The Height Of Happiness

“How very old-fashioned of you,” Serena mused when she handed it back.

He grinned, “I know people call me a womanizer, but I’m not a tool. My godfather taught me a long time ago about modern chivalry, and I guess ladies like yourself find that appealing.”

“Appealing enough to sleep with you,” Serena said without thinking.

She suddenly felt bad, and chagrin swept through her. She looked at Teddy who seemed unaffected by the snarky comment. He was actually laughing.

He finally admitted, “It doesn’t hurt my case.”

Sighing deeply, Serena looked back out over the horizon as she felt unsure of what to say next. Edward was leaving tomorrow, which meant the shadow she’d grown to expect would be gone. Who was she going to talk with over dinner or tease in the early light of day? It sounded odd in her mind, but her heart had grown fond of the company. It felt like she’d been starving for something all these years without realizing it. The business and her ambition had become distractions for whatever void Edward had come to fill over these last few days.

It was the same wanting that drew her to him in the New York City hotel weeks before when she was just Serena and he was just Teddy. Part of her wanted to go back and change their story, but Serena refused to admit it. Instead, she looked back at him after making sure her face was clean of any previous emotion.

“I think I’m going to miss you bugging me, Edward.”

He smiled, “That might be the nicest thing you’ve said all week.”

“I’m not that cold, am I?” Serena asked, laughing at herself.

“No, you’re a warm person Serena. Teasing aside, I liked being here with you. This isn’t how I’ve ever run my own business, and it was nice getting to see a vineyard. All my work is spent in offices and in hotels. I liked the change. It was even nicer getting to see you.”

Serena looked at him with a slightly confused expression as she inquired, “See me?”

Looking like a man surrendering, he looked down at the ground before meeting her eyes again. He shoved his hands deep in his pockets, admitting things that didn’t surprise Serena as she took them in.

“I hoped our meeting could be more about us and less about business. After our close encounter, I wanted to keep going. It felt like I’d only read a chapter of what could be a great story, and I made the excuse of this acquisition to come and see you again.”

Looking at him, she could tell his words were genuine.

“I hope you don’t think this is too outlandish of an offer, but if you like you can come to California when you close up for the winter. I know you’ll still have business with the inn, but I would love to show you a piece of my life. Who knows? Maybe you won’t think hitching your ride to me and my company is all that bad.”

“Hitching my ride? It seems the south is rubbing off on you, Teddy.”

He smiled, “You haven’t called me that in a while.”

Serena nudged him playfully as she replied, “Here… you are Teddy.”