Page 89 of The Estate

“Cal, I let my fear cloud my judgment and fuel my reaction.

“When I look around White Hall all I see is your hard work and determination. Every piece of this place is a testament to your success and talent.

“My time here—with you—has been extraordinary. I’d hate to think I ruined what we had.”

“You ruined nothing,” Cal asserted, his voice rough with emotion. “My time with you has also been extraordinary. I don’t want it to end now that the consulting project is completed. Give me an opportunity to show you how much I long to be with you.”

His heart skipped a beat when her lips gradually curved into a smile.

“You don’t need to prove anything to me, Cal. The fact is.” She inhaled deeply. “I like you a lot.”

His hands drifted over her arms as he pressed her close. She had to tilt her head up to see him as he invaded her space. “You like me,” he affirmed, his hand cupping her cheek. Brushing a thumb over her lips, he saw desire flare to life in her eyes.

“It just so happens,” he whispered. “That I’m completely and totally crazy about you.”

“You are?” she asked breathlessly.

“I am,” he said with a growl. Right before his lips descended on hers. He swallowed her gasp of shock as he pulled her close.

He lost himself in the kiss, delighting in the softness of her lips, the taste of her. He explored her mouth as his hands explored her body. The way she melted into him, responding and demanding as much from him as he asked of her, was heady stuff. Without realizing it, he’d backed her up a few steps, surprised when she tripped over the package she’d placed on the floor.

Breaking off the kiss but keeping his body close to hers, he glanced at the brown paper-wrapped item. Whatever that thing was, it was sizable.Why was she carrying it around?

“What is that?” he asked.

Rachel beamed as she reached down to grab it. He wasn’t happy she left the circle of his arms, but her excitement was infectious. He kept a hand on her waist as she placed it on the table. Laying it down gently, she turned toward him.

“I got you something.”

“I can see that,” he joked. “I assume I can open it now.” When she nodded nervously, he used both hands to peel back the paper gently. What lay beneath took his breath away. He could only stare at the painted canvas in shock. It was the most thoughtful gift anyone had ever given him.

“How?” he asked, his voice strangled.

“I contacted that live painter you mentioned. With Jess’ help, we snuck her onto the property when you weren’t here so she could put this together. I asked her to take a little artistic liberty, because I wanted the distillery barn in there.”

Cal looked again at the painting. It was his favorite view—from the drive just as the trees thinned and the house became visible. The gray stone building was adorned with his grandmother’s hydrangeas, in captivating blues and purples. The chapel was visible towards the right with the distillery barn set off in the background.

“It’s breathtaking, Rachel. I love it.” He couldn’t find the words to share what was in his heart, so he did the only thing he could do. He kissed her with everything he had. Worshiping her for the amazing woman she was.

He nipped her lower lip and left a trail of kisses down her neck. When he grazed the skin just below her ear, she shivered. He laughed as he pulled back to look at her. She was even more beautiful now, her eyes unfocused and her lips swollen.

“What?” she whispered.

He drew his finger down her arm, delighted when goosebumps erupted all over her skin. “Remember when you said it would ‘be a cold day in hell’ before I saw you again?” he chuckled, pulling her close.

Rachel’s face lit up as she grinned. “Well,” she replied, winding her arms around his neck. “Only one thing to say to that.”

Cal lowered his head, his mouth mere inches from hers. “What’s that, sweetheart?” he whispered.

“Brrrrr.”

She was still smiling when his lips captured hers. Their kiss generating enough heat to thaw even the coldest of places.

THE END