He nodded. “And this is my … associate, Ashley Easton.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, her gaze fully on Sebastian. “I’m Corinne Fields. We spoke on the phone earlier.”
She shook his hand, holding on longer than was appropriate for a business greeting, as she demurely fluttered her lashes.
He’d been this route before. She was interested. And in the past, he’d have reciprocated that interest for the time he was here. But for the first time, his attention was occupied with thoughts of another woman, rendering him uninterested in what this woman was offering.
Ashley was all he could think about. Being alone with her here. Seeing where things could go.
Ashley cleared her throat as he slid his hand out of Corinne’s grip, aware of Ashley’s gaze on the prolonged shake.
Not wanting either woman to get the wrong idea, he took a step closer to Ashley and away from Corinne.
Corinne stiffened, obviously getting the message. “Well, I’ll send someone to take your bags to the cottage,” she said stiffly. “It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully stocked kitchen. You’ll be very comfortable,” she told them with a forced smile.
“Sounds wonderful,” Ashley said, not engaging the other woman at all. “Can you tell me a little about the vineyard?”
“Sei Bellisimo means you are beautiful in Italian,” Corinne said, explaining the name. “We’re a boutique winery, a small, out-of-the-way vineyard, but even so, summer is a busy time in Napa and our tastings are all booked. However”—she turned to them with a professional smile—“we will be providing you with our very best wine at the cottage and during your private tour.”
Sebastian nodded. “And we’re very grateful, but my focus here is to meet with Stephan Romano.” Although Sebastian had expected a tour, he’d hoped to do business first. “I’m sure you realize there’s a lot on the line for our two companies.”
Stephan Romano, however, was an eccentric, something he knew from his grandfather. Not only was he one of the biggest defense contractors in the world, he owned this vineyard, and he was reclusive and hard to get in touch with.
“Yes, of course. He has every intention of meeting with you,” Corinne assured him vaguely.
Beside him, Ashley placed a hand on his shoulder, her first sign of personal interaction in front of Corinne. It was as if she’d read his thoughts and understood his frustration with the situation. Not only did he appreciate having her here, but her innate comprehension of what he was feeling and her ability to soothe him was something he wasn’t used to.
“Would you like to change before I take you on a walking tour of the property?” Corinne asked.
In anticipation of a meeting with Stephan Romano, they had both remained in their work clothes.
Ashley glanced at Sebastian, and he inclined his head, leaving it up to her. He apparently wasn’t going to be able to rush things.
“I’d love to change. I have sneakers in my suitcase,” she said.
They were taken to their cottage and their bags were brought in. Ashley chose one of the rooms and disappeared into it. Sebastian had brought a pair of cargo shorts and a tee shirt, and it took him no time to switch clothes. Ashley emerged a few minutes later, wearing a cute pair of striped drawstring pants and a tank top, sneakers on her feet.
“Ready!” She bounced on the balls of her feet, obviously looking forward to the vineyard tour.
Corinne met them outside, and soon they were following her throughout the estate. As they walked along a crushed stone pathway, the crunch of their footsteps seemed loud in the utter silence surrounding them. It was hard to believe they were in Northern California and not some private villa, something out of another era. Mr. Romano had obviously had visions of his Tuscan ancestry when he’d built the estate. The fountains, marble statuary, and small wrought iron benches set in secluded, tree-and-vine shaded nooks practically invited one to laze away the day sipping the decadent wine they’d tasted that the vineyard was so famous for.
With Ashley by his side, as she was now, Sebastian thought. Their arms often brushed as they walked along the path, sending a sexual jolt through his system. Despite his frustration with Romano himself, Sebastian had enjoyed his time touring the winery with Ashley as they viewed the place where the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was created, along with their 2017 barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Corinne had obviously put the moment when they’d met behind her and so had Sebastian. Ashley didn’t seem fazed, and they were all engaged in the tour.
Sebastian had even been impressed with the beautiful greenery lining the paths and the processes they saw. But every time he questioned when he’d meet with Romano, he felt as if he was being stonewalled.
Finally, Corinne took a phone call, listened, and said, “I understand. I’ll let him know.” She disconnected and turned to Sebastian. “Mr. Romano looks forward to having dinner with you tonight.”