Skylar breathed in Christian’s addictive scent, lost in her dreams of the sinfully gorgeous man. Her dreams had never been so vivid as it was now! She wrapped her arm around his torso and sank into his chest, feeling his warmth envelope her. He was the only one who hadn’t let her down.
He had come back for her when no one had, not her parents, nor her brother. Even her grandparents left home to live with Caleb, forcing her to spend her life in an unknown city. She didn’t like Cleveland, where she knew no one! She couldn’t live there separated from her close friends! Now, even if she was traveling to stranger cities, Christian was permanently near her. She wasn’t alone!
He planted a soft kiss on her forehead, and she smiled in her sleep. The jet lag made her semi-conscious but she couldn’t open her eyes at all!
“Thank you for not leaving me, Christian!” she murmured into his neck before falling into a deep slumber.
Christian stilled, realizing that she knew of his presence beside her. A contented smile lit up his face, and he eventually closed his eyes to sleep.
The next morning, Skylar woke up late. The jet lag had worn off, and she felt refreshed. However, the space next to her was empty, which meant Christian was already up. She quickly freshened up and went to the coffeemaker to make a cup for herself. With Christian nowhere around, she picked up her coffee and went outside to sit on the porch when he returned from a jog around the property.
“Hey, good morning! Where’s my coffee?” he asked, coming to a halt in front of her. Skylar couldn’t help checking him out. With the thin tee shirt clinging to his body drenched in perspiration, he was a sight to behold. She noted the female workers around the property ogling at him. A strange possessiveness gripped her heart, which chanted just one mantra.
He’s mine!
“You can have this. I’ll get another!” she said, getting up. He pulled off his tee shirt in one yank and sat down to have the coffee she offered. With his ripped body on full display, Skylar glanced all around to check who was ogling at her fiance. Her eyes caught three female workers nearby. She glared at each one of them like a female alpha guarding her prized possession! Embarrassed, the workers looked away and fled elsewhere. It gave her immense satisfaction and she went to get her own coffee.
When she returned, there was a tray of steaming hot, mouth-watering delicacies waiting for her to devour. “Wow! Did you order them now?” He nodded, and she sat down to help herself to the delightful breakfast. “Such prompt service! I’m impressed!”
“The view around was breathtaking in the morning. You can also accompany me on a jog around the property tomorrow,” he said, and Skylar nodded.
“Do you have some important work today?”
“Yes, at 11 o’clock, I have a meeting with my managers here. After lunch, we can go on a wine tour. I will conduct a survey of the entire property.”
“Brilliant plan. I’m excited about going on a wine tour. Do we drink wine and get drunk on a wine tour?” Christian chuckled and shook his head.
“We don’t get drunk! We just taste the wine! You’ll enjoy it!”
“I received a call from Seb this morning. He wouldn’t be able to join us on this trip. He and Erica have patched up. Maybe they’ll get married next week in Cleveland! He doesn’t want a gala affair. Erica’s uncle isn’t keen on getting her married. He might cause trouble if he knew!”
“Oh, won’t we attend their wedding?” she asked with surprise.
“I can’t cancel so many commitments and rush back. We will congratulate them over the phone.”
Christian went inside to shower and get ready for his meeting while Skylar lazed around. When she went inside, she found him working on his laptop.
“Can you type this document for me, please?” He asked, getting up to change.
“Sure!” she sat down to do as he had asked. Suddenly, the wish to work started taking shape in her head. Why would she laze around when she wanted to achieve something in life? Starting a restaurant won’t happen immediately. It needed a lot of planning. At least she could keep her brain engaged in some productive work. Could she work for Christian? That way, she could accompany him everywhere! Skylar didn’t understand this strange wish to be with him all the time!
“Done?” he asked, coming out of the room in a classic black suit.
“Yes.”
“That was fast. You should be my PA.” He chuckled at his own joke but Skylar watched him with a thoughtful look on her face.
“I’m bored with nothing to do. Maybe I could take you up on that offer,” she breathed nervously. Would he accept her or just wave her off? She had asked no one for any favor until now. It wasn’t in her nature. Then what changed now?
Christian’s eyes twinkled with excitement, and he sat down beside her. “Do you really want to work for Saint James Intercontinental Suites? No, I wouldn’t want you to work as my PA. You’re overqualified for that. I’ll induct you as a trainee manager. In the meantime, go through our website and read more about us. I’ll create a company email account for you and send you some files to peruse. Are you interested?”
Skylar’s heart skipped a beat at his enthusiasm. Did he really consider her overqualified for a PA job? “Yes, I’m very interested.”
“Great! I’m proud of your decision, Skylar. This really means a lot to me. I was hoping you would join us willingly. Seb and I are struggling to handle it all by ourselves.”
“I’ll not let you down, Christian.”
“I know you won’t. Grandpa will be so happy to hear about this!”
“What’s your email address? I’ll forward you the new account details.” She shared her phone number and email address with him but strangely, her phone number was already saved in his mobile.
“How do you have my number when I don’t have yours?” she gaped at the man.
“That can be easily solved. Here, I’ll give you a missed call. Save my number.” He winked and left for work, leaving her flustered with a silly smile sticking to her lips. Was she melting towards Christian? No, it couldn’t be! It was just momentary, right? After the trip, she would lay down the terms and conditions of their marriage.
Skylar felt on top of the world with her decision after he left. She showered, changed, and sat down to check out the company’s website and social media presence. It was only when she saw their global presence did she realize just how huge they were. Instantly, she was engrossed in the work Christian had given her.
She lost track of time, and soon the door clicked open, and Christian returned from his meeting. “So, how’s it going?” he asked her, startling her.
“Oh, how are you back so soon? Didn’t you have a meeting to conduct?” she asked, stretching her limbs.
“It’s been three hours since I left, babe! I didn’t know you were so hardworking?” Taking off his suit jacket, he slumped onto the couch beside her.
“Oh, three hours have gone by? Oh, my gosh! I’m so hungry!” she said, switching off her phone and glancing at the menu card lying around.
“I’ve ordered lunch. It should be here any minute. I’ll just change out of this suit in the meantime.”
The food arrived, and they sat down to eat while discussing what Skylar learned about the company. Later, he took her out on a tour around the property.
For the next five hours, Skylar experienced the essence of Italy in the hills of the famed Castelli Romani region. With 150 acres of vines surrounding the processing unit, she learned about the secrets of winemaking from Christian himself. There were caverns lined with oak barrels, ready to be transported. Mr. Costa and the others who accompanied them gave them a detailed report on everything happening on the property.
They led them to the retail outlet, where they could see the samples of their products on display. It was a treat to indulge in a guided tasting tour of selected wines. It was complimented with freshly pressed olive oil, fresh oven-baked bread, and delectable pasta.
The sun had already set, and they returned to the cottage, tired yet satisfied. “How was it?” he asked her expectantly. Would she back out after such a tiring day?
“It was an experience of a lifetime. I’ve never learned so much as I did today. I’m glad to work for you.”
“You aren’t working for me, Skylar. You’re learning to handle your business. Remember, we belong to one another?” Skylar didn’t miss the sparkle in his eyes as he mentioned the last part. Yes, she remembered. Would he now claim what was his?