Risking the Vine (Romancing the Vine Book 1) (24 page)

“I like you, Luke. I like your work ethic, the way you interact with staff. The way you’ve handled yourself in this situation. I figured Evert would stay true to form and cut you loose once everything was over and done. He is such a d-bag,” she snorted, then covered her mouth and continued with a sheepish tilt to her lips. “I want to see you land on your feet. Especially since I’ll be joining the OU health center next month as their new Director of Nursing. I’d kind of like to keep you in my corner.”

He couldn’t help it. Luke’s chest puffed up like a helium balloon. “Really, you’re leaving too?” There, he’d admitted he was out of here. Even if the board opted not to fire him, he’d break the contract himself for an opportunity to live in Eugene with Jac.

“Yeah. I haven’t handed in my resignation letter yet, but my last day will be in mid-October. I wanted to stay through the contract negotiations to make sure my nurses got the best deal. They did. Now I’m outta here.”

Her dedication to seeing her staff get a livable deal made Roberta a freaking great D.O.N. in Luke’s opinion. “And the University Health Center has my résumé?”

Roberta nodded. “Yes. I’m driving up next week, if you want to go with me. Dan told me he’d clear his calendar if you’re interested enough to make time for him.” She dug in the pocket of her white lab coat and pulled out a business card, offering it to him. “Give him a call, then let me know.”

Luke studied the bold green and gold lettering on the card. He lifted his eyes to find Roberta with a triumphant expression on her face. He smiled. “Thanks. I’ll call him. If you speak to him before I have a chance, please let him know I’m interested. Very interested.”

“I will. Now, I’ll let you go, because I know you’re dying to get to work. Highly motivated to make Brian resemble the jackass he is by taking the high road.” She paused. “Hey, Luke?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks again for everything you’ve done for the nurses of St. Simeon. I’ve enjoyed working with you here, and I’m eager to continue working with you.”

A cheery whistle eased from Luke as he grabbed his briefcase. He strode across the room and followed Roberta from the conference room.

For the first time in two days, Luke found he had a positive outlook on his future prospects. Personal and professional.

Chapter 24

Jac nudged the moving box with her toe and sent it under the kitchen table. Good thing it was lightweight, holding just linens and plastic containers. She straightened for the first time in the past hour and arched her back, easing the kinks that had developed as she’d boxed up the contents of her kitchen. It was Tuesday evening, and with Luke out of town, she’d hit the grocery store and cleaned out their supply of cardboard to start packing up her life in Medford.

There seemed to be a war going on inside her. Part happy to start her new career, part unhappy to face the separation from Luke necessary to move on. She still marveled at how quickly her love for the man had grown. They’d spent the whole weekend together, and tears had built behind Jac’s eyes after he’d left Sunday night. She even missed the mysterious, secretive smile she’d come to expect whenever he thought she wasn’t looking.

She’d asked him what was up, only to have him distract her with a kiss each time. Kisses that led to much more. In spite of the stiffness in her back, thinking of their lovemaking sessions melted her bones as heat rushed through her body.

From the next room, Bella hollered, “Are we done yet?”

Her friend had come under protest. Or so she’d declared. When Jac had broken the news of her impending move, Bella cried as she hugged Jac. And loudly cursed Ted Fleury for being an idiot. Quick to forgive, Bella had dragged Jac to the neighborhood pub and ordered dirty martinis to celebrate.

Jac was going to miss her friend dearly. “Are the books all boxed up?” she hollered back. Fists propped on her hips, she glanced at the mountain of boxes crammed with plates, pans, glasses, and everything else she’d emptied from her cabinets.

“Yes they are, you slave driver.” A thud echoed over the hardwood of her living room floor. Bella must have dropped an overstuffed box.

“Then we’re done.” Jac walked to the fridge. Waiting inside was a bottle of white wine from the case Jules had shipped to her, and a plate of fruit and cheese. She grabbed both items and deposited them on the counter, then collected the opener she’d left there and shoved it into her back pocket. Tipping a couple of plastic drinking glasses over the bottle, she picked everything up and left the kitchen.

Bella lay sprawled on the area rug amid the boxes. She lifted her head when Jac approached. “Oh, my God. You have wine!”

Jac sent her friend a grin. “Of course I do. And snacks. We can order curry later, if you’re still hungry.”

“My hero.” Bella’s laughter tinkled gaily.

Jac set the wine and cheese on the coffee table before sinking to the floor next to her friend. She grasped the neck of the bottle and quickly opened the wine. After sniffing the cork and passing it to Bella, Jac separated the two cups she’d brought and poured a liberal amount for both of them.

Bella’s eyes drifted shut as she inhaled the bouquet lingering on the cork. “Smells delicious. This came from Jules’ vineyard? If all of her wine is this good, we need a road trip soon.” She struggled to sit up to accept the glass Jac offered.

“She said we’re welcome anytime. I think she wants us to spend as much time there as we can. You’ll adore her. She told me she has a break in her schedule in late October and she’s planning a trip to Eugene to check on her investment. You should come too. We’ll have so much fun.” Anticipation of her friend’s visit already approached Kid-at-Christmas level for Jac.

“I can’t believe it. You’re leaving. Luke’s leaving. Roberta’s going, too. Everybody’s deserting Medford like zombies are about to invade.” Bella frowned and took a noisy slurp of her wine.

“Whoa! What do you mean, Luke’s leaving?” Jac gaped, confused. He hadn’t said anything to her about going somewhere else.

Bella’s eyes widened. She set her cup aside and plastered her fingers over her mouth. “Aw, heck! He didn’t tell you yet?”

Jac shook her head mutely.

Bella sighed. “The board released him from his contract yesterday.”

Yesterday? God, being fired was a big damn deal and Luke hadn’t mentioned it to her. “What the hell?”

“Oh, damn. I thought you knew. Although, I should have guessed not when the subject didn’t come up.”

Jac gestured impatiently, hoping to speed up Bella’s story.

“That douchy CEO convinced the board it was time to cut ties with Luscious Luke,” Bella began. “Apparently he cost St. Simeon’s too much as a result of the contract talks. I’m in HR and I can tell you, Luke negotiated a fair and square deal. Everyone but his boss is happy with the new agreement.”

“When did this happen?” Jac’s voice sounded hollow even to herself. Why hadn’t he told her? Was the distance between them already widening?

“I guess it happened late yesterday afternoon. The official email just went out this morning.” Bella’s thick blond hair bounced on her shoulders as she shook her head. “I stopped by his office to wish him good luck, but it was already vacant. Even the cork picture he brought back from the team building thing last week was gone.”

Jac was really confused now. “What picture?”

“It was of a barn with vines marching away into the horizon. I noticed it when I dropped some papers off for him earlier week. He said you’d made it together.”

When had he purchased it? Jac had thought about buying it herself but held off after Jules had told her it was going on display at the gallery in town to raise money for charity. Luke had scooped it up to hang it where he’d see it every day and be reminded of how they’d met. If she wasn’t already in love with him, she’d have fallen hard and fast right then and there.

“So, Luke’s gone. Roberta, the Director of Nursing, is leaving at the end of the month. But the one person who really needs to be gone will stay here.” Bella’s brows drew together fiercely. “Damn Brian Evert. I don’t know why the board doesn’t fire him.”

Before Jac could respond, the intercom buzzed. Hopping to her feet, she raced across the room. She expected Luke. It had to be him. She pressed the
Talk
button. “Yes?”

“It’s me.” Luke’s voice sounded garbled through the speaker.

“Come on up.” Jac slid the release mechanism over for a few seconds, then opened the door so Luke could let himself in once he got off the elevator.

Turning, she discovered Bella had also risen to her feet and swilled the last of her wine. Depositing the cup back on the table, Bella grabbed a cube of cheese to pop into her mouth. As she chewed, she retrieved her handbag from the table by the door.

“I’m outta here. You don’t need me around right now. For what it’s worth, I’m sure Luke has a valid reason for not telling you yesterday.” Bella swept her arms around Jac and kissed her cheek.

With a cheery salute, she sauntered out the door and down the hall to wait. The bell pinged and the elevator doors swept open, revealing Luke with a huge grin on his face.

The grin dimmed a little when he spied Bella waiting to jump on. His voice was wary. “Hi. I hope I’m not interrupting. I can come back.”

Bella waved him off. “I was just leaving.” She cast a glance over her shoulder and winked at Jac.

Luke stepped off the elevator and held the door for Bella. “I guess you’ve heard.”

Bella slipped past him in the small space. When she turned, her face was somber, but her eyes snapped and sparkled. “About what a waste of skin Brian Evert is? Old news, my friend. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you before the board, in their finite wisdom, kicked you to the curb. For what it’s worth, they’ve made a huge mistake. They let the wrong guy go.” She reached forward and pressed a button. “I believe you’ll land on your feet. Let me know if you need a reference.”

Eyebrows raised, Luke glanced from Bella to Jac. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m good. I’d be happy to provide a reference should you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the board.”

Bella laughed. “Thanks. Good luck, Luke. Bye, Jac.” The doors slid shut.

Luke headed down the hall toward her door. Raising her arms, Jac wrapped them around his shoulders, holding on as he swung her around in the narrow corridor. Her dizziness wasn’t just a result of the motion, but also caused by the brush of his chest, hips, and thighs to hers.

A jagged bolt of electricity shot down her spine, lodging low in her center. She should be hurt that he hadn’t shared his news with her yesterday. But she couldn’t summon much more than token ire.

“Put me down, you big dope. I think I’m angry with you.” She thumped her fist on his shoulder blade.

In response, he twisted until her back was to the wall, sandwiched between the exposed brink and his solid body. “Don’t know why you’d be mad.” He nipped at her lips, then eased the tiny sting with his tongue.

She returned the questing kiss, her mouth molding to his for endless moments before her lips tore from his. She leaned her head against the wall and gazed into his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me about being let go?”

His breath caressed her cheek as he exhaled. “Probably for the same reason you didn’t tell me about the tax bill. I didn’t want you to worry on my behalf.”

“I’m sorry you lost your job. Bella told me the staff isn’t very happy with the board at this point. She said the nursing director is leaving too. Is her departure related to yours?”

“About that . . .” He scooped her up and lifted, tucking his arm under her thighs. Carrying her, he walked into her condo. The door banged as he kicked it shut. He didn’t stop walking until he reached the couch.

He sat on the cushions and settled her in his lap. Contemplating her, a Cheshire cat grin broke over his lips. “Actually, Roberta is going to work for the University in Eugene as nursing director for their student health service. I went up there this morning for an interview. Spent most of the afternoon apartment shopping. See, I’ve just accepted an offer from them as their new CFO.”

Elation, buoyed by hope, rose in her chest. She grasped his cheeks between her hands, framing his huge smile. “You’re going to be working in Eugene? Really?”

He nodded and started to speak, only to stop abruptly when she captured his mouth under hers. Arms wrapped tightly around his neck, she put every speck of happiness she felt into her caress.

His hands roved the length of her spine, then came back to her shoulders as he eased away from her.

“I’m glad you’re okay with me following you there.” His tone was hesitant, his brows raised. “I didn’t want to take it for granted that you’d welcome me there. I found a place on the same side of town as your land. I think it’s about ten miles away from you.”

“Oh my God. Luke, of course I’m overjoyed we’ll be in the same town. I couldn’t be happier.”

“I’m relieved. The job is great and pays well. Plus they’ve requested my help in developing a new curriculum in health care administration. I’ll even get to teach a couple of classes.” His eyes shone, his white teeth flashing between his smiling lips.

“I was wrong. I am happier. This is your dream, Luke, to teach. I’m so thrilled for you.”

They were two peas in a pod. Pursuing the goals and aspirations, which only a week ago were nothing more than ideas. She’d move to Eugene, and Luke was going with her.

He traced the track of tears leaking from her eyes, his fingertip soft and gentle on her skin. “I’m thrilled for
us
, Jac,” he said, his voice as soft as his caress. “We haven’t known each other very long, but you’re already a permanent fixture in my life. We’re meant to be together. Knowing we’ll be living in the same town means we can see where this road takes us. I love you, Jac.”

He sealed his words with a tender kiss.

Jac pulled away and frowned. “Not good enough.”

His mouth went slack, and he sucked in a harsh breath. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Jac fought to keep her face stern. “Living in the same town with you isn’t good enough for me. I want to live in the same house with you. I want your face to be the last thing I see each night. And nothing would make me happier than to greet each day by looking into your eyes. I love you, too, Luke, and I want you to move in with me.”

She covered her mouth with her hand, shocked that she’d asked him to live with her. “I can’t believe I just asked you that. Don’t answer. I’m sorry to have put you on—”

He laid his fingers over hers, pressing both their hands to her lips. “I know you’ll be working hard, getting the business off the ground. I’ll help where I can. If you want, I’d even keep the books for you. I do have some accounting skills. I’d love to live with you, Jac. Because now that I have you on my team, I want to spend every available minute with you.”

She slipped her hand from under his and laid it on his chest. As she stared into his eyes, she let the love she saw reflected there shine back to him.

He was right . . . they were a team.

Be sure to watch for
Hidden In The Vines
in Fall 2016!