The Winter Solstice Festival was a Harmony tradition. It was said that the festival brought magic into the lives of all that participated. Last year, Francesca’s brother Foster had reunited with childhood friend, Zoe. Uptight Foster and free-spirit Zoe finding love convinced Francesca that the legend was true.
She pulled her hat down more firmly over her blond curls as the morning breeze was chilly. December in California was colder than visitors expected. The festival was quiet yet as the real crowds would come later in the afternoon in preparation for the evening festivities. Francesca enjoyed the solitude of walking the booths alone. Usually. This morning she felt restless, as if something was missing. Someone was missing. Aidan.
The past week since he’d begun his residency had passed much more smoothly than she would have expected. They had settled into a routine and guests were pleased with the new food options and her wine pairings. Aidan was like a breath of fresh air swept through Chateau Felicity. Through Francesca’s life.
Until Aidan, she hadn’t realized she’d been bored. Her work gave her great satisfaction, but without someone to share it with—a partner in crime—the success had felt hollow. Aidan shared her passion for food and wine and challenged her to level up. Francesca thrived on competition and Aidan was just the burst of inspiration she needed to push herself.
Was Aidan planning to attend the festival? He should—he’d enjoy the unique offerings. He wasn’t going to be in Harmony for much longer, so maybe he’d skip it. Francesca couldn’t help her heart racing every time she spotted dark hair. But Aidan wasn’t here.
Impulsively, she found her steps taking her to the path that led to Aidan’s cottage. Just being friendly, she reasoned. Offering an olive branch and including him in the winery’s event. She wasn’t seeking him out because she wanted to see him. The festival would be more enjoyable with company. Her steps slowed as she approached his porch. In a lifetime of living on the property, she’d never had a reason to visit the Head Chef’s residence. Would Aidan be annoyed at her unannounced visit? Taking a deep breath, Francesca went to the porch and knocked on the door firmly.
She schooled her features into a casual smile for when Aidan opened the door. She waited a moment, but the door remained closed. She thought she heard movement inside. Oh God, Aidan was ignoring her. It hadn’t occurred to her, until this very moment, that Aidan might avoid her. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Just as she was debating a retreat, the door opened to reveal Aidan is low-slung pajama pants—and nothing else. Her mouth watered at the sight of all that smooth muscle dusted with dark hair. Her eyes trailed down to his impressive abs, then below the waist of his pants.
“Francesca? Is everything ok?” Aidan’s voice pulled her from her perusal. She’d been shamelessly staring at him. Her cheeks flushed hotter.
“Yes, fine. I was just in the neighborhood—“ Oh God, that sounds lame. “—and thought I’d see if you’d like to walk the Winter Solstice Festival with me.”
She stood on his porch—shifting her feet and trying not to stare at his chest. Or lower.
He considered her invitation for longer than polite, chewing his bottom lip in a way that she found impossibly sexy.
“I suppose I could take a walk,” he replied. “Can you give me a moment to change?” He swept his hand up and down his body to indicate his state of undress.
“Of course, yes. I should have called first. I didn’t mean to interrupt your morning.” She wondered what he’d been doing this morning that delayed his answering the door. Her mind supplied all kinds of alluring ideas.
“You can wait inside if you like,” he offered, then stepped aside to allow her to pass. She moved into the living room, putting as much distance between them as possible in the narrow doorway. Her bare arm brushed his chest and she felt a jolt of electricity. She rubbed her upper arm self-consciously.
Aidan moved back quickly, then shut the door behind them. They both stared at each other and Francesca realized with a start that they were alone together in his private space. His bedroom was mere steps away. Memories of their kiss came flooding back and Francesca unconsciously touched her lips.
Aidan’s eyes tracked to her fingers on her lips then darted to his bedroom door as if he was thinking the same thing. “I should change,” he said then disappeared into his room, shutting the door behind him.
Francesca had the wild urge to fling the door open, stalk across the room, and kiss Aidan. Remember professional boundaries. As much as she wanted to throw caution to the wind, her rational side realized she shouldn’t.
Before her libido had a chance to argue its point, Aidan reappeared, dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt that proclaimed his love for his local Mexican Fútbol team. Something about seeing Aidan in his own clothes, rather than a Chef uniform, made her pulse skitter. He was so handsome it nearly took her breath away.
“Ready?” she asked, even though she wasn’t sure she was ready. The intimacy of seeing him in his pajamas, followed by leaving his home together, made this feel very much like a date.
“I’m always ready for you,” he replied with a wink. He was flirting. Definitely date vibes.
Francesca was so deep in her attraction for this man, she didn’t think there was hope of coming out of this with her heart intact. Or her panties.
* * *
Francesca showing up on his doorstep was the last thing Aidan had expected on his morning off. He’d been puttering around the kitchen, debating on making himself breakfast, when she’d knocked. He hadn’t been sure who to expect at that hour, but his heart leapt when he saw Francesca, looking hesitant and gorgeous.
Now they were walking through the Winter Solstice Festival, hands occasionally brushing as the growing crowd forced them closer. The festival was also not what he’d expected. An eclectic mix of vendors, including new age products, tarot readings, and a variety of food. Chateau Felicity had a table offering tastings of their wine.
“Shouldn’t you be serving wine?” he asked, gesturing towards the tent.
“No, I’ve put my trust in Felicity and my sisters today. They’re knowledgeable enough to offer tastings.”
A crowd was gathered around them, so Aidan had no doubt Francesca was right. The fact the women were all tall and blond probably didn’t hurt the appeal of the wine tasting.
“What do you like to do at the festival?” Aidan was suddenly curious to see the event through her eyes.
“I eat, mostly,” she replied, laughing. The sun reflected on her hair, highlighting the golden strands and making them look like a halo. Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement and Aidan’s heart leapt at the sight. In another lifetime, he could fall for this woman.
“Let’s eat, then,” he said. Food would be a welcome distraction from the attraction simmering through his veins.
Francesca led them to a vendor selling charcuterie in picnic boxes made for two. Aidan paid for their food, then they swung by the Chateau Felicity tasting booth for wine. Francesca moved behind the table to pour a half carafe of Malbec and two glasses. They carried their bounty to a picnic table and Aidan unpacked the food, laying it on cloth napkin packaged in the box.
“This is adorable,” Francesca cooed as she sampled a grape from the selection. She read the card enclosed with the food. “A new business in town,” she mused. “I’ll have to be sure Felicity reaches out about collaborations.” She tucked the card in her pocket then poured wine for them both.
Aidan piled a generous amount of brie and honey on a cracker, then popped it into his mouth. “Mmm, this is really good,” he said. He used his tongue to catch a stray bit of honey and watched Francesca track the moment with her eyes. She looked hungry but not for the lovely spread of snacks in front of her. Aidan couldn’t resist a wink and was gratified when she blushed. He loved to make her squirm.
Francesca covered her embarrassment about being caught ogling by sipping her wine. “Wine is good, also,” she added with a wink of her own. Aidan’s chest warmed at the friendly flirting. Francesca was becoming more comfortable around him and relaxing her guard. When she let herself open up to him, their connection was palpable.
For a few minutes they enjoyed their meal in companionable silence. Aidan had always enjoyed people watching and the festival provided ample opportunities. He much preferred the view across from him, though. For a crazy moment, he imagined them sitting like this in fifty years, in this exact same spot, at a Winter Solstice Festival full of their children and grandchildren. Shocked by the direction of his thoughts, he almost choked on his wine. He wasn’t one to be sentimental and never one to plan a future with a woman. There was something different about Francesca. Something that made him want to commit a lifetime to figure her out.
“We should probably go. We need to report to work in less than an hour.” Francesca’s reminder brought Aidan back to reality. He looked at his watch and confirmed that yes, they did need to wrap up this unexpected date.
Aidan stood and gathered their trash while Francesca gathered their plastic wine glasses and carafe to return to her sister. Tasks completed, they met on the path leading back to the cottages in one direction and the main house in the other.
“I’ll walk you home,” Aidan said before he had a chance to think about his words. Walking her home certainly cemented the date-like vibe of the day.
“You don’t need to,” Francesca said.
“I want to.” Aidan took her hand and started towards the house. Francesca gave him a sideways glance, but allowed him to lead her home.
At her front door, he stopped and turned to her. “Thank you for inviting me today. I really enjoyed the festival.” And your company. He couldn’t bring himself to admit the last part, though.
“You’re welcome. I enjoyed it, too. It was good to have company.”
She paused, as if waiting to gauge Aidan’s response. Aidan leaned down and kissed her on the mouth quickly. He stepped back before he was tempted to deepen the kiss. “I’ll see you soon,” he said. Then he walked away.
The entire walk back to his cottage, he thought about his lunch with Francesca. He wished that he could offer her more. Because if he was able to stay in Harmony for more than a few more weeks, he’d want to offer her everything.