Page 129 of Billionaire Temptations

“Fine.” He sighed. “She’s in Napa Valley. Fuck, I can’t believe I’m telling you this. It’s a place she and Emily always wanted to visit. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her and my parents’ death.Emerson spent too many years alone on that day, and I don’t want her alone again. Promise me you’ll go to Napa and be with her as a friend, Alex.”

“I will. Where is she staying?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t say, but I’ll do some checking and see if I can find out through her credit card. I’ll call you back.”

She went to Napa Valley. I loved Napa Valley. It wasn’t a place to be seen alone. I took my suitcase from my closet and began packing some clothes. A few moments later, my phone rang, and it was Adam.

“Did you find out?”

“Yeah. She’s at the Wine Country Inn. I’ll send you the address. Don’t tell her that I told you.”

“I won’t. I promise. Thanks, Adam. I appreciate it.”

“You owe me again, Alex. I know my sister, so don’t come crying to me when she breaks your heart.”

“I’ll remember that. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I ended the call and immediately called my pilot, Warren.

“Hello, Mr. Parker.”

“Warren, I need you to fuel up the plane for tomorrow morning and take me to Napa Valley. We’ll leave around nine o’clock.”

“It’ll be ready, sir.”

“Thank you.”

I sighed as I tossed my phone on the bed. Was I doing the right thing? Hell, if I knew. The only thing I did know was that she shouldn’t be spending tomorrow alone.

When we landedat the Napa County Airport, I had a car waiting for me to take me to the Wine Country Inn. When Iwalked into the lobby, a blonde-haired woman smiled at me from behind the desk.

“Welcome to the Wine Country Inn. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for one of your guests. She checked in yesterday, and her name is Emerson James.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I cannot give out that type of information.”

“Please.” I glanced at her name badge. “Noelle. It’s very important.”

“Again, sir. We are not allowed to give out our guests’ information.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. “See this. It’s all yours if you tell me which room she is staying in.”

“You’re going to have to leave before I call the police.”

I sighed. “Listen, please. She’s a close friend of mine, and today is the anniversary of her twin sister’s and parents’ death. I don’t want her to be alone. I’ll give you my credit card information and my driver’s license—anything you need. I’m not a murderer or a rapist. I’m her friend and here to make sure she gets through this day.”

“Then I’ll call her room and tell her you’re here.”

“No. It’s a surprise.” I smiled. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my wallet. “Here is my credit card. I want you to use this to pay for her stay here.”

She glared at me and then took the card from my hand. “I’ll also need your driver’s license.”

“Here you go.” I handed it to her.

She typed on her computer and handed me back my credit card and license.

“She’s in cottage five. Go out the door, make a right, go down the trail a bit, and you’ll see a line of cottages. She’s the last one on the right.”

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