by Candis Terry
“Did you bring a coat?”
“Of course.” Although she’d much prefer his big strong arms around her.
“Good. A breeze usually kicks up off the creek and the moisture can be chilly. If you plan to stay out there for any period of time, you’ll need one.”
“You won’t be joining me?”
Hesitation darkened his eyes and he looked like a man about to run. “Tomorrow will probably be a long day so I should probably hit the sack.”
The man might be tired, but that just sounded like a complete excuse to get away from her.
Hint taken.
“No worries. I usually don’t drink alone but I’ve never been afraid of the dark, so I’ll be fine sitting out there with just Moochie. Don’t feel the need to entertain me.”
“You’re sure?”
Brooke nodded and tried not to feel disappointed as she went into her room, unzipped her bag, and pulled out a hoodie. By the time she returned to the kitchen the back door was open, a full glass of wine sat on the counter, and a cheerful fire burned in the iron fire pit on the patio.
The orange glow of the flames silhouetted him. When she stepped outside he looked up. Something flashed in his eyes that pumped up her hope again.
“That hoodie won’t keep you very warm.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said, although she’d much rather be cuddled up against the warmth of his body.
“If you need another glass of wine, I put the bottle back in the refrigerator to keep it chilled.” He stretched his tall, muscular body. If he faked a yawn she thought she’d just cry. “If you need anything else just let me know.”
Running her hands over all those taut muscles would be a start.
“I’ll be fine.”
Before he closed the door, he hesitated as if he couldn’t decide whether to go or change his mind and stay. When he disappeared and the door closed it was clear she didn’t have a vote.
Startled, Dec woke to a commotion coming from the back of the house. He glanced at the bedside clock and realized he hadn’t even been asleep for an hour. He’d lain there for what seemed like forever trying to erase the entire road trip from his mind.
Not that it had been bad. Brooke was an easy person to be around. And that freewheeling spirit she possessed was irresistible. A huge part of him wanted to just keep driving north and stop at every little town on the way just to see her face light up at what she called unexpected goodness.
But the closer they’d come to driving through the gates of the vineyard, the more the knot in his chest had increased. The more miles they’d traveled, the more distant he’d grown toward Brooke when it hadn’t been her at all that had created his tension.
Being back home brought an onslaught of situations that needed to be dealt with. Everyone—including him—was still broken from the sudden death of their parents. Everyone was still on edge from the discovery that their father had stolen money from his own company. And everyone still wanted to know the hell why.
Though he’d been temporarily able to subdue the issues and enjoy Brooke’s company, there were too many internal battles to ignore. In his past, he’d used women to relieve stress or loneliness, but he refused to use Brooke for his own selfish reasons.
As much as he would have loved to sit around the fire, drinking wine with her, and feasting on her beautiful mind and body, he’d needed a break. When they’d started their journey north, he’d never imagined how many cracks in his armor she’d uncover. And he’d never imagined how wide she’d break each of them open.
Brooke may not have a devilish mind, but the devil in him had fought to take every advantage she’d thrown his way. It was that battle that had brought on his total exhaustion.
Now, although he felt groggy and grumpy, it was his duty to get up and make sure nothing was amiss. It was his duty to keep her safe.
Even if that meant keeping her safe from him.
He shuffled through the house and toward the commotion. By the time he reached the kitchen the rumble of male laughter snapped his head up. Yanking open the back door, he found his brother Ethan cozied up to Brooke next to the fire he’d built to keep her warm. They were both laughing and apparently having a jolly good time.
“What the hell’s going on?” His sudden appearance startled both of them.
“Oh! I’m so sorry.” Brooke’s smile died as her eyes widened. “Did we wake you?”
“He did.” He jerked his head in Ethan’s direction. “What are you doing here?”
His brother gave an innocent shrug. “Keeping Brooke company.”
“I wasn’t aware she needed any.” Good God. Did he just snarl?
Ethan threw him a grin bursting with mischief as he settled his hand on Brooke’s arm. “I couldn’t stand the thought of such a beautiful woman being left all alone on such a beautiful night.”
Ethan’s taunt sealed the fucking deal. Dec was now officially pissed.
“I told her if she needed anything to come get me.” Dec folded his arms across his bare chest, more to keep from throttling his brother than to keep warm.
“But, bro . . .” Ethan grinned. Again. “When I saw the glow of a fire, the firefighter in me just had to stop by and check it out. When I did, it was apparent Brooke needed some company. You were the one who chose to go nighty-night and leave her out here all alone.”
“Ummm.” Brooke stood and Moochie jumped off her lap. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
“No trouble at all.” Ethan stood too. “Right, bro?”
Dec glared at his good-looking baby brother who, where women were concerned, gained extra points for being a firefighter. Something about the whole saving lives/putting out fires/rescuing kittens thing apparently turned them on. Ethan was right; he had left her out here all alone. So he should have no reason to want to rearrange his brother’s pretty face. No reason at all. Brooke was his assistant. He was her boss. End of story. If his brother found her an attractive way to spend his time, why should Dec care?
Problem?
He fucking cared.
“Right, bro.” Dec overemphasized the word. “But don’t you have somewhere else you need to be?”
“Naw.” Ethan shrugged his broad shoulders. “I can sleep in in the morning.”
Confused, Brooke’s gaze ping-ponged between them.
“But if you sleep in, how’s that going to help the vineyard?” Dec asked. “Didn’t you stick around so you could help us get back in the black?”
Ethan was about to respond when Brooke scooped Moochie up into her arms. “I’m suddenly very tired. Ethan, thank you for the wonderful conversation. Good night, Dec. I’ll have tomorrow’s schedule printed out by the time you wake up.”
Ethan said good night.
Dec waited until Brooke disappeared to unload. “What the hell?”
Ethan’s grin turned absolutely provoking. “Is there a problem, big brother?”
“Yeah. You hitting on my assistant.”
“She said she didn’t have a boyfriend.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Dec jammed his hands on his hips. “Please tell me I don’t have to pound you into the ground to get it through your thick skull.”
“You lost me.” Ethan lifted his hands in false innocence. “Exactly what is it I’m supposed to get through my thick skull?”
“I didn’t bring Brooke up here for you to make a move on her. I brought her because we have work to do and I need her help. How can she do that if you’re going to be trying to take up all her time?”
“And that’s really all you brought her up here for?”
All Dec could do was glare, because there was no way in hell he would admit things he didn’t want to admit. Especially out loud.
“Hell.” Ethan laughed. Hard. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“You knew we’d be working.”
“Not about that, dumbshit. About you being hot for her. Why didn’t you tell me you’ve got a thing for her?”
Dec curled his fingers into his hands. Backed into a corner, he lied his ass off. “Because I don’t.”
“Then she’s fair game, right?”
“No. Go find someone else to play with, Ethan. She doesn’t need the distraction.”
“Ha.” Ethan slapped a hand over Dec’s shoulder. “You mean you don’t need the competition.”
“I think you’ve been inhaling too much smoke and it’s affected your brain.”
“And I think you just need to own up to the fact that you’re hot for your hot assistant. If you don’t say something then don’t blame the rest of the male population when we try to win her over.” Ethan gave him a wave. “Good night, big brother. Pleasant dreams.”
As Ethan stepped off the patio and disappeared into the night, Dec realized that there was no way in hell he’d sleep tonight. Not with Brooke sleeping in the next room. Not with his feelings toward her obviously being read like an open book. And not when he’d realized he’d set himself up for an epic disaster.
At the crack of dawn Brooke was up and jogging down a peaceful country road with Moochie by her side. Unfortunately she had too much on her mind to enjoy the view. The repartee between Dec and his brother last night had confused her. Dec had barged in—or out as it were, since they’d been on the patio—and acted like she was in some kind of danger. She couldn’t imagine he’d believe Ethan was any kind of a threat to her safety. He was a gorgeous, genuinely nice guy who’d merely kept her entertained with witty conversation.
So what had crawled up Dec’s butt and sent him into protective overdrive?
She could handle herself just fine. After all she’d once been a thirteen-year-old girl who’d planned an escape from her religiously overzealous parents and their perverse plans for her life. She’d been a young girl who’d braved the dark of night and a long scary road toward an uncertain future rather than be locked into a life of despair. She’d been a girl who’d walked away from everyone and everything she’d ever known, aware that she’d have to abandon it all. Because once she scaled the big stone wall that promised her only chance at freedom, she’d be exiled.
She glanced down at the bracelet on her wrist.
Fearless.
She liked to think it was true, but everyone had their limits.
Cutting across the road she and Moochie headed down a dirt path she’d discovered that ran through the vineyard. The rolling hills added a challenge to her exercise. They also offered a view that was hard to beat. A tree-lined creek that ran the length of the property and through an open meadow presented a scene that not only took her breath away, but gave her a sense of calm she’d never achieved in Southern California. Instead of honking horns and rushing cars there were chirping birds and the crunch of gravel beneath her running shoes. Before she knew it they’d jogged all the way into town.
The little town of Sunshine Valley seemed like something out of a movie. Main Street was lined with an array of eclectic shops, dogwood trees in bloom, and the enticing fragrance of warm cinnamon rolls. As she and Moochie slowed to a walk, Brooke followed the mouthwatering scent toward a pink building with a sign that read “Sugarbuns Bakery” in curlicue letters.
“Mooch? We can run the calories off later, but right now we are definitely stopping in there.” Her dog excitedly tapped her front paws against the cobblestone walk. “I promise to bring you a treat,” she added as she hooked the dog leash onto a shabby chic bench outside the big front window.
The sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls, freshly baked breads, and other delicious goodies met her at a front door that jingled merrily when she walked in. The inside of the shop lived up to the pink exterior with a décor featuring the colors of cupcake sprinkles. Near the window a couple, obviously in love judging by the googly eyes they were giving each other, shared a plate of icing covered cinnamon rolls. Over at a corner table made of white cast iron, sat a woman with bright orange hair and a 1960s-style blue paisley dress. Her white vinyl go-go boots were crossed at the ankles while she sipped a tall specialty coffee and snacked on a large muffin.
“Welcome!” The woman behind the glass display’s rounded body clearly said she enjoyed the sweets she made and sold. The broad smile and healthy glow to her cheeks said she enjoyed her occupation immensely. In Brooke’s mind there was no better testimony to an establishment’s product.
“I’m Pearl,” the woman said. “And you’re new in town.”
Apparently in a small town everyone knew who belonged and who didn’t. Brooke knew she didn’t belong, but she’d like to.
“Hi. I’m Brooke.” She stretched her hand across the display case. “I was out jogging and couldn’t resist coming inside.”
“Well.” The woman laughed and winked. “We’ll hook ya any way we can. Good for business you know. So what’s your weakness?”
“Hmmm.” Brooke leaned down and scanned the sugar-laden contents of the display case. Each treat looked more delicious than the last, including the cute little mice made of a Hershey’s Kiss, a chocolate covered cherry with stem, and slivers of almonds. “The scent of cinnamon rolls drew me in so how about one of those and a tall caramel latte? And do you have anything back there that might be appropriate for my little friend outside?”
Pearl peeked around Brooke to where Moochie had her paws up against the glass door, looking inside and wagging her tailless butt.
“Oh, isn’t she a cutie. I’ve got just the thing.” Pearl winked again. “Keep ’em right here behind the counter and they’re even fresh.” She placed a glass jar of dog treats on the counter. “Make ’em myself so I guarantee they’re healthy. The wagging tails tell me they’re tasty too.”
She popped open the steel lid and placed a couple on a bakery tissue. “So where you from, sugar?”
“Southern California. I came up here with my boss on business.”
“Well, lucky you. With everything in bloom this is the prettiest time of the year. Who do your work for? Local company?”
“She works for my nephew.” The orange-haired woman now stood beside Brooke at the display case and reached out for a hug. “I’m Declan’s Aunt Pippy.”
Brooke sighed in relief that the wildly dressed woman with the bright blue eye shadow and plastic fruit dangling from her ears wasn’t just a random weirdo, and returned the hug. “I’m so happy to meet you.”
Aunt Pippy gave her a once- and then a twice-over. “And I’m so happy you’re here. When did you arrive?”
“We drove in late last night. Dec talked to Ryan and arranged for us to stay in their grandfather’s cabin.”
“Hmmm. So you’re both staying in the same private location.” Pippy gave a nod that wiggled her bright orange bouffant. “Nice.”
Unsure of the implication there, Brooke just said, “It’s a very nice place. Perfect for us to temporarily set up an office.”
“It’s romantic too.” She gave Brooke a little nudge with her elbow. “Bubbling creek, tree-shaded deck, fire pit, and the best wine on the planet.”
“Heck, if she doesn’t want to stay there with Mr. Handsome and Wealthy, count me in.” Pearl laughed as she placed Brooke’s plated cinnamon roll on the counter then went about making the latte.
Brooke wasn’t about to dip her toes in gossipy waters. Especially when she’d also thought of the cabin as romantic. Unfortunately Dec only saw business and responsibilities.
“I’d planned to take my cinnamon roll and latte out to eat on the bench,” Brooke said. “I don’t want to leave Moochie alone for too long.”
“Moochie?” Aunt Pippy’s head tilted and Brooke realized the woman’s wild hair put on a show all of its own.
“My dog.” She motioned toward the door where her sweet pup still stood with her paws on the glass and what looked like a smile.
“Oh, she’s precious.”
“I think so,” Brooke said. “But I’m biased.”
“I’m all done with my breakfast,” Pippy said. “Mind if I join you?”
�
�I’d love that.” When Pearl placed the steaming latte on the counter, Brooke reached into her running jacket for the money to pay.
“You keep that money in your pocket, sugar. Welcome to Sunshine.”
“Are you sure?”
Pearl grinned. “Sure as I am that things are going to get interesting around here.”
“Well, thank you. I promise I’ll be back.”
“Just spread the good word and invite me to the wedding. We do cakes too.”
Both Pearl and Aunt Pippy chuckled as Brooke waved goodbye then grabbed her treats and headed toward the door.
“Don’t mind us,” Pippy said as they sat down on the bench outside. “We’re just both surprised Declan brought a girl home. Gives us hopes there’ll be another Kincade wedding after Jordy and Lucy’s.”
“I wouldn’t get those hopes too high.” Brooke set her latte down by her feet and reached in the bag for Moochie’s treat. “Dec only brought me along because we have client appointments set up for this week and he needed to be back here to help out with family business.” When Moochie sat and lifted her paw for a handshake, Brooke gave her a bite of the dog treat as a reward.
“Didn’t you say you drove up?” Aunt Pippy asked.
“Yes. I talked him into it because I’ve never made it very far up the coast and I’d heard it was beautiful.”
“And my nephew agreed?”
Brooke nodded.
Pippy’s smile stretched her brightly painted lips. “Declan really is all about business, isn’t he? Takes a bit of a nudge or a poke to get him moving in a different direction.”
“True. But he takes very good care of his clients and their investments.”
“He’s very good at taking care of his family too.”
“That’s nice to know.”
“Which is why if you think he agreed to drive up the coast just to satisfy your sightseeing curiosity, you might want to reconsider.”
“Oh. Don’t get the wrong idea. He’s made it very clear that he is the boss and I am the employee.”
“But you feel something different?”
