Chapter 14
The bell above the door chimed, and I glanced at the clock. My noon appointment was ten minutes early. “I’ll be right there,” I called out and placed the cake pans in the oven. Once they were cooked and cooled, I could stack them, decorate, and get the cake over to the winery before this afternoon’s event.
I washed my hands and headed to the front of the bakery.
The woman who had called to make an appointment last month after seeing one of my videos on social media gave me a wave as I approached. Her groom smiled, his dark brown hair was cut short and his face clean shaven, revealing a dimple in his cheek.
“Good afternoon and welcome.” I dried my hands on the dish towel, tossed it on the counter, and approached the couple. “I’m Lainey.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” the woman said. Her brown hair was pulled tight into a sleek ponytail and her tanned skin made it look like she’d recently come from an island vacation. Sun-kissed and beautiful. The only thing I ever got when I went in the sun was burnt and crispy. “I’m Celeste.” She motioned to the man. “And this is Damian, my brother.”
“Oh,” I said. “The groom isn’t here today?”
“Sadly, my soon to be brother-in-law was called away on business.” Damian took my hand, held it, and met my gaze. “But I was happy to stand in for him. I hear your cakes are delicious.”
I giggled like I’d never been flirted with before, and I wasn’t even sure if this qualified for flirting or just throwing me a compliment. Yeesh, you’d think after witnessing Nero flash his Grasso charm at woman after woman through the years, I’d be immune to a man’s flirtatious nature. Or maybe after Nero’s disappearing act, I was grateful for someone to pay attention to me.
“Hopefully, I can live up to those high expectations,” I said and motioned toward the table in the corner. “Please have a seat and I will bring out the tasting plates. Then when you’re ready, we can discuss flavors, design and all the fun stuff.”
“We can’t wait,” Celeste said as she took her seat and placed her small purse on the back of the chair.
“My mouth is watering.” Damian winked at me, and I swallowed the giggle wanting to force its way out, and headed to the kitchen.
“Can you behave?” I heard Celeste say before I turned the corner toward the plates I had already prepared.
I gathered the plates and brought them out, placing one in front of Celeste and one in front of Damian. I pointed to the first cake. “This is a carrot cake with maple cream cheese frosting, then we have a pistachio cake with honey vanilla buttercream, then we have a white almond sour cream cake with almond buttercream, a vanilla cake with strawberry jam and chocolate ganache, and, my personal favorite, a red wine chocolate cake with raspberry buttercream, fresh raspberries, and a chocolate ganache. I can do any combination flavor you like, but these are currently my most popular. I know your wedding is in June, so I’m trying to give a good balance of flavors for that time of year. I have another plate ready with five more flavors, but I don’t want to overwhelm you, so let’s start with five and go from there.”
“Perfect.” Celeste clapped her hands together and picked up her fork. “I don’t know where to start.”
“I’d recommend leaving the chocolate for last since it’s much more decadent than the others.”
Damian went right for the chocolate. “I prefer decadence first.” He took a bite, and his eyebrows shot high. “Holy shit, Celeste. This is amazing.”
“Thank you,” I said, heat erupting in my cheeks. It wasn’t just at the compliment—I got those often enough—but it was at the joyous look on his face and the way his eyes took me in as if I was some sort of wizard.
“Can I ask what wine you use?”
“It’s a local wine from right here in Vine Valley. It’s their Pinot Noir.”
“That’s the winery I showed you,” Celeste said to Damian as she forked a piece of the pistachio cake. Her eyes closed and her arms went limp. “My God, that’s good.”
“Wait till you get to the chocolate,” Damian said before turning his gaze to mine. “I’m a buyer for a group of restaurants along the west coast and always looking for good wines to add to our menus. Celeste and I were planning on visiting the vineyard while we were here, but Celeste has an unexpected meeting this afternoon.”
“It’s a great environment. Even if you go by yourself, there’s always plenty of people to talk to, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time,” I said. “I go a couple times a week after closing. The Grasso’s are like family to me, so I might be a little bias, but you cannot miss a trip there. All of their wines are fantastic.”
“What’s your favorite?” he asked, focusing his attention completely on me while his sister forked another piece of cake into her mouth.
“The Sauvignon Blanc. It’s crisp, not too acidic, and just delightful.”
“I’m going to have to try it.”
“You should.”
“Are you going to be there tonight?”
I hadn’t planned on going. I was still avoiding Nero, but what was the point of that? Avoiding him wasn’t going to change what happened. It was better if we went back to the way things were. “I might,” I said.
“Maybe I’ll see you there.”
“Maybe.”
“Oh. My. God.” Celeste threw her head back. “This chocolate cake is divine. Seriously, this should be illegal. Is it?”
“No.” I laughed.
“Outstanding. I know I’m having a June wedding and chocolate might be too heavy, but I really feel like the raspberry balances out the decadence, making it kind of perfect.”
“The raspberry definitely gives it more of a summer feel, and honestly, this cake is popular all year round, and it has been a part of many summer weddings.”
“I think I found my cake,” Celeste declared.
“I haven’t even tried the others,” Damian said.
“Then stop talking and start eating.”
“Do you want to taste the other five?” I asked.
Celeste tapped her fork near where the chocolate cake was on the plate. “I’m pretty certain I’m going with the chocolate, but I’m not going to pass up more cake.”
“I’ll bring it right out.”
“Thank you,” Celeste said, but it was Damian’s eyes who I caught. He smiled, and as I made my way to the kitchen, I wondered if I had inadvertently agreed to a date.
Usually after work, I’d head straight to the tasting room, flour stains and all, but tonight I made sure to stop home and change. I might have even refreshed my makeup and sprayed a little perfume on my neck and wrists. I didn’t think this was actually a date with Damian, and I wasn’t even sure if he’d even be there, but I wanted to feel confident as I walked into the tasting room.
Just in case, I had sent a mirror selfie to Sherry for outfit approval. She approved once I told her I wasn’t dressing up for her brother, but for the cute guy from the tasting earlier. She hadn’t exactly forgiven Nero for ditching me in Philly. Or sleeping with her best friend. The list was long.
I parked and headed inside, but as soon as I made it halfway up the stairs, my legs wouldn’t move, my nerves freezing them in place. What if just the sight of Nero forced naked images to my mind, tingles to my core—faint ghosts of what could’ve been if only he’d woken up beside me.
Though, my interaction with Nero at the farm stand had been pleasant and not as awkward as it could have been. It was definitely better than the last time I was in the tasting room.
“You okay, dear?” Odette asked as she stopped beside me on the stairs. I glanced over at her, her blue eye shadow touching the bottom of her penciled eyebrows and her red lipstick extending beyond her lips.
“I’m good,” I said. “I thought I forgot my wallet in my car for a second.” I shoved my hand in my purse and pulled out the wallet. “But I have it right here. How was the cake?” I dropped it off earlier, and Odette had admired the cake from the minute I placed it on the table.
“It was absolutely yummy. It might have tasted better than it looked, which is saying something. It was stunning.”
“I’m so happy you enjoyed it.”
“I was hoping to take a piece home, but Albert took care of every leftover.”
“I didn’t know Albert was part of the historical society.” He wasn’t exactly the joiner type.
Odette sighed. “He wasn’t until he decided he wanted to declare his farm stand a historical landmark and was denied. I don’t know what joining our society will do, but that man always has some sort of motive.”
“I think he wanted another excuse to be where you are,” I said, knowing damn well the rivalry between Odette and Albert was as strong as the rivalry between the Eagles and the Giants.
Odette’s laugh echoed around us, and she slapped a hand to her chest. “Please. That man can’t stand me, and the feeling is mutual.”
“You know what they say. Opposites attract.”
“That’s a whole lot of baloney. That man could make any woman run for the woods, including me. I’d rather take my chances with the bears than with his grumpy butt.” She waved her hand in the air. “Enough about that. Are you here to see Nero?”
“I told you that kiss meant nothing.” The words came out and it was a hard blow to my heart.
“I know, and I’m still shutting down the rumor mill, but you two are just as cute as a button.” Odette’s gaze drifted down my outfit. “And you’re all dolled up tonight.”
“I’m actually hoping to meet someone,” I said, eager to put an end to this conversation.
“Good for you,” Odette exclaimed. “Keep your options open and don’t be too picky. Take it from someone like me who found something wrong with every man who wanted me. Now I’m old and alone.”
“Odette you are not old, and you’re not alone either. Your friends with practically everyone in this town.”
“Yes, but friendship and a companion are two entirely different things.” She motioned toward the door. “Now let’s head inside. I could use a glass of pinot.”
I held my hand out and let her go ahead of me. When we reached the door, I took a deep breath and stepped into the one place that had always felt like a third home.
My eyes scanned the bar, and as always, Nero was there, but he was on the farthest side while Chris was closest. I followed Odette, standing behind her as we walked, hoping she’d block me from view. I was perfectly aware of how pathetic that was, but my stomach knotted each step we took.
I found an open stool and hoisted myself onto it. Odette waved over Chris, and we placed our drink orders. Odette reached for her wallet.
I held my hand up. “It’s on me tonight.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” she said.
“Consider it compensation for controlling the rumor mill for me.”
“You’re a doll.” Odette held up her glass and clinked it against mine. “Time to mingle.”
“Go have fun.”
Odette hurried away, her platform sandals snapping in sync with her steps. I chanced a glance at Nero. He looked as gorgeous as ever. Usually the dark blue of his eyes was hard to determine, but not tonight. The blue button down he wore made his eyes pop. His sleeves were rolled to just below his elbows, showing off his forearms. Forearms should not be sexy, but his were.
Visions of his hands roaming my body popped into my head. If I knew we were going to be one and done, I might have savored it a little more. Then again, I’m not even sure if that was possible. I had relished every second.
A blonde approached the bar and zeroed in on Nero. He smiled that Grasso charm, and not wanting to witness him in action, my gaze drifted away. A slight gasp fell from my lips as my eyes landed on Damian. He held a glass of wine in my direction, and the corners of my mouth twitched, my lips curving skyward.
“Hi,” I mouthed and raised my glass to him.
He left his perch and rounded the bar. I quickly shot a text off to Sherry to let her know he showed. I inhaled as he approached and shoved my phone in my bag. He had also changed, swapping his white polo for a navy-blue short sleeved button down.
“You came,” he said as he stopped behind my stool.
“I came.”
“Do you mind?” He motioned to the stool that had just been vacated.
“Please.”
I nodded to the deep red liquid. “Got yourself a glass of the Pinot Noir.”
“I did, and it’s delicious. I already spoke with the tasting room manager about buying several cases, and he’s getting me a meeting with the VP of Sales.”
“Nero,” I said. “His family owns the place. He has an equal share of the business. The VP of Sales is his brother, Laurent.”
“Funny, he didn’t mention any of that.”
He never did, and I never understood why. “He’s modest.”
Damian’s gaze shifted down the bar to Nero, who was flirting with that blonde. “Looks like it.”
“Yeah.” I took a massive sip of wine and tried to ignore the Nero show.
“I told him you sent me, and he gave me a good deal, so thank you for that.”
I doubt it had anything to do with me and more to do with the fact of getting a foot in the door of a great opportunity, but who was I to turn down praise? “You’re welcome.”
“Let me buy you a drink to show my appreciation.”
I held up my glass, not realizing my big sip downed almost the entire thing. Shit. I might be hitching a ride with Sherry later, or staying in her office while the alcohol worked its way out of my system.
“Another glass would be great.”
“Sauvignon Blanc, right?”
“You remembered”
“Of course.” He smiled, highlighting the dimple in his cheek. He held up his hand, but instead of getting Chris’ attention, he grabbed Nero’s.
I straightened in my seat, determined to be casual. He was the one who left me in a hotel room two hours away. If anyone should feel uncomfortable, it should be him.
“Damian,” Nero said, eyeing me with those too blue eyes. “What can I do for you?”
“I would love to buy this beautiful lady a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.”
“Looks like she already has a glass,” Nero said, swiping the towel off his shoulder and wiping down the bar in front of Damian, forcing Damian to pick his glass up.
“She’s almost done.”
I downed the rest of the glass. “Done.” I held up the glass and pushed my arm toward Nero. His eyes narrowed. He didn’t move to grab the glass, and I sat there, awkwardly holding the stem.
“You have to drive,” he said.
“I’ve only had one glass. I think I know my limit.”
“It’s my bar, so that’s not your decision to make.”
What the hell? Why was he being such an arrogant prick?
“I think the lady can have another glass. If need be, I can drive her home.”
“I bet you’d like that, huh?”
Damian didn’t flinch. He straightened and stared at Nero head on. “I would just like to buy the lady a drink.”
Nero’s blue eyes no longer popped. A storm moved in, the dark blue melding into black and becoming one. His jaw tightened, and for a second, I was afraid he might say something he’d regret.
“Fine,” Nero all but growled.
“It was the Sauvignon Blanc,” Damian said.
“I know what she drinks.” Those five words held more venom than a deadly dose.
I bit back a growl. He had no claim on me, especially after abandoning me. If anything, he should be thanking me for sending him a new customer. But with the way he was acting, I’d be surprised if Damian didn’t tell him to shove it. I sure as hell would.
Nero placed the glass on the bar in front of me with a little too much gusto. He closed the bottle and glared at Damian. “Do you want anything else?” His tone was curt and short.
“I’m good for now, thank you.” Damian smiled at Nero, which was more grace than Nero deserved. “Are you hungry?” Damian asked me. “There’s a taco truck outside that’s delicious. I had a shrimp taco.”
“She’s allergic to shrimp. Are you trying to kill her?” Nero snapped.
Damian’s hands shot up in front of him. “I didn’t know, but I’m sure she would have told me.”
“Yes, I would have.” I set my jaw. “Thank you, Nero, but you can go help someone else now.” I glared at him with every ounce of frustration that was bubbling just beneath the surface. “Maybe that blonde who you were flirting with earlier.” I hated that I’d said it, but I didn’t take it back. I wouldn’t. He could flirt with anyone he wanted to, but I couldn’t have a drink with a man? Screw that.
“Whatever,” Nero said and stormed to the other side of the bar.
“That was a little intense,” Damian said when Nero was out of earshot.
I took a sip of wine. “I’m sorry. He’s usually not like that.”
“He’s jealous.”
“I doubt that. Nero doesn’t do jealousy.”
“Maybe he didn’t, but he definitely does now. Is there something between you two I should know about?”
“No,” I said a little too quickly, then hid behind my glass. “I mean… I don’t know. It’s complicated, I guess.”
“Did you two date?”
A snort rumbled my nose. “I don’t think he’s ever had a girlfriend in his life.”
“Wants all the perks without the effort.”
I tilted my head. “What do you mean?”
He gave me a warm smile, one that probably should’ve made my heart race, but it was still shaking its fist at Nero’s back. “A woman like you should be appreciated. There should be no question about intentions.”
“What are your intentions?” I bat my lashes. There was no reason why I should ignore a man who was interested in me and didn’t have some stupid rule about not dating.
Damian leaned in. He smelled like a forest of pine. “To have a drink with a beautiful woman and see where it goes. How does that sound for you?”
“Sounds pretty good. Where’s this beautiful woman?” I glanced around, coming back to him with a smile.
His finger rested beneath my chin. “There’s only one I see.”
His touch didn’t elicit any desperation or a sudden rush of heat to my core, but he was handsome and kind.
“That line work for you before?” I asked.
“First time I’m trying it out. How’d it do?”
“Eight out of ten. Would recommend again.”
“Maybe after tonight I won’t need to use it again.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
His eyes twinkled at my words, and I turned to my glass with a satisfied quirk of my lips. As I lifted the glass to my mouth, I caught Nero’s gaze.
It was darker than before. My throat tightened under the intensity. If Damian hadn’t said it, I never would have known what I was seeing.
Nero Grasso was jealous.
Good.