“I’m safe and I’m fine. I took a little road trip and I’ll be gone probably at least four days. Make sure to take your blood pressure medication and lay off the salt.”

“A road trip? TO WHERE?”

“I appreciate you asking, but I’m not talking to you about where I am. It’s somewhere I needed to be.”

“EMERSON JAMES! WHERE DID YOU GO?!”

“Calm yourself, Parker. I’m fine. Are you going to miss me or something? You should be happy I’m gone. Now I can’t bug you about frizzy curly-haired girl.”

I silently laughed to myself.

“Emerson, please tell me where you are.”

“That’s a no for me, Parker. Enjoy your week and I’ll see you when I get back.”

****

Alex

I stood there, staring at her message in anger. “That’s a no for me.” Was she serious? She and that mouth of hers was killing me. Who the hell did she think she was? A small smile crossed my lips. She was Emerson James, a fierce, not-to-be-fucked-with type of girl who did whatever the hell she wanted to. No boundaries, no rules, and not a care in the world. I didn’t know her when she was off gallivanting around the world, so I couldn’t care. But now I knew her and I cared about her and her safety. Fuck, I cared way more than that. She had gotten under my skin and somehow into my heart. I dialed Adam to tell him his sister had left.

“Hey, Alex. What’s up, man?”

“Your mouthy and defiant sister took off and went somewhere for a few days.”

“Yeah. I know. I talked to her earlier.”

“Where did she go? She won’t tell me.”

I heard him chuckle. “Did you two have a fight or something?”

“No. Yes. Well, sort of.”

“Jesus. What is going on with the two of you?”

“Nothing. We’re friends and I’m concerned for her safety.”

“You don’t need to worry about Emerson, Alex. She’s been doing this for eight years.”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s a young woman all alone in a strange place.”

“What are you going to do? Go to where she is?”

“Maybe.”

“Oh my God, Alex. You’ve fallen for her. Haven’t you?”

“I don’t want to discuss it over the phone.”

“Well, you have no choice, bro, because I can’t be in California. So you better fucking tell me what’s going on between you and my sister.”

I silenced myself for a moment. If I wanted to know where she was, I’d have to tell him.

“I may have developed some feelings for her.”

“Jesus Christ. You’re serious. Aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll ask you one last time. Did you sleep with her?”

“Yes.”

Silence crowded the other end of the phone.

“The two of you had a fight? You haven’t known each other long enough to fight yet.”

“I know, but she’s Emerson.”

“True and you’re Alex Parker. The two of you couldn’t be more opposite. God, Alex. Why?”

“We can’t help who we fall for. It’s just there, Adam.”

“Fine.” He sighed. “She’s in Napa Valley. Fuck, I can’t believe I’m telling you this. It’s a place she and Emily always wanted to visit. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her and my parents’ death. Emerson has spent too many years alone on that day and I don’t want her alone again. Promise me you’ll go to Napa and be with her as a friend, Alex.”

“I will. Where is she staying?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t say, but I’ll do some checking and see if I can find out through her credit card. I’ll call you back.” Click.

So she went to Napa Valley. I loved Napa Valley, and it wasn’t a place that should be seen alone. I took my suitcase from my closet and began packing some clothes. A few moments later, my phone rang and it was Adam.

“Did you find out?”

“Yeah. She’s at the Wine Country Inn. I’ll send you the address. Don’t tell her that I told you.”

“I won’t. I promise. Thanks, Adam. I appreciate it.”

“You owe me again, Alex. I know my sister, so don’t come crying to me when she breaks your heart.”

“I’ll remember that. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I ended the call and immediately called my pilot, Warren.

“Hello, Mr. Parker.”

“Warren, I need you to fuel up the plane for tomorrow morning and take me to Napa Valley. We’ll leave around nine o’clock.”

“It’ll be ready, sir.”

“Thank you.” Click.

I sighed as I tossed my phone on the bed. Was I doing the right thing? Hell if I knew. The only thing I did know was that she shouldn’t be spending tomorrow alone.

****

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.”