Page 127 of Billionaire Temptations

“I know you can’t, and it doesn’t matter anyway. I’ve spent the last eight anniversaries alone, so tomorrow will be no different.”

“Emerson, I’m?—”

“No need to say it, big brother. I already know.”

“Do you need some money?” he asked.

“No. I have cash and a credit card that I have saved for emergencies.”

“Okay. Have a safe trip, and if you need anything, call me.”

“Thanks. I will.”

While driving down the highway, I pulled up the playlist on my phone and played “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis. It was our favorite song in the world, and we sang it together almost daily. I turned up the volume and rolled all the windows down. I began to sing it as loudly as I could as the warm breeze swept over my face.

As I pulled up to the Wine Country Inn bed and breakfast, I prayed they had a room available. If not, then I would have to find somewhere else in Napa. When I walked into the lobby, a blond-haired woman smiled at me from behind the desk.

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

“I’m hoping you have a room available. This was a last-minute trip, and I didn’t call to make a reservation.”

“Ah. How many guests?” she asked.

“Just me.” I smiled.

She looked at me as she checked her computer. “We have one room available, and it’s our Private Vineyard View King Cottage for $615.00 a night.”

“Ouch. That’s the only room you have?”

“Yes. How long are you planning on staying?”

“I don’t know. A few days, maybe.”

“On Tuesday, we have one of our standard rooms available. If you want, you can stay in the cottage for two nights, and then we can switch you over to one of the other cheaper rooms.”

I twisted my face, unsure of what to do. Six hundred fifteen dollars a night was more than I had planned. But, if it was only for two nights, I could manage it, and it was surely beautiful here.

“Fine. I’ll take it.” I smiled.

“Excellent. I’ll just need your driver’s license and credit card.”

Once she input my information, she handed me the keys to the cottage and gave me directions as to its location. Upon opening the door, I stepped inside, and the first word out of my mouth was, “Wow.” I could see why this place was expensive. The room featured a small living area with a loveseat and a chair that sat across from a fireplace with a TV mounted above it. Behind the living area were three steps that led up to the king-sized bed with a large window that faced the vineyards. Setting my bag on the bed, I unpacked and put my clothes away in the three-drawer dresser that sat against the wall. When I heard my phone ding from my purse, I grabbed it and found a text message from Alex.

“Where the hell are you? You’ve been gone all day. It’s nighttime, and I want to know you’re safe.”

Did I answer him? Where I was, was none of his concern. He wasn’t my keeper. But I didn’t want him to worry and get his blood pressure all high, so I replied.

“I’m safe, and I’m fine. I took a little road trip and will probably be gone for at least four days. Make sure to take your blood pressure medication and lay off the salt.”

“A road trip? TO WHERE?”

“I appreciate you asking, but I’m not talking to you about where I am. It’s somewhere I needed to be.”

“EMERSON JAMES! WHERE DID YOU GO?!”

“Calm yourself, Parker. I’m fine. Are you going to miss me or something? You should be happy I’m gone. Now I can’t bug you about the frizzy curly-haired girl.”

I silently laughed to myself.

---