Page 108 of Tempt Me

He gestures out at the papers in front of him.

“So.” He cocks his head. “Do you agree? Will you come back to Everton to oversee this new era for our company?”

I think about it. Leaving Catarina Azul. Moving back to Magnolia Bay. The things I would lose. But the things I would gain.

My family.

Noah.

The winery, run the way I’ve always dreamed. The town, with all its charm and quirks.

And Isla. She might not love me anymore, but at least this would give me a fighting chance. To make up for all the hurt I’ve caused her. To be her friend again.

“I accept,” I say.

I see a flash of relief in Dad’s eyes, then he stands and extends his hand. I stand and we shake. “I’m very pleased to hear it. I’ll have Roger bring over the contracts. Might I make one small suggestion?”

“Only one?” I say wryly.

“We will need a new winemaker. John isn’t up to this task. Any chance your Argentinian friend would be interested in a new job?”

My eyebrows shoot up my forehead. “You want to hire Sebastian?”

Dad shrugs. “You said he was the best.”

“He is,” I agree. Would he do it? That would be incredible. He could work wonders on the estate. My hands start to tingle. “I’ll call him now.”

Dad sits back down as I head to the door, eager to get Sebastian on the phone.

“It seems I must thank Isla Davenport for a second time,” Dad says quietly.

I whirl around. “What?”

When did he thank Isla the first time?

“Apprehending your mother’s murderer may be the reason you returned to Magnolia Bay,” Dad says, his gaze drifting out the window toward the lodge. “But Isla is the reason you stayed.” He turns back to me, his eyes liquid black. “Life is short, Caden. Don’t lose her again.”

“She doesn’t want me anymore, Dad,” I say.

My father raises an eyebrow. “Are you certain about that?”

My head is spinning but Dad merely shuffles the papers on his desk, back to work. I know a dismissal when I see one.

I stride to my room, determination setting in.

“I won’t,” I mutter. I won’t lose her again. I’ll figure something out. I can be patient. But first things first. I pick up my phone and dial Sebastian’s number.

“Caden,” his warm voice comes through on the other end.

“Hola, Seb.”

“I was wondering when I would hear from you again. How are things on the Long Island?”

I grin. “You know how you’ve always dreamed of giving Esme an American education?”

“Yes,” Sebastian says hesitantly.

“Well, I’ve got a little offer I’d like to discuss with you…”

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