Page 52 of Red Wine and Roses

He slid his arm around her shoulders. They were almost at Austin’s office now. “Couldn’t you get used to it?”

She drew in a deep breath. She had a weird feeling that she could get used to it. She could get used to having Cameron in her life and would happily adapt to the way he lived, but it wasn’t realistic, was it? He’d said it enough times himself—if something seemed too good to be true, it probably was.

She stopped and shrugged. “Can we talk about it later? We’re here now.”

He gave her a rueful smile and shook his head at her. “We can, but I’m going to keep asking until you give in and agree or you give me a good reason why not.”

Austin had all the paperwork ready and waiting, and it took less than fifteen minutes to get all the paperwork signed, her deposit paid, and everything taken care of. Piper’s heart raced as he handed her the keys. “Here, you go. The place is all yours.”

She laughed. “At least for the next six months.”

“What do you want to do now?” asked Cameron once they were back out on the street.

“A happy dance!”

That made him laugh. “Okay, and after that?”

“I want to move in! And I want to go to the grocery store and stock up and … do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”

“I’d love to.”

“And do you want to stay?”

“If you want me to.”

She grinned, and for the first time, she took hold of his hand. “I’d love you to. This weekend couldn’t be any better. I get to move into that amazing house, and I get to share it with you!”

Cameron laughed. “I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Chapter Fourteen

Piper checked on the oven and then went back out to join Cameron on the deck.

He raised his glass to her. “Here’s wishing you every happiness in your new home.”

“Thank you.” She touched her glass against his and sat back down. “It couldn’t get off to a happier start than this.”

Cameron closed his eyes for a second. He had to get a grip. She didn’t mean because he was here. Why would he even think that? “Yeah, it’s a beautiful evening, and the view is amazing.” He smiled. “And the wine’s not bad either, if I do say so myself.” They’d gone to the grocery store earlier, and he’d managed to find a bottle of the 2002 Reserve.

She laughed. “It’s wonderful, thank you. And you’re right, it is the perfect evening, but I was talking about the company.

“You were?”

She nodded. She looked scared to admit it. “Yes. Thank you for being here.”

“Thank you for wanting me here.”

She got up. “I’d better check on dinner.”

He sighed. She’d only checked on it two minutes ago. She just wanted to get away from him. It was progress, though. She might be running away, but she’d admitted that him being here made her happy. It made him happy, too—happier than he’d have thought possible. He got up and followed her inside. “Can I do anything to help?” He’d already asked once, and she’d told him that she was used to cooking by herself. She didn’t know how to delegate in the kitchen.

She gave him a shy smile. “Can you find the plates?”

He nodded and started looking through the cupboards. It was a little thing, but it seemed like a big concession—like she was prepared to let him in, to work with him—to become a couple? He sucked in a deep breath as he found the plates. Was he going nuts? How were they supposed to become a couple? She’d just rented this house and started a new job, both of which were here in Summer Lake. He lived in Napa. His work, his company, his family, and his whole life were there. Yes, he and Piper could see each other on the weekends, but that wasn’t becoming a couple; that was just seeing each other—dating, at most.

They ate outside on the deck. It was an idyllic setting with the colors of the setting sun reflected in the lake.

“This is wonderful,” said Cameron.

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