We continue our way through the vineyard. He explains the different types of grapes and how he rotates the crop. I don’t pay much attention because Miller is right next to me. His hands touching me accidentally. A caress on my hand, my arm, my back.

Stay away from me. 

During lunch, we eat with the workers from the vineyard. Mrs. Gyles provides breakfast and lunch.

“See, this is how you treat your employees,” I mumble under my breath.

“You have no idea how my company operates, Solis,” he says. “I dare you to come over and take a look at what 23 Media Inc. is all about.”

“Not interested.”

“It’s up to you. Live in the ignorance and bitterness that isn’t taking you anywhere. I’m offering you your dream.”

“You know shit about my dreams,” I say.

He doesn’t because hell if I know them. I love my job and I want to keep going, reach the top. Also, I want a family. When I look at Nikki and Craig with their children, I want that.

What are my dreams?

I thought it was to conquer the male-dominated world of advertising. But maybe there’s a lot more to life than having the best job and to keep climbing the ladder. Maybe it is just doing what makes me happy while sharing it with a family of my own.

“I never said dreams, just one of them.”

“Ms. Solis, Miller, I hope you two don’t mind if I leave you here. The golf carts are available to you. We’ll see you at dinner. The entire family will be at the main house.”

Once he leaves, I excuse myself too and head to the place where I’m staying. I pick up my purse and drive away to town. I like to visit local shops, and the further away I’m from Miller, the better.

“You’re still around?” he asks as I enter the house.

“Look at you, wearing a shirt. A classy one, if I say so myself,” I say as I walk toward my bedroom. “Why are you so formal, Archer?”

“There’s nothing formal about my attire.”

“Slacks, button-down shirt, and a jacket. Nothing casual to it either.”

Well then, my jeans and blouse are off the table. Time to up the game with something that screams, professional and classy. I enter my room; take out the little black dress I brought with me, and a pair of heels.

After a quick shower, I put on some makeup, fix my hair, and get dressed. When I come out of the bathroom, he’s already gone. I notice the golf cart is still outside. Either someone gave him a ride, or he decided to walk.