Page 38 of Manhattan Bossholes

Yeah, they were real, and I was fucked, because I craved more.

“Welcome to Hawaii,” I whispered, my lips still tingling from the kiss.

“Thanks,” Piper whispered back, grinning mischievously. “Now let’s go have some fun.”

11

PIPER

Iwas officially in paradise.

Lush, tropical, flower-scented paradise, complete with the promise of a waterfall somewhere in the distance. How was this my job?

Adding to the strangeness was the fact that I was holding hands with the man I used to detest, who I now had to admit I actually liked.

From the start, I’d assumed that Vincent was this emotionally stunted, closed-off bosshole who only cared about his bottom line, but he was slowly revealing that he was so much more. His concern for this father and Nana Dee, and his willingness to share his vulnerable side with me on the flight over, had given me unexpected insights into the puzzle that was Vincent Forde.

I hoped he’d give me the chance to keep figuring him out.

Thankfully, the Sullivans had warmed to him too. They’d given us a tour of their stunning home, and we were now checking out our private bungalow, which was down the hill from the main house.

Our accommodations were what I’d call “fancy Hawaiian rustic”—soaring, bleached wood paneled vaulted ceiling and a wall of windows on the back side with white billowy curtains blowing in the breeze. It was quiet luxury with a focus on comfort and honoring the environment.

“This way, this way,” Jean beckoned cheerfully as she walked through the space. “I want you to see the view from the back.”

“You’re not going to believe it,” Joe added with a wink.

Vincent pulled me along until the four of us were looking out the open back wall, gazing out over the rolling fields of heliotrope. Miles of purple stretched out before us, the occasional flicker of pink and white wildflowers breaking through the violet sea.

No wonder the space smelled so sweet.

“It’s perfect,” Vincent said with awe.

I knew he was thinking about the harvest, but it sounded like real appreciation for the natural beauty of the land.

“We’re pretty proud of it,” Joe said. “Glad you’re here to see it.”

I held my breath. Whatever Vincent said next could make or break the entire trip. I’d secured us the time with the Sullivans, but we still needed to jump through the hoops they presented in order to get to the contract stage. And Vincent had to prove there was more to him than the jackass they’d met at the engagement party.

He turned to Joe. “I’m honored that you trust this harvest to Summit. Your contribution is the key to Evermore’s success, and we love that your farm’s DNA will always be a part of it. Thank you for all of this.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Humble. Appreciative. Kind. And most importantly, real. This wasn’t Vincent putting on a show for the Sullivans; he truly meant it. He knew how precious the blooms were to them, and he would put his good name on the line to make sure their land and legacy were cared for.

“It’s our great pleasure,” Joe replied.

The two men regarded one another for a few seconds, as if they were silently sealing the deal.

“Now, come see the outdoor shower!” Jean said as she scurried down a hallway.

Joe followed right behind her, leaving us bringing up the rear.

“Outdoor shower?” Vincent muttered to me under his breath. “What is this, summer camp?”

Ah, there he was. He hadn’t lost his edge after all.

“Stop,” I whispered, giving him a soft punch to the gut that only made him chuckle.

I forced myself to ignore how hard his stomach was against my fist. Like granite.