Page 77 of Lochlan

She's given up touching me and smooths her gown. “Labels don't interest me, or people who try to put themselves or others in categories, for that matter. I can't be bothered to keep up with all the terms. I'm me and that's all that should concern anyone.”

“Is this a deal breaker? That we have to partner in bed and on the court, even if I'm not willing?”

“You were willing to sleep with Lochlan MacTavish on my request…why not me?”

“I think I stated this before. I like men.”

“You want to throw away your Olympic ambitions just on a technicality? I've gone through Olympic qualifying rounds. I stood on the podium when they placed gold around my neck. The training is grueling, and your mindset has to be in sync with your partner. I need to know how much you sleep, what you eat. I need to be in your head. To get there, we need to commit completely to one another.”

Poppy smiles, the longing in her eyes genuine. She slides a hand onto my inner thigh, the warmth of her touch sensual. “I'm an adept lover,” she whispers. “You may never go back to men again. Or maybe you'll be like me and think of them as pizza.”

CHAPTER33

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION

LOCHLAN

Fiona and I have just arrivedat the winery fresh from that disaster called an interview. We're making our way through the main building among a flood of employees walking in the opposite direction.

“Where do you two think you're going?” calls out an agitated Layla. “I've been waiting for you to show up. You promised that you would help host the employee appreciation luncheon with Geordie. The tables are set up on the green. We can't delay any longer. You have to come.”

I follow Layla out to the back green, where everyone who works in the operation is sitting, except for management. Geordie is talking to Connell and a few of the other winery workers. He steps away from the group when I walk by.

“Good to see you, cousin, I thought you weren't going to make it, again.”

We're far enough away from the employees that we can't be overheard. For an extra measure of safety, Geordie has moved in front of me, his back to the crowd. He lowers his voice.

“I sawGood Morning San Pacitas, and I nearly spit out my oats. What the hell are you playing at, saying that you've rekindled your relationship with Fiona? Is that true? And why are you passing Fiona off as the woman in the painting?”

I run my fingers through my hair, looking past him. My supposed rekindled love is chatting amiably with Layla a distance away.

“None of it's true. The interview got away from me. Jillian Barry ambushed us for the sake of tawdry news. I was boxed in and I couldn't deny it on air. I'll get it straightened out.”

“You’d better, before it spirals into something uncontrollable.”

Layla comes up, standing between us. “Will the two of you open the luncheon and welcome everyone, or will I have to do it myself?”

“No, we were just sorting out some unexpected business. We're ready,” Geordie says.

Geordie grabs the mic from the small wooden podium. “Welcome to you, the much-appreciated employees of MacTavish Cellars, to your well-deserved appreciation luncheon.” His voice booms out over the assembly.

A raucous cheer rises up in response. With Geordie's free hand, he signals them to calm down.

“Okay, let me get the welcoming over with. We're here to have fun and celebrate being a part of the MacTavish Cellars family. He glances at Layla, who flanks him on his right, while I wait like a plod on his left for him to finish.

“Layla has scheduled a few events for us to participate in. Let's thank her now for all her hard work putting together this fine party.”

There's clapping and a few unrestrained whoops that have left the stalwart Layla blushing.

“Now, I'll give you to Lochlan. You all know him as our winery manager. He'd like to say a few words.”

I had no idea I was going to speak. I take the microphone from Geordie while he gives me a smirk that says,Don't screw this up.

“Good afternoon to everyone. I want to thank all of you for your hard work. I've never worked with a more talented crew than the people I see before me. If it wasn't for your dedication, none of this would be possible. I invite you to enjoy the buffet luncheon we provided. You'll find that...”

Geordie yanks the mic away from me before I can do anymore damage.

“So, let's get to the fun after we've tucked in to this nice buffet Layla's arranged.”

---