The Seduction of Alex Parker(29)

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When we landed at the Napa County Airport, I had a car waiting for me to take me to the Wine Country Inn. When I walked into the lobby, a blonde-haired woman smiled at me from behind the desk.

“Welcome to the Wine Country Inn. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for one of your guests. She checked in yesterday and her name is Emerson James.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I cannot give out that type of information.”

“Please.” I glanced at her name badge. “Noelle. It’s very important.”

“Again, sir. We are not allowed to give out our guests’ information.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. “See this. It’s all yours if you tell which room she is staying in.”

“You’re going to have to leave before I call the police.”

I sighed. “Listen, please. She’s a close friend of mine and today is the anniversary of her twin sister’s and parents’ death. I don’t want her to be alone. I’ll give you my credit card information and my driver’s license. Anything you need. I’m not a murderer or a rapist. I’m her friend and I’m here to make sure she gets through this day.”

“Then I’ll call her room and let her know you’re here.”

“No. It’s a surprise.” I smiled. I reached in my pocket and pulled out my wallet. “Here is my credit card. I want you to use this to pay for her stay here.”

She glared at me and then took the card from my hand. “I’ll also need your driver’s license.”

“Here you go.” I handed it to her.

She typed on her computer and handed me back my credit card and license.

“She’s in cottage five. Go out the door, make a right, go down the trail a bit, and you’ll see a line of cottages. She’s the last one on the right.”

“Thank you, Noelle.” I smiled as I handed her the hundred-dollar bill.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Parker.”





Chapter 21


Emerson

I awoke to the morning sun beaming through the window. Rolling over, I stared at the beauty of the vineyards that graced the area.

“Hi, Emily. Mom and Dad. I’m doing okay. I’m here in Napa, sis. Just like we always talked about. It’s so beautiful here. Well, from what I can see out the window. I just got in last night and I haven’t had a chance to explore yet, but I will as soon as I get some coffee and get dressed. Give me a sign that you’re here with me.”

Climbing out of bed, I showered, got dressed, and popped a k-cup in the Keurig they so graciously provided in the room. As the coffee filled the cup, there was a knock on the door.

“Room service.”

I frowned. They must have the wrong room. Opening the door, I froze when I saw Alex standing there with a cart.

“Alex, what the—”

“Good morning, Emerson.” The corners of his mouth curved into a smile.

“What are you doing here?”

“I brought you breakfast. I hope you haven’t eaten already.”

“You came all the way from Malibu to bring me breakfast?”

“Something like that.” He winked. “Are you going to let me in or are we going to stand here and debate while our breakfast gets cold.”

I waved my hand and stepped aside, letting him inside the cottage. I couldn’t help but let out a light laugh as I watched him wheel the cart in.

“What’s so funny?”

“You. Wheeling that cart in like you’re the help. How did you know where I was?”

“I have my ways, Emerson. Since you refused to tell me last night, I had no choice but to do some digging on my own. Now come and eat.”

“What if I don’t want you here?” I asked as I narrowed my eyes at him.

“You do.” He smirked.

“No, actually, I don’t. Do you not remember our conversation yesterday?”

“Yes. I remember it well. Now sit down and eat.”

I walked over to the table where he had set the plates of food. He removed the metal cover, revealing a plate of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and toast. He picked up the carafe and poured coffee into the white ceramic mug.

“Thank you,” I spoke as I sat down.

“You’re welcome.”

Placing the napkin on my lap, I looked at Alex.

“You shouldn’t have come.”

“Why not?”

“Did it ever occur to you that I left to get away from you?”

He shrugged. “Yes, and I away from you. But the truth is you’re glad I’m here,” he smugly spoke. He looked around the cottage. “This is very nice. I approve.”

“It’s all they had available.”

“Nice bed. Is it comfortable?”

“Very comfortable. I slept like a baby last night.”

He took a bite of his eggs. “Good. Then I’m happy to know that I’ll be sleeping like a baby tonight.”

My eyes darted up at him as I grabbed my coffee. “Excuse me? You aren’t sleeping in that bed. If you’re planning on staying, you better get your own room.”

“Can’t. They don’t have anything available and since I’m paying for this room, I’ll be sleeping in that bed right there.”