Chapter 15 #2
I shrugged like it didn't matter but inside I felt relieved. I had this man’s dick in my mouth last night.
I was not trying to have lunch with a woman he fucked or spanked.
Christian walked around the counter and leaned down near my ear.
"You’re jealous but you don't have to be.
I'm all yours for the duration of this contract. "
Then he left the room.
My stomach twisted because for the duration of this contract was one thing, but what happened after?
Who would he belong to then? I pushed the thought to the back of my mind because I didn’t have a dog in that fight and headed upstairs to get ready.
Lunch at my favorite vineyard would definitely make me feel better. For now…
I grabbed the keys to the Aston Martin and headed to the garage.
The car purred to life and I backed out carefully because the last thing I needed was to scratch this man’s car.
The drive to the vineyard was a pure adrenaline rush.
I’d definitely look for one of these for myself, and if not this model, then one just like it. I was already addicted.
I arrived at Divine Vines free and clear of damage to Christian’s baby and received a text from my brother as soon as I parked.
Alex: Call me when you can.
I glanced at it, locked the screen, and dropped my phone in my purse, deciding to call him later. Right now, I had lunch plans. I smiled big and waved when I noticed Niama standing by the entrance on my way to the door. She grinned and walked out, offering a hug.
"Hey, girl! Perfect timing."
"Thanks for inviting me. This place is gorgeous. I didn’t realize who you were until you suggested lunch here. Didn’t even make the connection."
She flashed a smile. "I never tell people because they get weird about it and thank you. I still can't believe I own it sometimes."
She led me inside to a corner table by the windows. The restaurant was beautiful and you could see the vineyard from where we were seated.
"That's a nice car."
"It's not mine. I'm borrowing it."
"Must be a good friend to loan that out. It’s limited edition, right?"
I frowned and nodded, wondering if she had seen Christian in it before. "Something like that."
A waiter appeared and Niama waved him off. "I was going to start with lunch, but actually, let's do a tasting first. You game?"
"Absolutely."
She led me to a different room with a long wooden bar. Multiple glasses were set up after a brief conversation with one of her employees who brought out a massive spread.
"Let's start with the whites." She poured the first glass. "This is our Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of citrus and gooseberry."
I took a sip and moaned. It was clean with a subtle undertone of fig.
"It's perfect. Light but complex."
"Pairs beautifully with our goat cheese and herb plates." She gestured to small plates laid out and waited for me to try some.
The combination was perfect. The wine's acidity cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
"Next up, our Chardonnay. This one's oak-aged for six months. It has a full body, is kinda buttery, and has hints of vanilla.”
“Buttery wine?” I reared my head back and she laughed.
“Not like that. Just try it. I promise you’ll love it.”
I sipped the blend hesitantly and smiled. "Completely different profile but it’s good."
"Exactly. We pair this with our lobster bisque." She motioned to the small bowl of soup which I sampled and the richness of the soup enhanced the wine's depth.
"Now the reds." She poured Pinot Noir. "Light ruby color, cherry and raspberry notes."
"Ohh, I like, I like. This is so smooth."
"Perfect with our chocolate desserts. Taste the chocolate raspberry square."
I lifted one and moaned again. “So damn good.”
We moved through three more reds. A Merlot with plum and herb notes. A Cabernet Sauvignon that was bold and structured. I made sure to only sample considering I had to drive Christian’s very expensive car back to the house but last up was a blend she created herself.
"This is our signature. Cabernet base with Merlot and Petit Verdot."
I swirled the wine and inhaled deeply. Dark fruits, spice, a hint of tobacco.
"Shit, girl, this is good."
"Thank you. It's been three years in development."
"How did you know what proportions to use because it’s absolutely perfect?"
"Lots of trial and error and patience."
We moved back to our table, bringing the signature blend with us.
"So tell me more about Crescent Falls. You've been here a few years?"
"Yes. I fell in love with this property right after I moved but politics here are tough. Luckily for me, I made friends with the right people."
“Who? I might need them to be my friend too?” I teased and she laughed, nodding.
“Ezekiel Omari. He more or less controls who gets property in the city.” She paused and drank some of her wine. “Well for the little people anyway. If you’re not a name, then you have to go through him. I got lucky.”
Ezekiel. Christian’s brother-in-law. That meant if Christian had really wanted to block me, he could’ve. I wasn’t a nobody—because the Whitney name held weight—but technically here, in his city, I didn’t have pull.
"Then you’re very lucky.”
“I can make an introduction if you want. Do you need help with a property?”
I quickly shook my head. “No, the deal I made is final.”
Thanks to Christian…
"Well if that changes, let me know.”
Our food arrived shortly after. I ordered the salmon with lemon beurre blanc. Niama got the duck. Both smelled amazing and mine tasted like heaven.
"This sauce is perfect with this." I tipped my glass to her then enjoyed more.
"The chef and I worked on pairings for months."
"It shows. Everything complements each other."
She smiled big as hell. “Thank you. All work and no play means a successful vineyard.”
"So that means no one special in your life?"
"Nope. I don’t really have time. This place consumes everything I have to give and unfortunately it’s not giving much in return." She frowned then rolled her eyes. “At least not in the love department.”
"I totally get that. My work used to be my whole life."
"Used to be?"
I tensed, hating my wording because it used to be before my fake ass marriage and used to be before my situation with Christian. I wouldn’t dare say either of those things, so I settled for a half truth.
"I'm trying to have more balance."
"Good for you. Dating in a new city must be interesting."
"I’m not..."
She grinned and her brow slowly lifted. I frowned at that. “What?”
“I know who that car belongs to, and before you get all defensive, I’ve only seen him in it.
I’ve never personally been in it. I also know how much he loves that damn car because he drove it to a gala and threatened the attendant’s life if he so much as breathed on it.
So even if you’re not dating, you’re doing something with Christian Devereaux. ”
I hesitated. "I… we’re..."
“Relax, Scot. I don’t care who you spend your time with. Christian is sexy as hell and very much in demand. Good for you for having a little fun with a younger man.” She grinned and I wanted to crawl under the table.
“Please don’t tell anyone. We’re just…”
She waved me off. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I shouldn’t have even brought it up but I felt like we bonded over Pilates so we’re practically family now, girl. And just so you can hear me say it, I would never tell your personal business. You have my word.”
I didn’t know why but I believed her so I relaxed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I lifted my wine before I explained, “And It's not a relationship. Just temporary fun."
"Famous last words."
I rolled my eyes but smiled.
One of her servers approached the table with a tray of miniature desserts and a bottle of wine. Niama grabbed the wine and poured us both a fresh glass.
"Try this. Late harvest Riesling. Pairs with our chocolate torte."
The wine was sweet but balanced with a golden color. With the chocolate, it was perfection.
"I'm never leaving this place."
"Don't tempt me. I could use the help."
Two and a half hours passed easily. Wine, food, conversation. I felt more relaxed than I had since arriving in Crescent Falls. Niama was easy to be around and talk to. I was definitely glad we met.
"I should probably head back.” I rubbed my stomach and sighed before finishing my last glass.
"Already? We're just getting started."
"I know, but if I stay I’ll keep drinking and I’ll never make it back."
She laughed. "Okay fine, but next time, I'm giving you the full Vintage Suite tour."
"I'd love that."
We hugged goodbye, made plans to get together soon, and I made my way back to Christian’s house with my mind already shifting to what my evening would be like with him.
I smiled after I parked the car in the garage.
A girl could get used to handling that kind of speed.
Living in New York, I typically had a driver.
I only owned one vehicle, which was boring in comparison to Christian’s Aston Martin.
I was wondering if I could talk him into letting me buy it.
I could certainly afford it, but based on the way he barely wanted to hand it over to me temporarily, I had a feeling it had more to do with the car than the cost.
Men and their toys.
I rolled my eyes, smiling as I entered the hallway that would take me to the kitchen but my phone distracted me from my thoughts about Christian. When I noticed it was Alex calling, I cringed and answered with an apology.
“Hey, sorry. I was going to call you as soon as I got home. I’ve been?—”
“You need to get your ass back here to New York, Scot. Our father is trying to shut you down.”
My steps faltered but not just because of what Alex said. The sight of the man standing in the hallway with his eyes tracking my every move would be enough to make any woman trip over her own feet.