The Winemaker's Dinner: Appetizers (The Winemaker's Feast)

by Dr. Ivan Rusilko

“Jaden,” he whispered, trailing a finger across the glistening skin of her stomach and coming to rest at the apex of her nipple. He continued to trace a circular pattern around her breast, but his mind was elsewhere. The look of pure contentment on Jaden’s face was enough to give him the strength to continue. “Love is a word that gets tossed around way too much.”

  Jaden immediately propped herself up on her elbow and began to speak. “Ivan, I—”

  “Wait, let me finish,” he interrupted, silencing her by gently pressing the tip of his finger to her lips. “I think love is a bullshit word. How can four letters strung together represent what happens when two beings who were destined to be together find each other and take their places alongside one another? That, in my mind, isn’t love. It’s a miracle.”

  Ivan looked into Jaden’s eyes, and she stared back at him with such love and adoration that he could scarcely continue. “Jaden, with you, I think I’ve finally found my miracle, my once in a lifetime. I love you more with each breath you take and with every smile that graces your face. I know I’m in love with you, because you make every day I’m with you the best day of my life.”

  “Ivan…” Jaden began again. She trailed off, seeming to search for words. “I’ve wasted so many years and heartbeats and tears on what I believed to be true love,” she finally said. “Since I met you, my life has gone from mundane to extraordinary, but…”

  She fell silent again, and Ivan could feel his heart beating a million miles an hour. After everything that had happened between them, was she really going to reject him?

  “Jaden, I never meant—”

  “Shh,” she breathed. She pressed her lips to his and silenced him with a kiss. “Let me talk now, baby.”

  A mixture of emotions engulfed him all at once—fear, panic, affection, and adoration, all mingling to form the greatest of feelings, love.

  “Never in my life have I met anyone like you,” she said. “You’ve given me more joy in the past few months than most people know in a lifetime. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but here you are, offering me what I’ve been searching for my entire life. The words ‘I love you’ don’t even come close to what I feel for you, Ivan. I could say I love you a million times over, and it still wouldn’t be enough. I do love you, Ivan. I love you more than life itself. I will always love you, and I will never, ever let you go. That I promise.”

  They lay together on the bed and listened as outside the cabin a symphony unfolded. Trees cracking in the cold provided a natural beat as the wind strummed the branches. A solitary bird chirped somewhere in the distance. At this exact moment, around a small cabin in the woods of western Pennsylvania, a masterpiece was created just for them, a masterpiece that could only be crafted by the hands of a divine being, capable of sweet perfection.

  Kissing Jaden as if it were the first time, Ivan joined her in celebrating their love again and again until the fire dwindled. Then, and only then, did they close their eyes and drift into a peaceful sleep.

  Chapter 28

  “Change The World”

  ONLY PARTIALLY COVERED by the blanket, Jaden awoke to a breeze chilling her exposed skin. There wasn’t much left of the fire, but as she stretched in the morning light she could feel the warmth radiating from Ivan, still sleeping beside her. She pulled back the covers and tried to stand, but his arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer.

  “Good morning, baby girl,” he moaned, still groggy with sleep.

  Jaden sighed contentedly and relaxed into him. “Morning, baby.”

  Today felt different from the other times she’d awakened in Ivan’s arms. Yesterday she’d been his girlfriend, but today, in the comfort of his warm embrace, she was his lover, his soul mate. She shivered and pulled the blankets back up around her neck.

  Ivan held her tighter and raised up to place a gentle kiss to her lips. “Are you cold?”

  “A little,” Jaden admitted, returning his kiss with twice the passion.

  Wordlessly, Ivan got up, grabbed the extra blanket at the foot of the bed, and wrapped it securely around his body. He placed two more logs on the grate and a handful of kindling on the still-smoldering embers. Within seconds the tinder caught fire and warmth began to fill the cabin. In two long strides, he returned to the bed.

  Jaden admired his naked form as his blanket dropped to the floor. She’d gotten used to seeing him fully aroused first thing in the morning, but the sight of him still brought a smile to her face. Her mind flooded with memories of the night before—the love they’d shared until both were too spent to move. As Ivan climbed back in bed, Jaden grasped his cock and began stroking with long, leisurely movements, eliciting a guttural moan that stemmed from somewhere deep within his body.

  “Baby girl, we have to get ready soon,” he protested, but his actions spoke louder than words. With each stroke of her hand, his hips thrust forward to welcome the warmth and pleasure her touch brought him. Sinking farther beneath the covers, they once more loved one another.

  As they lay naked and satisfied in each other’s arms, Ivan looked down the length of the bed and asked, “Why do you always sleep with your feet out of the covers?”

  “I don’t know,” Jaden replied, wiggling her toes. “Why do you always cross your right leg over your left, but never the other way around?”

  Ivan laughed. “I can’t.”

  “What do you mean, you can’t?”

  “It’s a weird idiosyncrasy of mine. Just feels wrong the other way.” Ivan pulled back the blankets and sat up on the side of the bed, but Jaden’s hand stopped him from going any further.

  “Where are you going?” she asked, trying to hide her growing sadness. This magical trip was coming to an end far too soon.

  “We have to get ready to go. The fun and the sun await our return,” he said, smiling half-heartedly.

  Jaden pulled Ivan back into bed and into her arms. “I have a better idea. Why don’t we stay here? We can be cabin folk. You can hunt, and I can cook.”

  “I wouldn’t mind that,” Ivan replied. “But unfortunately, real life beckons. What will Bianca do without you?”

  Jaden could see goose bumps rise on his backside as Ivan began to gather their clothes from the heap on the floor. “Aren’t you cold?”

  “I’m freezing.” Ivan slid into his jeans and pulled a shirt over his head before bringing Jaden her clothes. “Jaden, I want you to know I meant every word I said. I love you more than anything.”

  “I love you too,” she whispered softly. “I’ll love you until the end of time.” She smiled broadly, suddenly full of warmth. They loved each other, and this was only the beginning of the future they were destined to share together.

  “We’d better hit it,” Ivan said, ever practical and probably determined not to run through the airport this time. “We slept in a bit late.”

  “Umm…I wouldn’t call that sleeping.” Wiggling into her wrinkled clothes, she joined him as he brushed his teeth with bottled water at the sink. “This is like camping,” she laughed. “I’m going to miss this place.”

  “Really? No running water or electricity?” Ivan draped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her to his side.

  “I’m going to miss all of it.” She raised her arms and motioned to everything at once. “The cabin, your family—heck, I’m even gonna miss shooting guns.”

  “I told you, baby girl, we can come back whenever you want,” Ivan assured her. Picking up their bags, he headed out to the Jeep.

  Jaden stepped through the door and into the cold mid-morning air. Joining him at the car, she slid into the front seat and watched as he locked up the cabin. This small cabin in the middle of nowhere would forever be part of her now. Smiling, Jaden wiped a stray tear from her cheek. The Jeep roared to life and began its return trip down the long dirt road and back to civilization, but Jaden kept her eyes fixed on the cabin, the place where they’d committed their hearts to one another, until it faded from view in the trees.

  As th
ey slowly transitioned from woods to rural to urban on the way to the airport, Jaden stole glances at Ivan and caught him peeking back at her several times. There was something different about the way he looked at her now, the way he held her hand, and the way his smile lit up his face—but it was a good different. Occasionally they spoke of their plans for the month or something funny that had happened with his family, but it all seemed trivial. They were in love. They could say nothing and say everything all at once.

  The airport swarmed with holiday travelers, making it nearly impossible to navigate the overcrowded parking garage. After finally securing a spot, they unloaded the Jeep and headed for the check-in counter, hand in hand. After the lengthy line through security, they found two seats together at their gate and a few moments to sit and relax as they waited for the boarding call.

  “All in all a pretty great trip, eh?” Ivan asked.

  Lowering her magazine, Jaden looked at him and smiled. “The best three days of my life.”

  “You made my mom’s day when you accepted these,” he told her.

  He brushed aside her hair, and she could feel him touching the black earring that dangled from her ear. Jaden twisted the bracelet on her wrist, remembering what Marie had said about Ivan’s days crafting jewelry. “Did you make them?”

  He shook his head. “I haven’t made jewelry in years. I specialized in my mom’s favorite, rosaries, but it’s been forever since I made one.” He captured Jaden’s wrist in his hand, noticing the other piece she’d received. “It all looks beautiful on you.”

  Jaden smiled. He’d made the rosary! It was safely tucked away in her luggage. Maybe she’d reveal its presence later on, but for now it was her little secret. Hugging his arm, she nestled into his shoulder, exhausted from the whirlwind trip but perfectly content with life and head over heels in love with the man of her dreams.

  “We would now like to offer boarding for our first class passengers,” the gatekeeper screeched.

  Ivan stood and took Jaden’s hand, leading her toward the jet bridge. “I didn’t even check my email,” he announced proudly. “My inbox is probably loaded.”

  “Mine too,” Jaden laughed, realizing her messages had gone unchecked as well. After three days off the grid, who knew what she’d missed.

  Chapter 29

  “9 Crimes”

  JADEN STIFLED A YAWN as she stretched, waking refreshed and reenergized in the comfort of her own bed but missing the feel of Ivan next to her. Slinking out from her beneath the comforter, she went to the kitchen in search of something to eat—not at all sure what she’d find. Jaden opened the fridge and was pleasantly surprised to discover leftovers brought back from Tasha’s Thanksgiving dinner with Michael and his family.

  She hurried to fix herself a turkey sandwich, then looked for a spot to eat it. She moved into the living room and her eyes fell on the computer. Oh, God, my email, she thought with dread. But there was no time like the present—she was working tonight. Jaden sat, took a hefty bite of her sandwich, and waited for the computer to power on. A few clicks later she’d signed in to her email account.

  “Thirty-eight new messages,” she mumbled around the turkey. “Not too bad.”

  Quickly sorting through them, she deleted half as spam, but one message caught her attention. It was from Jessie—casting Jessie—and the subject line read: meeting ASAP? Jaden’s head began to spin as she opened the message:

  Jaden, please call me as soon as possible. We need to talk right away. I’ll come and meet you wherever and whenever.

  What the hell was this all about? She’ll come to me? Rather than overanalyze, Jaden picked up the phone. She tried to dial the number Jessie had given her, but her fingers were very uncooperative and refused to stop shaking. Jaden took a deep breath and tried to gather her thoughts. Looking down at the number pad on the phone, she slowly dialed and raised the receiver to her ear.

  “Jaden!” A familiar, high-pitched voice rang through the phone. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m good, and you?” Jaden responded uncertainly.

  “I’m doing fantastic!” Skipping additional pleasantries, Jessie jumped right in. “Are you free for lunch today?”

  “Yes, I am, but…” Jaden stuttered.

  “Great, meet me at Segafredo’s in an hour. I’ll fill you in on all the details then.”

  “Okay, but is there something going on I should know about?” Jaden needed more information. Now.

  “I have to run, but I’ll explain everything when we meet.”

  “Okay, I—” Jaden began, but her words were abruptly cut off as Jessie hung up the phone. Her mind reeled with excitement and uncertainty. It’s just a small part, she reminded herself. But it could also be the break she needed—the part that would boost her career beyond Miami.

  Her mind immediately jumped to Ivan. She started to dial but then remembered she hadn’t told him about the audition. Might be a bit awkward to bring it up now, so Jaden decided she’d talk to Jessie first. After all, she was the Queen of Unrealistic Expectations, and this lunch meeting could easily be nothing.

  Jaden hurried into her room and threw together an outfit. Who knew a black skirt would work so well with a red tank top, but it did. Grabbing her phone and keys, she set off for Segafredo’s—and whatever lay ahead.

  When she arrived at the restaurant Jaden was surprised to find Jessie already seated at a table outside, looking as anxious as Jaden felt. “Hi, Jessie,” she said politely.

  The woman jumped out of her seat and returned the greeting as if they were lifelong friends. “Jaden, you look stunning as usual. Have a seat. Are you hungry?”

  “I’m fine, thanks.” Never mind that she’d left most of her turkey sandwich still sitting in front of the computer. She sat and the waitress handed them each a menu, but Jaden set hers aside. Ordering food would only prolong the buildup to what Jessie had to tell her. Instead she gathered her courage and asked, “So, what’s up?”

  “Congratulations, you got the part,” Jessie said with a broad smile. “You’re the new Culinary Queen of Bravo.” She completed her announcement with a screech, as if she’d just been offered the part.

  “Wait…what?” Jaden asked, still not quite sure what was going on.

  “You got the part. They’re giving you your own show and want you in LA to start shooting in two weeks. They’re planning to feature your stunning good looks, personality, and culinary skills. They want to promote you as the whole package! How amazing is that? Zero to sixty all at once. LA and celebrity chef stardom, here you come!”

  “I’m not sure I understand,” Jaden said, still not giving in to the excitement. “What do you mean they’re giving me my own show? I thought this was a one-shot deal—I was going to be a competitor.”

  “Yes, that’s the part that you auditioned for, but the executives at the network were also looking for someone for a new show airing this fall. As soon as I saw your profile, I knew you’d be perfect.”

  Not knowing whether to cry, scream, or faint, Jaden settled for a hearty laugh. “Oh, my God. I’m going to Hollywood?”

  “Yes,” Jessie shrieked, drawing the attention of more than a few diners around them. “Here’s all the information you need and the contracts.” Jessie passed Jaden a large manila envelope. “I suggest you have someone look them over before signing, but I think you’ll find that everything’s in order. All I can say is you must’ve made quite an impression. I’ve never had a director contact me and ask to get a particular person to casting before.”

  The brown manila envelope was heavy in Jaden’s hands. Setting it on the table, she turned her attention back to Jessie. “I don’t understand.”

  “You need to sign the papers so I can have a courier take them back to LA. We’re on a tight—”

  Jaden cut her off midsentence. “No, I understand that part. What do you mean by contact you directly? Who did?”

  “The director of the network did, and he asked that I contact you about the
casting. You’re one lucky girl to have friends in high places.”

  Jaden wracked her brain. Who the hell did she know who could have facilitated a casting call from Bravo? Maybe it was the food critic? Or maybe someone had stumbled across Dirk D’s blog. Whoever it was, she owed them a huge debt of gratitude. But Jaden’s wonder was short lived as the reality of the situation began to sink in. “So I have to move to LA?”

  “Yes, they’ll help you find a place and cover whatever moving costs you incur.”

  “God, this is so much, so fast…”

  Jessie reached across the table and gave her hand a squeeze. “Jaden, I hope you realize how big this is. People wait half their lives for a chance like this, and most never get it. You must have an angel watching out for you, because this is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

  “I know. I’m just a bit stunned but really excited,” Jaden assured her.

  “Good. I’m glad, and I’m glad that I could tell you in person.”

  What about Bianca? What about Tasha? Jaden thought. And what about…Ivan? A looming dark cloud threatened to rain on her parade. Leaving Miami would mean leaving Ivan—he’d made that perfectly clear—and she didn’t know if that was something she was prepared to do. How could she possibly break the news to her best friend and the man she loved when she hadn’t even told them she’d auditioned for the part? They were the cornerstones of her life, and they were about to crumble.

  Geoff would be the easiest to tell. Her boss would be happy for her and grateful for her time at the restaurant. He’d be able to claim a celebrity chef made her debut at Bianca. No doubt his business would increase after she left. And after the initial shock, Tasha would be happy for her. She knew of Jaden’s star-studded dreams. Plus, she’d now have a place to stay in LA. The thought almost made Jaden laugh out loud.

  What about Ivan, the man who not two days ago had professed his love for her, and she for him? Would he embrace her decision? Would he fear it? Would this be the end of everything they’d built together? A thousand scenarios raced through her mind, but every one led back to their Thanksgiving trophy room conversation. Never again would he risk a friendship for a long-distance relationship, he’d told her. A sickening feeling swelled in the pit of her stomach. Why on the day that one dream came true did another have to be snatched away?