An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

  Yeah, like that will ever happen.

  Stefen twisted his back to crack it, then moved his head side to side. His necked snapped in all the right places, releasing some of the pressure he was carrying in his shoulders. Entering the small reception area, he had an idea. It went against his character to ever allow a woman to pay. Especially one with such a feisty attitude.

  Leah was chatting with the receptionist when he walked through the glass door. She gave him a smirk over her shoulder, and he could feel himself boiling over again. This woman loved pissing him off.

  Why am I letting her get to me? This was definitely a first.

  After checking in, Leah excused herself to go to the bathroom, and Stefen took the opportunity to approach the receptionist. Behind the desk, the brunette’s eyes sparked with lust.

  Perfect. “Hey, sweetheart, I need you to do me a favor.” She looked at him with rounded eyes as he lifted an eyebrow and smirked down at her. “Can you change the credit card information on our reservation? It's under Leah Valdez.” He reached in his back pocket for his wallet and handed her his Amex card.

  She chewed her lip nervously. “I’m sorry, I can't do that. It's already been charged.” A blush rushed to her face.

  Son of a bitch. “Can you refund the card and put it on this one instead? Charge me double. I don’t care.” Leaning on the counter above her, he gave his best smoldering expression while rubbing the side of his index finger over his lips. Girls seemed to like when he did that.

  “We don't give refunds.” She pointed to a sign on the wall directly behind her. “I'm sorry. There isn't even a way for me to process a refund.” She swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze.

  “How is that possible? If you can charge a card, you can credit it.” He gripped the counter until his knuckles were white, his attitude slowly dissolving into a temper tantrum.

  Damn, my head hurts.

  Leah stepped up with her hands laced behind her back, attempting to look innocent. “Whatcha doin'?”

  His eyes tightened on her. “Did you do this?” He nodded back to the shy receptionist.

  Poking her slender finger into his chest, Leah spit out, “Yes. I knew you’d try to pull some shit. You’re so predictable. Get over yourself, Stefen. Enjoy the day.”

  “What’s your problem?” he fumed. “I'm just trying to be a gentleman. Why do you insist on proving you can pay your way? I'm the man. I'm supposed to pay.” Huffing, he tried to keep his voice down, hating that they were having this heated conversation in front of the nosey couples that sat in the reception area.

  Placing her hands on her hips and jutting out her foot, Leah shot right back, “I enjoy paying sometimes. Accept it. Stop making such a big deal, and let's have fun. I don't want to fight with you anymore.”

  Her slightly sad tone made his heart constrict.

  Sighing inwardly, he grabbed her by the shoulder and moved them to a more private space outside of the office. He pushed her gently up against the building and tried a softer approach. “Fine. But if there are any other expenses today, please let me pay. I'm considering this a date.” He reached out and took her hand in his.

  A pleasant warm feeling flowed between them when she looked down to where they touched. “A date?” She swallowed, uncertain.

  Stefen’s laugh vibrated in his chest. “Yeah, you know, fun, food, a little wine and…” He paused, looking down at her wickedly.

  “And?” She gulped again.

  “And this.” He moved his hands up to the sides of her face, pulling her in for a slow, tender kiss.

  She tensed at first, but as his lips worked against hers, she curled her arms around his neck and melted into him. It felt so natural to kiss her, and she tasted exquisite. Savoring her, he loved the way she responded to him. He could kiss her all day, on every part of her body if she’d let him.

  What the hell am I thinking?

  Leah pulled away first, but he wasn’t ready to let her go yet.

  The wonder on her face was quickly replaced with disappointment. “Stefen, I’ll agree with the paying part, but we’re just hanging out while you're in town. We can't date or kiss, ever again. You’re leaving.” Pain was evident in her expression when she moved away and started walking back toward the front door.

  Grabbing her hand, he spun her around to face him once more. “I didn't say we’re dating. I said this is a date, which is basically the same as hanging out, except I may steal a kiss here and there, and hold your hand.” He’d never been turned down by a girl before and Leah was the last woman he’d ever want to be rejected by.

  Gulping hard, she pulled away, whispering, “Can we please just forget that happened and go back inside?”

  Looking down at the floor, he let her go. This was a new feeling for him, and he couldn’t help the honest words that came out of his mouth. “Impossible to forget. That was by far the best kiss I’ve ever had, but we can go in if you want.”

  Stefen watched as Leah walked away, putting as much distance as she could between them.

  As they rode in the Hummer’s backseat to the first winery, Leah felt Stefen’s eyes on her. Glancing around the inside of the vehicle, then out the passenger window, she tried to ignore his scrutiny.

  It didn’t help when the lady across from her smiled warmly, asking, “How long have you two been together? You make a very handsome couple.”

  Leah shifted uncomfortable in her seat. “Oh, um, we’re not dating.”

  Stefen scoffed, and she turned to find him scowling before he looked out his own window.

  The woman frowned. “I’m sorry, I saw you guys in the parking lot and just assumed.”

  “It’s okay,” Leah waved her off, “just a misunderstanding.” Since their kiss—and her rejection—the tension couldn’t get any thicker. This certainly didn’t help.

  They turned onto a pathway. Off to the side, a large faded sign read, ‘Evanwood Vineyard’. Driving down a dirt-covered road, they passed row upon row of grape vines intertwined along wires that stretched across the fields.

  Leah was in awe of the beautifully, lush grounds. The moment they came to a stop, she jumped out, eager to leave the awkward atmosphere behind. At the entrance, she stretched her arms, feeling her shirt ride up.

  Stefen strolled passed, catching her off guard as he ran his warm fingertips along her bare belly. She gasped, then blushed. He turned and smirked at her, and she found herself fisting her palms, squashing the urge to reach for him.

  He’s going to do me in for sure, she thought, tugging down the hem of her blouse.

  A tan-colored shaggy dog greeted them in the parking lot, giving her a perfect excuse to redirect her focus. Bending down, she scratched the back of his floppy ears. “Hey there, fella.”

  She wasn’t a huge fan of dogs and would’ve normally been put off, but this pooch had the sweetest face. Stefen didn't appear to be a dog person either as he quietly stepped away.

  Leah stood and followed the group to an old rustic wooden table to the side of the main building. It was situated under a trellis. Vines and ripe grapes hung down for them to pick, and there were dark brown, antique metal candelabras adorning the table.

  In awe of her gorgeous surroundings, Leah inhaled the fresh air. “Wow, this place is wonderful.”

  “Thank you,” a deep masculine voice sounded from behind her.

  Spinning around, she met an extremely handsome, rugged kind of guy. His plaid button-down shirt enhanced the blue irises of his eyes, and although his jeans fit nicely, she noted that no man wore a pair quite as well as Stefen.

  With a kind smile, he offered a rough, callused hand to Leah. “I'm Zachary Evanwood. I own and operate the vineyard along with my father.”

  “Very nice to meet you, Zachary. I’m Leah…” Her voice trailed.

  Startling her, she felt a soft, warm hand on her lower back. “And I’m Stefen.” He extended his other hand to Zachary.

  With a knowing look, Zachary acknowledged, “It’s very nice t
o meet you as well, Stefen.” Then he left them to personally welcome each person in their group.

  He was handsome, but Leah didn’t feel anything. Which was weird. That didn’t, however, mean that Stefen had the right to act like she needed protecting.

  While the rest of their party was distracted, he wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. Leah froze, wanting to shrug him off, but couldn’t find the strength.

  “Don’t overthink things, Leah. Stop fighting this.” He lightly stroked the skin on her hip, just under the hem of her shirt. She felt his breath in her hair, against her ear. “I know you feel what I feel.” She fought a moan when Stefen placed a quick kiss on the side of her neck before releasing her and strolling away.

  Did he just…Bastard.

  Shaking out of her daze, she focused on Zachary as he addressed the crowd. “I hope you’re all hungry. We've prepared an egg, potato, leek and goat cheese frittata for you this morning.” Beaming with pride, he rubbed his palms together. “There’s also a spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette. Your meal will be paired with our two-thousand and twelve merlot. Please join us in the tasting room when you've finished, and I'll show you some other selections we have to offer.”

  “Thanks, Zachary. You're the best.” The blonde tour guide, Brittany, fanned her eyelashes, flirting with him as he walked away with a slight grin. She’d also been keeping an eye on Stefen and, after he pulled Leah’s seat out, Brittany rushed to sit on the other side of him.

  She propped her chin on her hand and gawked at Stefen, chattering excitedly. “We always bring our clients here first since Zachary is the only vineyard owner on the tour who insists that everyone eats first.” She placed her hand on Stefen’s arm and smiled sweetly.

  Laying a napkin on her lap, Leah rolled her eyes. This skank must flirt with every male she comes into contact with.

  Brittany went on, fanning her overly exaggerated false eyelashes. “He’s also a remarkable chef. I'm sure you’ll enjoy the food, Mr. Hunter.”

  Huffing through her nose, Leah couldn’t believe this bitch. Kiss ass.

  Oblivious to Leah, the bimbo leaned in enough to show off her cleavage and whispered, “I watch what I eat carefully, so there’s normally a special dish just for me. You’re welcome to try anything I’ve got.”

  Puta barata. Leah would love to call her a cheap whore to her face.

  Waiters arrived with plates of food for each person, as well as bottles to fill their wineglasses. Annoyed, Leah gulped down half the burgundy liquid in one shot. When she put the goblet down, a shit eating grin came over her face as Stefen gently took Brittany’s arm off of his and placed it on the table.

  Without thinking, Leah gave the other woman a warning glare as she shoveled a forkful of frittata in her mouth. She might have announced that they were not a couple, but that didn’t mean she wanted to see other women pick him up right in front of her.

  Paying no attention to Brittany, Stefen looked at Leah and licked the olive oil from his lips. “This food is incredible.”

  “Yep.” Leah bobbed her head up and down, tantalized by his tongue swiping across his mouth.

  Zachary appeared with an older gentleman, who walked with a cane slowly beside him. Taking his time to help the elderly man, Zachary spoke to their group. “I'd like to introduce my father, Joel Evanwood. The original owner and operator here.” Love and respect were evident all over his face.

  “It's a pleasure to meet you all.” Joel braced himself on the cane in his hand. “I hope you’re enjoying the meal my son and our staff prepared.” Everyone gave encouraging nods. “Fantastic. Just let us know when you’re ready to move on.”

  Joel turned, and Leah got a peek of his t-shirt that read, ‘BEWARE, my dog can't hold his licker.’

  Giggling, she pointed to the words. “Actually, he’s a well behaved dog. He didn't lick me once when I pet him.”

  Joel looked down at his shirt, then smiled back at Leah. “Yeah, that dog has a thing for pretty ladies.”

  “Don't we all,” Stefen growled, sending chills down her spine and blood rushing to her face.

  Hijo de puta!

  As much as he didn’t want to admit it, this place was far nicer than he thought it would be. Aside from Leah’s kiss earlier, the food was the best thing he’d tasted since he left Chicago. He did, however, have a problem with the stolen glances he kept catching the owner giving Leah after she announced, once more, that she and Stefen were not an item.

  Sitting in the tasting room, he draped an arm on the back of Leah’s stool, sipping a bit of the wine left in his glass as Leah chugged another sample.

  “You’d better slow down,” he warned her. “You’re going to be buzzed before we even get to the next vineyard.”

  “Too late.” Her half lidded eyes were evidence of that fact. “Hey did you hear Zachary’s coming to my shop? Yeah, he wants to discuss using me as his florist for the weddings they host.” She smiled, completely buzzed.

  “Yes, I was sitting right there.” He sneered.

  “Oh,” she giggled, a little sloppily. “Well, did you hear that he wants to come get a feel for my style? Isn’t that exciting?”

  Her unfocussed eyes would’ve been cute if he wasn’t so irritated. Is she trying to rub this in my face?

  “Yep, heard that, too,” he grit out. I wonder what else Mr. Evanwood wants to get a feel for. Stefen tipped his head back, polishing off the last drop of wine in his glass, when Brittany announced they were moving on to the next winery.

  Leah swayed a bit when he helped her up from the bar stool. How is she going to make it to the next couple of vineyards?

  Still, he was relieved that they were leaving. He reached for Leah’s hand, but she pulled away, sauntering over to Zachary. They murmured something Stefen couldn’t hear, but he caught Zachary glancing at him as Leah shook her head. Zachary gave her a knowing look, and Stefen squinted to read his mouth.

  “Trust me,” it looked like he said.

  Looking over her shoulder, she caught Stefen glaring at them, then twirled around to join him.

  “What was that about?” Stefen grumbled, his lips forming a flat line.

  “Some nonsense about finding ‘the one’ and not letting them slip away. I don’t believe it, though.” She waved her hands, dismissing the conversation.

  Infuriated, Stefen’s blood boiled. Who the hell is this guy? He just met her and was suddenly declaring that she was ‘the one’? What the fuck?

  Stefen shot daggers in Zachary’s general direction as they slipped out the large rustic wooden doors into the warm sunshine. They’d just made it to the vehicle when Zachary came jogging up with two bottles of wine.

  “Here, try these and tell me what you think.” Pride radiated off of the vineyard owner.

  Leah kissed Zachary on the cheek as he handed the bottles to her. Stefen almost growled aloud, about to lose his shit, when it hit him like a ton of bricks—Leah was egging him on. This was on purpose.

  Son of a bitch.

  His lips curled up. This day was about to get even more interesting. He narrowed his eyes, steeling a sideways glance as Leah fluttered her eyes innocently, running a cute little hand through her hair.

  Two can play at this game, sweetheart. And I’m a fucking expert.

  Climbing into the waiting vehicle, Leah’s head began to spin. She would need to hold off on the wine at the next stops. Plopping herself down, she made sure to leave room for Stefen. But when she looked around for him, she saw him squeezing between Brittany and another flirty blonde that Leah had caught eyeing him earlier.

  Confused, she patted the seat next to her, but he announced loudly, “Nope, I’m fine over here.”

  Everyone heard. Leah sank into her seat, embarrassed.

  Damn, I’m buzzed. Did Stefen really turn down sitting next to me? Prick.

  Mixing alcohol with a temper was never a good idea. It would be better to just ignore him. With a little effort, Leah managed to ge
t her phone out of her skintight pocket, surfed her social network page, and pretended like she didn’t give a crap what was going on in front of her.

  She was impenetrable. Untouchable.

  He can’t hurt me. He doesn’t affect me. At least that’s what she tried to convince herself.

  As much as she didn’t want it to, his voice traveled back to her. “Yeah, I’m a lawyer in Chicago at my family’s firm.”

  Unable to help herself, Leah turned her head, letting her hair create a makeshift barrier so she could spy on them without being detected.

  He smiled at both woman as they ate up the bullshit he was dishing them. “Oh, Mr. Hunter, that’s so impressive.” He did nothing to stop the second blonde from running her hand down his chest while the son of a bitch stared directly at Leah.

  “Please, call me Stefen.”

  Leah peeked over and caught him raising an eyebrow, giving Brittany a playful grin.

  Ugh. She’d had enough.

  Thankfully, the next winery was just down the road, and Leah had no intention of spending another minute with Stefen. Once they stopped, she threw the door open and darted out in search of a restroom.

  After she patted her face and neck with a cold, wet paper towel, she took a deep breath, looked in the mirror and gave herself a pep talk. “You knew what kind of guy he was. Stop acting childish. It’ll be much worse if you don’t ignore him. He was never and will never be yours. Now put on your big girl panties and go have another drink.”

  Exiting, she bumped smack into Stefen. He grabbed her arms to steady her.

  “Oh, there you are. I wondered where you ran off to. Are you feeling all right?” Although she’d love to think he was concerned, his eyes and smile said he was goading her.

  Smoothing her hair down with her hands, she assured him, “I’m fine.” Her buzz was lessening. I definitely need more wine. Raising her chin, she put her plan to ignore him back into action.

  She heard him snicker behind her, and knew that he’d caught on as she left him standing outside of the woman’s restroom.