Melody Anne's Billionaire Universe: Most Eligible Bachelor (Kindle Worlds Novella) (The Colter Family #2

by N Kuhn

  She showed him the gardens, some were food, others flowers, which would be great. If he brought in a chef, for on-site events, he could grow fresh herbs, vegetables, flowers for decorations. This place really was his dream come true. It was everything he wanted.

  As they returned to the home, Char set her satchel on the counter in the kitchen. Grayson ran his hand along the cool black granite. He watched as she pulled a folder from the bag, imagined sitting here, drinking coffee with her every morning as she prepared for work. What the hell was wrong with him? He couldn’t stop as images ran through his head, what things could be like having her in this home. His home. Their home.

  “Let me take you to dinner tonight.” He blurted it out, without thinking, no clue where the thought had even come from. Char stopped what she was doing, perfectly manicured fingers holding a sheet in the air. Grayson want to feel those fingers on him again, playing in his hair, moving along his skin.

  Her green eyes pierced him with a glare, and they spoke a thousand words. “No, Grayson. This is business, I don’t have time for your games.”

  “Games? What games? I asked you to dinner.”

  Char sighed, turning from him. “Grayson, I can’t handle this hot, cold, joking, mean, just, back and forth crap from you. I finally have my life together. I don’t need this again.”

  “Look, I’m sorry for Vegas. I was drunk, I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you like that. I shouldn’t have said something so mean to you.”

  She smacked her hands down on the counter as she turned to stare at him. “Grayson, my whole life, I’ve been best friends with your little sister. You’ve always picked on me, been mean, but I always chalked it up to older brother syndrome. I get it, I understand. I let my little crush on you slip away from me. It was a kiss. That’s it. You don’t really want me, I get it. So, just stop please. Just drop it.”

  He reached out, covers her hand with his. “Char, I shouldn’t have said those things to you. And to me, it was more than a kiss.” He moved around the corner, pressing his body up against her. “You’re a beautiful woman. I find you attractive. And I shouldn’t. You’re right. I have known you your whole life. It’s hard for me to go from seeing you as the little sister, to someone I’m attracted to.” She spun, opening her mouth to try and say something, but he cut her off. Shaking his head, he squeezed her fingers. “Let me finish. The way I feel towards you, isn’t right. You’re basically family. This attraction, is wrong. That night, I was stressed over the new job, upset that when trying to be funny, it came across mean. I was an asshole. I saw how much my comment hurt you. So, throwing back half a bottle of bourbon…and then what happened…I handled it wrong. I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you. Let me take you to dinner. Let me properly apologize for hurting you.” She chuckled snarkily, and then fell into a fit of giggles. Grayson was confused. He stood there dumbfounded. He apologized, what could she possibly find funny?

  “Here,” she dropped the contract on the counter while wiping tears from her eyes, still slightly laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” Anger built inside of him. He had apologized. A man like him, shouldn’t have to apologize, but he did. Out of respect for her. What was she laughing at?

  “Grayson, that’s,” she sighed. “That’s cute. I’m attractive. You thought I was hot. But then felt bad, because I’m like a sister to you.” Her head shook violently. “Just sign this, and when David returns in a few days, you can close the account with him or put in a bid, or whatever.” She began to gather her things, shoving them back into her bag.

  What the hell? What did he do wrong now? “Please, what did I do wrong?” He questioned her, but got no answer. “Char,” he grabbed her shoulders, turning so she was facing him. Those emerald eyes cut him to the core. They were filled with pain, anger. “I’m sorry you had a crush on me. I didn’t know. I would have fought harder to not kiss you then. I would never intentionally hurt you. Please, let’s just finish this. I want to sign the contracts and buy now. I want you to do this.”

  “Fine,” she threw her hands in the air, exasperated. Walking him through the paperwork, they handled everything. Since the sellers were already out and they didn’t have to wait on the bank for funds, he was able to leave with the keys.

  “It’s all yours Grayson. Congratulations. You own a vineyard. You’re lucky, this place is amazing.” As she handed the keys over to him, he couldn’t help but notice the longing in her eyes. He knew this place was amazing, but that she loved it, too, was something else to torture him about not being able to be with her. She brushed past him, without another word. He stood staring at the keys in his hand. It was his place. This was his home, his dream. He’d finally done it.

  Chapter 7

  “Dinner, Rob. After all of this, dinner. He asked me to go eat with him, like, he needs to feed poor little destitute me. Someone he sees as a sister, or someone needing a parent. Like, for real?” Char leaned back on her bed, chatting with Robin on the phone.

  “Char, I’m sorry hon. He’s hard headed, stubborn, well, you know. You know him.”

  “Rob, I’m sorry, you know, I’ve always had a crush. I guess, now that we’re adults, I should let it go. Part of me was all excited when he said I was attractive, but then, the rest of me, just fell apart after he said it was wrong of us to do anything. Wrong of him to have feelings for me.” She sobbed a little. “And now, that jackass, is living in my dream home. I’ve always wanted a winery, the Italian style home, it just,” she faded off a bit. “It’s a dream. The ability to make it a bed and breakfast, with your own wines, vegetable gardens, the cliff, the beach.”

  “Aw, really? I know you enjoyed our trip to Italy after high school, but I didn’t realize you were that into it. Hell, I didn’t even know Grayson wanted that for himself. Look at you two, just shocking me.”

  “Oh, no, take it easy there. How’s my future niece coming along?” Her friend laughed and they chatted for a while longer. Robin promised to come visit in the next week or so, that way they could see each other before she had the baby, along with her wanting to see her brother’s new home.

  Char lay there, staring at the ceiling. Tears slid down her face, soaking the pillow beneath her. She had to get over it. Grayson would never love her. Though Robin tried to not mention him around her, she knew, he had a revolving door on his hotel room while in Vegas. The man gets named one of Seattle’s most eligible bachelors and he thinks he’s God’s gift to women. That didn’t mean he had to parade them into his bed every time one looked his way. Wiping at the tears, she sat up, determined to not let Grayson hurt her again. He was right. They were like family, they shouldn’t be together and just because he bought her dream home, didn’t mean she couldn’t find a new dream. Looking around her small studio apartment, she decided it was time to stop hiding from life. Stop hiding in this apartment, and begin living again. She hadn’t been out to eat, out drinking, out anything other than work, since moving here. It was time. Char stomped over to her closet, pulling out one of her favorite dresses. It molded to every curve of her body, and she knew she looked fantastic in it. The dark purple went well with her eyes, and with her hair pinned up and the right high heels, she would gain her confidence back in no time at all.

  From coworkers, she had heard the best bar in town was at the Marriott. The hotel’s bar and restaurant had the old school piano player, dark yet upscale atmosphere, and she wouldn’t be bothered by young frat guys, trying to get wasted. Char wanted to go for a drink, but without being bombarded. To celebrate her great sale, she just wanted a nice glass of wine and to be around people without having to talk.

  As soon as she walked in, she loved it. The white walls and bar, lit by blue, red booths with lots of cushion—it was definitely an amazing place. There was a small dance floor to one side, away from the diners, and the piano was off to the other side. She could get used to this. Across the carpeted floor, she climbed into a white leather high backed chair at the bar. Placing a clutch nex
t to her, she smiled at the older bartender that walked over. His uniform was black pants, white dress shirt and red suspenders. It had an elegant, old time feel.

  “What can I get you, miss?”

  “Pinot Noir, please,” she ordered. Through the mirror that backed the bar wall, Char watched couples dancing. Above the liquor bottles, she caught sight of an old couple slow-dancing and she grinned. Oh what it would be to have a love like that. They had to be over sixty, yet they looked so youthful, glowing with a passion she knew was missing from her life.

  “I’ve got that,” a man said from behind her. Char’s back stiffened, and she refused to turn around.

  “Yes sir, Mr. Colter.” The bartender slid the wine in front of her and moved away.

  “Char,” Grayson said, sliding into the seat next to her. “So, are you Mr. Visson’s assistant, or an actual agent?”

  “Gray, I don’t want to small-talk. I came here to have a drink, alone.” She placed extra emphasis on the word.

  “I’m trying here. Please. If you live here now, and I’m moving here, we’re going to run into each other. Talk to me, how have you been?”

  Sighing, she sipped her wine, remaining silent. Turning to look at him would be bad. She already knew how her body would react. Her heart would start pounding, her insides would quiver, and most certainly, her panties would become wet. Even angry with him, and hurt, her body betrayed her. He reached out, cupping her chin. She allowed him to turn her head to face him. Slowly, her eyes moved up from the bar, looking at him. The deep blue staring back was her undoing. In place of his suit, he wore a pair of worn jeans, a nice black cable knit sweater and his hair looking nicely mussed. No product, no proper look, no business man, just Grayson. Relaxed and still devastatingly handsome.

  “Talk to me,” he demanded softly.

  With a quick jerk, she pulled her head from his hand and instantly regretted it. She wanted that warm touch, that soft feeling of him on her, in any way she could get it.

  “I’m an agent.”

  “Do you like it? You seemed to know a lot about my property.” He cocked his head at her, ignoring the glass of liquor the silent bartender set in front of him.

  “That’s because I loved that listing. It has so much potential.” With that, he had unlocked the flood-gates. He found the one topic that she couldn’t not talk about. She had loved that listing. If her father hadn’t cut her off, she would have bought it herself.

  “Potential?” Gray questioned.

  “Yes, between events where you can serve your own wine, your own vegetables, your own flowers, to a bed and breakfast with wine tastings, the view, all of it.” She tried but failed at hiding her excitement.

  “You’re good at what you do. I’m glad you found something you enjoy.”

  “I’m good at it. It’s finally something I won’t fail at. I get to help people find their new home. They are going to live there, to build a new home, start a family. It’s exhilarating.”

  His grin shook her, tearing at the heart. She knew he was not going to be more than just a friend. No matter how much she wished for more.

  “Well, maybe you can help me. I need time to rehab the vines, to rebuild things that were left in neglect. But when I’m ready, you seem to have ideas for it, so maybe you can help me set up how to do events, and whatever else you mentioned. That’s what I want for this place.”

  “Why?” she questioned.

  “I’ve always loved wine. I get to create my own, something people will enjoy drinking.” Char looked at him in shock. It was a short statement, but something she would have never thought he would say. Grayson Colter, he was always a jock, a good guy, but never deep and that statement had depth.

  “You looked shocked. Is it so hard to believe that I want this?”

  “Mr. DA, lawyer guy, Mr. Most Eligible Bachelor, running through women like water, yes, it shocks me.”

  “Come on Char, you’ve been around enough to know Robin and I never lived the playboy, party girl, rich-kid’s lifestyle. We were raised with more substance. More expected of us.”

  “And I wasn’t,” she whispered, turning back to her wine. Her fingers fidgeted. His hand clamped over hers, stopping the inane movement.

  “I never said that. I just meant, you make it sound like that’s what we were. I’ve worked hard in my life though I didn’t need to. Yes. But, it was to prove to myself that I wasn’t one of those people. I may have joked and picked on you, but I knew you had more to you.”

  “Yeah, well, my dad didn’t think so when he cut me off, left me with nothing and won’t speak to me.”

  “A father should have supported you in other ways, instead of leaving you to your own, without the knowledge of how to succeed. It’s not a reflection of you. It’s on him. He spent your life spoiling you, when he should have taught you. That’s his failure, not yours.” She looked back at him. Sure, Robin had said similar things, but as a friend bitching about what her father did. Never had she said anything like this. That made her feel proud of where she was now, what she had done on her own. She smiled softly at Gray.

  “You’re right. Thank you for that. I love my job now. I’m living on my own, supporting myself. It feels…I can’t even describe it. It feels wonderful.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “I’d love to help you, when you’re ready. I dreamed about that place so much, wanting it for myself.” He leaned back, looking at her thoughtfully. “What? Do I have something on me?” She looked down, making sure she hadn’t dribbled her wine or anything.

  “No,” he answered, but didn’t expand. “Dance with me,” he said. It wasn’t a question.

  Char allowed herself to be led to the dance floor. Gray pulled her into his arms. She was a good foot shorter than Grayson. Her eyes lined up with his shoulder. He slid one hand to her lower back, the other holding her hand. They slowly moved back and forth, swaying to the slow, romantic tune. Their bodies pressed together, moving as one. She closed her eyes, laying her head on his chest. The music surrounded them, and the world faded away. It was just them, alone, on their own island. Barely moving, she finally lifted her head and realized Gray was staring at her. His expression was unreadable. As the song ended, he let go of her, stepping back. A forced smile flashed on his face. “Thank you. I love places like this. They feel, like the old days, when times were slow, people enjoyed life.” She nodded in agreement to his statement, afraid to speak. He took her hand and led her back to the bar. Her legs were uneasy, wobbling, so she quickly sat. Neither looked at the other. The moment had passed, but what had it been? Did he want to kiss her? Should she have not put her head on him? This man was so confusing.

  “Why do you want this so much?” She asked, trying to make things less awkward again. She wanted the easiness they were starting to have between them, until the dance. He thought a minute, before answering.

  “I want to work the land. I want to create something from scratch, on my own.” Laughter bubbled from her stomach, flowing from her mouth. She had to hold her gut, covering her mouth, to try and quiet it.

  “What’s so funny, Miss Char?”

  “How many people, who grew up the way we did, with the money we did, would say they want to work the land?” she asked, once her giggles died.

  “Exactly. It’s just something I want, badly.” Talking to him seemed so much easier now, than it had been her whole life. Char lost track of time, as they sat there, easily discussing what could be done with his new property, his future plans, their drinks forgotten. Finally, they were interrupted by the bartender. It was time to close. Char looked at her watch.

  “Wow, I can’t believe how long we’ve been here.”

  “Come upstairs with me. I’ll get wine and we can keep talking,” he raised an eyebrow at her.

  “I don’t know.”

  “It’s Sunday. You don’t have to work, right?”

  “I think I’m going home.” Standing, Char grabbed her clutch, pulling out money to pay for the
glass of wine she had never finished. Gray shook his head.

  “My treat.”

  “I can afford a drink.”

  “I know.” Humor filled his words. “It’s still my treat.” She nodded, accepting it rather than argue.

  “Thank you, I had a great time,” Char admitted.

  “Me too,” he said as he stood next to her. A little too close. Her body hummed, begging for his touch. As if he knew, he reached up, brushing hair from her face.

  She fought it. She really did, but lost the battle. Closing her eyes, Char turned her face into his hand, relishing the feel of him touching her again. Damn it, so much for being over Grayson. He gripped her, pulling them closer together, his lips gingerly touched hers, breathing against her mouth, and then he was gone. His hand, his mouth, just gone. It left Char feeling cold and alone. Opening her eyes, she saw the pained expression on his face. Was he fighting feelings for her as much as she was? She started to speak, but he turned away.

  “Have a good night. Get home safe,” he said, not even looking at her as he walked away. Standing there, she watched him go. Her sigh expressed all the emotions she had fighting inside of her.

  “Ma’am,” the bartender said, pulling her attention away from the retreating Grayson.

  “I’m sorry. Yes, you’re trying to close,” she managed to say, turning to the man.

  “Well, yes, but I was going to say, he looks like a man who’s fighting feelings. You see a lot here, in a hotel bar. Lust, affairs, love. He looks at you like a man drowning in love. He just can’t admit it to himself yet. I see how upset you look, I just, thought it would make you feel better to know. Give him time.”

  She stared at this stranger. He didn’t know either of them. But his words packed a punch. “Um, thank you,” she whispered, slowly moving away. She didn’t know how else to respond. The older man just smiled and went back to wiping down the bar. Walking out of the hotel, Char felt like she was in a haze. When she arrived home, she couldn’t even remember how she got there. Did Grayson Colter feel the same way about her that she did about him?