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“You’ve turned into this career-driven woman, no time for men or anyone. Actually, I stand corrected. You clearly have time to fuck Dominic, am I correct?”
Crossing my arms against my chest, the thrum of my pulse is fast and rapid, my stomach hardening from the truth coming out. My stare remains fixed, eyes never leaving Noah’s judgmental stance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course not, your life. I get it.”
“How dare you judge me?” My voice smolders with resentment. “I’m certain your marriage breakdown has something to do with you being an arrogant prick!”
The words echo in the cellar, but thankfully Mr. Auvray, Lex, and Charlie have stepped out.
Noah shakes his head, narrowing his eyes while curling his lip. “You’re just like her.”
“Excuse me?”
“Driven by ambition, and you’ll do anything to keep it that way.”
I point my finger at him, unsure how he managed to evoke so much emotion from me. “Firstly, don’t compare me to your wife. What I choose to do with my personal life is none of your business. In fact, I never asked you to come here. It was Charlie’s idea, not mine. I was happy without you in my life.”
With the drop of his head and hands in his pocket, Noah turns his back and walks away. My words were callous, a clear heat-of-the-moment exchange, and the further he walks away, regret finds its way to me like a gust of wind after the remnants of a storm.
Lex and Charlie are waiting at the entrance, noticing Noah missing. I quickly let them know I’m heading to my room for a rest before joining them for dinner. Back in my room, I throw myself onto my bed, willing my eyes to close. But sleep is impossible, and Noah’s words haunt me to no avail. So, I changed, big deal. And who cares if I’m ambitious, I’ve been this way since before I met him. His opinion is his opinion. I just have no idea why it matters so much to me.
Why do I even care?
My eyes close, but the weight on my mind only allows me to shut down for a few minutes. I’ve grown accustomed to power naps while I travel, a quick way to re-energize. I decide to take a long shower to ease my tense muscles, but no matter how hard I try, my mind shuffles back and forth between Noah and Dominic. Two very different men in my life wanting different things.
I hop out, frustrated at myself for overthinking and dress into a sleek slate-colored cocktail dress which sits mid-thigh, flaring at the waist with an off-the-shoulder design. Pairing the dress with black strappy Alexander McQueen heels, the necklace I wear is simple with matching hooped earrings and an oval turquoise ring to add a splash of color. Finishing off my face, my makeup is simple, and my hair is tied back into a tight ponytail.
Staring into the mirror, I take a deep breath until my phone buzzes in front of me.
Dominic’s name appears with a video file attached. My fingers move faster than my brain rationalizing and telling me don’t open it.
The video begins with Dominic lying on the bed completely naked with his cock standing upright, rock hard. He begins to stroke it, slowly, his face wincing as if every stroke brings him pleasure and pain. The hairs on my arms begin to rise, the temperature in the room increases to an uncomfortable level of heat. Shaking my head, willing to break me from his hold, I hit pause on the video and throw my phone on the bed in frustration.
***
Dinner is to be served outside on the large terrace with open views of the vineyard. The sun is yet to set as I step out, but still, the scenery takes my breath away.
Lex and Charlie are already sitting down along with Mr. Auvray and Claudette. Taking a seat on the opposite side of Charlie, she offers a smile before Noah joins us.
My eyes fall upon him, the way he looks so handsome in a pair of black trousers and a navy-blue dress shirt. The dinner isn’t overly formal, prompting him to roll up his sleeves with his shirt slightly unbuttoned, exposing his chest. The smell of his cologne lingers in the air, creating this unwanted feeling inside of me. Perhaps I’ve been too harsh on him, adding stress to his life when it’s evident he’s going through something significant.
Beneath the table, I move my hand toward his and place it on top, squeezing it tight to let him know it’ll be okay. He doesn’t flinch nor turn my way, but beneath my hand, his muscles relax.
Mr. Auvray spends most of the dinner educating us on the history of the winery.
The food is delicious—French delicacies and, of course, more cheese. The three of us verbally agree for Lexed to invest in the business, seeing its potential and the passion the Auvray’s have toward maintaining its integrity.
“I’ll organize a meeting this week and gather my team to begin working on this project,” I inform Mr. Auvray. “I’d also like my management team, who will be working closely with you, to come visit so they can experience all of this for themselves.”
Raising his glass, he welcomes us to join him. “Un toast à notre avenir!”
We toast to our future, our glasses clinking against each other until it’s Noah’s against mine. With a warm smile, Noah’s face softens as we drink more champagne.
After several courses are served, we retreat to the outside area with our glasses. There’s a beautiful stone fire pit that sits in the middle of an open space, surrounded by soft lounge chairs. It’s a beautiful night out of the city, stars twinkling with a summer breeze cooling our skin.
“I’ve fallen in love with this place,” Charlie murmurs, nestling her head against Lex’s chest. “France is beautiful.”
“Perhaps we can purchase a chateau and bring the girls here for the summer?” Lex suggests.
