*Jordon had known that this weekend would be difficult, and the attraction, or whatever it was with Brad, was not helping matters at all. She was vulnerable, her emotions all over the place, and she couldn’t make sense of anything. And now was certainly not the time to try.
At her encouragement, Bradley left her to go to the party, giving her some needed space. She showered and scrubbed her face, then used a deft hand with her makeup to hide the swollen lids and signs of tears. Then she dressed quickly, no longer caring what Tom or anyone else thought.
Once she was ready, she glanced at herself in the mirror, glad she’d decided to wear a summer dress. The bright flowers made her feel perky, and God knew she needed that. Her lips were painted red, her green eyes smoky, and her mane of hair tumbled down her bare back. She slipped on her heels, straightened her shoulders and left the room, knowing that tonight eyes would be upon her.
As she made her way from the farmhouse to the large white tent, she noted the grouping of small tables that would view the lake and fireworks later. Tiki torches sat between them, casting a soft light and hopefully keeping mosquitoes away.
She could hear the sound of voices and laughter floating from the tent, and with a determined tilt to her head, she forced herself to enter. She stood for a moment at the entrance, eyes searching for Bradley. There he was, standing near the bar, speaking with Megan.
She began making her way through the crowd, stopping to speak to a guest or two, when a hand reached out, and stopped her.
Tom. Now what? Hadn’t he said enough?
“Hello again.” Her voice was steady, the smile on her face halfway sincere. She didn’t want to hate him. What was done was done. They had been good together once, but it had faded into the background as they threw themselves into work, determined to make this winery the best in the county, and to ship specialty wines throughout the world.
Their romance had slipped away. But still, facing him now, seeing the tender look on his face, she was still drawn to him, to his compassion, to his strength, and the goodness that was in his heart.
Like Bradley’s ex-wife, she had let him go. Not intentionally, but she’d been so wrapped up in making his business a success and furthering her own career, that she had not paid attention. Sadness felt like a dull ache in the pit of her stomach.
“Are you happy with him?” Tom nodded in Bradley’s direction.
“I am for now.” The turmoil inside of her was gone, and it was like shedding a ten ton weight. “I hope she deserves you.”
His mouth opened then closed. “You must hate me. We never discussed it, but it was expected…you and I.” He glanced away, and she noticed a tick in his cheek. He seemed more emotional by this meeting than she was.
“It’s okay, Tom. I wish you every happiness. And your bride is lovely,” she said, sounding positively chipper, which she was anything but. “How did you meet?”
“I had an accident on a motorbike, went to the hospital and there she was.”
“Oh! She’s a nurse.”
“No, she was the doctor who treated me in ER.”
Jordon’s stomach dropped to her toes, and she gave an inward groan. Beautiful and smart. That was too much! She was not going to pretend to like this woman.
“I hope you two can eventually be friends,” he said seriously.
“If I continue working here, we’d have to be.”
“You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?” he asked, his expression concerned.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t made any decisions yet. We’ll see.”
“I did ask you to come with me to Italy but you refused, saying you were needed here.” He smiled, but his eyes searched hers as if drawing out secrets. “How long have you known Bradley?”
“Not long. A little over a month. But it doesn’t take long when you know that you’ve met the right person. Just like you and Larissa. Instant—right?”
“Pretty much.” He smiled at his bride, who’d been watching them. He beckoned her with a wave of his hand. “She knows about you, but she wants to be friends.”
“Fine,” she answered, “but I need to rescue Bradley first. Megan’s got a major crush.”
“Tell her to chill out and find her own boyfriend. She’s got plenty to choose from.”
“You’re right. I think I will.” The last thing she felt like doing was making nice with Larissa. She might forgive Tom, and be magnanimous enough to wish them both happiness, but the kindness well had dried up.
She skirted around a few people, and slid up to Bradley. “Hi, hon. Is this for me?” She took the full glass of wine from his hand. “Thanks for keeping him company, Megan, but don’t let us monopolize your time.” She smiled, and put a hand on Bradley’s chest. “I’ve got this one covered.”
Megan glared at Jordon. “Yeah, sure. I was just being friendly, that’s all. He was standing here alone and you were chatting up my brother. My married brother,” she said pointedly.
“Yes. I was congratulating him. His wife is beautiful, isn’t she?” Jordon gave a wooden smile. “He’s a lucky man.”
She rolled her eyes. “Can’t believe it. He was only gone for half a year, how could he meet the one person he’s supposed to love forever? I mean, that’s ridiculous.” She tossed back her hair, and gave Bradley a quick glance. “Still, chemistry is chemistry. Can’t fight it.”
She flounced off, and Jordon was not sorry to see her go. “She’s acting a little strange today. She’s not usually such a pain.”
Bradley raised a brow. “So what did he have to say to you?”
“He apologized again, and managed to look contrite. I told him it was okay, and you know something? I felt better. Forgiving him kind of lightened a load. Now, I feel more sad than angry.”
“That’s good, I guess. At least it’s on the right path.” He slipped a hand around her waist and pulled her close. Then he bent his head and kissed behind her ear. “You’re prettier than she is.”
She drew back, looking him in the face. “I am not. Not even close.”
“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and I say you are. She can’t hold a candle to you.”
Her stomach did a little butterfly kick, and her pulse began to hum. “You’re a sweetheart for saying that, even if it isn’t true.” She hooked her arm through his. “I’m not in the mood for crowds. Why don’t you and I grab one of those tables outside with a view of the lake? We can watch the fireworks from there and slip away when we’ve had enough.”
“Good idea, but let’s get some dinner first.”
“I’m not terribly hungry, but we better eat something. The lunch at the tavern was a long time ago.” She smiled at him. “I’ll grab the table. You go get yourself a large plate. I worked a few calories off you earlier, if I remember correctly.”
He grinned, looking pleased. “Yup. I remember it well.” He squeezed her arm. “Can I get you a plate? What do you like?”
“Something light. The vegetarian lasagna sounds good. Thanks.” She walked out of the tent and headed for a table, finding one at the far end that was still empty. The sun had set and a few stars were twinkling above. It was warm, but pleasant. In another hour it would be too dark to see the lake below, but the fireworks would start and give everyone a breathtaking show.
As she sat and waited for Bradley, her thoughts drifted to Tom’s confession and her sadness returned. The fact that he’d been troubled told her something. He had cared deeply for her, and although he loved another, he still had feelings for her, as she did him.
It was okay. She would be okay. But she knew she could not work here again. A baby was arriving and she didn’t want to mar their happiness or be reminded on a daily basis either. Besides, the winery would continue doing well without her.
“What are you thinking?” Bradley asked, dropping two large plates on the table, and taking a seat next to her.
“Making some changes. Getting a new job. Lots to think about.”
“Yes. Getting away from here is a good idea. And living in the city means you’ll be closer to me.”
“I’m not ready to jump into anything, and I don’t think you are either.”
“You might need a little time and space, but I sure don’t.” He touched her hand. “I made a decision earlier in the room too. No more dating service for me. My days as a hired man are done. Finito!”
He pulled out his iPhone and sent a text to Elizabeth, stating his official retirement from No Strings Attached. “There, that’s done.”
She laughed. “Two careers shot in one night.” She picked up her wine glass. “Cheers to that.” She looked at him for a long moment, gazing into his honest blue eyes. She hadn’t doubted him really. But after Tom had betrayed her trust, it couldn’t be given that freely either.
They ate their food, and sipped on their wine. The fireworks started and it was a beautiful sight, and could have been such a lovely magical night. Yet, even as she looked at this beautiful man beside her, her heart felt heavy, filled with a sadness that might not go away any time soon.
It wasn’t just Tom, it was also the winery, the job, and the family she loved. She would miss them all very much. Soon another era in her life would begin. Instead of looking at that possibility with joy, she was quite terrified.
“Do you mind if we head back early?” she asked him. “I don’t think I want to stay around for tomorrow’s festivities.”
“Don’t mind at all. It does seem senseless if you’ve made your mind up about quitting.”
“I’ll sleep on it, and make the final decision in the morning. But I’m afraid that all this emotional upheaval has worn me out. I’m exhausted.” She yawned, covering her mouth. “I think a good night’s sleep is in order.”
They finished their wine and headed back to the main house, walking hand in hand. They passed several people she knew, but she simply smiled and waved, not in the mood to engage in light conversation.
The sleeping arrangements should have been awkward, but for some reason they weren’t. It seemed the most natural thing in the world for her to curl up and cuddle in his arms.
*
Bradley knew when Jordon drifted off. His arm was stuck under her pillow, but he left it there, not wanting to disturb her sleep. He knew she was emotionally exhausted, too tired to even think straight.
She might decide to keep her job after all. But he didn’t like the way Tom looked at her, as if he still cared. Guy couldn’t have it both ways. And the pain of seeing him with a pregnant wife would eat away at Jordon until there was nothing left.
There were times when he felt like quitting the law firm too, and moving back to Long Island so he could see his daughter, Amy a few nights a week. He missed her every night and every day. Sure they texted and talked on the phone a few times a day, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her goofy smile, braces and all.
He missed her so much it hurt.
Finally Jordon rolled over, and Brad was able to slip his hand out from under her pillow. He got out of bed and sent his daughter an email.
“Hey, Babe. It’s Dad. How would you like your old man to visit next weekend? I could arrive Friday, leave on Sunday. We could go sailing together, or anything you like.”
He knew it was late, after ten, but sometimes she’d still be up at this hour, especially on a weekend. He waited, hoping to hear from her, but after thirty minutes went by, he knew he’d have to wait until morning.
He climbed into the bed, his mind pulled in nearly as many different directions as Jordon’s had been. He’d been passed up last year as partner, and someone with less time at the firm than him had been given the position instead. Sure the divorce had taken its toll and his head had not been completely in the game, but his past track record of winning a high percentage of his cases over the last eight years should have made it clear. He was the best man for the job.
Perhaps, like Jordon, it was time for a change.