Page 46 of Unpredictable
He held a hand to his chest, gasping in mock horror. “You mean, you’re not perfect?”
I rolled my eyes. “I never claimed to be.”
“You’re pretty damn close.” His voice was low but still loud enough for me to hear. “Will we be tasting cakes too?” he asked hopefully as he opened the door.
I shook my head and pushed past him. “Appetizers and entrees. I doubt you’ll have room for dessert by the time we’re finished.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” He flashed me a wicked grin, and a bolt of desire shot to my core as I pretended not to hear him.
We were playing a dangerous game. He was getting too close, and I was getting too comfortable. I wanted to let him in, but I was scared. Scared that my already-fragile heart couldn’t take much more.
Chapter Fourteen
Juliana was right. By the time we finished tasting the options for the reception, I was stuffed. Full of good wine, good food, and good conversation. It hadn’t been all about the wedding either. I sensed that after today’s events, she was letting me in a little more. And the more time we spent together, the more captivated I was by this stunning woman. Everything about her was alluring, from the way the light flickered off her bare skin to the sparkle in her eyes.
I held the door open for her as we exited the building housing the restaurant and made our way back toward the one with our rooms. She brushed past me, and her scent lingered in the air, enveloping me with memories of our night together. I was so tempted to touch her, kiss her, inhale her. Or at least take her hand in mine as the gravel crunched beneath our feet.
When we’d toured the property with Olivia weeks ago, it was beautiful. But at night—with the stars overhead and a warm breeze blowing through the trees, it was magical. Or maybe that was the company. Despite what had happened on the trail today, Juliana seemed lighter this evening, more relaxed. And I liked it. If getting out of LA meant getting to see this side of her, I was going to have to do it more often.
“This is…” I glanced around, taking it all in, from the white lights to the lush garden beyond. “It’s beautiful. And the food was delicious. I think Olivia will be very happy.”
“How’s she doing? Is she settling in okay?” Juliana asked.
I held out my arm, pleased when she took it. “She’s doing great. Me—not so much. I suspect that’s why she asked me to come to Ojai this weekend. To keep me distracted.”
“Aww. You miss her.” She gripped my arm, leaning into me as I steered us toward a bench. I wasn’t ready for the evening to end. I wasn’t ready for my time with Juliana to be over.
I nodded. “I’m so proud of her and happy. She’s always wanted to travel, so this is a dream come true for her. But she’s my only daughter, and I worry.”
“I can see that. I think it’s really…” She seemed to search for a word. “Sweet.”
I rubbed a hand over my face. “Sweet? You think I’m sweet? You’re going to ruin my street cred.”
“First of all…” Her lips twitched as if she were holding back a smile. “The fact that you said ‘street cred’ tells me you have none.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but she continued talking. “And secondly, it’s not a bad thing to be sweet. I love that you’re close to your daughter. If anything, it makes me wish I had a relationship like that with my father.”
“You aren’t close?”
She shook her head. “He’s…old-fashioned. A bit chauvinistic, if I’m being completely honest.”
I frowned. “What does that mean?”
“He thinks my career is a joke. Parties are…frivolous and silly. His words, not mine. It was a big reason why he liked Ryan so much. His job was stable, traditional.”
Ryan.I was surprised she’d mentioned him, and I wondered what was responsible for this shift. I wanted to dive more into the Ryan issue, but I was trying to respect her wishes. She’d asked me not to bring up him or our night together, but she was the one who’d mentioned his name. I wasn’t sure what was or wasn’t safe for discussion.
So, I settled for a different topic. “Well, I think your dad sounds like an ass.”
She nearly choked on a laugh. “He definitely can be.”
“I just—” I shook my head. “I can’t even imagine. My parents have always been supportive. Olivia’s very close to them, so I’m grateful they’ll get to attend her wedding.”
She gave me a warm smile. “Grandparents are so important. My nana is ninety-one, and I credit her with my love of entertaining. She was always cooking, hosting big parties.”
It was nice to know that Juliana shared the same family values that I did. She might not have the best relationship with her father, but it was clear she still loved him.
“I think I ate too much.” Juliana smiled, though it quickly turned into a yawn.
