man was expensively dressed and the picture of refined charm. Handsome.
And he was also old enough to be her dad.
He whispered something that lit up her eyes. Complimenting her wine, Sullivan realized, as the other guests burst into nods and smiles.
Lissa appeared to be pleased with the attention. But Sullivan spotted masculine interest in the man’s gaze, in his stance.
Ever since his ex had dumped him for a rich guy who was old enough for Medicare—or so Sullivan thought—those May-December things stuck in his craw.
What attracted a young woman to an old duck like that?
He’d always suspected Kristin had gone for Atwater’s bucks. Not that Sullivan hadn’t had money when they’d first married. He’d had a ton of it—all tied up in a trust fund, which his father had refused to release until after Sullivan had earned his first million.
And Kristin, apparently, had gotten tired of waiting.
Yet Lissa didn’t seem to be the kind of woman who was attracted to a hefty bank account.
Maybe it was the father-thing, her being adopted and all. But even that psychological stretch didn’t help Sullivan understand. Or make it any easier to accept.
The older gentleman intimated something to Lissa, and she laughed. Sullivan supposed the friendly exchange shouldn’t bother him. The guy was probably one of the vintners in this region. A successful man, no doubt.
But as the evening unfolded, he learned a little more about the man who’d set his sights on Lissa.
Martinelli’s second wife had died in a skiing accident last year, while vacationing with friends in Canada. The woman had also been fifteen years younger than Martinelli.
Why didn’t the guy go after women his own age?
Not that Sullivan had staked any kind of claim on Lissa. Nor did he intend to. But there were plenty of guys in their thirties who would appreciate her, who were better suited.
Sullivan decided Anthony Martinelli was too old, too charming, too…too wrong for Lissa.
Much later, after the last guest had said goodbye at the door and Ken and Donna had disappeared upstairs, Lissa joined Sullivan near the fireplace. “So? What do you think?”
He thought that Gramps was making a play for her, but he knew that wasn’t what she meant. “Everything went exceptionally well. Word will spread about Virgin Mist. And when we have the official unveiling later this month, Valencia Vineyards should become a force to be reckoned with in the wine industry.”
A slow smile lit up her face, warming the emerald flecks in her eyes to a brilliant gleam. “Anthony said the same thing.”
So, Sullivan had been right. The old guy had charmed her.
Normally, Sullivan didn’t involve himself in his clients’ personal affairs, but he couldn’t help commenting this time. “Martinelli was making the moves on you all evening. And you’re young enough to be his daughter.”
She bristled.
Okay, maybe he shouldn’t have said anything. But it was too late to backpedal now.
“Anthony was the epitome of grace and charm this evening,” she said. “But on the other hand, that buxom reporter kept thrusting her chest at you and making a scene.”
“I admit, Gretchen was pretty brazen. But I didn’t take her up on her offer.”
“She offered you sex?”
“Not with words.” Sullivan crossed his arms, unsure of how or why they’d gotten into this conversation. But for some reason, he couldn’t back off, couldn’t keep that old baggage from surfacing. “But, in case you didn’t notice, ol’ Dapper Dad had the same idea. He just had more class and style.”
Lissa blew out a heavy sigh. “You’re crazy.”
Maybe he was. But like a bulldog with his jaws locked on a meaty bone, Sullivan couldn’t seem to let it go, let it drop. “Are you interested in him?”
Her brow furrowed, as though his question offended her. But she seemed to recover. “I might be interested. Anthony is a nice man.”
“And he’s old enough to be your father.”
“So what?” She crossed her arms. A spark of anger brought a fire to her eyes. “Lots of women like older men.”
“That’s because they’re either after money or a father figure.”
“I’m not after anything.”
Sullivan realized he should have kept his opinions to himself and wished he’d never brought up the subject. “I’m sorry. This really is none of my business. And the conversation is way out of line.”
“You’re right.”
“Forgive me?” Sullivan asked, tossing her a playful grin meant to appease her.
She paused for a moment, as though giving it some thought. “Apology accepted,” she said. “It’s been a long and stressful night. Maybe we should start fresh in the morning.”
“Good idea.” Sullivan placed a hand on her shoulder, felt the tension ease. “I won’t say anything else about your choice of men.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you in the office at nine,” Sullivan said, before turning and heading out the door.
Lissa watched him go. The words they’d spoken still hung in the air.
Lots of women like older guys.
They’re either after money or a father figure.
Money had never been important to her. Not so important that she’d be attracted to a man’s financial portfolio. So there went the first of Sullivan’s theories.
And she had a wonderful father, a man who’d been good to her, even if he wasn’t her real father. And that took care of Sullivan’s other older man/younger woman theory.
Besides having a lot in common, she found Anthony attractive and his attention flattering.
Yet another explanation rose to the forefront.
Anthony was the first man who’d taken an interest in her, and that had to count for something.
No, the “father thing” had nothing to do with it.
Chapter Five
Jared slowed his black Lexus at the fork in the road then followed the route he’d mapped to Valencia Vineyards. The damaged files from the Children’s Connection had raised a lot of questions, and he hoped this two-hour trek from Portland would provide some answers.
From
