by Joleen James
Spinning on his heel, Nico got in the cart and reversed back down the row.
As soon as harvest was over, he was done with all things Whitney.
Chapter Sixteen
Danielle spent a restless night alone in her own bed, worried about Nico. He'd taken off after she'd given him the letter, not returning home until after she'd gone to bed. As a result, she'd been unable to sleep. Around four a.m. she'd heard Nico leave for the fields.
Giving up all hope of sleeping, she'd taken an early morning jog, but she still couldn't quiet her active mind. The ninety days was ticking by. Without a doubt, she wanted to stay on in Sun Grove, but at what cost to Kaiden? Nico was a separate issue, but an obstacle she needed to conquer before she'd find any peace.
Around nine, she'd called the office to ask Joyce where Nico was, and to her surprise, Joyce had told her he was meeting at the office with Jacques at ten, not working in the vineyard as she'd expected. She didn't want to think about why he hadn't come to see her. He'd been so upset when he'd left her yesterday, but was he upset with her or her father? Or was he grieving for his parents all over again?
She could no longer deny the truth, she'd fallen in love with Nico, heart-and-soul, true love. The same kind of I can't live without you love she'd felt as a teenager when he wouldn't give her the time of day.
She'd given him plenty of chances to speak up, to ask her to stay, or to tell her they'd have a relationship even if he went to work elsewhere, but he'd been silent. She had to know where he stood, and she felt strong enough now to tell him what was in her heart. If he shot her down, she'd deal with it. She wasn't sure how, but she would.
Danielle left the house. She decided to risk arriving wilted and walk the half mile to the office. Sun warmed her shoulders, but it was early enough in the morning she didn't break a sweat. Her body was finally becoming acclimatized to the warmer temperatures here.
When she reached the parking lot outside the offices, she noted Nico's golf cart. Her pulse fluttered, and she pressed her hand to her mid-section, more aware than ever of the risk she was about to take with her heart. She pulled the heavy door open, and went inside.
"Hi, Joyce," she greeted the receptionist.
"Mrs. Rankin." Joyce smiled. "How are you this morning?"
Danielle grimaced. "I've been better." Her nerves tightened.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Joyce said sincerely. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No. I've got to figure this one out myself, but thanks." Danielle gave her a half smile. "I'm here to see Nico."
"He just arrived. He's in the conference room with Jacques."
"Great." Forcing optimism, she tapped her hand on the corner of Joyce's desk. "Wish me luck."
"Good luck?" Joyce questioned. "I'm not sure I understand."
"That's okay." Danielle took off down the hall. Her sneakers made no sound as she walked. She passed Gayle's office.
"Great, you're here," Gayle called as she passed by, motioning her into the office. "Your ten o'clock will be here any minute."
"I didn't realize I had a ten o'clock," Danielle said, searching her mind for the forgotten appointment.
"Didn't you check your calendar yesterday or this morning?" Gayle pushed her glasses back up on her nose.
"No. I pretty much took the day off yesterday," Danielle said. "Who am I meeting with?"
"Germaine Cellars," Gayle said. "Miles Germaine contacted me after he spoke with you and made the appointment."
"Oh, no," Danielle groaned. "Can we cancel?" She didn't want to talk with Miles today, or ever. She'd never sell to him. The vineyard was staying with her or Nico, of that much she was certain. On the other hand, maybe a meeting today was good. She could tell Miles once and for all that the vineyard wasn't for sale.
"It's too late." Gayle checked her watch. "He's sure to be on his way."
"Darn." Danielle glanced down at her casual shorts and top. "I'm not dressed for a meeting."
Gayle smiled. "As eager as Germaine Cellars is to meet with you, I don't think they'll care how you're dressed."
"I suppose not," Danielle agreed. "Okay, give me a few minutes to meet with Nico, then I'll be back."
"Good enough," Gayle said.
Danielle continued down the hall, and around the corner.
She could hear Jacques' laughter coming from the end of the hall, hear the low timbre of Nico's voice. Her heart sped up, her palms felt damp.
She was nearly to the door when she heard Jacques say, "You're a master at seduction."
Danielle froze. Seduction?
"You used your charm on Danielle and it worked. You've totally seduced her. She looks at you with love in her eyes," Jacques said. "Soon you'll take your rightful place as head of the vineyard. She'll never sell to Germaine Cellars now, you've seen to that."
"I'm not sure what I've seen to," Nico said. "I'm too hung over to even think about the mess I've made. There's more involved here. That's what I want to talk to you about."
Danielle didn't wait to hear any more. She made an abrupt turn, running back down the hall. Her chest tightened with pain the sensation nearly stopping her breath. The truth hurt more than she feared it would. No wonder Nico hadn't asked her to stay. He'd had no intention of making a life with her. She had to get out of here, now, before Nico discovered her.
She ran past Gayle, who called, "Danielle!"
She flew by Joyce, nearly upsetting the tray of coffee cups she held.
Danielle yanked the door open, and left the office, heading for the parking lot, to Nico's golf cart. She got in, turned the key, and sped off.
Her worst fears had come to pass. Their romance had been a game to Nico, a way to get her on his side. He knew he could never top Germaine Cellars' offer, and he and Jacques had formed a plan, using her heart as their insurance policy.
Tears filled her eyes as she drove. Dust rose in a haze around her. Between her tears and the dust, Danielle had to swerve to avoid hitting the SUV that seemed to come out of nowhere. She braked hard. Her head cracked on the frame of the cart.
The SUV stopped. Dust whirled around the two vehicles, a brown, hazy cloud. She heard the SUV door open then close. Danielle pressed her hand to her forehead, seeing the blood on her fingers.
"Oh, my God," a man called. "Are you all right?" He reached her. "You're bleeding."
She glanced up at the man. He had neatly combed blond hair and light green eyes. His nose was straight, his jaw lean and hard, his lips full but not too full. Something about him told Danielle he'd be more comfortable on a beach than here, dressed in a business suit. His tan attested to his love of the outdoors.
"Here." He passed her a handkerchief. "It's clean. Press it to the cut on your forehead."
"Thanks." Danielle took the cloth and held it against the wound.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
"Stupid," she said. "I'm so sorry. I was driving too fast. It's my fault."
He squatted down beside the cart. "Here, let me help you." He took the handkerchief and blotted at her head, his touch tender. "It doesn't look too bad. I don't think you'll need a stitch."
"Well, that's good," she said, giving him a small smile, even while her heart was breaking. "Thank you for your help."
"I'm Miles Germaine," he said.
"Of course you are." If the situation wasn't so sad, she'd laugh. "I'm Danielle Whitney."
He smiled and she noticed he had bright, white teeth.
"So we meet at last," he said easily. "May I give you a lift back to the office?"
"I would love a lift," Danielle said. "But not to the office." No, not anywhere near Nico. "Would you mind taking me to Whitney House?"
"Not at all," Miles said. "The pleasure is all mine."
***
"What do you mean she was here?" Nico asked with a calm he didn't feel. "Why didn't you buzz us?"
Joyce set the tray of coffee on the table. "She didn't give me a chance."
"She stopped in and
talked with me a minute," Gayle said. She'd followed Joyce into the conference room; both women were clearly worried about Danielle. "She said she wanted to talk with you and she'd be back in a few minutes, but then she ran by my office. She looked so upset."
"I think she was crying," Joyce added.
"Shit." Jacques' eyes went wide. "Do you think she heard us?"
"Of course she did." Nico started for the door, wanting to get to Danielle to explain. "She'll never believe it wasn't a game for me. Don't you get it? She's been manipulated so many times. She was finally starting to trust me."
"You act as if you're in love with her," Jacques said, the words more of an accusation than a statement.
All three pairs of eyes went to him, waited for him to reply.
"I am in love with her," Nico said, "but she'll never believe me now."
Jacques ran a hand through his hair. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I couldn't admit it to myself." Nico brought his finger to his temple to press away the ache. He should have gone to Danielle last night instead of drowning his sorrows in booze.
"We'll help you convince her," Joyce said.
"We'll back you up," Gayle agreed, even while wringing her hands.
"No." Nico held up a hand to silence them. "This is my fault. She's given me so many chances to ask her to stay, and I've hedged, not sure what I wanted, not sure if I could give up the vineyard for her." He looked at Jacques. "I've already hurt her, and until now, I've been too thick headed to get it. I'll fix this myself."
He spun from the room, dashed out the door to the parking lot, but the golf cart was gone. Had Danielle taken it?
Nico jogged down the road toward Whitney House. He was halfway there when he saw the cart, abandoned, sitting askew in the road. He noted the skid marks. Was Danielle hurt? He didn't see any damage to the cart.
Holding his panic at bay, Nico climbed in the cart and turned the engine over. He put the cart into gear and started forward, stopping suddenly when he spied blood on the window and the steering wheel. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. If anything had happened to Danielle because of his foolishness, he'd never forgive himself. He pressed on the gas, praying he'd find her at Whitney House.
An SUV was parked beside Danielle's Jetta. Nico pulled in beside the SUV. At the house, he didn't bother to knock, but barged right in.
"Danielle," he called. "Where are you?"
The living room was empty.
He ran to the kitchen and pushed his way through the swinging door.
Danielle was seated at the table, a cloth pressed to her head. Lola fussed around her. Across from Danielle sat Miles Germaine. If he'd done anything to Danielle...Nico didn't allow himself to finish the thought.
"What's going on?" he said with a calm he didn't feel.
When no one spoke up right away, Lola said, "Danielle's had an accident. She almost ran Mr. Germaine off the road."
Nico went to Danielle. "Are you all right?" He reached for her, but she flinched, pulling away.
"I'm fine," she said, her eyes cold.
Nico's hands tightened into fists. She'd overheard his conversation with Jacques. She thought the worst.
Miles stood. "Hello, Nico."
The last thing he needed now was Miles Germaine and the smug look of satisfaction he wore.
"What the hell are you doing here, Germaine?" Nico asked, stepping toward Miles. He'd never liked Miles. Miles had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and their rivalry had started long ago, shortly after Nico had returned from college and went to work for Phillip.
"I had an appointment with Danielle this morning," Miles said.
Nico saw the betrayal in Danielle's eyes. She'd had an appointment with Germaine Cellars? Why? And more importantly, why hadn't she told him? Maybe he was the one being taken for a fool. Was the lure of bigger money too attractive for her to pass up after all?
"Is that right?" Nico asked carefully. He waited for Danielle's explanation, but she remained silent.
"That's right," Miles said, and Nico didn't miss the triumph in his eyes. "But unfortunately we're going to have to reschedule when Danielle is feeling better."
He'd had enough of Miles. He wanted to hear the words from Danielle. "Don't tell me you are considering selling to him?" Nico asked, angry now.
Danielle came out of her chair. "Don't you dare accuse me of deception. Not while you're the master!"
"I haven't deceived you," Nico replied.
"I heard you with Jacques," she cried, her green eyes throwing sparks. "I heard all about your plan to seduce me. Well, congratulations on a job well done!"
Lola's soft gasp filled the air.
"That's not what happened," Nico said. "Let me explain."
"No," she pointed at the kitchen door. "Just go. Get out."
He wasn't about to leave her like this, upset, thinking the worst. "I love you, Danielle."
"Don't lie to me." Her eyes filled with pain. "If you want the damn vineyard that bad, you can have it."
"I don't want the vineyard. I want you, Danielle. Not the vineyard."
"Liar," she shot back.
"I can prove it to you," he said.
"Just go, Nico." She turned away from him. "Please, go."
Nico glanced at Lola. The housekeeper had tears in her eyes. Then he looked at Miles. Germaine had heard it all, and no doubt he was waiting to swoop down for the kill.
He didn't want to continue this conversation in front of Miles or Lola. With a heavy heart, Nico let himself out the back door. He might be going now, but he'd be back.
There was no way in hell he was giving up on Danielle. He loved her. It was no contest between her and vineyard.
Danielle was the clear winner.
***
As soon as Nico was gone, Danielle's knees gave way. She sank down into the chair. Tears smarted in her eyes, and she blinked hard, refusing to cry.
"I should go," Miles Germaine said.
She glanced at him. She hadn't realized there was a history between Miles and Nico, but clearly the two men didn't like each other. Nico had bristled instantly when he had seen Miles.
"I'm so sorry you had to witness that," Danielle said.
"Don't be," Miles said. "Nico and I go way back. I know what he's like."
"Meaning?" Danielle asked.
"Meaning he'll do whatever is necessary to get what he wants," Miles said. "Some things never change."
Was Miles right? The conversation she'd overhead this morning certainly supported his statement. It wouldn't be the first time a man had pulled a con job on her. The thought made her more upset. Did she have a giant S for Sucker painted on her forehead?
"I'll leave you now." Miles started for the kitchen door. "I'll call Gayle and have her set up another appointment for us."
"That won't be necessary," Danielle said with a shake of her head. "Whitney Vineyards isn't for sale."
His smile didn't waver. "But you haven't even heard my offer. Whatever Nico's offered, I'll top it by twenty percent. I'll even sweeten the deal and throw in a new car for you. Any kind you like."
Funny how money didn't matter when one had a broken heart.
"Thank you, but no," Danielle said. "I've made my decision."
"I'm sorry to hear that." He placed his business card on the table. "If you change your mind, please call me. I'll make it worth your while."
Danielle nodded.
"I'll walk you out," Lola said. She escorted Miles from the room.
Danielle let the tears come, thick and hot. Her head hurt, her heart ached. Was anything she'd had with Nico real? She didn't know.
She did know one thing. Nico could have the vineyard. She couldn't stay here and share the vineyard with him, especially since the entire staff seemed to be in on the plan of seduction. Fresh humiliation heated her cheeks.
Lucky Kaiden. He was going to get his way. As soon as her ninety days were up, she'd sell the vineyard and take the money and run. Whitney
Vineyards was too full of heartache and bad memories for her. They were going back to Seattle.
Chapter Seventeen
"The brix was at twenty-two this morning," Nico said to Jacques, but his mind wasn't on business; it was on Danielle. He'd barely seen her the past four days, and he missed her.
She wasn't taking his calls, and when he'd gone over there, she'd refused to see him. He'd learned from Lola that Danielle was waiting out her ninety days, then she was going to sell to him, giving him everything he wanted.
But he wasn't about to let her sell, not to him, not to Germaine Cellars, not to anyone. She belonged here and he was going to convince her of that.
"I'm guessing harvest will take place around September nineteenth," Nico told Jacques, struggling to focus on the present, on the upcoming harvest.
"I agree." Jacques sat at the stainless steel work table across from Nico. "Then what?"
"What do you mean?" Nico asked, unsure of what his partner was getting at.
"You know what I mean," Jacques said. "You're like a walking zombie. When are you going to take action and do something about Danielle?"
"What makes you think I'm not taking action?"
"Are you?" Jacques eyed him suspiciously.
"I put a bid down on St. Regis Vineyard. How's that for action?"
"What? That place is a rundown nightmare," Jacques said.
"I can turn it around," Nico said with confidence. "I've been over there. The vines are old growth."
"It's a much smaller production," Jacques reminded him. "About half the size of Whitney."
"But it will be all mine," Nico said. "I need a fresh start, and I'm hoping Danielle will make that fresh start with me."
"Leaving here isn't the solution," Jacques said with a sad shake of his head. "You're giving up your dream."
"Dreams change. My dream is making a family with Danielle," Nico told him. "If I cut ties with Whitney Vineyards, she'll see it's not about the vineyard, it's about her. Once I leave here, I know I can convince her that she's the one I love. Funny how losing her has made me realize that home is where the people you love are. It's not about land. I'd follow her anywhere."
