Page 78 of Won’t Let You Get Away

I shrug, glancing back at Nicolas. “But it was worth it.”

Bri laughs, patting my chest. “While I regret nothing about it, I’m pretty sure we’re supposed to teach future generations about safebehavior.”

“I guess that’s true,” I admit, leaning back against the bed and holding her close. “I’ll just tell them that their uncle and grandpa sent me on a vacation where I met the most beautiful woman, and I simply couldn’t let her get away.”

Bri playfully sighs, barely containing her amusement as she snuggles into my side.

“As long as you emphasize that they cannot abduct or hold anyone against their will and not make it sound like you kidnapped me.”

“Deal.” I grin, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Noah.”

BONUS EPILOGUE

SABRINA

1 year later

“Miss Jones, this party is beyond incredible,” Mr.Walker remarks, his eyes admiring the beautifully decorated winery.

I turn to fully face him, my smile beaming. “I had some help,” I confess, gesturing towards the tasteful Christmas decorations adorning every corner of the winery. “But I’m glad you could make it Mr.Walker.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he responds with a grin. “It’s about time I made it in person.”

As one of our newest investors, Mr.Walker’s support has been pivotal in expanding our winery’s distribution along the East Coast. However, he has relied solely on Leo’s recommendations and hasn’t visited until now.

Glancing over my shoulder, Mr.Walker’s expression shifts as he spots someone at the bar. “That’s my date,” he shares simply with a smile.

“I’ll let you get back to her,” I say, stepping back to give him space. But then I remember something important. “Oh, before you go, we’re unveiling our latest line tonight. Just ask the bartender about the Honeywell Hearts Collection.”

“The Hearts Collection?” Mr.Walker repeats in surprise, glancing towards the bar.

“Our winemaker outdid himself with these,” I say with a wink, nodding towards his date. “If you’ll excuse me, Mr.Henderson just arrived and I need to greet him before my mother catches sight of him.”

“Ah yes, your mother is quite charming,” Mr.Walker chuckles.

“If by charming, you mean the biggest flirt who is dead set on traumatizing her daughter with innuendos she never needed to hear her say, then yes,” I reply with a shiver at the memory of my mom making a “that’s what she said” joke aimed at Leo when he came to check on me after I was put on bedrest before he left.

After promising to meet Mr.Walker’s date later, I head over to Leo.

“Well, hey there, stranger,” I say, my words trailing off as I get a good look at him.

Leo has always been meticulous about his appearance, so the slight wrinkles in his suit jacket and the crooked tie are immediately noticeable. I reach out to touch his arm, guiding us to a quieter spot. “Is everything okay?” I ask in a hushed tone.

Running a hand across his jaw, Leo avoids meeting my gaze as he sighs. Finally, he forces a smile. “Oh, noth?—”

I interrupt him with a raised hand. “If you’re going to lie and say everything’s fine when it’s clearly not, then it’s better if you don’t answer at all.”

He appears taken aback and falls silent.

Just then, a server with a tray of sample wines catches my attention. I step away from Leo briefly to grab two glasses,offering one to him. As he reaches for it, I keep my hold on the glass until he looks at me directly. His forced smile vanishes, revealing exhaustion and hurt in his eyes.

Keeping my voice low, I say, “You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong if you’re not ready. Just don’t brush me off or lie to me.”

“You’re right,” Leo nods, a brief smirk playing at the corner of his lips before disappearing with his sigh. “Thank you for calling me out on that.”

As we both realize we are still holding onto the same glass, I release it and raise an eyebrow at him.

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