Determined (Determined Trilogy Book 1) (15 page)

I smiled and turned toward him. “Hey yourself.” I paused. “Where are Erin and my dad?”

“Downstairs, engaged in some ice-skating. I told them I had to make a few business calls.”

“I’m a business call now, eh?” I teased.

“I wish all my business calls were like this.”

He paused and then continued.

“Hey, I was thinking—maybe we could all grab some dinner together in the restaurant. I know the chef, and he is spectacular.”

I looked over at him and smiled. I knew my mom wouldn’t mind not cooking, especially after spending the day at the spa.

“I think they’d love that.”

~

Eventually we sauntered down to the main lobby and waited for everyone by the grand fireplace.

We people-watched for a bit, enjoying the spectacle of wealthy ski-bunnies with their Louis-Vuitton printed snowboards and fluffy fur jackets. They were very out of step with the normal, understated, and casual look Lake Tahoe was famous for. Something caught David’s eye, and he looked over at me.

“Just leave this to me.”

A young blond woman dressed in head to toe black nylon approached us out of the crowd.

“David, funny seeing you here.”

I could tell David was surprised, but he kept his expression cool.

“Hello, Laura.” His voice was polite, but uninterested.

“And who is this?” she said, gesturing to me.

“Samantha, this is Laura DeKalb. We know each other through the hospital. Laura, this is Samantha Sharp, my girlfriend.” Laura raised her eyebrow at him but offered her hand to me. It had a huge diamond engagement ring on it.

“Girlfriend? Well, I never thought I’d see the day.” She looked me up and down and then looked back at David. “What are you doing here, David?”

“Samantha’s family and I are spending the week.” His speech was clipped, short.

“Ah, I see.” She began to sense that her presence was not welcome. “Well, I’d better be going. I have an appointment at the spa. It was good to see you, David.” She nodded at him, “And so nice to meet you, Samantha.” She leaned in to hug me good-bye. “Don’t waste your time,” she hissed, quietly, so only I could hear. My eyes shot daggers at her as she walked away.

“Just ignore her,” David said softly.

“Did you two date?”

“We went to a charity ball together. Her mother is a big donor to the hospital,” he offered, as if that explained it all away. I didn’t like it, but it seemed like this was the routine. Each time we ventured out in public, some society girl was there, ready and waiting to pounce.

“Hmm ...”

Normally I would be annoyed, but the post-orgasmic glow kept me still. I closed my eyes and leaned back into him, inhaling deeply. I remained there, for several minutes, until the melodic voice of my mother broke in.

“Hey guys!”

My mom strode in languidly, her body language telling us that she was in a state of corporeal delight.

“How was your time at the spa, Mrs. Sharp?”

“It was so relaxing. Thank you, David.” She turned to me, “Honey, you look blissed out.”

Oh, she had no idea.

~

Once Dad and Erin returned from the ice rink, we wandered down to the restaurant together.

“Keith, party of five,” the hostess greeted us, before David even had the chance say hello. “We have you at the Chef’s Table. Please, follow me”.

We followed the hostess across the elegant dining room and through a door into the kitchen. To the side of the prep area was a beautiful table set for five. We were eating in the kitchen?

“The chef will be with you shortly,” she said as we sat down.

“No menus?” my dad began to say, when a tattooed man, dressed in chef’s whites came up beside David.

“David, good to see you.” He extended his hand to David, and warmth radiated from his voice.

“Eric, thanks for fitting us in tonight,” he said, meeting the handshake. “Everyone, this is Eric North, the head chef here. Eric, this is Samantha, my girlfriend, and her family—Angela, John, and Erin. I’ve been telling them what a gift you have.”

Eric’s eyes shined. Chefs are famous for their egos, and David was stroking his skillfully.

“David, you are too kind. Well, ladies and gentleman,” he said, turning to us “If you would, please sit back, relax, and let us entertain you.” And as soon as the words left his lips, five waiters appeared to our sides and placed small white plates in front of us. On them were wire contraptions that held miniature ice cream cones.

“An amuse-bouche,” Eric explained, “to whet your appetite for what is to follow.”

We all looked at each other. David seemed to encourage me with his eyes, and I lifted the small object into my mouth. The creaminess literally exploded on my tongue.

“Foie gras ice cream cone,” Eric explained, “the foie gras is heated so that the center is liquid. What do you think?” He looked at us, his eyes full of hope.

“Delicious!” my father proclaimed. He’d always fancied himself a bit of a foodie, and this was right up his alley.

The chef retreated back to the kitchen and returned periodically to explain each dish that was brought to us, each one more inventive than the next. Wine was rotated during the meal as well, starting with a crisp white and ending with a beautifully aged cabernet. Though each dish was small, the sheer number of them had us groaning with fullness by the end.

We made our way through three versions of dessert, and just when we thought we were done, a tray of beautiful sweets was placed in the center of the table, and coffee and liqueur were served. I took a coffee with cream, and sampled a translucent pink square of jelly that tasted like roses. It was perfect. I leaned into David, relaxing as he regaled my family with tales of his childhood growing up in Louisiana. They couldn’t tell, but I knew he was being careful, guarded, about what details he shared and which he withheld. He was so charming and funny; they never knew the difference.

~

The rest of the week passed in a warm blur. We spent mornings on the mountain, and evenings drinking wine and playing board games. David snuck into my room each night, and we had quick, silent sex, hoping Rex and my family wouldn’t hear us.

On Thanksgiving, the oven went out. Rather than freak out, my mom ordered Chinese food, and we ate off of paper plates in front of the fire.

“Hey, David.”

“Yes, Erin?”

“Do you know what it’s called when people are afraid of chopsticks?”

“I believe it’s called consecotaleophobia.” David shot me a wink.

She stared at us, mouth hanging open and eyes wide with delight. After a few moments, she returned to her broccoli beef and announced very matter-of-factly: “Sam, I like your boyfriend.”

I liked him, too.

~

Eventually, it was Saturday, and it was time to leave. I had to work on Sunday, and Mom and Dad liked to beat the Sunday traffic. I was sad to go. I loved my family, and we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together these days.

“Are you guys sure we can’t give you a lift?” I hugged my parents one last time, and looked at them expectantly.

“No, no, don’t be silly, we will be fine. You two have fun.” My mom shooed us out of the house. I could tell my dad kind of wanted to come with us, but that he’d go wherever my mom wanted. I shot him a knowing smile.

“Thank you again for hosting us, Angela.” David reached out and kissed my mom on the cheek. I think she blushed. He shook my dad’s hand. “Next time you want to go up, give me a call, John.”

My dad beamed at him. A boyfriend with a collection of airplanes. He couldn’t have been happier if I’d brought home the President.

We turned, and Thomas opened the door to the Audi. David put our duffle bags in the back, and we climbed in. I waved goodbye to Erin and my parents as Thomas turned down the driveway.

11

The trip back was quick, and before I knew it, we pulled up to my place.

“I’m sorry I have to work today.” He looked pained as he put away his phone. It had been buzzing incessantly since yesterday.

“It’s okay,” I placated, “I know it was probably hard for you to take the week off.” He smiled weakly at me.

“Maybe I’ll just retire and buy an island. We could just sit on the beach every day, and drink things out of coconuts,” he said wistfully.

“Hey,” I cupped his face. “This week was wonderful. Thank you.” I kissed him, trying to cheer him up. I think it worked. His expression changed.

“Are you free on Sunday night?” he paused. “It’s Jenna’s birthday, and my family is having a little get together at my dad’s place.” He examined my face for a reaction. “I can pick you up.”

A family get together? At his Dad’s place? He wanted to introduce me to his parents? Man, this guy moved fast. My mind flew. I swallowed hard.

“If you are free, of course ...” he trailed off. Little things like that reminded me that we had barely known each other for more than a week, even though it felt like forever. He had met my whole family. But if I was honest with myself, I still knew so little about him, about where he came from. I longed for proof that I was something more than another Vanessa. Meeting his family—was this validation? Validation that I mattered, that I was different than all the other girls? Meeting his family certainly
felt
like a big step. I took a deep breath, excited. The occasion would also allow me to do some reconnaissance. I smiled at him.

“I’d love to meet them. I have to work from ten until three, but I’m free after that.”

“Perfect. We’ll go up for dinner. I’ll pick you up at three.”

~

Thankfully, worked passed quickly on Sunday. Eve and I were on together for most of the shift, since Curtis was hoping for a good pre-Christmas shopping weekend. And he was right, the gallery was hopping. We sold four pieces, which was three more than we’d normally sell on a Sunday. For each piece that sold, we had dozens of folks who were just browsing, enjoying the art. I’ve never minded those types, they are fun to talk to and often less pretentious than the actual buyers. Three o’clock snuck up on me. Eve peeked out the window.

“I think your ride is here,” she said, grinning. I rushed to grab my purse before heading out the door.

Exiting onto the sidewalk, I expected to see Thomas with the black SUV. Instead I was greeted by David, perched coolly on the edge of a gray Aston Martin coupe. Thomas was nowhere to be seen.

“Hey,” he said, standing up and pulling me in for a hello kiss.

“Hey yourself,” I kissed him back and then paused, “Where’s Thomas?”

“I gave him the night off,” he said confidently, ever the master of his universe. He opened the door for me, and I dropped myself into the smooth leather cockpit. He walked around to the other side and settled in on the driver’s seat.

“Buckle up,” he commanded, full of assurance. We pulled out into traffic effortlessly. The Aston Martin was a fine car. Sleek, powerful—it reminded me of David, himself. He hit a button on the steering wheel, and music surrounded us. A few quick turns and we were on the freeway headed north. As we accelerated up the onramp, he expertly shifted gears, and the engine thundered to life. He glanced over at me, and we locked eyes with a knowing glance. The energy in the cockpit sizzled.

“I missed you, baby,” he said, trying to bat down a smile.

“Me too,” I murmured as we flew down the highway.

I realized I didn’t even know where we were going.

“So where does your dad live?”

“In Napa. Julie—his new wife—her family started McNeary Vineyards, and she inherited it. My dad moved up there when they got married to start a country life.” He seemed pleased about their union.

“Must be nice.” I paused, “So it’s Julie, your dad, Jenna ... anyone else?” I ask, starting my line of inquiry for the night. I needed to be as prepped and ready as possible.

“My brother Jake is going to be there. He’s still in school at UC Davis, but he’s home because it’s Thanksgiving break.”

David switched the conversation to my day at the gallery, and I played along, waiting to find out more about him once I was at his family’s house. I was also painfully aware I hadn’t mentioned my trip to Miami yet. I had decided before Thanksgiving to wait until the time was right. He’d probably find a way to join me, and I really wanted to go on the trip alone to prove that I could hold my own in the art world. The last thing I needed was Mr. Control Freak inserting himself, no pun intended.

The Aston Martin expertly hugged the curves of the wine country roads. As we passed through the gates of McNeary Vineyards, the sun was just starting to dip, and we were surrounded with row upon row of bare vines cast in golden light as we drove up a long winding gravel driveway. The estate appeared over the horizon. It was a true California-style winery, nothing like the grand chateaus of France. A low, sprawling complex made of redwood and glass. We parked the car in the large roundabout and walked together to the front door of the living quarters.

“Any last tips?”

David stopped at the base of the steps and turned toward me. He shot me a quizzical look.

“No. Samantha, I haven’t done this before.” His shoulders shrugged ever so slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve never introduced a girl to my family.” His eyes locked with mine, heavy with seriousness. Whoa. Really? All of his dates, and none of them had met his family? My subconscious grinned from ear to ear with the acknowledgment. I was about to be privy to something more intimate than sex; a
very
special club. David’s personal life was a closely guarded secret, and we were in unexplored territory, together. The closeness gave me a silent thrill. I kissed him on the cheek and pulled him up the steps alongside me.

~

David’s family was amazing. Julie and Jack were both super laid back. It was hard to believe Jack used to be a surgeon. I couldn’t picture his easy southern drawl in the operating room. The wine country life, Julie included, seemed to suit him. The two had an easy way between them, and spent the evening lobbing jokes back and forth. Jake, David’s brother, was a spitting image of his father and shared Jack’s brand of humor.