Embrace My Heart(18)

“Makeup?” he inquired, in awe of her without realizing just how much.

Vectra brushed the back of one hand across a flawless cheek. “Only lipstick—a brand I love because so far it’s living up to its claims of withstanding anything from a multicourse meal to a full-blown...kiss.” She realized where her rambling had taken her and cleared her throat while observing Qasim’s steady gaze.

“I’m ready,” she said, managing a tiny smile when he offered his arm.

“I really can get myself home,” she told him once they’d fallen into step.

“And that’d be fine if I weren’t here to take you myself. I promise you’ll enjoy my driving.”

Vectra swallowed, wondering why it was so easy for her to attach sexual overtones to almost everything the man said.



Vectra didn’t know if it was Qasim’s skill behind the wheel or the hypnotic purr of the Sequoia’s engine that made her eyes heavy with relaxation. They’d set out for Saint Helena. Qasim continued their listening enjoyment of the nineties’ jams going with the satellite station tuned and at a volume that was just loud enough to make talking unnecessary.

Lack of conversation, though, only heightened the desire to indulge in a nap. Vectra didn’t slumber deeply and was waking when Qasim pulled to a halt in the Y-shaped dirt drive before the gorgeous brick mansion where she’d lived most of her life.

The secluded oasis was tucked within the picturesque scenery of the Carro Vineyards. The stunning beauty of the unbelievable mountain views in the distance was evident even outlined against the night sky.

Vectra needed a moment to find her bearings, but Qasim was already out of the vehicle by the time she’d turned to thank him for the ride home.

“Thanks.” She accepted his help down from the SUV step bar.

“Welcome.” He waved a hand, directing her to precede him to the front door.

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?”

“Qasim—”

“You’ve got questions. I’d like to answer them, Vec.”

She wasted no more time and went to an obscenely big potted fern that rested on a tall, large base. Qasim watched her stoop before the brick column and wiggle a loose brick free. From the space it left, she retrieved a key.

“Inconspicuous, huh?” he chided.

“And amazing security,” she reminded him.

Qasim bit his tongue, stifling the urge to tell her that amazing security was no excuse for carelessness. The main house at Carro Vineyards was a vast construction possessing an open floor plan that played to its natural environment. The place had been erected almost dead center of the healthy crops, so views of the coveted vineyards met the eye from every direction.

As exquisite as the place was, Qasim wasn’t overly fond of all the bay windows. They provided an onlooker with an unobstructed view of the home’s interior, which was a warm, beckoning sight thanks to the golden light that filled all the rooms on the lower level.

He didn’t like the idea of just anyone being able to peer in on Vectra when she was there alone.

“Where’s your staff?”

“Oh, they always have the weekends off unless there’s some event in progress. In that case, we have a skeleton crew on board. That’s all I was able to get Dad to go for when he hired this staff I don’t need.”

“Are you serious? You mean you’d try shutting off all these lights by yourself?”

She laughed. “It wouldn’t be a problem. The lights are timed to engage at night and shut off at dawn.”

“I see.” Qasim peered through the entrance. “And are your windows open this way all over the house?”

“No, I keep it darker up there.” She pointed upward, smiling at the way he studied the high ceilings after they entered the house.

They then ventured beyond the brick-and-stone foyer and into the attached library.

“Haven’t you seen the entire house?” A dubious frown claimed her face when Qasim shook his head.

“My meetings with your father usually took place at his condo in the city.” He kept his gaze fixed on the high beams and recessed lighting. “The few times I met him here with Oliver, we kept to the patios or had a meal set up in the vineyard. I’ve only been inside a few times.”

Vectra smiled in understanding. Despite their budding friendship, there had never been occasion to bring him there. She guessed they were actually more along the lines of close acquaintances than friends. A friend would have some idea of what the inside of their friend’s home looked like, right?

She dismissed the idea, deciding whatever “answers” she wanted from Qasim could wait at least until she’d given him a tour. She took a seat on a settee nearest the library entrance.