surrounding area and the many wineries.
“So...tell me, Emma,” Eric purrs as his eyes move over me, dissecting me much to closely, “What did you think of LA?”
I tense slightly.
“I enjoyed it,” I reply, taking a sip of my wine to avoid his gaze.
Eric has immediately picked up on my tenseness.
“You seem a little hesitant. LA didn’t live up to your standards?” he pries and I know he is watching my face closely.
“It’s her first time here. She never got to see much last night,” Lucas interjects.
But Eric’s gaze pins me even more as he says, “Ah...then you need to come back here again. There is so much to see and do that you can’t squeeze it all into one visit. The restaurant scene is simply amazing, and for someone like you who clearly loves the food and beverage industry, it would be a shame for you not to come back and explore it more...leisurely.”
I watch Eric, wondering what game he is playing. I realize I don’t like him much as he seems to be enjoying putting me on the spot, uncaring about how he is making Lucas feel.
Surely there has to be more females around to taunt and chase other than me.
Leaning back nonchalantly in his chair, a wide grin suddenly splits across his face as Eric asks, “Surely given all that you have done, you must of thought of starting your own restaurant at some point?”
Blanching, my eyes bore into as I reply, “Maybe someday.”
I instantly regret it.
“Someday?” Eric asks, his gaze now speculative.
If he only knew that was the question I have asked every day since seeing Lucas.
“I’m not sure,” I reply uncomfortably. I feel Lucas tense next to me.
Eric’s gaze bores deeper into me.
“LA has so much to offer a budding restaurant entrepreneur,” he murmurs knowingly.
The air thickens around us with silence, until finally, a few moments later, Eric changes the subject.
Removing his penetrating gaze away from me to include Lucas, he says once again slipping easily back to his hospitable tone, “Our golf cart is waiting outside for us.”
Unfortunately, Eric decided to join us for the afternoon and directs the tour himself. He seems to take great joy in focusing all of his attention on me and several times he tries to catch my direct gaze but I avoid it until finally he gives up.
To make matters worse, Lucas has become quieter.
I can feel his anger simmering just underneath the surface and I’m helpless to reassure him other than to hold his hand and squeeze it from time to time.
Walking back into our room after the tour, Lucas turns to me as soon as he closes the door, asking in an irritated tone, “You wanted to open a restaurant?”
Sighing, I reply, “It’s always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant in LA.”
His eyes angrily search my face as he asks, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It wasn’t something I thought I should tell my employer. I didn’t want it to keep me from getting the job at Reid Vineyards and since us...well...I haven’t really thought about it like I used to,” I reply softly, deciding to be honest. It was time Lucas knew. Whatever our personal relationship is or ever will be, he deserves to know about the thought always lurking around in the back of my mind of whether I still wanted that dream.
Lucas holds my eyes and I see the obvious pain there.
“Lucas, I never withheld it to hurt you. I never had us in the plans when I first started dreaming about it and right now, I’m not even considering it as an option for me,” I whisper.
He sighs heavily, and holds my eyes. I can see that he is struggling with what to say to me and I tense waiting. But then he is reaching out to me, pulling me into him.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers into my hair. “I never expected Eric to make a play for you otherwise I never would have brought you here.”
I relax into his body while tightening my arms around him as I whisper in reassurance, “Eric is not even on my radar.”
That evening, I dress in a tight black floor length dress that clings to my every curve with a scoop neckline that highlights my cleavage. When I walk into the dining room on Lucas’s arm, I immediately want to turn around as Eric's gaze travels over me, stopping pointedly to rest on the tops of my breasts. I can clearly tell he is mentally undressing me.
I also know Lucas has noticed Eric's attention as well as his posture once again becomes rigid.
"Emma..." Eric murmurs in an appreciative tone, as he stands to pull out a chair next to him. I feel Lucas bristle but I squeeze his arm in reassurance.
"Thank you," I say in a polite tone to Eric as I release Lucas's arm to sit. A few tense seconds later, Lucas sits on my other side.
Thankfully, at that moment a few more guests arrive and Eric's attention is taken up by entertaining them, leaving me alone to gently trace soothing circles on Lucas’s leg underneath the table.
As the evening unfolds, I find myself unwinding as I meet some of the other guests, enjoying the delicious food placed in front of me along with the selected wine pairings. It also helps that Eric has directed all of his attention to the other guests throughout the meal. Eventually, Lucas unwinds a little as well and I feel his arm slip around the back of my chair casually, pulling me a little closer to him. I relax further and become even more involved in the conversation around me about grapes and wine, adding my own thoughts from time to time.
As the meal wraps up, Eric invites everyone to his wine cellar for a port tasting but I decline, wanting to step outside instead to have a few moments to myself before I head up to bed. I encourage Lucas to go along with them and that I’ll be waiting for him once he is ready. He finally, but reluctantly, agrees.
The fresh, warm air feels great as I walk along the wrap-around veranda. I stop and stare up at the moon, completely relaxed, feeling slightly heady from the wine I consumed with dinner.
I can’t believe I am in California, the place that I had built my career path around.
Would I still pursue that path? – I silently question myself.
It’s an answer I realize I can’t yet give myself.
"This is my favorite time of the day here," I hear a deep masculine voice say softly behind me, startling me.
Turning, bracing myself, I face Eric.
My heart flounders as my eyes search past Eric, looking for Lucas.
But he is nowhere to be seen.
"I was enjoying the peacefulness, the solitude," I say pointedly, coolness evident in my tone.
He only grins confidently as he moves closer.
"Point taken," he says, chuckling before continuing, "But I couldn't resist speaking to a beautiful woman on a beautiful night.”
His words hang between us in the night air, making me uncomfortable.
“California agrees with you," I hear him murmur as his eyes run over my breasts before settling on my face.
Sighing, knowing I should leave, I move to step around Eric but his hand snakes out quickly to grab mine.
I recoil slightly, my heart racing and I give my hand a tug, relieved when he releases me.
"Excuse me," I say abruptly as I once again try to step past him.
But this time he steps in my way as he murmurs, “I'm a little enamored by you, Emma, and have been waiting for Lucas to look the other way so I could talk to you...alone."
Startled, this time by his admission, I hold his gaze as I state firmly, "I'm with Lucas."
He smiles as he asks quietly, "And what about if you weren't? Lucas doesn’t stay with one person for long. I’ll be here when this is all over between you."
“Emma,” I hear Lucas say. The vehemence is clear in his voice.
Relief quickly spreads through me as Eric allows me to step past him.
Chapter 12