I bet he doesn’t. It seems he’s got a mean streak in him a mile wide.
“Well? Cat got your tongue or what? I can only take your silence as confirmation that yes, indeedy, you’re fucking my son,” he says. “The lucky bastard.”
Swallowing hard, I search for composure. The very last thing I want him to believe is that Matt and I are having some sort of illicit affair. I wouldn’t put it past this man to sell the story to whoever would listen if it brought him any bit of attention.
“Your son is my boss,” I finally say, my voice raspy, and I clear my throat. “That’s it. There’s nothing between us except a working relationship.”
He casts a skeptical glance my way. “Uh huh. That’s why he looks at you like you’re his favorite dessert and he’s a starving man. I get it. Really I do. I never could keep my dick in my pants, you know, especially when faced with a gorgeous woman such as yourself. And neither can he.” Reaching out, he touches me, slides his fingers down my forearm. I yank my arm away, my skin literally crawling from his touch.
“There’s nothing going on between us,” I say, my voice firm, my insides anything but. I’m a nervous, quaking mess, afraid this man will somehow figure out that Matt and I have at least kissed.
His questions, his blunt wording, are tainting everything I’ve shared with Matt. Reminding me that I’m just the same ol’ girl from Cactus, Texas. The girl everyone chases after and expects sexual favors from, all because she has a pretty face and curvy figure.
That’s me. I’m that girl, the one that everyone makes feel like she’s a slut. A whore. I’ve slept with two men in my life. I could count the sexual experiences I’ve had on one hand. Nothing lasting, nothing good, and I always run before it can turn into anything more. I’m always too scared.
Yet I’m the shameless hussy who’s out to fuck around with every man I see. I’m a home wrecker. A man stealer. A girl who’s good for nothing but cock sucking. A pervert’s dream. I’ve been told this time and again.
And I’m being told it right now.
“You keep on saying there’s nothing between you two but soon you’ll fall under the DeLuca charm. You all do. We’re irresistible. My son and I have both had plenty of women. I know when one’s interested. And you my girl, you are definitely interested.” Vinnie puts his hand over mine and holds firm, trapping it on the table. “If my son doesn’t take the bait, just know I’m always here waiting whenever you’re ready.”
Oh my God. Now he thinks they’re interchangeable? That I’ll just bounce from father to son? “You’re disgusting,” I say, my voice low as I finally snatch my hand back from beneath his.
He laughs, the sound so loud more than a few people turn and look in our direction, including Matt. He shoots me a look of concern, but I shake my head, offer him a quick smile. The last thing I want is him coming over here and discovering this particular conversation. I can handle this man on my own.
He’s not the first to think like this, and I’m guessing he won’t be the last.
“Disgusting only because you don’t want to hear the truth.” He reaches for his cup of coffee and drains it. “Keep doing what you’re doing, girly. He’ll get you into his bed sooner or later.”
That’s it. I’ve had it. The man is a pig, and I need to get him out of here. “How did you get here tonight, Mr. DeLuca?” I ask, using my best, most professional voice. Not a twang or y’all in sight.
“Ah, now we’re back to the formalities huh? Well, I got myself a ride. The car and driver are sitting out in the parking lot,” he says with a grin.
“Then let’s go.” I stand and grab hold of his arm, yanking him to his feet. He stares down at me in shock, most likely surprised little ol’ me could tug him to his feet like that, but I just smile my best smile and lead him toward the entrance of the winery. “You need to get on home. I know Matt was thrilled you thought of him and wanted to stop by, but I think your time here is through.”
“You can’t just push me out of here,” he mutters, but I ignore him practically dragging him by the arm toward the valets we hired for this evening. I paste my cordial, I-work-here smile on my face as I stop before them.
“We’re looking for Mr. DeLuca’s car. Do you happen to know where it is?”
One of them did, enabling me with the pleasure of dumping Vinnie DeLuca off onto some other poor, hapless soul and wiping my hands of him and his antics for the evening.
“Think you can get rid of me that quick, missy?” Vinnie shouts from the open window of his car, but I ignore him. Why engage the crazy?
I head back to the courtyard, wincing when my new stiletto sandals pinch my toes. I’m not used to heels or to walking on graveled pathways and cobbled courtyards in heels. I can’t wait to soak my feet in the bath when I get home.
Alone.
Because there is no way I can pursue something, anything with Matt. Spending just ten minutes in his father’s presence confirmed that. I can’t go on pretending we would work out. I’d be seen as the gold-digging slut because I’m the poor girl from Texas dating the rich, billionaire boss and he’d be seen as the ass who couldn’t keep it in his pants around his own employee.
Any sort of relationship between the two of us, temporary or serious, could ruin his reputation as a businessman in the area. I refuse to play a part in that. I would never be able to forgive myself.
And what would that do to me? I can’t destroy my last chance here at a great job. If I fail at this, I’m going home. I can’t afford to live in this outrageously expensive state while unemployed. Lord knows I’d hightail it out of here if I did end up parting ways with Matt professionally. It’s hard enough as it is, finding a job that pays as well as mine in the area.
My footsteps slow, and I stop just at the edge of the courtyard, watching everyone. I see Gage and Marina out on the dance floor swaying in each other’s arms as they smile and then laugh. I see Matt talking with another group, all of them men, every one of them reeking with importance.
I hope they can give him the connections he’s looking for.
He looks so handsome in his dark suit and wine-colored tie, his hair ruffled by the occasional breeze. His smile flashes white against the tan of his skin and there are slight wrinkles around his eyes, as if he laughs often.
Which I hope he does. I haven’t seen him laugh much since he’s been so stressed-out since I started working for him, but hopefully that will change once everything settles down. Then he can relax and reap the benefits of all this hard work.
I probably won’t be around to witness it though. And that thought alone fills me with such complete and utter sadness, I almost fall to the ground, my legs get so wobbly.
Pushing on, I head toward the crowds opposite of where Matt stands. I find an empty table and collapse in a chair, slipping my hand beneath the heavy weight of my hair, so I can rub my neck. No wonder I don’t wear it down very often. It’s heavy and thick, making me hot and my neck hurt.
I should just cut it all off and be done with it.
“Are you all right? You look like you’re contemplating murder.” Ivy pulls out a chair and settles in next to me.
“Only the murder of my hair.” At her weird look I explain. “I’m thinking of cutting it all off.”
“Don’t you dare. It’s gorgeous.”
I shrug. “Like anyone notices. This has all been for nothing.”
“Ah, Matt didn’t notice? I know he’s busy trying to keep everyone happy tonight,” Ivy reminds me.
“Oh, he noticed.” He definitely noticed if his mouth fused with mine and his hands roaming all over my body earlier was any indication. “His father came along though and ruined everything.”