Chapter 10
Ten
Jasmin
I’m not sure if I should be freaked out or flattered about Parker being here.
On the one hand, it feels very bold of him considering we aren’t actually dating.
On the other, it’s kind of sweet. Maybe he wanted to see me.
Or it could be that he wanted to see how I am when I’m not rushing through phone calls with him.
Parker talks to the server before grabbing his stuff and heading to our table. A small knot in my stomach forms, and I fear I’ve made a terrible decision.
He sets his food down before taking a seat. “Hi Daniela.”
“Hey Parker. I didn’t realize you and my sister were a thing.” She leans forward on her elbows studying his reaction.
Parker grins. “It’s still pretty new.” He turns his attention to Jacob. “You must be the groom. It’s nice to meet you; I’m Parker. Jasmin’s date, and one owner of Starlit Fields, where you’re getting married.”
“Jacob.” He reaches out to shake Parker’s hand. “How did the two of you even meet? No offense, but smalltown boys aren’t really Jasmin’s type.”
“I would have to actively date in order to have a type.” It’s not like there’s been a ton of time between work, looking for a job, and making sure everyone in the house is okay. But Daniela wouldn’t know anything about that. I hate that I sound so bitter.
“We actually met on Valentine’s Day. The winery was doing an event and she was fending off a stream of guys from asking her to dance. I swooped in and saved her.”
“So, you knew he owned the winery when we went to look at it?” My sister sends me a death glare.
“She didn’t.” Parker comes to my defense. “I wasn’t exactly forthcoming with the information. I told her I was working it, but not in what capacity. People get weird sometimes about it, and I was enjoying the conversation.”
“Me too.” I feel like I need to add something because he’s doing all the talking. Daniela will think it’s odd. “That was one of the reasons we let you explore the area. We were both shocked when we saw each other.”
“And the two of you have been talking ever since?” Jacob wags his finger between both of us.
“Pretty much.” It’s not a complete lie. I place my hand on Parker’s to bring out the authenticity.
To his credit he doesn’t flinch or anything.
He turns it up so now our hands are clasped.
All I can think about is how it felt when we were running to his house to get out of the cold.
Our hands melded together and laughter filling the air.
“You said you were one owner of the winery. How many more are there?” It’s cute my soon to be brother is curious. He’s a talker, though. I swear he can make friends anywhere he goes.
“Six of us in total. It’s been in my family for a few generations. My siblings and I co-own it. The only one who doesn’t actively work there is Paula.”
“Wait,” Daniela interrupts him. “The same Paula we met this morning? At the flower shop?”
“That would be her. She’s always been the type to do whatever she wants, and doesn’t care if it hurts any feelings.”
His face lights up when he talks about his big sister.
I can see how much love and pride he has for her.
Does Daniela look at me the same way? Or does everything I’ve done for the family ever cross her mind?
Hopefully she notices how much of myself I’ve given away in order to make sure our parents have any, and all, support they need.
I honestly think my parents wanted me to move back home because they knew I’d help them.
I don’t blame them, but it sucks all the same.
“She was so freaking sweet.” Daniela takes a bite of her food. “Most flower shops in the city would have pushed their thoughts on us, or rushed us along. Paula took her time, gave input when we asked, and made the process so enjoyable. I can see why the flower shop has such amazing reviews.”
“We like to go at a slower pace. Besides, what’s the point of forcing something your client doesn’t want. It makes zero sense.”
My sister beams at him. I can already tell he’s won her over. And if she likes him, Jacob will too.
I try to pull my hand from Parker’s so he can eat, but he holds it firmly in place. “I can eat my wings with one hand.”
“Okay.” There’s a part of me that’s glad he wouldn’t let my hand go.
The other part is telling me not to get too close.
We’ve already established this is fake. There’s no reason to get cozy.
It’s nice though. To have someone want to be close to you without wanting anything else.
Well, technically since we’re both getting something out of pretending to date.
But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like his hand in mine.
“How far is the winery from here? We are thinking of reaching out to this place to cater the food and drinks that aren’t wine.
” Jacob says after finishing his food. “I’d like to keep everything as local as possible.
The prices are better, and I want to make sure the community is benefiting from our business. ”
Jacob is the only person I know who thinks like this. It’s not all for show either. He makes a point of eating locally to our neighborhoods. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen him and my sister eat at a chain restaurant. I guess it comes from the fact his mom owns a boutique.
Parker shrugs. “Maybe fifteen minutes. And you won’t go wrong with any business you choose to have cater the wedding. There’s also a really good Mexican restaurant down the road. I spend most of my time between here and there when I want something to eat.”
“Perfect. We’ll have to check that place out next.” Jacob beams. Yep, Parker has him hook, line, and sinker. I think that’s how the saying goes.
“Y’all can come by the winery before you head back home. I’m sure you’re curious about the location.”
“Daniela showed me pictures, but I’d love to see it in person. Maybe have a couple of glasses of wine while we’re there.”
The server, Lisa, comes by to see if we need refills on our drinks.
“I think we’re good,” Jacob says. “Can we get the check?”
“Oh, it’s already been taken care of.” Lisa nods to Parker.
“You didn’t have to do that.” My voice is barely above a whisper, but I know he heard me.
“It’s not a problem. Besides, I get a discount.” To the rest of the table he beams. “Let me know when you’re ready to head out. You can follow me over.”
“I’m ready.” Both Daniela and Jacob announce at the same time. Why are they so in sync with each other? If it wasn’t so cute, it’d be annoying.
He pulls his hand from mine to wipe off the wing sauce. Then he stands and waits for me to leave my chair before taking my hand again. “Are you riding with your sister? Or, do you want to ride with me?”
“She’s riding with you.” Daniela doesn’t give me a chance to answer.
“I guess I’m with you. Lead the way.” I motion to the door. He grabs a bag from Lisa on the way out. This is about to be the longest fifteen minutes of my life.
Ten minutes into the drive and the silence is killing me. Well, not complete silence. There’s music on the radio but it’s at such a low volume it might as well be silent. I have to say something.
“You laid on the Southern charm a little thick back there.” Shit, that sounds defensive.
He tilts his head to the side like a confused puppy, and it’s adorable. No. Stop thinking like that. This isn’t real.
“What do you mean?”
“Buying lunch, inviting them to the winery. It was a lot.” Plus, I’ve rarely had a guy offer to buy my food when on a date. We usually split the bill, or pay for ourselves. Maybe I’m digging to see if this is how he normally operates.
He glances over at me. I guess he’s trying to gauge where I’m coming from. “I’ve bought many people lunch. But you’re supposed to be my girlfriend. If I didn’t at least pay for your food, your sister probably would have swung at me.”
Oh, she definitely would have. Daniela is used to being treated like a princess, especially from Jacob. “You’re not wrong. It was just unexpected for you to pay for everyone.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to Lisa about before I came to your table, and I slipped her my card.
” He takes a deep breath. “And paying for everyone was easier. As for the winery stop, I figured Jacob would like to see it. He seemed pretty interested in the business operations. I can give y’all a behind the scenes tour. ”
“Oh, okay.” All of those are valid reasons. “So, before I realized you were at a close table, my sister said she wants you to go to some of the wedding events. Are you okay with that? I can always tell her you’re busy. It’s not a big deal.”
“As long as I don’t have anything happening at the winery, I should be able to go.” He reaches across the seat and his hand hovers over my knee. “Is this, okay?”
It feels like there’s a frog in my throat when I nod and say, “Yeah.”
Parker makes me nervous, but in a good way. He makes me want more than I’ve ever wanted before. It’s an odd feeling. It scares me to be honest.
“Anyway, I’m down to do whatever your sister needs.”
“Please don’t say that. She’s used to getting what she wants and it’ll only feed her ego more than it needs.”
“Sounds like we’re a lot alike. I’m also used to getting my way.”
“Spoken like a younger child.” I roll my eyes.
“What does that mean?”
I shouldn’t have said anything. It popped out of my mouth before I thought it through. “Younger kids tend to get away with more than the older ones. Maybe because parents are practicing on us, I don’t know. But we tend to get all the rules and stipulations.”
“Oh. I never realized that.” Maybe he’ll think about his relationship with his brother now. Who knows?
We’re finally at the winery and the parking lot is full. Are they having an event? Maybe Parker skipped out on it to come see me. The thought shoots a thrill through my body to think I’m that important.
He gets out of the truck and comes around to open my door. This is definitely going to win brownie points with my sister. “What’s going on?”
“Looks like another rush of customers.” We hurry inside the building, and he’s not lying. There are a ton of people.
“Thank God your back.” Piper says as she makes her way to the counter.
“Look who I ran into while in town.”
“Oh, hi.” She glances around. “Where’s my food?”
“Crap it’s in the truck. I’ll run out and get it.”
“In a minute.” His sister glances around. “Help me clear these people out first.”
“If you give me your keys, I’ll go get it.” I hold up our entwined hands.
I feel like this is something a girlfriend would do. Piper also looked stressed to the max. The last thing I want to do is keep her from eating.
“You are the best. When you come back in just hang out back here. As soon as we get these customers taken care of, I’ll come to you.”
“Okay.” He lets go of my hand and places his keys in it. “Take your time. We don’t have anything going on and can be here for a while.”
He leans toward me and gives me a quick peck to the cheek before whispering in my ear. “You are amazing. I promise it’s not always like this.”
“No problem.” I turn to my sister and Jacob. “I’ll be right back.”
“Do you want us to go with you?”
“No, just hang back. He said it won’t take them long to clear out.”
“Sounds good.”
Hopefully she doesn’t see me lift my hand to my cheek as I walk out the door. I know I’ve seen this man naked, but these little moments are giving me butterflies. This is not going the way I planned.