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Odette sighed. “He wasn’t until he decided he wanted to declare his farm stand a historical landmark and was denied. I don’t know what joining our society will do, but that man always has some sort of motive.”
“I think he wanted another excuse to be where you are,” I said, knowing damn well the rivalry between Odette and Albert was as strong as the rivalry between the Eagles and the Giants.
Odette’s laugh echoed around us, and she slapped a hand to her chest. “Please. That man can’t stand me, and the feeling is mutual.”
“You know what they say. Opposites attract.”
“That’s a whole lot of baloney. That man could make any woman run for the woods, including me. I’d rather take my chances with the bears than with his grumpy butt.” She waved her hand in the air. “Enough about that. Are you here to see Nero?”
“I told you that kiss meant nothing.” The words came out and it was a hard blow to my heart.
“I know, and I’m still shutting down the rumor mill, but you two are just as cute as a button.” Odette’s gaze drifted down my outfit. “And you’re all dolled up tonight.”
“I’m actually hoping to meet someone,” I said, eager to put an end to this conversation.
“Good for you,” Odette exclaimed. “Keep your options open and don’t be too picky. Take it from someone like me who found something wrong with every man who wanted me. Now I’m old and alone.”
“Odette you are not old, and you’re not alone either. Your friends with practically everyone in this town.”
“Yes, but friendship and a companion are two entirely different things.” She motioned toward the door. “Now let’s head inside. I could use a glass of pinot.”
I held my hand out and let her go ahead of me. When we reached the door, I took a deep breath and stepped into the one place that had always felt like a third home.
My eyes scanned the bar, and as always, Nero was there, but he was on the farthest side while Chris was closest. I followed Odette, standing behind her as we walked, hoping she’d block me from view. I was perfectly aware of how pathetic that was, but my stomach knotted each step we took.
I found an open stool and hoisted myself onto it. Odette waved over Chris, and we placed our drink orders. Odette reached for her wallet.
I held my hand up. “It’s on me tonight.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” she said.
“Consider it compensation for controlling the rumor mill for me.”
“You’re a doll.” Odette held up her glass and clinked it against mine. “Time to mingle.”
“Go have fun.”
Odette hurried away, her platform sandals snapping in sync with her steps. I chanced a glance at Nero. He looked as gorgeous as ever. Usually the dark blue of his eyes was hard to determine, but not tonight. The blue button down he wore made his eyes pop. His sleeves were rolled to just below his elbows, showing off his forearms. Forearms should not be sexy, but his were.
Visions of his hands roaming my body popped into my head. If I knew we were going to be one and done, I might have savored it a little more. Then again, I’m not even sure if that was possible. I had relished every second.
A blonde approached the bar and zeroed in on Nero. He smiled that Grasso charm, and not wanting to witness him in action, my gaze drifted away. A slight gasp fell from my lips as my eyes landed on Damian. He held a glass of wine in my direction, and the corners of my mouth twitched, my lips curving skyward.
“Hi,” I mouthed and raised my glass to him.
He left his perch and rounded the bar. I quickly shot a text off to Sherry to let her know he showed. I inhaled as he approached and shoved my phone in my bag. He had also changed, swapping his white polo for a navy-blue short sleeved button down.
“You came,” he said as he stopped behind my stool.
“I came.”
“Do you mind?” He motioned to the stool that had just been vacated.
“Please.”
I nodded to the deep red liquid. “Got yourself a glass of the Pinot Noir.”
“I did, and it’s delicious. I already spoke with the tasting room manager about buying several cases, and he’s getting me a meeting with the VP of Sales.”
