Chapter 17
Aspen
Two Weeks Later
Giddy.
Yes, I felt like a giddy schoolgirl at the moment. I’d never been so excited in my life.
“You did great work,” Jackson said as he peered over my shoulder, watching the commercial he and I had put together.
“Do you think your brother will agree?”
He snorted. “If he doesn’t, the man is a dumbass.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Sighing, I pulled away from the computer, studying the gorgeous colors appearing through the window. The sun was setting, the vibrant hues of the afternoon giving me more hope than I’d felt in a long time. “We shall see. Is everything else ready?”
Jackson moved away from my desk. “You just have to get him there.”
“That might be tough. He’s not going to like the surprise.”
“Yeah, well, if anyone can force him to shut the hell up for a little while, you can.” Jackson grinned before checking his watch. “I gotta go. I have a wine display to finalize. I’ll check on the media release as well as ensuring the video is completely prepared.”
“Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without your help.
” He was so much like his brother, but the man had his own vibe, an entirely different lust for life.
And as always, his ideas had been brilliant.
There was already buzz in the world of wines, the Costco orders difficult to keep up with.
I was proud of the fact additional grocery chains had placed orders as well.
It seemed that all was right with the world.
Especially since Prescott Westfield had been arrested. While the damage he’d caused, so much destruction for so many people, would take time to change, I had faith in the people of Napa. This was home after all.
“You did the hard work. I just added my suave characteristics.” He laughed before walking to the door. “This is going to be a great night.”
I could hear sadness in his voice. We’d all experienced far too much of that emotion recently. “I know. Have champagne ready in huge amounts. This is just the beginning.”
“I like your style, lady.”
I adored the way the man laughed. Sighing, a series of shivers trickled down my spine.
The last few days had been difficult, but everyone at Wolfe Wineries had rallied around the horrible occurrences, truly becoming a family.
The change in Montgomery’s behavior had been breathtaking.
After everything that had happened, including finding out about Joshua’s betrayal, he’d rallied around trying to boost sales, including working on the production line. The wines I’d tasted had been yummy.
I giggled like some damn schoolgirl, twirling in a complete circle before walking toward the window, taking a deep breath as I watched the gorgeous sunset.
Then I felt his presence behind me.
Him.
The man I’d fallen desperately in love with.
Every single muscle in my body tensed, every cell bursting into a wave of heat.
My nipples were instantly hard, my pussy clenching more than once.
The stunning man had the kind of effect on me that couldn’t be explained.
Not that I cared to try. I only knew he made me wet and hot.
“Are you just going to stand there?” I knew my question would entice the dominating man lurking deep inside.
His demons had been released, but he would always be a powerful and controlling man.
Enough so he’d already introduced me to his playroom. I shuddered from the last time we’d shared an experience. The delicious memory was one I wouldn’t soon forget.
He pounded into me for a full minute as he brushed several fingertips down the crack of my ass. Every hole belonged to him. I found it difficult to think clearly, my mind in a complete fog.
His growls became more ferocious as he slid the tip of his cock up and down before pushing it into my darkened hole.
I tensed as I always did, fighting the urge to struggle.
When he drove his cockhead in until he hit the tight ring of muscle, I almost panicked as I’d done from the start, but the warmth of his hand as he rubbed my back proved calming.
I took several deep breaths, still straining in my bindings, but knowing without a doubt that the man standing behind me would never hurt me.
And I’d never felt such love in my life, the emotion overpowering.
The powerful man plunged the rest of his cock inside, his roar of ecstasy floating all around us. I adored the sound of him letting go, capturing the light as he satisfied his needs. Today was even more extreme than any time before, our playtime private and secure. No one was ever to know.
My muscles stretched to accommodate his wide girth, the initial ache quickly morphing into an elongated series of sensations. How could anything feel this good?
“Oh. Oh. Oh…” With every brutal thrust, I was unable to hold back even a single moan, fisting then flexing my fingers with every savage pass. Nothing could be sweeter than this. Nothing.
I could tell he was struggling to hold back, losing his control. A smile crossed my face, exhaustion settling in, only I knew this was only the beginning of a wondrous night. There would be more.
When he released, I felt tears forming in my eyes, but they were tears of joy and happiness.
He wrapped his body around mine, his hot breath dancing across my heated skin. “I love you, Aspen, and I always will.”
The words were something I wasn’t certain I would ever hear. “I love you too.”
A few seconds later, he moved away, slowly untethering me from the apparatus. As he pulled me into his arms, cupping both sides of my face, the shimmer in his eyes was nothing short of breathtaking.
“You are mine, Aspen. For now. Forever. I plan on spending the rest of my life with you.”
Exhaling, I leaned in, taking my time before pressing my lips against his. The light kiss was just another layer in our amazing relationship. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I bit back a smile from the delicious thoughts racing through my mind.
“I suggest that you be careful how you talk to me,” Montgomery growled as he walked closer. “I just might have to punish you.”
“I’m not a bad girl.”
“Uh-huh.” He closed the distance, immediately smacking his hand against my bottom several times. “You are a very bad girl and I plan on fully disciplining you later.”
His words sent another shiver down my spine. “We have something to do first.”
I was able to see his reflection in the glass, his face pensive.
“What have you done?” he asked.
“Oh, it’s just a surprise.”
“I don’t like surprises. Remember?”
I laughed as I turned toward him. “You’re just going to have to get used to them. Come on. You need to trust me.”
He grimaced then a smile crossed his face. “All right. But just this once.”
“Yeah. Yeah.” I moved away from him, grabbing my purse and keys. “We shall see.” As we walked down the stairs, I grabbed the blindfold I’d slid into my things, biting back a chuckle. It would be fun to see if I could surprise him.
When we got to my Jeep, he wrinkled his brow. “I’m driving.”
“Nope. You aren’t. As a matter of fact,” I said after tossing my things into the back of the Jeep, “you’re going to do exactly as I say.”
“Says who?”
“Says me. Fight me and I assure you that you will face my wrath.” I showed him what I had in my hands, unable to keep a grin off my face.
Montgomery laughed as I approached, shaking his head. “You are something special, Ms. Porter.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Wolfe. Now is the time for you to trust me. Can you do that?”
He eyed the blindfold, shaking his head. “This had better be good.”
I gave him a wry smile before tying the material around his eyes, securing it with a knot. “Let’s get you inside.” I helped him into the passenger seat, crossing my fingers as I walked toward the other side. His reaction would be interesting.
As I got inside, starting the engine, I could tell he was uncomfortable. That also gave me a slight smile. I was a naughty girl.
“What are you doing, Aspen?”
“Just something. Relax. We’ll be there in no time.”
I turned on the radio in some crazy effort to help with the tension that remained deep within me.
His reaction would mean everything to me.
I remained nervous during the drive, my breath skipping.
This event was important to the winery, the commercial a make it or break it situation.
Whatever happened could change everything.
After a few minutes, he jerked forward. “Okay, little brat. Time to come clean.”
“That’s not going to happen. Not yet. You just have to wait. You can do that, can’t you?” I laughed after saying the words.
“You are so going to get it.”
“As I said before. We shall see.”
Fifteen minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot, the area blocked off for the wineries involved in the event.
When I cut the engine, I took a deep breath.
I’d almost died in the fire. There was so much I couldn’t remember, but the few things I did only fueled the love I had for the man sitting next to me.
He’d saved my life by risking his own.
I noticed Maggie racing toward us. The look on her face was priceless. I’d enlisted her help, her recent phone calls more precious to me than I realized. Just seeing her face made everything seem that much more real. I was so glad I’d sent her a plane ticket.
“I have a friend who’s going to help us today,” I said before opening the door. I could already feel the effects of the music for the festival, the vibrations dancing in the Jeep.
“And just where are we?” Montgomery asked.
“Just somewhere.” As soon as I opened the door, I had a feeling the music had given away my plans.
“Aspen!” Maggie yelled as she raced toward me, dragging me into a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
“And I’ve missed you. You’re going to help me?” I asked as I pushed her away.
“You know I will. Is that the hunk of a man you were telling me about?”
“Yep. And he’s a handful.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I can handle him.”
As we both pulled Montgomery from the passenger seat, he grumbled under his breath. He didn’t like being out of control for a second.
“What is all this noise?” he demanded in his usual tone.
“Just some music. Nothing to worry about.” Together, Maggie and I dragged him forward.
I was amazed at the number of people at the festival, the entire atmosphere jazzed.
As we approached the tent that had been set up to premiere the commercial, I felt a tightness in my chest. What if no one liked what Jackson and I had spent so much time putting together?
“You can sit right here,” I whispered in Montgomery’s ear, helping him ease onto the seat located right in front.
“Wow. There are so many people here,” Maggie said then whistled.
“That’s what I was hoping for. When I give you the sign, remove his mask.”
She squeezed my arm. “This is amazing. I’m so glad I’m here.”
“I’m thrilled to have you here, but I’m worried.” I noticed Jackson at the front. He waved, indicating everything was in motion.
“Stop worrying. From what I can tell, you found the love of your life. But…”
“But what?” I gave her a look, laughing as I noticed the way she was looking at Jackson.
“Who is that gorgeous man?”
“That is Montgomery’s brother. If you’re good, I just might introduce you.”
Maggie fanned her face. “Honey, I will do anything you ask.”
Her lighthearted nature allowed me to take a deep breath. “Okay, just give me two minutes.” I gave Montgomery another look before walking toward the stage, more nervous than I’d ever been in my life.
“We are good to go,” Jackson said as he stared out at the crowd. “This is fantastic. We’ve already had traffic at the booth.”
“Who’s minding the store?”
He exhaled. “Well, I kind of took matters into my own hands. It’s Robert Blakely.”
I gave him an incredulous look. “You are kidding me.”
“No, he had nothing to do with the fires or Prescott. It’s time Montgomery makes amends.”
“You are… Well, okay,” I said as I laughed. “Let’s do this.” I gave Maggie a wave and took a step away from the screen, hoping and praying I’d done the right thing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Jackson Wolfe, vice president of Wolfe Wineries.
My brother and I would like to take you on a journey, one of love and loyalty for both the land as well as our employees.
Come join us in the celebration of the new wines we are presenting today.
Then come and join us in booth four-seventy-nine.
We have plenty of wine for you to taste. ”
I stood in the shadows as the commercial started to play, my heart racing. From just a few seconds in, I could tell that Montgomery was moved. He sat up in his seat, his eyes pinned on the screen.
Yet through the one-minute commercial, I held my breath. When it was over, I closed my eyes, uncertain of what to expect.
The thunderous applause was exactly what I’d hoped for. Now it was time to learn the love of my life’s reaction.
I didn’t bother leaving the stage, watching as at least two hundred people came to congratulate both Jackson and Montgomery. There was so much pride in the two men, their smiles lighting up the entire area.
“You did good, my friend,” Maggie said as she flanked my side.
“I think I did. Of course, I had help.”
“Mmm… How can you resist Jackson?”
“Because I’m in love.”
Love. I’d never expected anything so amazing in my life.
“I’m so happy for you,” Maggie said. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to see if I can introduce myself to the hunk of a man who helped you.”
“Go for it, girl.” I bit my lower lip as I noticed Montgomery heading onto the stage. Sadly, I was unable to read the look on his face.
His approach was slow, but his eyes were burning with fire. When he swept me into his arms, turning me in a complete circle while he yanked me off my feet, tears slipped down my face.
“You are amazing, my sweet and beautiful Aspen.”
“You like it?”
“What’s not to like? However, you are one bad girl.”
There was something so special about hearing the words, the joy sweeping through me so powerful. I wrapped my arms around his neck, lowering my head. “You know I love you.”
“And I love you. However, that doesn’t mean you’re getting out of a round of discipline later.”
All I could do was smile. I’d found the perfect job, the perfect home.
And the man of my dreams. What more could a girl ask for?
The End