* * *
Gage
“I DON’T KNOW if I want to go to your bakery,” Ivy says with a laugh, making me glare at her. She waves her hand, dismissing me easily, considering she’s been doing it since we were kids.
But damn, I don’t want her to offend Marina. She’s sensitive enough about her family business.
They’re laughing though. Having a good time together. Archer leans back in his chair with an arrogant expression on his face. Like he has me all figured out and knows that I’m already halfway whipped when it comes to this woman.
Not that I’d ever admit he’s right.
“Trust me, I feel the same way sometimes! God, the things my aunt can create. Her breakfast muffins are to die for. If I didn’t watch myself so carefully, I’d end up fat as can be.” Marina laughs, the sound warming me deep inside, and I chance a look at her.
She’s beautiful. Her eyes are sparkling and her smile is wide. My sister looks happy. This was exactly what I wanted to avoid and look at the two of them. Hitting it off and acting like they’re old friends.
What a night it’s been. We’ve actually been getting along, making conversation that didn’t involve us calling each other names or me saying something infinitely stupid.
I had one minor slipup. Well, a few, if I count the most recent blunder me confessing that Ivy is my sister. I think that sort of blew Marina’s mind.
We’re getting along now. Everything’s rockin’. I still can’t believe the way she attacked me in my car. Talk about the hottest experience of my life. I’ve never done something that wild, never had a woman jump me after becoming aroused by my driving my freaking car.
I barely know her, and yet I feel like this woman sitting at my side was made for me.
Marina’s had a couple of glasses of wine, and the alcohol has loosened her up. Maybe the sex earlier did too, I don’t know. She’s pretty damn easygoing, and I like it.
I like her.
The scent of her hair drives me crazy. It wafts toward me every time she turns her head, her ponytail swinging. I love the sound of her laughter. I haven’t heard it very often, but I plan on changing that. I love her smile too. She’s very expressive, all that cool blonde mystery from the first night I met her seemingly evaporated. In its place is an open, smiling woman. Full of laughter and easy conversation, sexy as hell wearing that thin, glittery black top that dips low in the front, offering me a generous view of her cleavage.
Breasts I had my hands all over not an hour ago. Her nipples were in my mouth. I can still hear her ragged moans when I sucked them deep. I remember her naked body, wrapped all around me as she rode me hard.
Yeah. Fuck. This woman . . . she’s blowing my mind.
Ivy had been wary at first. I don’t normally bring women around her, and we threw her for a loop when she found out we’d only just met. She knows I haven’t been serious about a woman in a long time. If ever.
“We should definitely do that,” Marina says with an enthusiastic nod.
Her words bring me back down to earth. “Do what?” I ask her, glancing from my sister back to Marina.
She turns to look at me, those sparkling blue eyes trained on my face, making my blood burn. For her. “Oh, your sister suggested we go on a shopping trip together soon. I was just telling her how it’s been forever since I went clothes shopping, and she offered to go with me into San Francisco for the day. Sounds like fun, don’t you think?”
Reality butts its ugly head into my mind, and I frown. The two of them are almost getting too close when this . . . thing between Marina and I will go nowhere. Because that’s what always happens. Yeah, I’m into this woman more than I’ve been with any woman, but I know my patterns. This won’t last. It never does. “You’re not constantly shopping, huh? I thought that’s what all women do.”
“Oh my God,” Ivy mutters while Archer full-out groans.
Marina glares at me, her eyes narrow, her lips tight. “I cannot believe you just said that. Are you for real?”
There I go again, saying the worst thing ever and offending Marina. Thought I had it under control since we’ve been getting along so well tonight, but I guess not. I swear it’s like my brain shuts down when I’m around her, and I blurt out the stupidest things with absolutely no thought. “I was kidding?” I offer weakly.
“Yeah right,” she mumbles, her eyes hot with anger as they shoot daggers at me.
If looks could kill . . .
Hell, I can’t tell if she’s really mad or not.
Archer stands. “Hey Gage, come with me for a minute. I want to show you something.”
“What do you want to show me?” Now I’m confused. Maybe I’m the one who’s had too much wine. Or maybe I’m just drunk on Marina . . .
“Let’s go outside,” he says with a giant smile on his face, but it looks fake as hell.
I follow him outside wordlessly, the front of the restaurant still crowded with people waiting for a table. We end up around the side of the building, the cool night air washing over me as a breeze blows over us, relieving my overheated body and brain.
“What the hell is going on in there?” Archer asks.
Shrugging, I glance around, making sure no one is paying attention to us. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m confused. You seem way into Marina, and I thought you weren’t interested in her. Marina and Ivy seem to like each other. Which is great, I’m glad to see the two of them getting along so well so quick, but I thought . . . I thought this dinner was all about Marina wanting to talk to me about some proposition she has,” Archer says, running a hand through his hair.
“I think she’s nervous. That’s why she hasn’t mentioned anything to you yet,” I suggest. Hell, I’d told her not to say anything, and here’s Archer asking why she’s not. I’m just making up excuses, and it’s not like we can call her out on it at the table. That would just be flat-out rude.
Since when do you care if you’re rude to Marina or not?
It irritates that she hasn’t even told me what she wants to talk to Archer about. I’m just as much in the dark as he is. Doesn’t she trust me enough with the information?
Of course not, asshole. Remember? She doesn’t even know you.
“Well. She’s hardly said one word to me, but that’s fine. Maybe she doesn’t want to talk about it in front of your sister, which I totally get.” Archer pauses, studying me. “And then there’s you.”
“What about me?” I’m immediately defensive.
“If this is, and I quote, ‘a business proposition,’ and you’re just using her, and I quote again, ‘to get what you want,’ then you’re doing a damn good job of being the attentive, googly-eyed date.”
“‘Googly-eyed?’ Nice description,” I mutter. We’re obvious. I didn’t think it would matter in front of Archer and Ivy, but what the hell was I thinking? It didn’t help that we just had sex before we stumbled into the restaurant. I still had a postcoital glow going on, for fuck’s sake.
“It’s true! Every time you look at her, you’re like a lovesick puppy. I think you like her,” Archer says.
“I do not,” I answer way too quickly. Misery courses through me. Do I like her? I shouldn’t like her.
You fucking like her, moron.
“I’m attracted to her,” I finally say. “How could I not be? She’s beautiful.”
Archer shakes his head. “Then you better be up-front with her about this real estate deal you want to make with her dad.”
“No way. She’ll hate me for it.” She called me a scum-sucking shark or whatever the first time we met, when she discovered who I am. She finds out I want to sweep in on the property the Molinas hold on St. Helena’s Main Street—including the very bakery she’s running—she’ll hate me for life.
Shit. She probably already suspects this. She has to. Marina’s no dummy. She’s smart and beautiful and—
“She’ll hate you more if you keep the truth from her.”
I absor
b Archer’s words, remaining quiet. Since when did he get so good at doling out advice? That’s always been my thing. Now I’m the one making idiot moves, and he’s the stable, secure one full of logic.
“You could always lease the property back to her,” he suggests when I don’t say anything. “Give her a deal and let her run the bakery that seems to mean so much to her.”
“How do you know what it means to her?” I ask incredulously.
“Weren’t you listening to what she said? She was talking about running the bakery, her aunt, and the amazing cakes she makes. I’ve tasted them, so has Ivy. She was totally engrossed in the conversation, offering Marina all sorts of marketing ideas to try.” Archer shakes his head. “Are you oblivious or what?”
I look at Marina and all I can think about is the next time I can get her naked. I guess . . . I was tuning her out like a self-absorbed asshole.
“I’m going back in there and asking her what she wants to talk about. I’m not in the mood for a bunch of pussyfooting anymore. I’m too damn curious,” Archer finally says, starting to head back to the front of the building.
I walk with him, the both of us striding side by side toward the restaurant entrance. “Come on. Let her segue into it on her own. I think she just needs to build up her courage.”
“She’s having fun with Ivy, and she’s probably had a little bit too much to drink. I think it’s time for Marina to grow a pair and tell me what’s up.” Archer throws open the door, and I follow him in, wondering at his change of mood.
He’s never been the most patient person. While I have no problem lying in wait, calculating my every move. Whether in business or personal matters, Archer gets too antsy.
“Give her time, damn it,” I mutter, earning a hard glare from Archer.
“Why are you so protective of her, huh? You’ve only known her a few days. What gives?”
I care for her. It’s the stupidest thing ever, but I do. I like her. A lot. The more I think about Archer’s leasing suggestion, the more I believe it could be the solution to the problem hovering over us. “I—”
“You like her,” Archer says again, not sounding surprised. “A lot. I get it, man. Sometimes when it happens, it takes a while like it did for Ivy and me. Other times, it happens so fast you just know.”
“I just know what?”
“You know you’re in love with her.”
I scoff. “I am not in love with her,” I say emphatically. “I’ve known her a week.”
“You have feelings for her, then.” Archer grimaces. “Christ, listen to me. I’ve turned into Oprah.”
“I blame Ivy,” I say with a grin, though deep inside my stomach is knotted, my head spinning. Fine. I like Marina. A lot. I’m not in love with her. Not . . .
Yet?
I banish the thought.
“Be honest with her.” Archer stabs his finger into my chest, making me wince. “If I can give you any advice, it’s to tell her the truth. Be up-front. Let her know about the real estate deal. Tell her you want her help in getting to talk to her father.”
“I sort of already did,” I say, rubbing at my chest where he poked me. Damn, that hurt.
He’s right though. I don’t have to take the bakery away from her. I don’t want to. If it means that much to her, I’m sure we could work something out. I could lease the building back to her and her aunt and they could keep Autumn Harvest open. Keep the business in the family.
That’s a freaking great idea.
“Great. Good. You’re on the right path.” Archer exhales loudly. “It’s just . . . I like seeing the two of you together. Don’t make fun of my ass, but you seem really happy with her. You’re always so wrapped up in your work. It’s nice to see you let loose and have fun.”
I run my hand across the back of my neck, contemplating his words. “You’re not saying this because of that stupid bet we made, are you?”
He rolls his eyes. “I already lost that fucker and you know it. Why would I want to sabotage your ass? I have no stake in it. This is between you and Matt.”
“I haven’t seen him in—forever.” Matt’s busy getting his new winery ready for its grand opening.
“Ivy’s with him a lot lately since she’s been working on the interiors. Ask her how he’s doing.” Archer smiles.
We head back to the private dining room. “What’s up with the shit-eating grin?”
Archer shrugs. “Ivy thinks Matt’s assistant has a major crush on him. He ignores her. I think it makes her want him more.”
“Who the hell would have a crush on Matt DeLuca?” I ask indignantly. Only the majority of the female population in California, let alone the entire United States. Back in the day, he’d been the star pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Until a major knee injury put him into early retirement. Thank Christ for lucrative investments and endorsements. The guy sits on pile of gold bricks, he’s so damn rich.
Huh. There’s another reason why I’m not looking for a serious relationship. I don’t want Matt to win this stupid bet. But is that good enough reason to not want to pursue something more with Marina? So I can beat Matt in a million-dollar bet?
Shit. Am I really considering if Marina is worth more than a million dollars?
You are . . .
Archer’s out of the running with our bet. I’m close to being out without even realizing it. So that leaves Matt the winner?
Unless he finds himself attached as well in the next few weeks, months. Whatever. Then we’d have to call it a draw.
“You should have Ivy do some matchmaking,” I suggest casually, knowing Archer will see right through me.
“Good idea.” Archer nods as we stop at the open door of our dining room. “I’ll talk to Ivy. She can work some magic and hook them up.”
“And then I’m off the hook,” I finish, making Archer grin.
We enter the private dining room chuckling, Ivy and Marina silent as we resume our seats. “You two okay?” Ivy asks pointedly.
I slip my arm around the back of Marina’s chair, stroking her shoulder with the tips of my fingers. “We’re great. How are you two?”
Marina turns to look at me, her expression full of confusion. “I thought you were arguing or something.”
“I was just trying to set his ass straight,” Archer pipes up. I send him a hard stare. Wish he would shut the fuck up.
“So Marina, why don’t we discuss whatever it is you wanted to talk about with me?”
She fidgets in her chair, glancing down for a moment and breathing deep, as if for courage before she lifts her head, her gaze meeting Archer’s. “You want to talk about it now?”
“Now is as good a time as any,” he says with a shrug.
“Okay.” She rests her hands on the table, her fingers plucking nervously at the pale blue tablecloth. “Like I was saying earlier, my aunt Gina makes amazing cakes.”
“They are amazing,” Archer agrees. “I can personally vouch for that.”
She smiles. “Thank you. I’ll let her know. Well, I wanted to see if you were interested in featuring her cakes at the restaurants within your hotels.”
Archer studies her, doesn’t say a word. He’s thinking, I can practically see the wheels turning in his brain, but his silence is making Marina uncomfortable. “I like this idea,” he finally says with a small nod.
“You do?” Marina sounds so hopeful I can practically feel the excitement vibrating off her.
“I do. We can call the cakes ‘decadent desserts’ or something along those lines. Our resorts have an almost . . . hedonistic quality to them.” Archer smiles. “You and Gage should stay there sometime.”
Very funny, motherfucker.
“Gina is a creative genius. Not only do her desserts and muffins taste amazing, but they’re beautiful. Like little pieces of edible art.”
“Hmm.” Archer taps his finger against his pursed lips, then reaches inside his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, bringing up his calendar. “Can you meet with me on M
onday? Come up with a written proposal, exactly what you want to provide, and I’ll consult with my restaurant managers, see if they’re on board.”
Marina’s mouth is hanging open. She looks totally shocked. “Are you serious?” she asks breathlessly.
“Absolutely. I was just telling Ivy how I wanted to stop by your bakery soon so I could get a cake. I have a not-so-secret sweet tooth and so does Ivy. Occasionally we indulge. And your aunt is amazing.” Archer smiles. “I’d be honored if I could feature her at the restaurant. There will be some kinks to work out, but I know we can make it happen if you’re both patient.”
Marina pushes out of her chair and goes to Archer, throwing her arms around him and hugging him so tight, I’m afraid her cleavage is going to strangle him. I refuse to get jealous. She’s so happy I can’t begrudge her or her happiness. Ivy’s laughter indicates she feels the same way.
“Thank you, thank you,” Marina says, jumping away from him, the smile on her face saying it all. “We’ll make this happen. I promise. You won’t regret it.”
“I know I won’t,” Archer says, smiling at her in return before he levels his gaze on me. “Hope everything works out for you and the bakery. If anything, your aunt could come and work for me if Autumn Harvest ends up getting shut down.”
That fucking prick. I can’t believe he would say that to her.
“Um, I’m hoping we can make it work, but I appreciate you offering a job to Gina. I know she would appreciate it too.” Marina smiles, though some of the light has dimmed. “Thanks, Archer.” The excitement has left her voice. She sounds disappointed and she glances down at the table.
Damn my friend for putting her on top of the world and then knocking her right off with a few choice words.
“Why would you say that to her?” Ivy slaps his arm, hard. “You give her good news only to bring her crashing down with bad stuff.”
“Hey, I’d hire Marina too.” Archer flashes her a smile, which Marina returns, but it doesn’t quite light up her eyes.
Jerk. Thank God my sister spoke up. He’s as bad as me, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Hearing his offer makes me want to help her keep the bakery now more than ever. If I get my hands on those buildings, there is no doubt in my mind I will make that bakery hers. She can fight me all she wants, but I won’t take no for an answer.