Waiting for You by Heather Huffman Read Free Book Online

with him. Is this why you brought me to California?”
    “No? I mean, sure, I hope the two of you will end up together, but I really did think you’d be amazing for this job. I promise I’m not trying to set you up.”
    “Okay.” Karise suddenly felt like an immense ass for overreacting. “Sorry. I’m blaming jetlag for my rudeness.”
    “Apology accepted.”
    The conversation ended as Kate set about buckling her squirming son into his car seat. Karise waited in the passenger seat, willing her stomach to stop fluttering and wondering if she’d made a colossal mistake.
    Once they were rolling down the highway, Kate glanced over at Karise. “Would it be the worst thing in the world if I was trying to set you up, just a little?”
    Karise sighed heavily and closed her eyes. She wondered if there was a way to make Kate understand her resistance. “Aidan is, well, delectable. I know this. Trust me. I can’t be in the same room with him without wanting to do really bad things. A lot.”
    Kate giggled. “I knew it.”
    “But that’s exactly the reason I’m trying so hard to steer clear of him. I don’t want to jump out of William’s arms and into Aidan’s. I really want – no, I need – to have some time that’s just mine.”
    “I get it.” Kate tried to look sober.
    “Thank you.”
    “But if you should decide to take a little nibble of him, I don’t think he’d complain.”
    Karise just shook her head and leaned back in her seat, suddenly feeling every moment of her eight-hour flight.
    The looming party somewhat dampened Karise’s excitement over seeing her new home. That is, until she crossed the threshold of the immaculate stucco cottage. She instantly adored the gentle curves of the structure, and the cheerful interior reminded her of everything she’d loved about her apartment in Boston – without the entanglements. Nestled into a corner of the property overlooking a pond, the cottage had its own set of gardens, with a bistro table situated in their midst.
    “This is amazing,” Karise admired.
    “Thank you.” Kate smiled in acknowledgement. “It was a little overwhelming when I first found out I’d inherited half a winery. It was a lot to take in.”
    “You didn’t grow up here?”
    “Albuquerque. I came here after one of those life-altering moments. Actually, I went to San Francisco to track down my father. In the process, I found my aunt on my mother’s side. Long story.”
    “One I would love to hear sometime.”
    “Definitely,” Kate agreed. “After you’ve showered, though.”
    “Are you saying I stink?”
    Kate smiled. “I promise you smell fine. But if I were you, I’d be exhausted.”
    “It would be nice to freshen up.”
    “And then you’ll come to the main house for dinner? My aunt and uncle are looking forward to meeting you, and Gavin wants to say hi. He pouted when he got held up in meetings and couldn’t make it to the airport.”
    “Will there be any surprises at dinner?” Karise eyed her warily.
    “None. Scout’s honor.” Kate was solemn.
    “Were you ever even a scout?”
    “No, but I think it still counts.”
    Karise gave what she hoped was a face that said she meant business and agreed to dinner. Kate had been right – a shower felt divine. So did fresh clothes. Since she was meeting Kate’s family for the first time, she opted for a coral dress that she hoped was casual enough to look like she wasn’t trying too hard yet nice enough to impress them. It was comfortable and had a flirty twirl to the skirt that made her feel distinctly feminine. The more she thought about it, the more she worried about being overdressed, so she went with cute boots instead of heels. She stepped out the door and then circled around to head right back in, grabbing a jacket from her bag before setting off again.
    Karise followed the path back to the main house, pausing long enough to appreciate the spectacular sunset and the way the light played with the rolling hills of