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Sheila laughed. “I think his title is ‘temporary president,’ or something of the sort. Let’s not call him a big shot. Okay?”
“If you say so.”
“Just keep in mind that he is important. His decision on the winery is critical.” Emily’s puzzled expression was not lost on Sheila. “I’ll explain more about him later. Right now let’s go and meet him at the door.” Sheila grabbed Emily’s hand and hurried to the front entrance, hoping to forestall any more of Emily’s questions about Noah.
When she opened the door, Sheila stood face-to-face with the one man who had touched her to the core, and she felt her poise beginning to slip. Noah wasn’t alone. With him was a boy; his son, Sheila guessed. The resemblance between the man and teenager was strong. Though Sean’s hair was blond, his skin was dark like his father’s, and his eyes were the same piercing blue. Those blue eyes regarded Sheila intently with a deep-seated, undisguised hostility.
“I tried the bell, but I didn’t hear it ring,” Noah explained.
“It hasn’t worked since the fire.”
Noah seemed a little uncomfortable, but when his eyes found Sheila’s, he held her gaze and spoke softly. “Earlier, you invited me to come and see the winery for myself. You asked me to spend a weekend here, and I’ve decided that there’s no time like the present. Does the offer still stand?”
“Now? This weekend?” she asked.
“If it wouldn’t inconvenience you. . . .”
Sheila was caught in the power of his gaze, the warmth and invitation in his eyes. She had to force herself to smile and keep her voice cool and professional. “Of course you’re welcome. I’m sure if you stay and see the magnitude of the problem, you’ll understand why we have to begin rebuilding the winery as soon as we can.”
“I’m sure,” he agreed, dismissing the subject. “I’d like you to meet my son, Sean.”
Sheila’s smile spread as she turned her attention to the boy at Noah’s side. She had always had a way with kids, especially teenagers. She genuinely liked them, and it showed in the interest in her eyes. “Hi, Sean. How are you?”
“Fine,” was the clipped, succinct reply. His expression of hostility didn’t diminish.
Sheila didn’t press the issue. “This is Emily.” She touched Emily’s shoulders fondly.
Noah bent his knees so he could talk to Emily at her level. “It’s nice to meet you, Emily.” He extended his hand, and when Emily took hold of it, he gave the girl a warm handshake. “I bet you’re a big help to your mom. aren’t you?”
“I guess so,” Emily mumbled before retrieving her hand and stepping backward to put some distance between herself and the forceful man.
“We were just about to have dinner,” Sheila stated as Noah rose back to his full height. “Could you join us?”
Sean rolled his eyes and looked away. Noah spoke for the two of them. “If it’s not too much trouble. I should have called before I left the office, but I was running late, so I just headed out of town.” The lie slipped so easily off his tongue that Noah had no trouble smiling disarmingly down at her. His conscience twinged, but he ignored it.
“It’s fine,” Sheila was saying emphatically. “I always cook as if I’m expecting the army.” She moved out of the doorway. “Come in. I still have a few things to do to get dinner on the table. Or, if you would prefer, you can look around the grounds. I’ll give you a guided tour later.”
“I’ll wait. I think I’d prefer apersonaltour.”
Sheila felt the heat climbing up her throat. Somehow she managed to keep her voice level. “What about you, Sean? Dinner won’t be ready for half an hour. You’re welcome to come into the house; I’ve got several books and magazines you might be interested in, or you can do whatever you want out here.”
“I don’t like to read,” Sean replied curtly, but after receiving a dark and admonishing glance from his father, he amended his brusque response with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’ll stay outside.”
Emily followed Sheila and Noah inside. Sheila busied herself with the finishing touches for the meal, and Noah lounged against the counter, watching her as she worked. Emily hovered near Sheila, uncertain about the upcoming evening.
“You out of school for the year?” Noah asked the girl.
“Uh-huh.”
Sheila could feel Emily’s embarrassment. Ever since Sheila’s divorce from Jeff, Emily was shy with men to the point of wariness, especially any man who showed attention to her mother. To ease Emily’s discomfort, Sheila changed the subject. “Dinner’s going to take a little longer than I thought, Emily. Why don’t you take a couple of cookies and—” she paused to inspect the contents of the refrigerator “—some of this pop outside for you and Sean.”
Emily’s wide brown eyes lit up. “Really? Before dinner?”
“Why not?” Sheila asked with a smile and handed the cans of ginger ale to her daughter. “Tonight’s special.”
Emily balanced the cans against her chest while she reached into the cookie jar and withdrew a handful of macaroons. “Great,” she whispered, hardly believing her luck at receiving goodies before a meal.
When the back door slammed shut and Emily could be heard in the distance, Noah moved from his position against the counter to stand behind Sheila. She could sense his presence behind her, but she tried to maintain her interest in the sauce she was preparing. It was impossible. His hands wrapped around her waist and drew her close to him. She closed her eyes as she felt his breath rustle the hair at the nape of her neck.
