Page 21 of White Wedding
Rage churned in Rafael’s gut. No one should treat their daughter like a pawn in some political chess game. “For the record, your dad’s a dick, and your ex is an asshole.”
Her smile widened. “Thank you. And thanks for listening. I’m sorry about the way I treated you in Baja. I shouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.”
He shrugged. “It wasn’t like we had a future together.”
Her actions still stung, but not enough that he could stay mad at her. Not after everything she’d been through. No wonder she’d tried to put their fling behind her. With a father like that, she could never let down her guard.
They slowly crested the hill until they came to a flat expanse of lawn, framed by groves of olive trees. Below them, the rolling hills stretched out, covered with acres of vineyards. For a few minutes, they stood in silence, taking in the view.
He was tempted to put his arm around her shoulder, just to console her, but the slightest touch could lead him down a slippery slope. Even if she was behaving like a polished professional, the passionate woman he’d met in Baja was under there somewhere.
If that woman ever emerged, he’d have a hell of a time resisting her.
Chapter 8
As Victoria surveyed her family’s extensive vineyards, the tension eased from her body. She hadn’t realized how freeing it would feel to confide in Rafael.
“Great view,” he said. “I can see why it’s a popular spot for weddings.”
“Most couples schedule their ceremonies to coincide with the sunset. Ben and Missy’s wedding is at four o’clock, which means the sun should be setting around the time they say their vows.”
“Can I ask you something?”
She turned to face him, curious at the concern in his tone. “Sure.”
“Do you still wish this was your wedding?”
None of her friends had asked her that. They’d either assumed she was livid with jealousy or wallowing in self-pity.
“At first I did. When Ben left, it hurt like hell. But the more I see of his nasty side, the more I feel like I dodged a bullet. I doubt he would have been faithful. And…” She grinned, casting aside her earlier reserve. “The sex wasn’t that great to begin with.”
“No?” He gave her a wolfish smile. “You’re saying you’ve had better?”
“That’sexactlywhat I’m saying.” She flushed, then looked away. What was she doing? Even if they weren’t enemies, she couldnotbe crossing that line.
Their connection ended when Rafael’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket. “Sorry about that. My cousin Araceli sent me a text, asking for pictures of the ballroom. She’s going to help me serve that night.”
“Is she the one whose wedding you catered?”
“Yeah. You talked to her on Saturday. She answered the phone.” He chuckled. “She always does some goofy bit, like pretending I’m a celebrity chef.”
Oh.“I thought she was your girlfriend.”
As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. Especially when Rafael grinned in a way that was entirely too smug. “Nope. I’m single,” he said. “What about you?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m coordinating my ex-fiancé’s wedding, with assistance fromyou, Chef Hot Pants. Do you think I could handle another man in my life right now?”
Quite honestly, she didn’t know if she could handle Rafael. Keeping him at arm’s length was going to be tricky now that he wasn’t mad at her anymore.
“We should head back,” she said.
He said nothing but walked with her toward the path. Unnerved by his silence, she tried to fill the empty space. “So…umm…over there?” She pointed to a two-story building, done in California Craftsman style. “More Blackwood Cellars offices. Sales and marketing, along with some of our admin staff. My cousin Brody works there.”
Rafael nodded but didn’t respond. Was he lost in the past, recalling their escapades in Baja? Or taking pride in the fact that she’d made not one, buttworeferences to his prowess in bed?
She had to stop thinking about him that way. If they were going to work together, she couldn’t allow herself to fall into temptation.
When they reached the tiled fountain where they’d first begun their walk, Rafael stopped and reached into his pocket. He took her hand and placed a nickel in her palm. The touch of his large, calloused fingers made her shiver. “Make a wish,” he said.
