Zack sat in his office typing away at his notes on his laptop. He hated to be distracted when he was working on his notes for his upcoming agenda. He needed his full concentration. He was figuring out a new direction for his winery program and wanted to do a detailed proposal. There were some things he assigned to his assistants. But others he preferred to take matters into his own hands.
The doorknob turned and Zack looked up annoyed. Usually, Venus knocked first. Only it wasn’t Venus.
Shit!
Selina.
“How did you get in here?” he said, his tone clipped. He rose to his feet, jaw clenched. The nerve of that woman!
“Relax, Zack,” Selina said in a low voice. “They’re doing a tour at the winery, remember. It’s open to the public.”
“Then you can leave the same way you came in.”
“Zack, Zack, my baby, Zack.” Selina smirked as she sashayed up to him. “I don’t want things to be bad between us, Zack,” Selina whispered in her throaty voice. This time it had no effect on Zack whatsoever. He was so over Selina. He was not addicted to her the way he was before. She used to have some sexual magic power over him but after being with Blue, nothing compared.
“Where’s the tape, Selina?” Zack demanded in a cool voice, his hands shoved in the pockets of his pants, his chin tilted up.
Selina feigned innocence. “What tape?”
“Don’t test my patience, Selina.”
“Okay. I’ve had a change of heart.”
“I didn’t realize you had a heart.”
“Ouch. Now that really hurt. Okay, so I deserve that, Zack. I’m here to offer a truce, Zack. I just…want to be friends with you. I promise you, I won’t try to sell that magical time we had together in Vegas. That will be our little…” she murmured as she leaned over to him, her lips close to his but Zack was not responsive to her. “Secret,” she finished her sentence.
Selina unhooked the shirt dress she was wearing and it dropped to the floor. My God! She was stark naked under there.
She wrapped her arms around Zack and slid her hands through his jacket, trying to wiggle it off. “It’s over, Selina, please get don’t do this to yourself. Get your clothes back on.”
“What? No way. Mr. Playboy refusing this? What? Have you turned gay on me, Zack?”
“Do you think because a man is decent enough to not have sex with you at the drop of a hat, he’s automatically gay? Please, you're embarrassing yourself!” He tilted his head back and chuckled.
Selina was taken aback, fury flared in her eyes.
She hugged her hands around his neck and pulled him to her. “I know you want me. I don’t care what you say.” She forced a kiss on his lips.
“Oh, God!” a voice cried out behind them. It was Blue.
“Oh, fuck, no!” Zack hollered, biting down on his lip. “Blue. It’s not what it looks like.”
“How could you….I…?” Blue’s eyes were tearful, getting red.
Selina was clearly enjoying the little "misunderstanding." Oops!
“It’s okay, honey. It was only sex, nothing more.”
Blue stormed out and stumbled down the hall. Tears blinded her. Zack tried to reach out to her but Selina held him back. He literally picked up Selina and placed her over by the table to move her out of his way. Blue had managed to make her way to the driveway.
A pretty, scratch that, a gorgeous naked woman was in his office, kissing him. A note was on the reception desk outside his office that he was not to be disturbed! Shit! How the hell could Zack explain this all to Blue?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Blue pressed her foot on the gas pedal as she sped down the country road leading out of Mayberry Hill. Her heart was palpitating in her chest.
Oh, what a fool I was.
To think that Zack. To think Zack and I…
Who could blame him? He was just like all the rest. Liars. Cheats! But…what about all that talk? That felt so real. The way he made her feel was real. She should have listened to him but the pain was far too great. Did he think she was an idiot?
The horrible memories of Elliot came rushing to her mind.
Blue caught Elliot near the water cooler with his hand up Emily’s dress, making out with her against the wall. “Oh, fuck, Blue! It’s not what it looks like,” were the words that flew out of Elliot’s mouth and stabbed her like a knife to her heart.
So that was what men called it now? “Not what it looks like?” Well, it sure looked like she’d been taken in one too many times.
Just then a silver sedan drove up near her car. Was it Zack in one of his fancy cars? She couldn’t tell the model or the make. The windows were tinted dark.
She felt her heart pound hard against her rib cage again. Something told her, it probably wasn’t Zack.
This couldn’t possibly be déjà vu.
Her car suddenly sputtered and the engine light came on. Crap! She was supposed to stop by the gas station to fill up the tank. She had planned to do so but had left her bag at the winery office and had returned earlier to grab it. That’s when she decided to surprise Zack in his office. But, oh, the surprise was on her, wasn’t it?
Her car slowed. It was grinding and tilted to the side.
Crap! She’d probably run over a nail in the road. She had a flat tire, too! Great!
One of the things she was going to do was get a new car. But her father purchased this old car for her. It held such sentimental value to her.
But that wasn’t going to help her now. Blue hopped out of the driver’s side door and went quickly to the trunk to grab the spare tire and jack. Her father had taught her how to change her own tire if she needed to do so if stranded out and about. She had the tools inside her trunk. But before she could reach into it, a man grabbed her from behind and covered her face with a cloth.
Blue passed out.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Blue woke up, dazed. Where was she? Her head hurt like hangover hell. What the heck had she inhaled in that cloth? Well, she at least remembered that much.
She was in a hospital room.
“You okay?” Zack’s soothing voice called to her. His hand was on her forehead gently stroking her head.
“Zack, what happened?” she groaned.
“It’s okay; luckily we got to the scene in time.”
“Who was that?”
“I guess you were right about that ex-Senator guy.”
“What?”
“He was the one who had this all set up. He was trying to…hurt you.” Zack’s tone was serious, void of emotion. It chilled her to hear him speak in that voice. But he was visibly upset as much as she was.
Zack got up from the side of the bed. It looked as if he’d been there all night. It was three o’clock in the morning. She was at the county hospital.
“Why did you do that, Blue? You just ran off without letting me explain. And you could have gotten yourself hurt out there,” he said, looking out the window at the darkness with the city lights. He heaved a sigh.
“Zack.”
“Blue, I would kill myself before I hurt you like that, do you understand me? I used to be lady’s man, but I would never have two women at the same time. Not all men are like that, Blue.”
“Elliot was.”
Zack swallowed. His Adam’s apple bobbed in this throat. “I’m sorry about what happened between you and that idiot guy, Blue. I’m not an idiot. Romeros don’t play that game. We’re raised to have respect for our women.”
“God, I know how it must have looked, Blue,” Zack said in a low voice, leaning against the seat by the window. Zack explained the whole story about Selina and the videotaped recording.
“Oh, no. That’s….terrible!” she said, digesting the details.
“I know. But it’s over between us and it has been for a long time now. I just wanted her to get help.”
“Do you think she’s made copies? Do you think she’ll ever?”
“She handed over the tape to me. I have to t
rust the universe that nothing stupid will show up somewhere online in the future. But in the meantime I don’t live in the fear of what may never be. Worry never solves anything.”
“I know.” Blue grinned. She was happy to be okay with Zack again. She went crazy out of her mind thinking that they’d been torn apart. She needed him, craved him, desired him to be in her life, forever!
“Blue, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before in my life.”
“I…I know.”
“How do you really know?”
“Your grandfather shared quite a bit about you.” She grinned sheepishly.
Zack responded with a smile. “Yeah, my old man is something, isn’t he?”
“You mean, your old grandfather.” Blue cocked a brow teasing him back.
“Seriously, though. You know a lot about me and I want to know everything there is about you. I need to know that there are no surprises, Blue. I love you, and quite frankly, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Blue sat up on the bed, her heart gushing. What had he just said? “You…you do?”
“I can’t stop thinking about you, Blue. I don’t think I can not have you in my life. We’re meant to be together.”
“I feel the same way about you, too, Zack. I love you so much,” she said, leaning into his firm chest, feeling the warmth and positive energy from him rushing through her body. His currents racing through her.
“Now, why didn’t you tell me about that former senator, Aitkin?”
Blue pulled her head away from him to look deep into his eyes. Tears stinging her eyes. “That he’s a creep, a lowlife and a wife-cheater?”
“No,” Zack said, leaning closer to her. “That he’s your father.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Blue covered her face with her hands. She recomposed herself and then got up.
“I…It’s a long story, Zack.”
“I have all night, Blue. If we’re going to be together, I need to know everything. You believe he had something to do with killing your parents, right?”
“Well, no. I mean, yes.” Blue drew in a deep breath. She was shaking. Zack motioned to hug her but she stopped him. “I’m fine.”
She sat up on the chair and told him everything. Blue’s mother worked for the senator and his family as a domestic. He then later seduced her mother. Her mother fell pregnant the same time as the senator’s wife. Of course, this would have caused great scandal to the family and the senate.
So naturally, Blue’s mother married the man who she grew up to know as her father. As far as Blue was concerned the parents who raised her were her real parents—her only true parents.
“So in other words, you had proof the man was a liar and a cheat,” Zack clarified, a disgusted look on his face. “You were the proof. And he wanted to silence you.”
She nodded solemnly. “My father, my adopted father who is Courtney’s real dad, lost his job and he decided to blackmail the senator into supporting all of us since he was my biological dad. You see, only Dad knew the real secret. He’d met and married my mom when she was already two months pregnant with me.”
“I see.”
“I think he planned to get rid of all of us to cover his tracks but he couldn’t do it himself, so he got others to try to do the dirty work.”
“Well, you will no longer have to worry about him.”
“W-why?”
“He was questioned by police last night. They got a confession out of the thug who tried to kidnap you.”
“Oh.” Blue felt as if she would faint.
“Don’t worry about your family name. My men are on the case. The senator doesn’t want any more embarrassment than you do. And your mother’s—your parents’ good name will be protected. We’re seeing to it that nothing gets out in the news. I think he’s going to accept a plea bargain on this count. Apparently, leading a double life wasn’t his only pastime.”
“I see.”
“Listen,” Zack’s voice changed, “we're not going to let anything bother us tonight, right? Let’s have a good night sleep in…” Zack looked around at the modest size hospital room.
“You don’t have to sleep here, Zack. The bed is like a cot to you.” Blue was ever so aware of his six-foot-four frame.
“Baby, as long as we’re together, I don’t care where we sleep.” He nuzzled her on the forehead sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. Oh, she loved to feel Zack against her skin.
She really felt his magic, his warmth, his genuine affection and that was all she needed to get by in life. That was all she needed, period!
In the morning when she woke up, Zack was by her side. She kissed him on the lips as he lay in a dream-state sleep. She giggled at how wonderfully innocent he looked bundled close beside her on the bed. She managed to get off the bed without disturbing him and went into the bathroom. Her eyes widened in shock when she looked at her left hand. Oh. My. God!
How did that get there?
She looked over at Zack who was, probably, pretending to sleep. A grin curled his soft, sexy lips. She tilted her head back and laughed.
“Yes!”
He opened his eyes without effort. “I just wanted to surprised you, baby. I’m glad it fits. Do you know how hard it was to get your finger size without you knowing?” Zack cocked a brow.
On her ring finger, during her sleep, Zack probably took his time and placed a beautiful diamond engagement ring on her. The largest, sparkling one she’d ever seen.
“Will you marry, Blue?”
“Oh, my God, are you kidding?” Blue could hardly breathe. She was nodding and tears of delight gushed down her face. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” She reached over and grabbed Zack's neck and hugged him to her.
“Yes. I will marry you, Zack!”
EPILOGUE
“And this year’s honor for the National Wine Awards goes to…” the announcer at the gala event lifted the trophy in her hand. “Zack Romero, president and CEO of Romero Winery and Vineyard.”
A round of applause erupted from the packed-to-capacity auditorium at the Trade Center as hundreds of press cameras clicked away. All eyes were fixed on the stage.
Zack was reluctant at first to go to the stage by himself. He said earlier it was a team effort and he wanted Blue by his side for capturing the greatness of the vineyard’s legend and the rest of his team for making it all work.
“Wow! Well, here’s the thing. I’m not a man who relishes in giving speeches. But today I will make the exception.”
Laughter rang from the audience.
“On a serious note, I would like to thank each and every one of you here for this. For making this happen. Just like growing grapes in a vineyard takes a nurturing hand and caring and passion, so does cultivating healthy relationships in our business and in…our lives. And it’s all about growth. It’s all about not just letting things sit. Everything takes time, care and tending to…” Zack’s eyes captured Blue’s in the audience. “And just like the time it takes to sow viable seeds that may one day blossom into delightful treasures, anything that you work long and hard for is well worth the wait and worth the effort.”
Zack went on to talk about the programs they have in the community to help support other companies. Saying was what set them apart from the others. Caring and sharing go hand in hand. That was how his grandfather raised them and that was what he shared with his team. “Because that, my friends, is true success, giving your best, being your best and sharing…only your best!”
A huge round of applause filled the room, once again, and this time the audience stood up in recognition of this year’s honorary winner of the National Winery Awards!
It was a truly blessed evening. While at the Romero Estate, prior to the awards, the Romeros, once again, celebrated Zack and Blue’s engagement. Carl, Troy, Dion, Alonso and Jules, of course, reiterating that they doubted very much they’d join Lucas, Antonio and Zack in holy matrimony. Toni teased them and said, “Don’t count on that, my boys. Don�
��t count on being a true bachelor for too long.” He winked knowingly.
Moments earlier they viewed the beautiful documentary of the Vineyard and Winery produced by Blue Monroe and her team. She’d won an award earlier for her work that caught her by surprise. She didn’t know it would also be featured in the awards section.
Around the white table-clothed table, guests of honor seated were Jules, Alonso, Carl, Toni, Troy, Shelly, Antonio and Lucy, Lucas and Maxine, who was about to deliver. All dressed to impress in their black tie affair suits. Blue wore a shimmering gown that accentuated her curves. A floor-length flowing ball gown. Zack looked dressed to kill in his tailored tux. The man oozed sexual power, no matter what he had on. Over three thousand affluent guests filled the hall.
Blue noticed Carl glancing over at Venus, the vineyard’s receptionist, once every so often. Toni noticed it too, she thought. It was obvious Carl had some feelings for Venus. Blue felt giddy inside for Venus. If anyone deserved love, it was Venus.
She was happy with Zack and she wanted everyone to find someone.
Later, after an exquisite dinner and meal, the ballroom was open for an after-ceremony dance. Blue went into the restroom to powder her face. She could not wait until tonight to have Zack all to herself again. He’d been all worked up about this show because he wanted to announce his new program to honor hard-working, upcoming winery entrepreneurs, too. It would all fall under the umbrella of his company.
Venus was on her cell phone and looked distraught.
“Are you okay?” Blue asked, trying not to pry.
“Oh, I’m fine, thanks,” she said, ending her call. “It’s never easy when you’re all by yourself and doing it all, you know. Sometimes, I wish I had a…partner.”
“You’ve been crying,” Blue assessed, her voice comforting.
“Oh, no. I’m just…I have to leave. Tristan is having trouble with the new babysitter. Finding a good caregiver is hard.”
The Playboy Billionaire (The Romero Brothers, Book 3) Page 12
