Page 62

The Arrington Vineyard, a few weeks later.

Stone exited the main lobby as the van from the airport arrived.

Viv and Dino climbed out first, followed by Tamlyn, Jack, Hillary, Sara, and Ash.

“Welcome to the Arrington Vineyard,” Stone said.

He greeted each of them, saving Tamlyn for last.

“I finally get to see what’s been keeping you away from me for the last few days,” she said, after they’d embraced.

“The way I see it, it’s been keeping you away from me ,” he said, then kissed her again.

Tamlyn and the others were the first guests to arrive for the grand-opening party, which wouldn’t get started for a few hours.

After Stone gave them a tour of the main building, they boarded golf carts that took them to Shepherd on the Shore.

Tables and chairs had been set up outside the restaurant for the banquet that would be served that evening.

“I’d love to show you the kitchen, but I’d rather not get in the way of Chef Li and her staff,” Stone said.

“Instead, let me show you my favorite spot in the whole resort.”

He led them to the restaurant patio that overlooked the ocean, where more tables were set up.

“Oh, my,” Tamlyn said.

“What a view.”

“This is so romantic,” Sara said, squeezing Ash’s hand.

He started to blush, then noticed that Stone was looking their way.

Donning a more serious expression, he said, “Yes, it is very nice.”

“Relax, Ash,” Stone said.

“You’re not on the clock here.”

“I told him that, too,” Sara said, giving Ash a playful nudge.

Ash smiled meekly.

“I’ll try to remember that.”

Mike Freeman and Marcel DuBois walked out of the restaurant, accompanied by a waiter carrying a tray filled with flutes of Moet Champagne.

“I thought a pre-party toast was in order,” Mike said.

While the waiter handed out glasses, introductions were made between those who didn’t know each other, and greetings were shared by those who did.

Once everyone had a glass, Stone started to raise his for a toast.

“If you’d allow me,” Jack said, cutting him off.

“Of course,” Stone said, motioning for him to go ahead.

“First, congratulations to Stone, Mike, and Marcel on your magnificent new resort. It is truly another jewel in the Arrington crown.”

Glasses were clinked and sips taken.

“On a personal note,” Jack said.

“I would like to thank Tamlyn, Mike, Ash, Dino, and most especially my dear friend Stone for your recent assistance. I don’t even want to imagine what might have happened without it.”

“I second that,” Hillary said, mostly back to full health.

They drank again, and after canapés were brought out, the group spread into smaller clusters.

“Care for a stroll before the other guests arrive?” Stone asked Tamlyn.

She slipped her hand into his.

“That sounds divine.”

They walked down a path that paralleled the shoreline.

“I can’t believe this place is yours,” she said.

“It’s not all mine,” he said.

She smirked.

“You know what I mean.”

“Perhaps you’d like a tour of another Arrington in the future? L.A., Paris, Italy, England…”

“Why not all of them?”

“Why not?”

He pulled her to him and kissed her.

“You did mention we have a room for tonight, correct?” she said.

“I did.”

“And how long until the party is officially supposed to start?”

“Not for another two hours. Why?”

“I was just wondering what the view from the room might be like.”

“Perhaps we should find out.”