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That was nothing, Zack thought to himself bitterly as he dried the sweat off his face with the towel in his hand. He could do better than that. Zack was a man who was known for his strength and his stamina both in the boardroom and outside the corporate world. He could do anything he set his mind to. He never lost a bet yet. And this was about his dream, his future, the very essence of who he was. So, the old man wanted him to control himself? Fine. He’d do just that.
Carl entered the Romero private gym with his workout gear and walked over to Zack who was making his way over to the shower.
“Hey, how did the rest of the meeting go with Granddad?”
“Not good.”
“No?”
“Nope. He wants me to stay sex free for the next month.”
Carl grinned at first. Then he could not help himself and burst into a full-blown, hearty laugh.
“Hey, that’s not even remotely funny, bro.” Zack cocked a brow, slinging the towel over his shoulder.
“I’m laughing with you, Zack, not at you.”
“You know the funny thing about that statement is I’m not even laughing,” Zack answered with a humorless expression. “I’m going to hit the shower. I’ve got a business to run, a tour to do and a young woman to fire.”
“You mean that Blue Monroe chick?”
“Yes.”
“You can’t do that, Zack. You know that would tick off the old man.”
“That’s not my problem. He should not have hired her during the preliminary interview without my final say. I just don’t think she would be suitable for the job.”
“You're gonna go with that, huh? Come on, Zack.”
“Hey, don’t you have to go into the city for that meeting with the investors?”
“The manager of the firm will handle it. I’m giving her more control of the business so I can focus more on civic duties.”
“Oh, no. You’re still not thinking about running for mayor, are you?”
“You know it’s been my dream to make a difference, Zack.”
“Aren’t we all making a difference?”
“Yes. But politics is where my heart is. By the way, if I never told you before. I’m really proud of you, man.”
“For what?”
“For all you’re doing. You’ve really turned this vineyard thing around. Not only have to nailed the market but you’ve turned it into a lucrative deal for young entrepreneurs and future winery businesses. The National News made you out to be some hero, you know.”
“Really?” Zack kept abreast of industry news through his assistants but he’d specifically asked them not to tell him about gossip the press may have on him. He chose to ignore critics concerning his personal life. It just wasn’t worth getting worked up about, just in case.
“Yeah, they said you created more jobs, not just in the industry but related to the industry. Some economic growth impact. Good job, bro. You’re not as bad as you want us to believe,” Carl teased him.
Zack rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Don’t work out those muscles too much in your head,” Zack joked back.
“Yeah. Whatever.”
After Zack showered and changed into another suit, he left to go to the winery building and vineyard on the estate. It was a cool midsummer day, the cloudless blue sky glowed over the vineyard. He paused when he saw a white Ford sedan pull up by the gate.
That must be his guest ... who would soon be leaving.
Blue got out of her car unaware Zack was watching her. She seemed to be having trouble with her skirt. It was a snug fitting gray skirt that was riding up on her. A grin of amusement touched his lips. He leaned back in the office gazing at her.
My God! The woman was…lovely. Damn!
He had met her on many occasions casually whenever she was sent by her news station to cover events hosted by his family. He’d also seen her up close at the house when she came to apologize personally for her cell phone being used to record the private conversation of his brother and grandfather. A heaviness centered on his chest at the thought of that invasion—though she claimed it wasn’t her fault. Don't they all?
Blue closed the door of her car and went to the trunk to grab some equipment. She made her way up the stone pathway leading to the vineyard.
