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My father chuckled. “My schemes are no less convoluted than your hack husband’s attempts to saw open half of Dover.”
“He’s a surgeon, Dad. Not Dr. Frankenstein. You’re the only father I know who wouldn’t be thrilled if their daughter married a doctor!” Olivia exclaimed.
“He’s barely a doctor. Where did he get his medical license? The Internet?” He looked up at Joey, who was currently tugging on my hair. “He’s gotten so big.”
“Yeah, that’s what babies do. They grow. It’s not like you were ever around to see your kids grow up,” Olivia shot back.
“Oh, forgive me for providing for my family,” my father replied. He was getting gradually louder. The secretaries paused their typing, no doubt listening.
He took a deep breath and turned back to me. “I need to talk to you. You can have lunch later. I need to go over a couple of things about the Dover Mall contract with you.”
I shook my head. “Sorry, Dad. I’ve got plans. If you want to meet with me, you can ask Johnathan to make you an appointment like everyone else.”
My father balked. “How dare you speak to me like that?”
“The real question is, how dare you speak to Olivia like that?” I hissed. My father stiffened, preparing for a fight. Olivia grabbed my wrist.
“It’s not worth it. Let’s go,” she whispered. She was right. I didn’t want my dad to ruin our day.
“See you around, Pop,” I said nonchalantly. His face reddened, and a vein popped on his forehead.
“You absolute—”
“Bastard,” Joey finished from up on my shoulders. Olivia clapped her hand over her mouth.
“Joey! Where did you even learn that word? That’s not nice!” Olivia tried to admonish him, but soon we couldn’t stop laughing. My father was stunned. We took the opportunity to make a break for it.
I reached up and gave Joey a high five, helping him off my shoulders and into my arms once we made it out onto the street.
“Way to get the last word in, Joey,” I said. He beamed.
"Do you always drive yourself?" Rebecca asked as we drove to our hotel in Napa Valley.
"I like to be in control." I glanced at her and winked.
A soft blush covered her cheeks.
We took my private jet to California, and I had a car waiting for us at the airport. The venue was only thirty minutes away.
Napa was a much-needed escape from the crowds and chaos of Boston. The landscape was lush, an explosion of color with rolling hills, blooming trees, and wildflowers – a stark contrast to the cold, gray concrete landscape of Boston. The road stretched before us like a ribbon winding up into the hills. My car navigated the hilly landscape with ease. I rolled the windows down, letting in the scent of the fresh Spring air.
“It’s beautiful out here,” she said.
“Have you been before?” I asked.
“Many times, but I never get tired of it.” She smiled at me. “I love the natural beauty.”
“Me too.” I reached over and placed my hand on her smooth, bare thigh.
I looked over at her, admiring how her sundress clung to her curves and how her heels accentuated her toned calves. Her sun-kissed hair curled softly around her shoulders, and I longed to feel it between my fingers. The citrusy scent of her perfume filled the car, inviting me in and further stoking the fire inside me. I wanted to savor every moment with her.
I was completely under her spell as we drove along, each second making me more eager to be alone with her in our room. She was a vision of perfection that I couldn’t resist, and I was determined to make her mine.
I wanted her, and I knew my reputation as a playboy and womanizer put her off. But this weekend, I was determined to show her, not only the real me but, that she was the only woman I wanted. Her beauty and class were singular.
The charity event was tomorrow evening, and the Palais des Reves Napa Valley Resort is hosting it. I pulled up to the expansive flagstone terrace. The luxury resort was built in the late 19th century and was modeled after castles in France and sat on acres of sun-soaked hillside vineyards.
I parked on the circular driveway, and the staff opened our doors. I found a valet and handed him my keys.
