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“Is that how you met Mom?”
“Are you talking about me?” Mom asks as she comes to join us.
“Good morning.” I stand and kiss her cheek. “So, was it love at first sight?”
Mom chuckles. “More despise at first sight.”
My father fakes disbelief. “Sophia couldn’t keep her eyes off me.”
“Carson, really?” she mutters as she sits on the opposite side of the table.
I hold back a smirk.
Mom raises her glass to her lips. “There are two sides to this story, and my version of the truth is more believable than your father’s.” She ignores his reaction while sipping freshly squeezed juice.
I check the time on my cell. “I would like nothing more than to listen to your story, but I’m afraid I must fly to San Diego for a meeting.” Standing, I kiss my mother again, then shake my father’s hand. “See you next week. When everyone wakes, tell them I’m eager to see them at Christmas.”
Mom holds my hand for a bit longer. “Don’t work too hard, darling.”
Dad raises a hand. “What did you want to talk about before?”
I lift my gaze to my father. “I emailed you the proposal we can put forward to buy the Sharks.”
Dad gives me an approving nod. “I’ll read over it today.”
Mom glances back at me. “Why don’t you spend some time at your Malibu house? Relax by the beach.”
“I plan to… soon.” I don’t mention that I’m burdened by it since it’s another thing Daphne despised in a long list of…
What do I hate the most?
3
FRANKLIN
It’sthe week before Christmas.
Instead of closing deals before the holidays, I’m at a friend’s engagement party at a quaint winery in southern Oregon—a full weekend of festivities. Snow-covered rolling hills beyond the vineyard are a picturesque backdrop. My time here will be spent by the open fire and near the bar when I’m not in my room working. I respect Noah, but why do we need an entire weekend to celebrate?
Daphne and her Italian boyfriend are expected to attend.
It’s not surprising since we share mutual college friends.
I have a need to see Daphne again and view how she’s moved on while my life is unchanged so I can punish myself for messing up our lives. When I look into her eyes, I’ll know if there’s a chance to ignite what we had and if I stand a chance against her Italian boyfriend. My father’s words come back to me.The family business has always come first.Daphne and I are both driven and hungry for the win. I know Dad believes she is not the one for me, and for two solid years, I have ignored every instinct to be with her. Tonight, my feelings will be tested the moment our eyes meet.
I check into my room, freshen up, then head downstairs to the bar. Everyone is gathering before dinner. I weave through the crowd—the weather has forced everyone inside. After meandering to the farthest point of the curved bar, I find a stool and raise a finger to catch the bartender’s attention. I shrug off my suit jacket and drape it over the back of the stool. Observing the room, I see no familiar faces. Noah and Olivia have yet to make an appearance. I raise my finger again for service. How long do I have to wait for a freaking drink?
A woman serves me first. “Mr. Hendricks, what can I get you?” I raise a brow. “I’m Melanie, a friend of the couple, and this is my family’s winery. I’m helping serve as the snow has blocked some of the roads.”
I thrum my knuckles on the counter. “It’s made for a busy weekend for you.”
“Not when you’re celebrating a friend’s happiness.” She winks at me. “When the roads clear, it will be easier for our staff to get here. I hope the snowstorm continues east and not south.”
“Cheers to that.” The last place I want to be stranded is in the middle of freaking nowhere.
I peruse the bar’s selection of whiskey and stop on the unmistakable bottle with a statue of a horse on the lid. My night just got better.
The woman follows my gaze. “Guess the happy couple knew you were coming with a request of Blanton’s. Everyone else is happy to drink the wine from our vineyard. Not to blow our own trumpet, but I highly recommend our cab sauv.”
