Chapter Seventeen
Jack and I drive down the long rural highway to Bradley Wines for only a short time. I stare out the window, captivated by the vast open farmland surrounding us on either side. I can’t guess how many large homes are tucked away behind privacy gates and long, twisting driveways.
Jack veers the car off to the right at the base of a paved road. It’s a long drive up as we approach his family’s property.
“This is the best part,” he says, rolling down the windows. I close my eyes and breathe in the sweet smell of the ripe vines. I turn to Jack, and his eyes dart between me and the narrow hill we’re climbing.
The cool breeze brushes past my skin and blows my hair around in front of my face. “It’s beautiful!”
“I know, isn’t it?” his voice vibrates over the sound of the wind whirling through the inside of the car.
“This is the tasting room.” He extends his arm out the window and points toward a small stone structure with a burgundy roof. “Those are the wine cellars, barrel rooms, sorting and crushing stations,” he continues as we get further up the hill.
“This looks like a little slice of paradise out here.” I smile at him, taking it all in.
“It’s where I grew up.” He reaches over the center console to grab my hand. “I’m glad you like it.”
Jack slows in front of a double-swing security gate. He punches in the code, and it opens. Making our way up what seems to be the last hill, a pointed red roof comes into view. A rustic country house peaks over an incline of the roughly paved driveway. As we pull up, I’m overcome by this property’s sheer size and magnitude.
Jack circles the looped driveway before stopping in front of the entrance.
We remain in the car for a few minutes. “The first person you’re going to meet is Gemma. She is the absolute best. She’s my mom’s assistant, best friend, godmother, and chef, among many other things.”
“Alright, so she’s kind of a big deal.” I chuckle nervously, fidgeting with one of my earrings.
“Gemma is going to love you. She’s just like my mom.” He wraps his fingers around my wrist and lowers my hand from my ear. “Ready?”
“I am. I’m excited to see this place.”
Jack quickly squeezes my hand before stepping out and walking around the car to open my door.
As soon as I step out, a strong gust of wind blows up my dress, exposing the tops of my thighs and panties. Panicking, I scramble to keep it down, locking my arms at my sides.
“That was a nice view.” Jack’s laugh rumbles through my chest.
My cheeks redden. “That wasn’t funny.”
“It kinda was. I hope that doesn’t happen in front of all the employees you’re about to meet.”
“Now you’ve unlocked a new fear. Thank you for that,” I say.
Jack hooks his arm around me. “Don’t worry, I’ll be here to enjoy the view—and keep you covered.”
“It’s not funny!” Still laughing, he nudges me through the front door to the house.
“Piper!” my name is screamed from across the room by a short and cute older woman with curly brown hair. She sprints over, grabs me by the shoulders, and I’m deep into a full-body hug before I realize it.
“This is Gemma, Piper,” Jack says.
“It’s so good to meet you!” she exclaims.
I smile, completely bathed in her effervescent energy. “You too, Gemma. Jack cannot stop telling me how wonderful you are.”
Holding my hands in front of her, she turns to Jack. “He says that now, but I wasn’t his favorite at one point,” she teases. “Someone had to keep you in line when you were a kid, huh? He was such a little troublemaker.”
“That’s true. Now I appreciate it, though.”
Gemma turns her focus back to me. “Okay, Piper, I’m going to whip up whatever you want for dinner. Is there anything you don’t like?”
“Thank you so much.” I quickly think about how honest I should be. Do I tell her I am probably the pickiest person she’ll ever meet? Or do I suck it up for the sake of making a good impression instead of giving her the laundry list of my food aversions? “I like just about anything.”
Jack draws his head back. “You should make those chicken pesto flatbreads you just added to the tasting room menu. Piper will love those.”
I tighten my mouth, holding back a smile, proud that Jack knows what I’d like. Glancing over to him, butterflies fill my stomach as those feelings of familiarity return. “I think that sounds really good,” I say, bouncing my eyes between them both.
Gemma brings her hands together under her chin. “Fabulous.”
“I’m going to continue to show Piper around. We’ll see you for dinner,” he says, sliding his hand back into mine.
Jack showed me around the entire five-bedroom home, including the two balconies and one lower deck. He saved his favorite spot for last. We reach the third story, which consists of a large open room with a skylight, an oversized bedroom, and a bathroom. He leads me straight toward two French doors.
He pauses, stepping in front of me before he opens them. “Close your eyes.”
I stare at his stoic expression for a moment, unsure of what I’ll see when I open them again. “Okay.” Seeing only black, I feel Jack’s warm hands on mine, leading me down a shallow step onto what feels like a wooden balcony. The bright sun blazes through my eyes even though they’re squeezed shut.
“Alright, you can open them.” He drops his hands right as I take in the surroundings. “This is one of my favorite places on the whole property.”
We’re standing on a small balcony that barely fits two chairs with a circle table in the middle. The views from this height provide an unobstructed show of rolling hills covered with grapevines, green grass, and a bright blue sky. “It’s mesmerizing. Everything about this place is perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Jack glances over the balcony to the left. “You want to check out the tasting room?”
I excitedly nod my head. “I’d love that.”
“Yeah? Okay, let’s go.” He leads me down the stairs and through the house while giving me a quick rundown of the behind-the-scenes operations of the whole business.
“You’ll get to meet the whole gang today. Most of them have been with my parents for years. Rob, the winemaker, and Marybeth, director of marketing, have been around since I was a kid,” he goes on as we walk out the front door.
“That seems like a lot of people to impress.” I’m picking at the button on my denim jacket when I feel Jack’s gentle grasp on top of my hand.
“I told you in the car, you don’t have to worry about that. These people are like family, and they’ll all love you.”
I force a smile, then fall into step behind Jack. We both make our way down the gravel dirt road toward the tasting room. The sun is out today, but the heavy wind is crisp and blowing my hair around my face.
“It’s very windy out here in the country.” I giggle, pushing my hair aside, but it doesn’t help. A heavy gust whips another couple of strands in front of my face, blocking my view. I roll the bottom of my foot on a large rock, and without control, my legs quickly slip from underneath me. From the side, I see a flash of darkness. It’s Jack’s hand shooting out to grab my arm, preventing me from sliding down the shallow incline.
“Oh my god!” I shriek, grabbing his shoulder tightly with my other hand to brace myself.
“Shit, that was close.” His firm grasp holding me upright.
I’m twisted toward him, with my feet planted into the ground. “That would be my luck today, to fall on my face right before I meet some of the most important people in your life.”
He turns to face me, and our bodies flush. “First, your dress flew up, and now you almost slipped. I’m starting to get a little worried.”
“You?”
He lowers his eyes, turning them into slits. “Were you fidgeting again?”
“No, a very aggressive wind slammed into me. My hair blocked my view, and I couldn’t see.” I grip his arm until we reach the bottom of the hill.
Jack leads me. “Sure.”
“That’s what happened!” I argue.
His chest vibrates as he laughs through his words. “I believe you.”
Once I’m safely away from the rocks, Jack brings an arm around my shoulder. The sweet smell of grapes and fresh air isn’t enough to mask the overpowering, clean scent of him that hits me when I curl into his body.
We approach the tasting room from the side. The parking lot is full of cars—tourists, I’m assuming. Jack and I step onto a small, paved pathway with little flower beds on either side and a tiny sign poking out of the grass in the shape of a wine glass that reads Offices. He reaches to touch the ornate brass doorknob but pauses before turning it.
“This is where everyone’s office is located. Edward, who runs all wine-making production, Marybeth, and both my parents’ offices.”
I nod, keeping my hand securely in his.
Jack dips his head to make eye contact with me. His blues are light. He’s excited—which makes me feel more confident. “You are beautiful, kind, and authentic. You’re going to be fine.”
“You’re just trying to stroke my ego.”
“Obviously. But seriously, don’t trip on anything, and keep your dress down. If anyone gets to see what’s under your skirt, it will be me.”
“Jack!” I playfully hit his shoulder. “You’re such a jerk.”
“Sorry. I’m kidding,” he says, opening the door to a long hallway with rooms on either side. The walls are lined with large black and white portraits of what look to be various stages of the development of the winery.
Jack stops in front of a photo of two men and Heidi, who I recognize. She looks a lot younger and has a baby in her arms. “This is my dad, Steve, my mom, and me when they bought the second half of the vineyard. I think I was only about a year old in this picture.
“The three of them look so happy. What has happened between you, your mom, and Steve in the last year is unfortunate. That’s got to be difficult for her.” I analyze the facial features of Jack’s dad. Their bone structure, square jaw, and light hair are so similar, although Jack inherited Heidi’s beautiful blue eyes.
“I know, right? I’ve never liked Steve, but my parents were close with him, and now it fucking sucks for my mom.”
I squint to get a clear look at his dad. “You look so much like your dad.”
“I’ve been told,” he mutters as we round the corner into the first office space.
“Jack!” An older man in blue jeans and a flannel button-up shirt rises from behind a large maple desk.
“Hi, Edward.” Jack pulls him in for a side hug before turning to me. “This is my girlfriend, Piper.”
“Well, hello there, Piper. How the hell are ya?”
I smile. “I’m good, thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
“We’re all so excited to see Jack with a woman. We were getting a little worried he’d never settle down,” he says, patting Jack on the shoulder.
Jack shifts on his feet, and my cheeks turn red like they always do when someone references him settling down with me.
“Thanks.” Jack dismisses. “How’s everything going with the crops so far?”
“Really good. I’m sure your mom filled you in already. You’re coming to the management meeting on Friday, correct?”
Jack nods. “Yeah, I plan to start attending them this month.”
“That is just great. I know everyone’s really excited about you stepping in.”
Jack’s face softens. “That’s good to know.”
“We’re all rooting for you, Jack. I can only imagine what you will do around here with your degree and marketing experience from the big city,” Edward adds. His energy is warm and kind, reminding me of someone’s favorite grandpa who always has good stories and an ear to lend in times of need.
“I will be implementing some changes, but nothing we all can’t handle.”
Edward briefly turns to me. “So, are you moving up here to help out or—”
“She’s a flight attendant,” Jack interjects, gently squeezing my hand. “She’ll probably want to continue that, but she’ll still visit often.”
Not sure of what to say or if I can add anything else to what Jack said, so I simply smile and nod.
“Oh, be careful. This place is majestic and tricky. The land will suck you in and never let you go,” Edward gleefully warns, returning to his leather office chair. “Look at me. I’ve been here for almost thirty years.”
“You never know,” I tease, glancing at Jack.
Jack tilts his head in my direction with a surprised look on his face. “Good to know.” Then, he turns his attention back to Edward. “Is Marybeth here?”
“Yes, she’s here today. Probably running around somewhere bossing people around.”
“I would expect nothing less.” Jack extends his arm over the top of the desk to shake Edward’s hand, but Edward stands and comes out from behind the desk to give Jack a proper handshake. “See you soon.”
“It was great meeting you,” I tell him as I’m ushered into the hallway.
“You too. I’m sure I’ll see you sooner than you might think,” he calls out.
Once Jack and I are out of earshot, he turns to me. “I appreciate you playing the part so well, but you don’t have to say things you’re uncomfortable with.”
I turn to face him fully. Our bodies are almost flush in this narrow hallway. “What do you mean?”
Jack’s eyes dart around, checking to ensure we are alone before angling his head down to mine. “Saying that, you never know if you could ever see yourself up here.”
“How do you know if that was a true statement or not? You don’t know my plans.”
“Well, was it?” he retorts. Jack’s breath dusts my lips, making them tingle.
I shake my head, confused by his sudden interest in such an empty statement that was only made in the heat of the moment. “I don’t know. We are supposed to be pretending, right?”
“Yes, this is just an act. Let’s not forget that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jack backs away. “Nothing. It doesn’t matter. We have more people to meet.”
Confused by the sudden turn in our conversation, I try to shake it off. Why did he get defensive?
Jack leads me past an office with a sign outside the door that reads Director of Marketing: Marybeth Hopper. He peeks his head inside, but it’s empty. “I wonder where she is.”
“Should we go look for her?”
“Sure—” Jack suddenly halts, his eyes locked on the cracked double doors to our left. “My father’s office,” he mumbles under his breath. His palm is resting on my lower back. It feels intimate after the conversation we had a second ago. No one is around, and no need to put on a show.
With gentle pressure, he nudges me into the space. The area is larger than the other spaces, boasting large windows with clear views of the vineyards and hills. “I’ve only been in here once since he died.” Jack runs a hand through his naturally messy blonde hair. “My mom’s in the adjoining office. They both have individual entrances, but my dad insisted a door was attached between them. He wanted them to move freely between without being bothered by anyone else.”
I smile. “That’s really sweet. They were so much in love, weren’t they?”
“Yeah,” he replies. “My mom has kept his office pretty much shut off from anyone else. The plan is for me to move into this space. I’m dreading the day when I have to start cleaning it out and go through everything.” Jack strolls over to the window behind his father’s desk, almost like he’s lost in thought, having this conversation with himself.
I can’t imagine how difficult it is for him to be here. The more time I spend with him and the more I understand the weight he has on his shoulders, the more I empathize with his need not to be alone. Jack needs me in more ways than one.
I quietly move around the desk until I’m right behind him. His body stays facing the hills with his back to me. I slip my arms under his and wrap them around the front of his waist. My front is to his back, and we stand connected to one another. I lay my cheek against his shoulder blade as he tilted his head to the side, resting his face against the top of my head. I breathe him in while my lungs rise and fall in rhythm with his. They sync perfectly.
“I’m sorry this is hard for you,” I keep my voice low.
I stack my hands around his stomach. He adds his on top of mine, grasping them steadily. All I can take from his gesture is that he’s saying thank you.
“Jack Bradley!” A high-pitched voice from behind us slices through the thick silence in the room.
Both of our heads jerk back simultaneously, but our bodies stay together. Once the short, gray-haired lady walks in, Jack slowly pulls from me. “Hi Marybeth, how are you?” he asks as he brings her in for a friendly hug.
“I’m good. It’s nice to see you,” she replies, holding a tall stack of papers.
Jack wraps an arm around my back, nudging me forward. “This is my girlfriend, Piper.”
“Hello dear, it’s so good to meet you. Heidi told me that you are just wonderful.”
“Thank you so much. It’s great meeting you, and I’m so happy to be here.” Even my responses feel like a job interview or the first day at a new job, where I’m trying to make a good impression on the staff members. But since the moment we pulled up the long, windy driveway, a sense of familiarity has been overwhelming. Waves of pleasant feelings have come and gone since then.
“I’m looking forward to talking with you at the end of the week about what we’ve been doing with our marketing strategies and campaigns,” Jack tells her.
“Of course. I have a full presentation for you. You’ll be excited. But I’m also looking forward to all you’re going to do.” She’s vigorously nodding her head.
“Great. Thanks Marybeth.” Jack looks back at me with a soft smile on his face. “I’m going to finish showing Piper around. See you soon.”
“Of course, of course,” she quickly answers, stepping to the side and allowing a path for Jack and me to slip out of his parents’ office.
“So great to meet you, Piper. I’m sure I’ll see you around,” she says.
“It was my pleasure.” I smile, ignoring her natural comment of seeing me around. I’m unsure what Jack wants me to say now, especially after his bizarre response in the hallway earlier. We hang back by the door until Marybeth leaves, and then Jack proceeds to shut and lock the office that was once his father’s, which now belongs to him.