Page 116 of Wicked Dares
He’s just as picky about where he eats as he is with business partners, so he created his own chain.
He sits directly opposite me with a glass of red wine in his hand, talking about the vineyard like it’s one of his children.
Arthur wanted to meet with us outside of the events. If I didn’t know him as well as I do, I’d assume the request was more an Ellie Mae thing. But good old Arthur, if he likes you, hereallylikes you, and this is him trying to get to know us more.
It’s been a month since I embarked on this plan of mine. We’re heading to the vineyard next week for the final two weeks of the Legacy Tour.
It’s also supposed to be the last two weeks of my arrangement with Piper. But I don’t want it to be.
I’ve learned I have to be gentle with her. Take baby steps. Tread softly and give her space to breathe and feel.
And that’s why I haven’t told her about England yet.
I’ve also kept it to myself because I’m not entirely sure what I’ll say to her.
“The harvest this year exceeded every expectation,” Arthur reports proudly, puffing out his chest. “Best season we’ve had in almost a decade. We auctioned three private barrels last month alone and raised nearly two million for the foundation.”
Ellie Mae beams beside him, reaching over to pat his arm. “He’s been unbearable ever since.”
Arthur grins. “Damn right, I have.”
“That’s absolutely amazing,” Piper says with a smile.
The black silk dress clinging to every curve must have been designed specifically to torture me.
I can’t wait to take her home and get her out of it.
Candlelight dances over her skin every time she moves, and I’m jealous that it gets to touch her when I can’t.
It’s ridiculous. But it’s true. And it’s not just that. I’m obsessed with everything about her.
I’ve negotiated billion-dollar deals without blinking. But Piper taking a bite of pasta while absentmindedly tucking her hair behind her ear nearly finishes me.
Her heel brushes my ankle beneath the table. It’s accidental.
Maybe.
Regardless, I feel it everywhere.
Arthur continues speaking about expansion opportunities overseas, but his voice fades into white noise when Piper glances at me.
Her lips curve into a soft smile, and I smile back at her.
Ellie Mae notices our little exchange. I catch her watching us out the corner of my eye, but I don’t stop looking at my girl.
“Oh, I just love the way you two are,” Ellie Mae says warmly, looking between us with a big grin on her face. “Honestly, you’re my favorite couple.”
Piper lets out a surprised laugh. “Goodness, that’s a huge compliment.”
It is. So is everything that Arthur and his wife have done for us. They’re nice, but they’re not like this with everyone. You have to earn their respect.
Knowing that I have makes me feel bad for the lies I told to get us to this point.
“It’s true, sugar,” Ellie Mae insists. “You look at each other like nobody else exists in the room.”
Piper’s cheeks turn pink.
Mine probably turn the same color. Because she’s not wrong.
