JaceJace wished he had come up with a better toast. It sounded so fake and terrible, yet it was all his love-struck brain could seem to come up with. He just wanted to see her smile again. His world was perfect when she smiled at him the way she was right now. He wanted her to tell him all her secrets, and maybe even tell her some of his.“Tell me about the inn,” he said, trying to think of something that would make her feel comfortable. He remembered how her face had lit up at the barn when she started to talk about her work, so he thought it would be a good place to start.“What do you want to know?” she asked.“Everything.” He guided them to a quiet area of the garden and sipped on his champagne, watching her beautiful face.“Um, well... I guess I should start at the beginning.” She smiled and fiddled with the stem of her champagne flute for a moment. “My father bought this place when his parents died. Used his whole inheritance on it. He had these amazing dreams, especially for t
EllaThe lake rippled with moonlight and Ella was fairly sure that if she looked closely enough, she would see pure magic. Her hand was hot in Jace's, but she didn't dare let go. She was afraid she'd stop breathing if she did. Her heart was beating so fast and hard, and it was because of him. The way he made her feel was magical- more so than any moonlight on the lake.The corners of her lips tugged upward when he pulled her off the main cement walkway and onto the carefully manicured dirt path. They were going to the small gazebo. Her thoughts flashed to the last time the two of them were there. The way the sunlight had caught his dark hair and sparkled through his eyes. The ache to kiss him reared back to life, and she hoped this time she could.The gazebo was completely empty. Jace held her hand as they walked up the steps and stood in the center of the small wooden structure. A soft starlit breeze floated across the lake, sending chilly goosebumps up Ella's arms. She rubbed her ar
JaceJace slid his key-card into the lock, barely managing not to drop it. He couldn't remember the last time he felt nervous about being with a woman, but with Ella standing behind him, he could barely keep from shaking. She was just so damn beautiful, he was having a hard time doing anything but staring.He held open the heavy door, inviting her inside. She walked in and stood demurely off to the side, looking around with wide eyes as if she'd never seen the place before.“Does it look different than usual?” he asked, setting the key-card down on the table.“Yes.” She smiled nervously, wrapping her arms around herself as if she were cold despite the fact she was still wearing his jacket. It looked remarkably good on her.“How does it look different?” He turned on the small lamp in the living area of the room before taking off his shoes and tie. He thought about taking off his dress shirt, but it felt awkward now that they were alone in his room, so he just undid the top button two b
EllaElla woke up, but kept her eyes firmly shut. She was sure she was still asleep. Still dreaming. There was no way that her life could be like this. Her life was never this good, yet somehow, she knew it could be.The man next to her shifted slightly, his warmth seeping into her skin like sunshine. She peeked open one eye to see his sculpted chest bare from the waist up. His dark hair was mussed and couldn't have looked better if a team of stylists had worked on him for an hour. He was the most handsome thing she'd ever seen. Especially since he was smiling at her.“Good morning, sunshine,” he rumbled, his voice low and sexy. When Ella had collapsed from happy exhaustion last night, she was sure she would be sexually stated for at least three weeks, but three words from him and she was ready for more. More than ready.“Good morning,” she murmured, slowly opening her eyes. The dream hadn't dissipated yet and she was beginning to suspect it was real. She had to pee and her mouth was
EllaWearing her new dress, complete with underwear, bra and shoes, Ella had never felt more spoiled in her life. Her stomach was full, her heart was happy, and she was walking across the tarmac to a bright blue helicopter bearing the Connor emblem.Jace held her hand as the entered the helicopter. Ella had seen pictures of helicopters, but they were always of commercial or military styles. This was a luxury helicopter. Where other helicopters had simple black utilitarian seats, this one had leather. The pilot sat up front in his own cockpit area while the cabin area looked more like a luxury jet. The thing was so lavish it had wood floors and the leather chairs were so soft that Ella was tempted to rub her cheek against one.“Are you sure this is a helicopter?” Ella asked as they stepped inside. She looked around. Some of the rooms at the inn weren't even this nice. This was no ordinary helicopter.Jace laughed. “If you put on the headphones, you'll be able to hear the pilot.”Ella g
EllaElla blinked at the bright sunshine as she stepped out of the helicopter and onto solid land. Despite the beauty of the helicopter's interior, she was glad to be out of it. The blades were slowing as they exited, but she still felt the need to duck as they moved away.The country was lush and green, and Ella could see plants growing in rows upon rows. “Where are we?” Ella asked, looking around.Jace didn't answer. Instead, a smiling woman in jeans and a cowboy hat greeted them over the roar of the dying helicopter blades. “Welcome to Jacobson Vineyards and Winery. We're so glad you're here, Mr. Connor.”Jace shook her hand. “We're glad to be here.”“Excellent,” the woman replied, broadening her smile. “If you're ready, we can begin the tour.”Jace took Ella's hand in his as they followed the woman toward rows of green plants. Ella loved how natural it felt to have his hand in hers. Her heart fluttered with pure joy. It was a simple happiness. One that felt like it could endure fo
JaceJace wasn't sure why he suggested hide and seek. It just came to him and sounded like fun. He was amazed at how easily Ella agreed. The little boy in him grew just a little bit more fond of her, just for that. Not only was she sexy and smart, but she was fun, too.“Five, four, three, two, one, ready or not, here I come!” he shouted, uncovering his eyes. It took a moment to readjust to the bright sunshine, but he didn't care. “I'm going to find you!”Carefully, he weaved through one of the vines, being careful not to damage any of the growing plants but listening for the tell-tale signs of Ella's breathing. Considering that the rows were fairly short, he was sure she couldn't have gone far.He saw a glimpse of polka dot against a green plant and knew he had found her. Pretending not to know where she was, he casually went to the next row, walking slowly and cautiously. He looked for the polka-dot dress and instead met her hazel eyes.God, they were beautiful. How could green and b
EllaThe inside of the winery main house was deliciously cool after being out in the sun. Ella hadn't even noticed how warm it was until the air-conditioned air cooled her skin. She licked her lips, tasting salt. Whether it was from the heat or from running, she wasn't sure, but either way she was ready for something to drink.Their tour guide came out from behind a large bar that dominated the center of the room and greeted them once again. “Welcome to the winery. Did you enjoy walking through the grapes?”“Very much,” Jace answered for the both of them. “It was very relaxing.”Ella struggled not to giggle. Relaxing wasn't exactly the word she would have used.“Excellent.” Their hostess beamed. “I have everything set up for you in the private tasting room upstairs. If you'll follow me, please.”“Private tasting room? I didn't even know they had one of those,” Ella said quietly to Jace as they followed their guide up a metal staircase.“I told you, I rented the whole place out,” Jace