Page 67 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

“I’ll have a whiskey. I’m just not sure which one yet.” I look over the menu.

“You’ll have the same as me. I assure you, it’s the best on the menu.” Simon orders our drinks with the bartender who has just served him. We don’t need to wait too long before we are served. Simon slaps a hand onto my shoulder. “Come and have a seat with us. I’m sure Winter will enjoy the ladies’ company.”

Winter grips my hand in hers and the cocktail Simon ordered in her other. “He’s inviting us to sit with them?”

“I told you they aren’t normal billionaires. They’re really nice people,” I whisper back. I know she’s nervous because of Sam’s crowd of people, but it honestly sounds to me like he was trying to mould her into someone she would never be. Asshole. If I ever meet this prick, I’ll punch him in the face.

At the table, I see familiar faces: Aria, Simon’s wife, James, his brother and Riley, James’ wife. There is also Melissa, Simon’s sister and Lara, her wife, who is also pregnant along with Tristan and Heidi Scott, who married two years ago at CE Estates, and I’ve recently learned he works for Simon too.

“Everyone, you all remember Declan Stone? This is Winter, his girlfriend,” Simon announces. Aria stands and comes over to hug me. “How are you? Obviously, this lovely lady has done something special for you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile this much,” Aria says.

“I am very happy. How are you? Glowing with pregnancy, I see,” I remark. A feeling overwhelms me. Jealousy, and it’s not me who is jealous. It’s Winter, and it’s fucking sexy.

“I’m done with being pregnant. I want this kid out.” Aria laughs as she turns her attention to Winter. “Welcome to our party, Winter. Oh, I see you’re drinking a cosmopolitan. They’re my favourite.” Aria hugs her, and I feel all the jealousy melt away. “I’m stealing your woman, Declan.”

Aria drags her away from me and pulls her to sit with all the ladies beginning to introduce her to them. I breathe a sigh of relief as Winter smiles and is embraced by these women like they have been friends for life.

“Declan, a quick word before I have too much whiskey. Outside if you don’t mind,” Simon says.

“Of course, did I do something wrong?” I ask.

He chuckles. “Nope. We have a job offer for you which I’m hoping you will take me up on.” I walk over to Winter and lean down. “I’m just popping outside with Simon, James and I think Tristan. I’ll be right back.”

She looks at me. “Sure. Everything okay?”

“I’ll find out soon enough.” I kiss her on the temple as I hear the girls all coo.

Following Simon, James and Tristan outside, I’m hoping I’m doing a good enough job at the winery because I love what I do, and this mention of a job offer has me just a bit curious.

Twenty-Five

WINTER

I watch Declan walk away, enjoying staring at his entire body in that tuxedo of his. He’s so fucking sexy, and when we get back to the hotel room tonight, I have dirty plans with him.

‘You should be arrested for being too damn sexy,’I project into his head. I don’t do it often, but I need to get used to it.

‘That’s you, gorgeous,’he replies.

“Girl, you are totally smitten with him,” Aria says.

“He does look damn hot in that tuxedo. I mean, he’s sexy all the time, but particularly in a suit,” I reply.

“Don’t they all, no wonder we all ended up knocked up.” Heidi laughs. “Well, Aria and I are.”

“You have to tell us how you two met. Bear in mind that Riley is a romance author, and anything you say might be used in a book.” Aria laughs.

“Hey! I’m not that bad, Winter,” Riley protests.

“Oh, really? One of your books has lesbians who meet when they have a one-night stand; then, the lady works for her sister's one-night stand. Does it sound familiar?” Lara asks.

“Names and certain details get changed, but the good bits of the story don’t.” Riley winks. “It’s not my fault your lives have all been fantastic book fodder.”

“Actually, our story is rather boring. I saw him working at the bar and restaurant at CE Estates Winery and thought he was hot. I didn’t dare to talk to him, then, later on, I was being harassed by some guy in the car park outside. He heard the commotion and tried to come to the rescue. It turns out I didn’t need his help, but I was grateful he was there as the other guy seemed to fear him. We spoke for a bit, and I left. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again either until we bumped into each other at the café I go to every morning to buy myself a coffee.”

“Did he take you up on the offer of coffee, and the rest is history?” Riley enquires.

I shake my head. “Nope, he tried to get my number, but I turned him down. Gotta play hard to get, right? Anyway, later on that day, I got a phone call from my best friend asking for my help to deliver her friend’s baby, and it turned out said friend is Declan’s sister.”

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