Chapter 8 Daphne
DAPHNE
Alex had said to leave it to her to find out how Cru felt about me. That in itself was worrying. One never knew what Alex Avila-Butler might have up her sleeve.
He definitely reacted to my lingerie teasing. But would he think I was just being playful, or a brat, as he’d called me? Or would he realize how hard I was flirting with him?
“What time is dinner?” Cru asked once we were in his vehicle and headed out of San Luis Obispo.
“Typically at eight, but let me check. Their body clocks will be wonky.” I sent my mum a text, then looked over to find him studying me.
“How’s the lingerie?”
I wiggled my bum. “Interesting.”
“Not the word I expected you to use.”
My face scrunched, and Cru laughed.
“What?” he asked.
“It might be TMI.”
“Suddenly, that’s stopping you?”
“It’s just that my skirt isn’t quite long enough to cover my bum when I’m seated.”
“And?”
“I should’ve thought to wear knickers.”
Cru glanced at my lap, groaned, and put his eyes back on the road.
“You asked, and I did warn you.”
“Lesson learned.”
I reached over and touched the sleeve of the pullover he’d put on over his shirt. “I like this.”
“Good thing since you picked it out.”
“Do you not like it?”
“I love it, Daph.” He looked down at my legs. “And I love the stockings.”
I ran my hand down my thigh and wriggled my eyebrows. “They’re silk.”
“One would think you’re intentionally trying to drive me crazy.”
I batted my eyelashes. “Crazy how?”
“I’m a man, Daphne, not a robot.” He didn’t even attempt discretion when he adjusted his trousers.
“Do you have the same reaction with all your friends?”
Cru rested his elbow on the arm of his seat and looked out at the perfect view we had of the ocean from the highway.
“Here’s the deal, my friend. We’re going to be living and working together, side by side, every day.
At night, I’ll be in the bedroom right below yours. There’s a lot at stake here, Daphne.”
I had to turn away so he wouldn’t see how humiliated his words made me feel. Truly, it wasn’t his fault. I was the one playing games, as he’d said. I’d started it yesterday, and today, I took it farther than I should have. “You’re right, and I’m sorry, Cru.”
“I think we should dial it back.”
“You mean I should.”
He shook his head. “If that’s what I meant, it’s what I would’ve said.”
“It was nice to see Trevino today.” I hoped we could get off the subject of my blatant attempt at seducing him, especially given he clearly wasn’t interested in me.
“He said he was leaving California, but when he heard I wasn’t living in the cottage anymore, he changed his mind. I wish there was something in the winery he liked to do.”
“There’s nothing? I mean, there are so many options.”
He shook his head. “If there is, he hasn’t found it yet.”
My phone vibrated, and I looked down at my mum’s response. “She asked if we’d mind eating a bit earlier.”
“I’m good with it. When?”
“Thirty minutes?”
“Where?” he asked.
“The Sea Chest. She said they want to enjoy the view before it gets dark.”
“We should be able to make it on time.”
I remained quiet the rest of the drive, still humiliated that Cru had called me out on my behavior. Something occurred to me, and depending on his answer, I might have to find another place to live.
“What’s the rule about bringing dates to the house?”
His hand was tight on the steering wheel, and his jaw clenched. “Do you mean to spend the night?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. What about you?”
“I don’t, either.”
Cru turned his head toward the ocean again. “I don’t want things to be awkward between us, Daph.”
“I’ve already apologized, but I’ll say it again anyway. I’m sorry.”
“I wish I knew how to get us back to where we used to be.”
I blinked away tears, hating that was all he wanted, but knowing it was for the best. “So, the waitress, is that someone you’re dating?”
His brow furrowed when he looked over at me. “Are you sure this is a conversation you want to have?”
“You’re right. I don’t. What time do you want to start tomorrow?”
“I try to be in either the winery or the vineyard by nine at this time of year.”
“Have you finished pruning?” I asked.
“Not everything.”
I hoped he’d let me help tomorrow, but if he didn’t, I’d understand.
For now, I’d happily be the equivalent of an apprentice.
The opportunity Cru had given me was exactly what I’d been looking for, and what had I done?
Flirted with him shamelessly and made him uncomfortable.
From now on, things would remain professional between us.
We could still be friends, just never anything more.
When we arrived at the Sea Chest, my parents were first in line.
“How long have you been here?” I asked when Cru dropped me off and went to park.
“Your mum insisted we get here no later than four so we’d have a better chance at getting a table.”
“Looks like you’ll have your pick.”
The restaurant didn’t accept reservations, so diners were seated first come, first served. Hence the line that formed outside every day they were open.
“Look at you guys at the front of the line,” said Cru when he joined us. He shook my dad’s hand and kissed my mum’s cheek.
The three made small talk while I looked out at the Pacific Ocean. I loved it here on Moonstone Beach, and having the chance to work at Los Cab meant I’d be less than thirty miles from it. I should be counting my bloody blessings instead of doing my best to muck everything up.
Stormy, who ran the restaurant, seated us at the best table in the place. It was in the farthest right corner and had a panoramic view of the beach and ocean. This was why my parents got here so early. The table was my mum’s favorite.
“Cru, would you like to do the honors?” My dad asked, handing him the wine list.
“Why don’t we let Daphne pick?” he suggested instead.
I perused the options. There were so many of my favorites that I had a hard time choosing. Finally, I went with a Norman Chardonnay in honor of my parents’ visit.
“I had an interesting conversation with Roan Norman this afternoon. You remember him, don’t you, Daph?” my dad asked.
“Of course I do. Gosh, it has to be ten years or more since I last saw him. How is he?”
“He’s taken over full production from his dad, which I suppose is one of the reasons George and Lana are traveling so much. He asked about you.”
Roan Norman and I had gone on a couple of dates when Beau and I were on a break.
He was a nice guy, but I honestly didn’t remember having that much in common with him.
At the time, I was twenty and he was twenty-four—one year younger than Cru and Beau.
“I don’t recall him having an interest in wine-making. ”
“He must’ve acquired one,” said my mum, peering over her menu.
“Cru, do you know Roan?” my father asked.
“I do—”
“Did I hear my name? Or are you talking about another guy called Roan?”
I laughed, and so did my parents. Cru did not.
“Daphne, it’s really good to see you.”
“Likewise.” He’d aged in the time since we dated but in a good way.
The truth was, he could be a male model; that’s how good-looking he was.
He was tall, with a powerful build, like Cru’s, but instead of dark, almost-black hair, Roan’s was golden like the hillsides in the valley.
And, rather than deep bourbon-colored eyes like the man’s seated to my left, his were blue.
“Hey, Cru.”
“Roan,” he responded without looking up from the menu.
“When you said you were coming here tonight, I started craving their food. I’ll let you enjoy your dinner. I’ve got a spot at the oyster bar.”
“No, don’t eat alone. Join us.” My father motioned to the empty chair between my mum and me.
“I don’t want to intrude.” Roan looked between Cru and me.
“Did I mention Daphne is working for Los Caballeros?” my dad asked.
Roan raised a brow. “Really?”
It would’ve been a good time for Cru to chime in on the conversation, but he didn’t.
“Have a seat, Roan,” my dad said, pointing to the open chair a second time.
“If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, do we, Daphne?” My mother leaned over and nudged me.
“Of course not.”
Roan made his way around the table. It would’ve been easier had Cru stood to allow him to pass, but he was behaving as though he hadn’t heard a single word of the conversation.
“Can I give your seat to someone else?” Stormy asked, approaching the table.
“Of course. Sorry. I should’ve come and told you,” said Roan.
She waved her hand. “Not a problem. So, can I bring you anything to drink while you’re waiting to order?”
“Two bottles of Norman Chardonnay, please,” I said.
“Excellent. Will you be tasting, Daph?” she asked.
“Please.”
“You didn’t have to,” said Roan, leaning into me.
“I actually chose it before you got here.”
“Well, I’m honored, nonetheless.”
My father engaged Cru in conversation while my mum and I chatted with Roan.
Every so often, I’d glance in their direction, thankful Cru had livened up a little.
I found my dad’s about-face from earlier today intriguing.
Then he and my mum had sounded as though they were ready to send out wedding invitations.
Maybe whatever Cru had said to him about us while I was speaking with my mother convinced him we were nothing more than friends and never would be.
“Cru?” said my mother partway through our meal.
“Yes, Beatrice?” he responded, setting his utensils on the edge of his plate.
“Daphne said she’d be starting work tomorrow, but I was wondering if you could spare her one more day.”
“Mum!”
Cru put his hand on my arm, and warmth spread throughout my body. “It’s okay. I’m sure your parents want to spend time with you.”
How could I tell him I’d rather be with him, err, be at work without hurting my mother’s and father’s feelings?
“I was hoping you could stay with us, and tomorrow we could have breakfast together,” my mum added.
“Of course I can do that,” I said when Cru removed his hand.
Not only had I bought clothes and boots today, I’d also picked up a few extra personal items like shampoo and a toothbrush, so it wasn’t like I’d have to get my bag from Los Cab.
“I can drive you over,” Cru said as we were leaving the table.
“No need. I’ve got my car, and I’m going that way anyway,” said Roan, who I hadn’t seen approach.
“It is out of your way,” I offered when Cru appeared to be waiting for an answer.
“Right. Makes more sense for you to ride with your parents.”
I didn’t miss his suggestion. “I’ll have to get a few of my things out of your SUV.”
We all walked out together, and Roan told my mum and dad we’d be right behind them.
“Hang on,” I said. “I have some things I want to put in your trunk.”
Dad popped it, and Cru and I started moving the bags over.
“Oh, wait, not all of that is mine,” I said when I saw Roan pick up the rest.
He set them down and put his hands in his pockets.
“I think that’s all,” I said to Cru. “Thanks for taking me shopping today.”
He leaned in close to me. “It was my pleasure.”
If I hadn’t resolved to stop flirting with him, I might’ve wriggled my eyebrows or attempted a witty comeback. Instead, I nodded once, closed the trunk, and got in the backseat when Cru opened the door for me.
“I guess I’ll see you sometime tomorrow, then?” I asked.
“Take all the time you need. The job will be there when you’re ready to take it.”
My heart hurt when he walked away without saying anything else.