by Judith Keim
“Thank you. I’d like to try.”
Cami studied Laurel, pleased with her response. She realized it had been a big mistake to put someone like Vanessa in charge. She wanted a quieter, more refined person to oversee weddings at Chandler Hill.
Cami was even more impressed when Laurel pointed out several items on the bride’s questionnaire Vanessa had drawn up and suggested changes to them—things like specific likes and dislikes of decorative colors, flowers, and food, and filling in ideas of their dream wedding. Sometimes it was only a word or two, but it made a big difference in trying to discover what a bride really wanted.
Laurel fit easily into the position, and by the time the next wedding party was due to arrive in June, Cami was excited to anticipate how things would go under Laurel’s direction.
Content to let her handle that wedding, Cami concentrated on the local artisans show set for the Fourth of July weekend. With no weddings scheduled for that Sunday, Chandler Hill was opening Chandler Hall and adjacent lawns for the show. The event had captured the attention of several artists throughout the Northwest. A jury of local artists limited the number of entrants to fifty. The entrance fees for the juried show would cover the cost of extra help needed to park cars and direct people around the property. Chandler Hill wines would be offered, of course, along with appetizers from Darren’s kitchen. The first of its kind in the valley, the show was getting a lot of early attention. Wynton Winkler had agreed to participate by providing prints of three of his latest works. If everything worked out well, Cami wanted to make the art show an annual affair.
Cami met with the local board of artists to help determine placement of the tents on the grounds. The Wedding Garden was off-limits, but most of the other lawn space would be available.
She was deep in discussion with two members of the board, when one of women cried, “Hey, Josh! Just in time. Come meet Cami Chandler, owner of the Chandler Hill Inn and Winery. She’s here to help us design the layout of the tents on her property.”
Smiling, Josh strode over to them and held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Joshua Evans.”
When his callused fingers curled around hers, Cami’s eyes widened with recognition. “Oh, you’re the artist who sells those beautiful metal sculptures. I love the one you did in copper for the art museum in Portland. ‘Girl in Rain,’ I think you called it.”
Beneath his straight, dark hair, his brown eyes lit up. “Everyone likes that one.”
“Hey, Josh,” said a watercolorist, coming up to him. “I thought you were a no-show. Glad you’re here.”
Amused, Cami watched the pretty red-head bat her eyelashes at him.
Josh smiled over her head at Cami and rolled his eyes.
Choking down a laugh, Cami turned away. She didn’t blame the young woman for flirting. Joshua Evans was one hot guy.
After the final plan was made, Cami rose to leave. “Thank you for being so cooperative. We want this event to be comfortable for everyone, including our hotel guests.”
Josh got to his feet. “Are you heading to the Chandler Hill Inn? If so, could I have a ride? I’m staying there for the weekend.”
“I’ll be glad to take you. I’m going there now.”
“Thanks. Let me grab my bag and I’ll join you out front.” Josh left the room.
Outside, Cami pulled her SUV up to the front door just as Josh emerged from the building. He threw his bag in the backseat and climbed in beside her.
“Thanks again. I’ve heard so much about the inn I wanted to see it for myself. Hard to believe someone your age owns it and the winery, too.”
“I inherited it from my grandmother. It’s a bit of a challenge, but I like the business,” admitted Cami, at ease with him.
“It’s great you found something you like. For me, it’s been a struggle to convince my family that I don’t want to take over my father’s accounting firm.” He chuckled. “Can you see someone like me wearing a suit and pushing numbers all day? God! I’d be so bad at it.”
“You’re very good at what you do,” said Cami. “I’ve seen pictures of some of your sculptures, and the art museum has several. I particularly like your artwork made of both metal and found pieces.”
He turned to her with interest. “Do you? They’re my favorite too because much of it depends on those things I’ve found among nature—sticks, stones, bird feathers, anything I can uncover.”
“While you’re at Chandler Hill, I hope you’ll walk the land with me. There’s lots to be found. In fact, why don’t I show you around later this afternoon?”
Josh beamed at her. “That would be great. I can make something special for you and your guests.”
“Perfect,” said Cami, pulling up to the front of the inn. “I’ll drop you off now. How about meeting up right here for our walk at about four o’clock?”
“Sounds great.” Josh got his bag out of the car and walked toward the entrance.
Cami watched him go, admiring the way he strode with an easy confidence. She looked forward to meeting him later. He was easy to talk to and very easy to look at.
###
At four that afternoon Cami met Josh at the inn. “I have my walking shoes on and my dog, Sophie, with me.” At the mention of her name, Sophie barked and wiggled for attention.
Josh leaned down and patted her on the head. When she rolled over for a tummy rub, Josh laughed and obliged her.
“She’s a little spoiled,” said Cami.
“Why not? My dog, Spike, is pampered too. He’s a golden retriever and too big to do much traveling with me. Right now, he’s back home in Santa Fe.”
“Ah, Santa Fe. Such a pretty place.”
“It’s been a great place for me to live and work,” said Josh. “Very spiritual overtones, if you’re into that kind of thing.”
Cami smiled and wondered what he’d think if she told him that she often talked to her grandmother, trying to get a sense of what she’d do in certain business situations.
“Let’s head out. There are a lot of things I want to show you,” she said.
They walked into the vineyards. They hadn’t gone far when Cami knelt on the ground and sifted the dirt in her hands. Josh knelt beside her and listened while she explained about the composition of the soil, why grapevines were planted in it, and why the rows of vines were placed in a north/south direction.
“Pretty basic stuff,” said Cami, “but I thought it might be helpful to you in designing a new piece of art.”
“Very nice,” said Josh. “He picked up a string of vine that had been cut away from a plant and held it up to the sun.
They walked on, chatting easily. Cami was proud to show the vineyards to him. He noticed a number of different items and placed them in a small canvas bag he’d brought along.
After an hour or so, Cami said, “How about coming to my house for a drink before you head back to the inn? It’s right here on the property.”
“Sounds good. It’s the perfect time of day to relax.” He studied her a moment. “I know this is going to sound corny as hell, but could I photograph you one day? Though I’m more well-known for my metal sculptures and pieces, I still do photography.”
Flattered, Cami laughed. “I should warn you that I don’t take good pictures.”
“Then you’ve never had the right photographer. The next time I come here I’ll bring my camera.”
They’d reached the long driveway to Cami’s house when Drew’s truck pulled up. “Hi, what’s up?” he asked, looking from Cami to Josh and back again at Cami.
“Hi, Drew. This is Joshua Evans, an artist who’s exhibiting at the art show next weekend.” She turned to Josh. “Drew Farley is a friend of mine.”
She faced Drew. “We’re about to have a drink. Want to join us?”
Drew shook his head. “Thought we’d have dinner, my treat, but I guess not. I’ll see you later.” He turned his truck around and left.
“A friend?” said Josh. “More like a boyfriend. My boyfriend gets jealous
too.”
“You’re gay?” Cami couldn’t hide her surprise.
He laughed. “Yeah. Who knew?”
She grinned at him. “Who’s the lucky guy?”
“Bruce Patterson. He owns an art gallery in Santa Fe and is a great cook. We’ve been together for ten years now and married for two.”
“You’re so lucky. Ten years is a long time. I hope I find someone special.”
“Are you sure you’re not overlooking someone?” He tilted his head in the direction of Drew’s truck.
“We’re just friends,” said Cami. “That’s how he wants it.”
Josh shook his head. “I don’t think so. But then it’s none of my business. How about that drink?”
“Oh, yes. I could use a nice glass of pinot noir,” said Cami. “I’ve got the perfect wine for you.”
As they walked to the house, Cami wondered why everyone but Drew thought they should be more than friends. He’d made a choice to date Vanessa and then had come to her, his friend, when things weren’t working out. And he’d told her he wasn’t doing any dating for a while, so he obviously didn’t consider her a date. He’d hurt her feelings more than once because of his decisions, but after the mess with Bernard, she wasn’t going to say anything about it. She’d learned to let things fall into place on their own, rather than make a fool of herself over a man.
###
Following the uncertainty of a gray, cloudy start, the day of the art show turned out to be a glorious one with blue skies, bright sun, and a soft breeze to keep the attendees cool. The crowd was still celebrating the Fourth of July, as evidenced by the red, white, and blue color theme of their clothing. Watching people mill comfortably through the artists’ tents and over the lawns, Cami filled with satisfaction.
Cami saw Drew and waved to him. He grinned and walked toward her. “I was talking to Josh. He does some really cool stuff.”
“Yes, I love his work,” said Cami.
“Uh ... I didn’t realize he was gay. I’m ,,, uh ... sorry about running off the other night. Uh ... what do you say we go out sometime?”
Cami’s eyes widened. “Are you asking me to go on a date with you?”
A pink color crept into Drew’s cheeks. “Yeah, that’s what I was thinking.”
She hid her amusement. “I bet you and Josh talked about more than his artwork.”
“I was going to ask you out anyway,” said Drew, looking so uncomfortable Cami relented.
“I’d love to go out with you, even if it’s not your own idea.”
He held up a hand in protest. “But it is. I promise. We were just talking. That’s all.” In the silence that followed, Drew said, “How about Tuesday when all this excitement is over. I’ll pick you up at six o’clock.”
“Better make it 6:30,” said Cami.
She and Drew smiled at each other.
“What’s going on with you two?” Imani said, joining them. “Looks pretty interesting.”
“Nothing,” Cami and Drew said together, and then laughed.
Imani fanned herself. “Whatever this ‘nothing’ is, it’s pretty hot.” Chuckling, she walked away.
“Guess I’d better go check on things,” Cami said, gripping the clipboard she’d been carrying. It was just a date. Right?
“See you later.” Drew gave her a little salute and disappeared inside Chandler Hall.
When Cami caught up with Josh, she said, “Guess you talked to Drew, huh?”
Josh shook his head. “Poor guy is so lost when it comes to you. He didn’t want to scare you off. But I set him straight.”
“Thanks,” said Cami, meaning it with all her heart. She’d tried to put aside ideas of being with Drew, but she could never stop wishing it would happen. Now she’d find out if those dreams had been foolish, after all.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Sunday evening, Cami sat on the couch, bare feet up on the coffee table, holding onto a glass of red wine. Sophie snuggled beside her, exhausted from the day’s activity. Cami let out a sigh of relief. The art show had met her expectations and more. The artists were happy, and her staff was pleased with their cooperation in keeping the inn running smoothly while crowds of people wandered through the property. Next year, they’d extend the show to two days.
A knock sounded at the door. “C’mon in, Rafe! We’re just resting.”
“It’s not Rafe,” said a deep familiar voice Cami knew. She whirled around. “Drew! What are you doing here?”
He walked over and stood in front of her. “You know that date I asked you about?”
Cami held her breath. Had he changed his mind?
His lips curved. “Can we make it tonight instead? I don’t think I can wait that long.”
Delight bubbled out of her in a chuckle. “Well, I think I can arrange that. Have a seat and I’ll get you a glass of wine.”
“No, no! Stay right there. You don’t have to wait on me. I’ve brought some things with me.”
She watched as he went to the front door and returned with a picnic basket. He set it down in front of her and held up a bottle of Taunton Estates wine. From the picnic basket, he carefully pulled out a fruit and cheese tray and a leafy green salad topped with shrimp and set it on the coffee table.
“Nice, you’ve thought of everything!” Cami said, pleased by his gesture.
“Almost everything.” He lifted out a plate that held a huge slice of chocolate cream cake, her favorite, and placed it next to the other things.
She clapped her hands. “Perfect!”
They grinned at each other.
The moment Drew sat down on the couch, Sophie climbed into his lap and smothered his cheeks with kisses, which is exactly what Cami felt like doing.
“Yeah, I figured you’d be tired from the show, and waiting for another day to actually have a date with you seemed like an awfully long time.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I need to talk with a friend,” said Cami, slipping into their old routine.
“Hold it! I have no intention of being just your friend. I want more than that.” He set Sophie down on the floor and reached for her.
She happily went into his arms, remembering the times she’d dreamed of such a moment. When his lips, warm and full, pressed down on hers, her body reacted predictably. She knew then they’d both waited for this moment.
When they finally pulled apart, Cami gazed into Drew’s eyes and saw the wonder she felt.
“How hungry are you?” he asked softly. “Let’s ...”
She pulled him close, knowing where this was going.
“God! I’ve wanted you for so long,” Drew murmured before lowering his lips to hers once more.
“Me too,” she responded softly.
Drew pulled away and studied her. “But you made it plain you weren’t ready for dating, not after your breakup with Bernard. And who could blame you? What an ass!”
“Yeah, and Vanessa turned out to be a mess,” countered Cami.
“Can you believe I thought she was almost perfect? God! I’m such a fool.”
Cami cupped his cheeks in her hands. “You’re no fool. You’re a really nice guy.”
He gave her a sexy grin. “Not always.”
She laughed. They’d been friends long enough for her to know that deep down he was the nicest, the sweetest, the best guy she knew. She held out her hand.
After taking the food to the kitchen to keep it safe from Sophie, they walked to her bedroom and shut the door to keep Sophie out. Inside the room, Cami left the drapes open. No one could see inside the sliding door onto the private deck overlooking the scenery below. And on this summer’s evening, she wanted to enjoy being with Drew as the sky filled with the colors of the setting sun, colors that were already highlighting the interior of her room.
Lying together on her bed, she and Drew began an exploration of one another, delighted by each response. Drawing out the anticipation each felt was both tantalizing and unendurable. When they finally came together, it was su
ch an ultimate moment of sharing that Cami knew she’d never really made love before. With Drew, it was a spiritual act. Her heart filled with such emotion she couldn’t hold back tears.
“Oh my God! Did I hurt you?” Drew asked, thumbing the tears at the corners of her eyes.
“No,” whispered Cami. “I’ve never felt this way with anyone else.”
He smiled. “I love you, you know. I have from the first moment I met you.”
“When you rescued me from Jonathan?” She remembered how she and Jamison had called upon Drew to escort Jonathan Knight out of the inn after firing him.
“Ahhh,” he said. “You remember it too.”
“A damsel in distress always remembers her knight in shining armor,” she replied playfully.
He grinned. “Come here, you gorgeous damsel.”
She laughed and went into his arms again.
Much later, they sat in the kitchen together, sharing the contents of his picnic basket. Cami glanced over at Drew from time to time, seeing him in a whole new light. He was a friend and would stay a friend. But he was also her lover, and she welcomed that.
“Tomorrow night, I’ll take you to dinner, if you’d like,” he said, munching on a piece of cheese.
“I thought this was our date,” said Cami.
“No, this is our predate.” His expression grew serious. “I’d like to take you somewhere, show you off.”
“That’s so sweet, but, Drew, being here with you is enough.”
He smiled at her. “Do you know how nice that sounds? But, someday, I’ll surprise you with something different.”
“I thought this date was pretty spectacular,” she teased.
He grinned. “The best ever.” Reaching across the table, he stroked her cheek. “I knew you were special. And, Cami, I trust you.”
A warm feeling pulsed through Cami. Though she’d been given love and encouragement through the years by Nonnee and Rafe, a piece of her had been missing. Now she knew it as the part that loving Drew had fulfilled in her. She wasn’t sure what the future would hold for them, but she knew she’d stand beside him for as long as he wanted.
