Yours Completely (Billionaires and Brides 1)

“Someone happy. Someone who wakes up in the morning and doesn't need a drink to get through the day,” Jace answered.

“You realize you did take us to a winery,” Ella replied with a smile.

“That's because I wanted to take you someplace beautiful. Not for the wine.” Jace looked at her, his eyes dark and full of admiration. She couldn't stop the blush that heated her cheeks. “You deserve to be in places as stunning as you are.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” she told him.

He grinned and his eyes became mischievous. “Who says I want to go anywhere? Maybe I already found what I want.”

Again, Ella's cheeks heated. “Are you always this charming?” Ella asked, enjoying their flirtation.

“Depends on if you're always this beautiful.” Jace winked at her and she laughed.

“That's a good line,” Ella said.

“I know. That's why I used it.” Jace winked at her. He leaned forward, his breath tickling her ear. “But, it's true.”

Ella grinned. It was so easy to be with him. For once, she didn't feel obligated to give him anything just because he said she was pretty, and it was a nice change of pace. At the same time, she didn't feel like she was leading the guy on or being a tease because she accepted the compliment and smiled. Flirting was fun with Jace.

“Thank you for this, Jace,” she said, her heart suddenly very full. “This is probably the best day of my life.”

Jace's eyes widened in surprise. “It's just a day at a winery.”

“No, it's a day with you.” Ella blushed, suddenly feeling very shy. She shouldn't have said anything. Telling him this was the best day of her life was overkill. Even though it was true, she didn't need to tell him right this moment.

“I'm glad you're enjoying it. To be honest, I was a little worried you wouldn't like it.”

“I love it,” she assured him. “This place is perfect. I feel like a kid on summer break getting to play outside with you here. I can't think of anything better.”

“Summer break, huh? When's the last time you played hide-and-seek?” Jace asked, suddenly changing the subject.

“Um, not since I was a kid,” Ella answered. She didn't exactly have a lot of free time to be playing around while she tried to manage the inn under Delores's thumb. “Why? When's the last time you played hide and seek?”

“Not since I was a kid, either,” Jace admitted. “But, you have to admit, it would be fun here.”

Ella glanced around. The vines grew in neat rows, but if you stood just outside of one, it would be easy to hide. Her inner child loved it. “Do you want to play?”

“I thought you'd never ask.” Jace put his hands over his eyes and started to count. “Ten, nine, eight...”

Ella took off at a run, grinning from ear to ear as she darted around one plant and hurried to find a space place to hide.

Chapter Twenty-One

Jace 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 brown combine to make such an amazing s

hade of perfect that it set his heart to hammering like that? For a moment, he completely forgot what he was doing. Those eyes, with their innate kindness and joy, captured him completely.

She laughed, and took off running.

He had to catch her. Not just to play the game, but because he knew without a doubt that he needed her in his life. Her life wasn't easy, yet she persevered. She was all sunshine, even though he could see her world was full of clouds and rain. She knew who he was, yet she hadn't mentioned a single word about wanting a gift or asking for his help to buy the inn.