“Hello.”
“Hi, Em. I was just calling to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m good. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m taking your car to Napa Valley.”
“WHAT?! Why the hell are you going to Napa Valley?”
“I needed to get out of that house. I was suffocating, and me and Emily always wanted to go there. Adam, tomorrow is the anniversary of their death. This is something I need to do.”
“I know what tomorrow is, Em, and I wish I could be back in California with you. But I can’t.”
“I know you can’t and it doesn’t matter anyway. I’ve spent the last eight anniversaries alone, so tomorrow will be no different.”
“Emerson, I’m—”
“No need to say it, big brother. I already know.”
“Do you need some money?” he asked.
“No. I have cash and a credit card that I have saved for emergencies.”
“Okay. Have a safe trip, and if you need anything, call me.”
“Thanks. I will.” Click.
As I was driving down the highway, I pulled up the playlist on my phone and played “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis. It was our favorite song in the whole world and we sang it together almost every day. I turned up the volume and rolled all the windows down. I began to sing it as loudly as I could as the warm breeze swept over my face.
As I pulled up to the Wine Country Inn bed and breakfast, I prayed they had a room available. If not, then I would have to find somewhere else in Napa. When I walked into the lobby, a blond-haired woman smiled at me from behind the desk.
“Hello. Welcome to Wine Country Inn. How can I help you?”
“I’m hoping you have a room available. This was a last-minute trip and I didn’t call to make a reservation.”
“Ah. How many guests?” she asked.
“Just me.” I smiled.
She looked at me as she checked her computer. “We have one room available and it’s our Private Vineyard View King Cottage for $615.00 a night.”
“Ouch. That’s the only room you have?”
“Yes. How long are you planning on staying?”
“I don’t know. A few days maybe.”
“On Tuesday, we have one of our standard rooms available. If you want, you can stay in the cottage for two nights and then we can switch you over to one of the other cheaper rooms.”
I twisted my face, unsure of what to do. Six hundred fifteen dollars a night was more than I was planning on spending. But, if it was only for two nights, I could manage it and it was surely beautiful here.
“Fine. I’ll take it.” I smiled.
“Excellent. I’ll just need your driver’s license and credit card.”
Once she input my information, she handed me the keys to the cottage and gave me directions as to its location. Upon opening the door, I stepped inside and the first word out of my mouth was “Wow.” I could see why this place was expensive. The room featured a small living area with a loveseat and a chair that sat across from a fireplace with a TV mounted above it. Behind the living area were three steps that led up to the king-sized bed with a large window that faced the vineyards. Setting my bag on the bed, I began to unpack and put my clothes away in the three-drawer dresser that sat against the wall. When I heard my phone ding from my purse, I grabbed it and found a text message from Alex.
“Where the hell are you? You’ve been gone all day. It’s nighttime and I would like to know that you’re safe.”
Did I answer him? Where I was, was none of his concern. He wasn’t my keeper. But I didn’t want him to worry and get his blood pressure all high, so I replied.
“I’m safe and I’m fine. I took a little road trip and I’ll be gone probably at least four days. Make sure to take your blood pressure medication and lay off the salt.”
“A road trip? TO WHERE?”
“I appreciate you asking, but I’m not talking to you about where I am. It’s somewhere I needed to be.”
“EMERSON JAMES! WHERE DID YOU GO?!”
“Calm yourself, Parker. I’m fine. Are you going to miss me or something? You should be happy I’m gone. Now I can’t bug you about frizzy curly-haired girl.”
I silently laughed to myself.
“Emerson, please tell me where you are.”
“That’s a no for me, Parker. Enjoy your week and I’ll see you when I get back.”
****
Alex
I stood there, staring at her message in anger. “That’s a no for me.” Was she serious? She and that mouth of hers was killing me. Who the hell did she think she was? A small smile crossed my lips. She was Emerson James, a fierce, not-to-be-fucked-with type of girl who did whatever the hell she wanted to. No boundaries, no rules, and not a care in the world. I didn’t know her when she was off gallivanting around the world, so I couldn’t care. But now I knew her and I cared about her and her safety. Fuck, I cared way more than that. She had gotten under my skin and somehow into my heart. I dialed Adam to tell him his sister had left.
“Hey, Alex. What’s up, man?”
“Your mouthy and defiant sister took off and went somewhere for a few days.”
“Yeah. I know. I talked to her earlier.”
“Where did she go? She won’t tell me.”
I heard him chuckle. “Did you two have a fight or something?”
“No. Yes. Well, sort of.”
“Jesus. What is going on with the two of you?”
“Nothing. We’re friends and I’m concerned for her safety.”
“You don’t need to worry about Emerson, Alex. She’s been doing this for eight years.”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s a young woman all alone in a strange place.”
“What are you going to do? Go to where she is?”
“Maybe.”
“Oh my God, Alex. You’ve fallen for her. Haven’t you?”
“I don’t want to discuss it over the phone.”
“Well, you have no choice, bro, because I can’t be in California. So you better fucking tell me what’s going on between you and my sister.”
I silenced myself for a moment. If I wanted to know where she was, I’d have to tell him.
“I may have developed some feelings for her.”
“Jesus Christ. You’re serious. Aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll ask you one last time. Did you sleep with her?”
“Yes.”
Silence crowded the other end of the phone.
“The two of you had a fight? You haven’t known each other long enough to fight yet.”
“I know, but she’s Emerson.”
“True and you’re Alex Parker. The two of you couldn’t be more opposite. God, Alex. Why?”
“We can’t help who we fall for. It’s just there, Adam.”
“Fine.” He sighed. “She’s in Napa Valley. Fuck, I can’t believe I’m telling you this. It’s a place she and Emily always wanted to visit. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her and my parents’ death. Emerson has spent too many years alone on that day and I don’t want her alone again. Promise me you’ll go to Napa and be with her as a friend, Alex.”
“I will. Where is she staying?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t say, but I’ll do some checking and see if I can find out through her credit card. I’ll call you back.” Click.
So she went to Napa Valley. I loved Napa Valley, and it wasn’t a place that should be seen alone. I took my suitcase from my closet and began packing some clothes. A few moments later, my phone rang and it was Adam.
“Did you find out?”
“Yeah. She’s at the Wine Country Inn. I’ll send you the address. Don’t tell her that I told you.”
“I won’t. I promise. Thanks, Adam. I appreciate it.”
“You owe me again, Alex. I know my sister, so don’t come crying to me when she breaks your heart.”
“I’ll remember that. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I ended the
call and immediately called my pilot, Warren.
“Hello, Mr. Parker.”
“Warren, I need you to fuel up the plane for tomorrow morning and take me to Napa Valley. We’ll leave around nine o’clock.”
“It’ll be ready, sir.”
“Thank you.” Click.
I sighed as I tossed my phone on the bed. Was I doing the right thing? Hell if I knew. The only thing I did know was that she shouldn’t be spending tomorrow alone.
****
When we landed at the Napa County Airport, I had a car waiting for me to take me to the Wine Country Inn. When I walked into the lobby, a blonde-haired woman smiled at me from behind the desk.
“Welcome to the Wine Country Inn. How can I help you?”
“I’m looking for one of your guests. She checked in yesterday and her name is Emerson James.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but I cannot give out that type of information.”
“Please.” I glanced at her name badge. “Noelle. It’s very important.”
“Again, sir. We are not allowed to give out our guests’ information.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. “See this. It’s all yours if you tell which room she is staying in.”
“You’re going to have to leave before I call the police.”
I sighed. “Listen, please. She’s a close friend of mine and today is the anniversary of her twin sister’s and parents’ death. I don’t want her to be alone. I’ll give you my credit card information and my driver’s license. Anything you need. I’m not a murderer or a rapist. I’m her friend and I’m here to make sure she gets through this day.”
“Then I’ll call her room and let her know you’re here.”
“No. It’s a surprise.” I smiled. I reached in my pocket and pulled out my wallet. “Here is my credit card. I want you to use this to pay for her stay here.”
She glared at me and then took the card from my hand. “I’ll also need your driver’s license.”
“Here you go.” I handed it to her.
She typed on her computer and handed me back my credit card and license.
“She’s in cottage five. Go out the door, make a right, go down the trail a bit, and you’ll see a line of cottages. She’s the last one on the right.”
“Thank you, Noelle.” I smiled as I handed her the hundred-dollar bill.
“You’re welcome, Mr. Parker.”
Chapter 21
Emerson
I awoke to the morning sun beaming through the window. Rolling over, I stared at the beauty of the vineyards that graced the area.
“Hi, Emily. Mom and Dad. I’m doing okay. I’m here in Napa, sis. Just like we always talked about. It’s so beautiful here. Well, from what I can see out the window. I just got in last night and I haven’t had a chance to explore yet, but I will as soon as I get some coffee and get dressed. Give me a sign that you’re here with me.”
Climbing out of bed, I showered, got dressed, and popped a k-cup in the Keurig they so graciously provided in the room. As the coffee filled the cup, there was a knock on the door.
“Room service.”
I frowned. They must have the wrong room. Opening the door, I froze when I saw Alex standing there with a cart.
“Alex, what the—”
“Good morning, Emerson.” The corners of his mouth curved into a smile.
“What are you doing here?”
“I brought you breakfast. I hope you haven’t eaten already.”
“You came all the way from Malibu to bring me breakfast?”
“Something like that.” He winked. “Are you going to let me in or are we going to stand here and debate while our breakfast gets cold.”
I waved my hand and stepped aside, letting him inside the cottage. I couldn’t help but let out a light laugh as I watched him wheel the cart in.
“What’s so funny?”
“You. Wheeling that cart in like you’re the help. How did you know where I was?”
“I have my ways, Emerson. Since you refused to tell me last night, I had no choice but to do some digging on my own. Now come and eat.”
“What if I don’t want you here?” I asked as I narrowed my eyes at him.
“You do.” He smirked.
“No, actually, I don’t. Do you not remember our conversation yesterday?”
“Yes. I remember it well. Now sit down and eat.”
I walked over to the table where he had set the plates of food. He removed the metal cover, revealing a plate of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and toast. He picked up the carafe and poured coffee into the white ceramic mug.
“Thank you,” I spoke as I sat down.
“You’re welcome.”
Placing the napkin on my lap, I looked at Alex.
“You shouldn’t have come.”
“Why not?”
“Did it ever occur to you that I left to get away from you?”
He shrugged. “Yes, and I away from you. But the truth is you’re glad I’m here,” he smugly spoke. He looked around the cottage. “This is very nice. I approve.”
“It’s all they had available.”
“Nice bed. Is it comfortable?”
“Very comfortable. I slept like a baby last night.”
He took a bite of his eggs. “Good. Then I’m happy to know that I’ll be sleeping like a baby tonight.”
My eyes darted up at him as I grabbed my coffee. “Excuse me? You aren’t sleeping in that bed. If you’re planning on staying, you better get your own room.”
“Can’t. They don’t have anything available and since I’m paying for this room, I’ll be sleeping in that bed right there.”
I laughed. “I’m paying for this room. This is my room.”
“Correction, Emerson. I’m paying for this room. I gave Noelle my credit card and told her to charge the entire stay on it.”
“Who the fuck is Noelle?”
“Who the fuck is Felicia?” He grinned.
“You really do live in your own little uptight world. Don’t you?”
“Yes. I suppose I do. Noelle is the blonde at the front desk.”
“Ah. I see. So she told you what cottage I was in. Isn’t that against policy or something? What if you were here to murder me?”
“Money talks, baby. I slipped her a hundred for the info.”
“Did you just call me ‘baby’?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Yeah. Don’t take it too seriously. It’s just part of the phrase.” He winked and, suddenly, my panties melted.
“You can’t steal my lines.” I pointed my fork at him.
He chuckled. “So what are we doing today?”
“I’m going to explore Napa. I don’t know what you’re doing.”
“Guess I’m exploring Napa with you.”
I sighed and then looked down. Placing my napkin on the table, I got up from my seat.
“Today’s not really a good day, Alex, and I prefer to spend it alone.”
He got up from his chair and walked over to me. “I know what today is.”
“How?”
He didn’t answer me. His eyes just stared into mine and I knew at that moment how he knew where I was.
“Oh my God! Adam told you. Didn’t he? He told you I was here.”
“I promised I wouldn’t say. But he didn’t want you to be alone.”
“He didn’t want? What about what I want? Damn him!”
Alex clasped my shoulders. “If you really want me to go, I will.”
His scent. That damn scent got me every time. Fuck my pheromones.
“You came all the way here, so you might as well stay. By the way, how did you get here?”
The corners of his mouth curved up. “There’s these things and they’re called planes. Maybe you heard of them.”
I smacked his chest and smiled as he pulled me into him.
“Emerson, I’m sorry about yesterday.”
“You suck, Parker. But apology accepted.” I sm
iled up at him.
“Are you going to tell me who Felicia is?”
“Are you still on that?” I reached for my phone and googled “Bye, Felicia” and handed it to him.
His eyebrow arched as he read the definition out loud from the Urban Dictionary site. “When someone says that they're leaving and you could really give two shits less that they are. Their name then becomes ‘Felicia,’ a random bitch that nobody is sad to see go. Their real name becomes irrelevant because nobody cares what it really is. Instead, they now are ‘Felicia.’ I think I’m insulted.”
“You should be.” I grinned.
He leaned in, his lips mere inches from mine, his scent soaking my panties. “I think I need to kiss that sassy mouth of yours.”
“Oh yeah? What if I don’t want you to,” I whispered.
“You do.” His lips softly brushed against mine.
Our soft kiss became passionate as our tongues met once again. The ache down below was fierce and I was on fire with desire to feel him inside of me. Suddenly, I heard something. I broke our kiss and stared at him.
“Do you hear that?” A smile beamed across my face.
“Hear what?”
“Come on!” I grabbed his hand and flew out the door.
“Emerson, stop. We’re going to get wet.”
“Alex, it’s raining. The rain was my and Emily’s thing. We loved it,” I spoke as we stood on the cobbled walkway in front of the gardens while the rain fell down on us. I began to turn in a circle, holding my hands up to the sky with a smile across my face. “This is because of Emily. I asked her earlier to give me a sign that she was here. This is her sign.” I smiled as I looked at Alex.
“Of course she’s here with you.” He took hold of my hand.
The smile never left my face as I looked up at the sky, letting the rain hit my face.
“Come on.” I pulled him behind me.
“Where are we going?”
“For a walk in the rain. Sometimes, Emily and I would walk until it stopped. We always said that the rain washed away the sins of the past. It cleansed our souls, so to speak.”
“Do you think that maybe we can grab an umbrella?”
I looked at him and shook my head. “No, Alex. Don’t you see the beauty of the rain?”
“Umm. I don’t see what the beauty is in getting soaking wet.”