Yours Completely(49)

“It's not stupid or childish to want someone to love you.” He reached for her hand and drew her eyes away from the plant and back to him.

“I used to secretly hope that one day she would wake up and see how much I tried to be a good daughter, and that she would treat me differently,” Ella said with a shrug. “I know that's not going to happen now, but it's a hard habit to shake.”

Jace nodded. “Family ties are a powerful thing.”

“It will all be over once I have my birthday. Things are going to be different.”

“I believe in you.” His words were simple, but they rang with truth. Ella's heart felt like it might explode. No one ever asked her what she wanted. Yet, when she looked into Jace's eyes, she knew he really was interested. It wasn't just that he was being kind or courteous, he honestly wanted to know.

“You think I can do it?” Ella asked, her heart threatening to stop at any moment.

“From what I've seen?” Jace nodded. “Definitely. You managed to put on a million-dollar wedding and make it look easy. I've been to several big weddings, and none of them have gone this smoothly or been as well planned. And I'm not just saying that. I mean it.”

Ella beamed. “So, you'll recommend me to all your friends, right?”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “In a heartbeat. I've already had three people ask me where to sign up for services here.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. And that was even before last night.” Jace wiggled his eyebrows at her, making her laugh. “I left out the personal service you showed me.”

“Not everyone gets that particular service,” Ella informed him. “You have to be extra special.”

Jace grinned. “I am rather unique.”

“Quite,” Ella agreed.

Ella loved how easy it was to talk to Jace. When she spoke, Jace listened. He really listened, taking in her every word and paying attention to the details. She found herself wishing that they could stay in the vineyard forever, just talking and walking among the green leaves.

“What about you, Mr. Billionaire,” Ella asked, resuming their walk. “I've told you my dream. What's yours? What do you want to do? Or, are you doing it?”

Jace's face went thoughtful and he paused. His blue-green eyes evaluated her for a moment. “I followed my father's footsteps into this job. I enjoy it, and I'm obviously good at it, but it isn't my life's dream.”

“What is?” Ella asked, genuinely curious.

“I don't know.” Jace shrugged. “This is all I've ever known. The only thing that I am sure of, is that I don't want to end up like my father.”

“He walked your sister down the aisle, right?” Ella thought of the tall, older man on Madelyn's arm. The hair and facial features were similar to Jace's, though the eyes were different. “He didn't seem all that bad.”

“Compared to Delores, he's a saint,” Jace agreed. “But, he's not happy. He's on his fourth marriage, two heart attacks, and he drinks like a fish. The love of money is the only thing that motivates him, but he's so rich it doesn't seem to matter any more.”

“He seemed proud of your sister last night,” Ella said quietly. “I've seen a lot of fathers walk their daughters down that aisle, and he fit in with all of them. Nervous and proud.”

“Maybe,” Jace agreed. “But, he's not who I want to be.”

“Who do you want to be then?”

“Someone happy. Someone who wakes up in the morning and doesn't need a drink to get through the day,” Jace answered.

“You realize you did take us to a winery,” Ella replied with a smile.

“That's because I wanted to take you someplace beautiful. Not for the wine.” Jace looked at her, his eyes dark and full of admiration. She couldn't stop the blush that heated her cheeks. “You deserve to be in places as stunning as you are.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” she told him.

He grinned and his eyes became mischievous. “Who says I want to go anywhere? Maybe I already found what I want.”

Again, Ella's cheeks heated. “Are you always this charming?” Ella asked, enjoying their flirtation.

“Depends on if you're always this beautiful.” Jace winked at her and she laughed.

“That's a good line,” Ella said.

“I know. That's why I used it.” Jace winked at her. He leaned forward, his breath tickling her ear. “But, it's true.”

Ella grinned. It was so easy to be with him. For once, she didn't feel obligated to give him anything just because he said she was pretty, and it was a nice change of pace. At the same time, she didn't feel like she was leading the guy on or being a tease because she accepted the compliment and smiled. Flirting was fun with Jace.