Page 234 of Steamy Ever After

Peyton slowed the car as they approached Arroyo del Corral, the secluded cove where the elephant seals made their home. A few yards beyond it was the entrance to the lighthouse station, where there were several buildings. One housed a gift shop, and another was a replica of the station’s original water tower.

“Did you know you can stay here?” he asked.

“I didn’t. Have you ever?”

“I haven’t, but I’d like to.” With you, he wanted to add.

“You haven’t told me why you have a thing for lighthouses.”

“I thought about it, and I don’t really know. It started when we’d go to Avila Beach with my dad. And maybe it’s that simple, that when I see them, it reminds me of a happy time.”

They browsed the gift shop, and Peyton picked up a lodging brochure. A tour had left several minutes ago, but the girl behind the cash register told them they were welcome to try to catch up with it.

“I’d rather walk around on our own. Is that okay with you?” Brodie asked.

“Yes, definitely.” Peyton thanked her, and they went outside.

“Piedras Blancas was added to the California Coastal National Monument this year,” Brodie began.

“Most of the Cambria shoreline was, too,” Peyton added.

“That’s right. I remember reading about it.”

“I’m a walking, talking Central Coast guidebook.” She laughed. “A lot of tourists come into Stave, and most of them are looking for ideas of other things they can do while they’re in town.”

“The tasting room is certainly a boon to the Westside Collaborative. It’s a good thing you’ve got going there.”

“I usually give the credit to Alex?—”

“I know you do.”

Peyton laughed again. “I’m proud of it. When I took over, we sold a few cases a month of my dad’s wines, but it never generated a profit. Now, it does, and at the same time, it helps spread the word about wineries that aren’t on the beaten path, Butler Ranch included.”

“It’s been a good thing for us, Peyton, and not only here on the Central Coast. Down south, Paso Robles is as well-known as Napa Valley and Sonoma. We may not have the same prestige worldwide, at least not yet, but with every sales trip I go on, more and more customers I call on know about our wines before I get there. Not exclusively ours either. Like you said, many of the region’s wineries are growing in acclaim.”

“Is that where you were, on a sales trip? Wait. Sorry. None of my business.”

Brodie laughed. “You don’t have to apologize.”

“I was being nosy.”

He reached over and rubbed her shoulder. “That’s where I was, and I like that you want to know, Peyton. Believe me, I’m not going to hesitate asking you about the last two days. I want to know everything you did while I was gone.”

“It isn’t that interesting. I ran errands, made dinner for the boys and me, did some laundry. Fascinating stuff. Of course, I was exhausted yesterday after being up so late the night before. I wondered if you had the luxury of sleeping in.”

Brodie leaned in and whispered, “Were you imagining me in bed, Peyton?”

She laughed and pushed him away, but she didn’t freak out. A good sign.

“I was envious, especially when I had to pry my eyes open at seven to get the boys ready for school.”

“Nope, no sleeping in for me either. I left early yesterday, before dawn, and timed it so I hit LA after the morning traffic. I spent yesterday afternoon and evening there, and then this morning, I had a meeting in Santa Barbara.”

“Nice car to be in for that much driving.” She smiled.

“Yours is pretty nice too, Peyton.”

“I like it, and so do the boys…”

---