Right Billionaire, Wrong Wedding (Sexy Billionaires)(16)

“This is our reception room,” Sam said, opening a set of double doors. “Of course, we could also do the wedding in here, though October should be nice enough to do it outside.”

She stepped into a stylish hall that could easily handle a large wedding party. Cathedral windows allowed natural light to pour into the room, and she tipped her head back to see the exposed beams rising toward the arched roof.

“Perfect,” she murmured.

“And we have the gardens.” Sam ushered them through the hall and passed an open set of French doors that led to a wide patio.

“Impressive,” Darian admitted.

Before them, manicured lawns stretched outward. Stone walkways were carved into the greenery, snaking toward a white gazebo that was obviously used as the alter space. Vineyard rows stretched behind the gazebo, creating a postcard perfect setting for the wedding pictures.

“We do a number of weddings here throughout the year, so our staff is fully trained,” Sam said. “We can line white chairs on either side of the path to accommodate your numbers.”

“And if it turns cool?” she asked. An outdoor wedding might be their only option given the time constraints, but she didn’t trust the weather to help out.

“If it’s cool we have temporary fire pits we can wheel into place along both sides of the guests. The gazebo can also be equipped with heat lamps so that everyone is toasty.”

“You’ve got it all covered.”

“This isn’t our first rodeo,” Sam agreed. “I’ve done weddings out here as late as November. We should be fine.”

She wrapped her hand around Darian’s arm, drawing his attention to her. “Sounds like they know what they’re doing,” she whispered.

His fingers closed over hers in a brief touch before she let her hand drop. It was all she could do to not wipe away the phantom caress on her skirt. The simple touch shouldn’t bring her such pleasure.

Focus, she chided herself. You’re here to do a job.

Not daydream about unattainable men.

“It seems like you’re in the wedding business rather than the wine one,” Darian said, pulling her from her thoughts.

“We’re a small winery,” Sam agreed. “The wine we produce is mostly sold at our events or to the local community. It’s not enough to sell to major retailers.”

That caught her attention. “So do you pair your wines with any dining options here?”

“We do have a chef onsite during our events,” Sam said.

“If we booked this spot for the wedding, would your team be able to handle the catering, too?”

Sam hesitated. “I’d have to check with our schedule and get back to you. Managing a wedding this high profile would be a huge boast for us in terms of word-of-mouth and exposure. We want to accommodate you in any way we can.”

“I appreciate that,” Darian said. “Contact your people and let us know as soon as possible. If you can fit us in, we’d have to sit down and discuss a menu. We’d insist on a tasting, too, of course.”

“Not a problem. I’ll have the answer to you by Friday.”

Allison stared out at the beautiful view and felt hope swell within her. This was the place, she just knew it. They could throw a perfect wedding here.

“Sam, could you give us a few minutes to confer?” Darian asked.

“Of course. I’ll be by the front desk if you have any other questions.”

She waited till Sam was out of hearing distance before asking, “What do you think?”

Darian said nothing, merely walked down the three steps to the stone-tiled path.

“I’d vote yes,” she said, catching up to him as he paced down the aisle toward the gazebo. “The pictures will be breathtaking with this backdrop. I know the weather might be a concern but it sounds like Sam’s crew knows how to handle things. Worse comes to worse, we can move the ceremony into the reception hall. Those windows were incredible.”

He stopped, and she realized they’d reached the gazebo.

“Darian?”

“Give me your hand.”

With a sigh, she set down her bag and moved into position, knowing he was trying to get a better sense of what Jenny would see on the wedding day.

“We stand here,” she said, pushing him into place under the archway.

He held out his hands, and without a word she slid hers into his.

His fingers were warm and sure as they closed around hers.

Electricity shot down her spine. Breathe, she told herself. This is simply play acting. Your not actually a couple planning their dream wedding. But standing under a gazebo in a spectacularly romantic setting, all she could think about was how close he stood and how good he smelled. Sandalwood paired with something more earthy and uniquely Darian.