Page 21 of Cru's Crush

Back then, the Templars’ ride outs were more for marauding, whereas ours were about celebrating our ancestry and our love of traversing the desert into the mountains of Paso Robles on horseback.

Thecaballerosserved another purpose. Some called us good-guy vigilantes. Law enforcement wasn’t always thrilled with our involvement, but many had confessed—off the record—that our “interference” was appreciated.

When Addy was charged with murder a few months ago, we were the ones to prove her innocence and also to track down the real killer.

When Daphne called Beau to say she was in danger, he’d immediately rallied his fellowcaballeros—through me—to find her. As had become the case in the last few years, we were aided by a private securityand intelligence firm called the Invincibles, which was headed up by a man named Decker Ashford.

It wasn’t the only firm of that nature we worked with. Another, K19 Security Solutions, was founded by the eldest son of the family who owned the vineyard estate adjacent to ours.

“Cru, it’s good to see you,” said Noah, approaching and embracing me. Daphne’s mother did the same after hugging her daughter. “Daph tells me she has news about your winery.”

I raised a brow in her direction, then winked. “Yeah, what is it?”

Her eyes scrunched at me when I didn’t take the cue to tell them about her new job.

“I’m the second-label winemaker,” she said. “As of today.” Her cheeks flushed.

Noah’s head cocked.

“You just missed Brix. He and Addy plan to live in Mexico permanently, so I’ll be taking over the first label.”

I was puzzled when Beatrice glanced at her husband and he nodded.

“Shall we?” I asked, motioning in the direction of baggage claim.

“By the way, the Normans are out of town and offered the use of their vehicle so we won’t need to rent one,” Noah said when we passed the car counters.

“I’ll need to buy a car myself if I’m going to be living here permanently,” Daph murmured.

“We can help with that while we’re here if you’d like,” said Beatrice.

While the conversation was seemingly mundane, what had just occurred wasn’t. Daphne had stated she’d be remaining in the States, and by way of offering to help with a car purchase, her mother had communicated she was in support of the decision.

When Daphne and her mom walked away arm in arm, Noah hung back.

“I want you to know Bea and I enthusiastically support this new development.”

“I’m happy to hear that, sir. Daphne will be a huge asset to the Los Caballeros brand. I’m excited to see what she does with the second label.”

“Not that development, son.”

“Sorry, I’m not following.”

“You and our daughter. While we love Beau and consider him part of our family, Daph’s mother and I always thought you’d be a better match.”

“Wait.” I stopped walking and put my hand on his arm. “It isn’t like that. Daphne and I aren’t together.”

Noah’s head cocked a second time. “You’re not?”

My mind raced with anything she or I might’ve said that led them to believe we were a couple. I couldn’t come up with a single thing. “Positive. We’re friends. Nothing beyond that.”

He shook his head and chuckled. “I wasn’t born yesterday, Cru. You can’t hide how much you love her, nor can she try to cover her feelings for you.”

I’d argue the point more, but why? I’d not convince him otherwise. Besides, I did love her. The only thing he was mistaken about was his daughter’s feelings for me.

6

DAPHNE