Red Wine & Roses

By Ellie Mack

Julia Mathers has had bad dates, but the blind date for a New Year’s Eve party takes the cake. Derek Snow, a sexy ambitious lawyer has definite plans for his future and a relationship is the furthest thing from his mind.
From their first meeting, the fireworks fly as the embers of passion ignite into a blazing inferno. Until Derek's ex, a fashion model has designs of her own.
As Julia works to overcome her insecurities, Derek realizes a love he can't deny, but is he too late?
This contemporary romance takes the reader on a treacherous journey of love, betrayal, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellie Mack
• Release date: Oct 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370641598

Ellie Mack

Ellie Mack received her BS in cartography from Southeast Missouri State University. Since leaving the corporate world for the title of MOM, she has pursued her writing dreams. Nowadays Ellie charts unmapped territory through her fiction and humor writing. Formerly a columnist for a local paper, her weekly column received a lot of attention. She lives near St. Louis, MO with her husband of 32 years and their college aged daughters. When she’s not writing she can be found bullet journaling, crocheting, or cooking. You can find her musings on her blog: https://quotidiandose.wordpress.com

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Cocktail Cupcakes

If you don’t come, I’ll out you as the bakery guru. JoAnne pursed her lips and slowly crossed her arms over her chest, cocking her hip. Glenn in the mail room will be the first one I tell.

She wouldn’t, would she? Best friends were supposed to be there for you not blackmail you. Julia noted the stern expression, the stubborn stance, and decided that it wasn’t worth risking. Glenn, the guy in receiving, had already tried to follow her home, had left her notes, and had succeeded in thoroughly creeping her out. Fine! I’ll go.

Good! Glad you see it my way. JoAnne smirked arrogantly in smug victory as Julia conceded, then she relaxed slightly. Oh girl, it wouldn’t be a party without you there. Will you bring some sort of goodies? Please?

Fine. What time? JoAnne was always hard to say no to. It didn’t help matters that she didn’t play fair.

JoAnne squealed hugging her tightly. I know you’ll have a good time. Mark is bringing a couple of friends from college. They are a great group of guys. Can you come over early and help me set up? Or at least talk to me while I do?

What time? She wanted to go to the party anyways but felt uncomfortable in crowds. She wasn’t outgoing like JoAnne.

Can you be there at six? The guests won’t be there until seven thirty. Jo was nearly bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement. I’ll even give you some hints to come out on top of our games, OK?

Fine. She started putting her lunch bag in her drawer but paused. Wait, games? What sort of games? How many people are going to be there?

Not many. Maybe a dozen. Well, maybe fifteen if everyone comes. Jo looked at her phone. Thanks Julia. I need to get back to my desk and get these files finished. We’ll talk more at lunch.

Julia watched her friend walk down the aisle towards her cubicle. Glancing at the clock, she started thinking about what sort of baked goods she could take to the party. Mentally replaying the company Christmas party as to which food items were hits and which were misses, she made a quick list of possibilities. Thinking about baking helped to make work pass quicker.

As she worked, she made notes on possibilities. Baking was her passion. It reminded her of her mother and her favorite memories of childhood. At lunch, she bounced a few ideas off of JoAnne.

Cupcakes are fine. You know, some sort of fancy flavors like you do. Whatever you decide Julia; I haven’t had anything that you have made that was bad. Mark is taking care of the drinks. It’s not going to be a full meal, more like hors de oeuvres.

Hmm, I could do that. Make a couple varieties of cupcakes. Ooh! How about if I make some mixed drink cupcakes? The sudden inspiration for Kahlua cream, brandy Alexander, Irish cream and Rumchata clicked in her head since it was a New Year’s party. Her eyes widened as she jotted down in her small spiral notebook that she kept for just such inspiration.

I guess. That would be interesting. I can’t wait for you to meet Trevor. I think you will really like him.

Julia combed her fingers through her hair not paying attention to what her friend had just said. Her fingers itched to begin baking. She mentally reviewed recipes that would wow a crowd. Twelve to fifteen people, which calculated out to roughly three dozen cupcakes. It would give her the opportunity to make three batches to impress the guests. Guests, Mark’s friends, Trevor - then it dawned on her.

Trevor? This is a setup. You want me to come to set up one of Mark’s friends? Her brows furrowed.

Well, not exactly. I just thought you will be there, he will be there, and you two might just hit it off.

It irritated her to no end that JoAnne always tried to pair her up with someone. It never ended well. She sighed deeply. If she protested, she knew JoAnne would pull her rat-you-out card. I need to get back to work. I have to finish the Deidrick file by this afternoon, I’ll catch you later. She left the table dropping her trash in the bin on the way out. JoAnne was a good friend - most of the time.

Over the next couple of days she planned, researched cocktails, then shopped for her supplies to wow the party guests. She found candied orange slices in a display on an end cap in the produce section and decided that Grand Marnier was mandatory. A bargain price on the fresh limes decided the margarita magic cupcakes, and the clearance on the decorator’s sugar crystals cinched the deal for the midnight sparkler.

She had her supplies set up for convenient assembly when she left for work in the morning, worked cheerfully through the day and was excited to get home and begin her baking extravaganza. There was just enough time to shower and dress after putting the finishing touches on her creations before she needed to leave for JoAnne’s.

* * *

When she arrived, Mark was waiting on the street to help her carry up the cupcakes. Maybe I should run off with you so you can bake for me forever.

There are laws against marrying your cousin in this state Mark. Julia smiled at his joke.

We don’t have to tell them, you know, He winked at her as he held the boxes of cupcakes waiting for her to lock her car. But what to do with Jo? Hmm. I guess you two becoming best friends gives me the best of both worlds.

I knew it! You just love me for my cupcakes. Drats. She pushed the elevator button then kissed him on the cheek. Oh well, I’ll take what I can get.

You know it’s not just for your cupcakes Julia. We like your brownies and muffins too.

Ah I see. My mastery of flour. That’s what it is.

Yup, that’s it. Well he paused and maybe that you are fun to be around. Sometimes.

She punched him in the arm, Oh you turkey!

Owwww! He chuckled as they walked towards the apartment door.

Jo, look what I found. Oh, and this, he nodded his head towards Julia followed me up. Can we keep her? He smiled greeting her with a kiss as he set the boxes on the counter.

Only if she’s house broken and if you can figure out a way to make her stay. Jo leaned over, hugging Julia.

She was hitting on me in the elevator. Mark threw out as he lifted the lid on the first box.

No, I hit you. I did not hit on you. Big difference. Shall I demonstrate again? She slapped his hand away.

OK, OK. He raised his hand and backed away trying for the sad puppy dog eyes. His dark features lent themselves well, but the attempt failed.

Jo handed him a list. Pick up these few things on your way back from getting your buds. I will guard the cupcakes and make sure you get one of each. Be back by seven. She gave him another kiss and shoved him in the direction of the door.

Jo and Julia tidied the apartment, and then set out everything as they talked. Jo was giddy in anticipation for her guests to arrive. It wasn’t until after Mark returned with his friends in tow that Julia remembered the arrangement.

Paul, Trevor, this is Julia. She smiled at them while managing a glare in Mark’s general direction. How had she forgotten that this was supposed to be a setup with Trevor? Making a quick retreat to the kitchen, she felt instant panic. It wasn’t as bad as a blind date. It was not as bad as the speed dating she had been pushed into trying either. Julia neatly folded the towel and placed it on the counter before heading back to the group. Might as well get this over with. Surely, he couldn’t be too rude with Mark there, could he? She would make the best of it.

Trevor was attractive. In fact, he was downright sexy. With sea foam green eyes, chiseled features, and sandy brown hair, he looked like a cover model featured on romance novels or on GQ.

Within the half hour, all of the guests had arrived and were chatting amiably. Trevor brought Julia a drink on the balcony, offering it to her. So you work with Jo at Johnson and Edwards? He offered a sheepish grin.

Yes, She sipped her drink. What about you?

I work at Unidyne Laboratories in product development.

Oh, that sounds technical. She moved to the padded chair motioning for him to sit with her.

I mostly work in the development laboratories, testing for product improvement. Nothing exciting really, just improvements in pain meds. He shifted his stance, leaning against the rail as he sidled closer to her, tracing a line over her forearm as he talked.

But still, it’s more exciting than insurance claims filings. Although, it’s interesting some of the weird accidents people get themselves into. She sipped her drink again, noting that his eyes seemed to light up now that he was talking about his work. At least it showed that he had more interest than just a job, but more of a career. Her eyes riveted to the place where he touched her skin.

I’ll bet. A friend of mine left his dog in his car and the dog somehow managed to knock the shifter out of gear. The car rolled down the street for three blocks before crashing into the butcher shop. The dog went after the meat, the owner panicked thinking the dog was going to bite him as my friend was running in screaming after his car. For a brief second she got a glimpse of a sincere smile, then it seemed that he pulled the mask back into place.

She had to laugh at his words. Although, she was curious to know why the facade. Did the insurance actually cover that?

He turned towards her smiling. He was an attractive man, more so when he smiled. Yeah. He had to go through a lot of hassle to get it, but eventually they covered it. So tell me about yourself. What you like, what you don’t. Favorite foods, favorite movies, you know all the preliminaries.

Wow. Direct. His questions reminded her of the rounds at the speed-dating meet at the Comfort Lodge where she had run into Glenn. OK, then. Well, let’s see, favorite foods a good steak and baked potato. Favorite movie, I would have to say all-time favorite is Gone with the Wind. What about you? What are yours?

Hey I asked about the other things as well.

Yeah you did. So I’m just supposed to lay out my life story to you when you’ve given me nothing but a smile? She raised one brow questioningly.

Guess not. Well it was worth a shot anyway. He stood and headed back inside.

Wow. So that’s it. I don’t lay all my cards on the table and you walk away? Ni-i-i-ce.

He glanced back at her with a smirk. There are other chicks here that aren’t as complicated. Have a good evening.

She stared after him as we went back inside. This had to be a record rejection. She hadn’t even gotten to the points that usually turned a man away. A part of her wanted to follow him, confront him about what made him feel so damn righteous, but most of her really didn’t care. He was a face. He probably got what he wanted from girls by flashing his smile.

She sighed, slamming the rest of the drink he had brought her. From what she had already observed there wasn’t much depth to him. If she was wrong, she didn’t want to know. Julia swirled the ice cubes at the bottom of her glass, crossing her hand over her ribs. Her entire reason for being here just walked off and so much as told her that he wanted an easy piece. She wondered why it was never easy for her. Her conscience wouldn’t allow her to sleep with every man that asked. Not that there were that many that ever asked. Julia tossed the ice cubes over the rail to the street below, went back inside, and headed to the bar.

Mark was mixing a drink and carrying on a lively conversation with one of his friends. He leaned on one elbow against the bar, ankles crossed, talking with large gestures of his free hand. His voice was animated and his head bobbed occasionally with the crescendo of his speech.

Quietly she stepped to the other end, out of the way, waiting for a break in the conversation.

I worked till two a.m. figuring out how to present the evidence. Had everything strewn over the kitchen table and the counters and I still wasn’t seeing it. There was no way this person wasn’t guilty. Then I went in and took my shower and BAM it hit me. The one thing that could throw the whole case out.

Yeah, what was it? Mark asked earnestly as he continued pouring drinks and mixing.

The time line. There was no way Mr. Renaldo could have possibly been at the hotel at the time of death because he was with Miss Anders, the casino manager’s squeeze at that time. That is when the fight broke out, when Don Gioncarlo sent his men to teach Renaldo a lesson. So, I go back in, make a fresh pot of coffee and start organizing my notes. By court time at ten this morning, I had everything lined out, presented the evidence and won the case. Ba-bam!

Mark gave him a high five. Way to go Derek. Leave it to you. He handed him a fresh drink then turned to Julia. Ready for another?

Make it a highball Mark. Not in the mood for froufrou drinks.

Who’s your friend? Holding out on me? The man nodded in Julia’s direction.

Mark glanced at Julia then at Trevor across the room, who had his hand on Nancy Davis’s lower back. This is Julia. Yes, I am holding out on you. She’s my prize catch that I want to keep to myself. We just have to work out a few legal issues first. I’m going to run away with her and leave Jo. Mark winked at Julia.

Julia gave a sarcastic harrumph. Sure Mark. I may take you up on that tonight.

Wait a minute. Give a guy a chance before taking this dope up on a lame offer. You know he is with Jo, right? She will scratch your eyes out over him. I wouldn’t want anyone to hurt those gorgeous eyes. He stepped closer.

A slow mischievous grin spread. I’m not afraid of Jo. I introduced Mark to Jo and I have enough dirt on the both of them to keep them on my good side.

His face lit up with a smile that made his eyes sparkle. Whoa. A girl with a devious mind. I like that. He took a drink then wiped his hand on the napkin. Derek Snow He stuck his hand out to shake hers. Nice to meet you Julia. He moved to her side, leaning in close, his breath on her neck as he asked, So what sort of dirt you got on my man Mark here? Anything that will hold up in court?

Loads. She drawled out as she winked at Mark.

Mark chuckled. Derek, mind the bar for a minute will you? Got to check in with the boss. He wiped his hands on the bar towel then dropped it on the counter.

Derek swiftly stepped behind the bar then rubbed his hands together. Let me mix you one of my specialties. He started mixing Curacao, with lime juice and bitters, then added ginger beer and Captain Morgan, adding a lime slice and an orange twist before handed it to her. Try this and tell me what you think. He beamed as he held it out to her.

She finished the last bit of her highball then accepted the proffered drink, sipping it cautiously. Mmm, this is really good. I usually just stick to a highball or a glass of wine.

It’s a twist on the highball. Last year I went with some pals on Spring Break and spent most of my time sitting at the bar nursing a broken heart. It’s called an Anejo Highball. He made himself one as she took another sip.

It’s good. Lighter than the traditional. Thank you. Another couple walked up asking for champagne.

Derek poured the two glasses and handed them off with a cheerful smile, looking right at home behind the bar.

I don’t really drink that much. Only occasionally for a party or special dinner. Twirling the swizzle stick around in the glass before she blurted out her reservations about allowing herself to become an alcoholic or addict of any sort like her mother.

Despite how it looks, I don’t either. Not since last year. I’ve never been so sunburned in my life, nor as drunk He wiped down the bar where Mark had spilled cola. Or as emotionally devastated. He spoke quietly under his breath. Since then, I limit myself to one or two at the most.

That’s good. I mean, the limiting yourself, not the sunburn or heartache. She crossed her arm over her stomach. Curious about the woman that broke his heart, numerous questions rose about who, why, and how but she didn’t dare ask. It was none of her business. A part of her wondered how any woman could break this man’s heart. He seemed like the perfect package wrapped up in complete male goodness.

There was a slight wave to his dark hair, with a little sprig sticking out over his right ear. For some reason she found it charming and mentally wanted to smooth it into place. Julia smiled as she took another sip, noticing his deep brown eyes, surrounded by long luscious lashes that any woman would be envious of. How was it right for a man to have such perfect lashes? Why was she noticing his lashes? Turning to look at the other guests, trying to hide the embarrassment that she felt from her thoughts.

She figured that he must have played some sort of sports, perhaps soccer as he had well-muscled thighs and derriere, recalling the view as he moved around her to take Mark’s position, and lean but muscular chest and arms. Wondering how he would look with his jacket off caused her to blush when she noticed that he caught her checking him out.

Between his deep sexy voice and his physical appearance, she was already blushing at her thoughts, but the slight New England accent was icing on the cake. This man was interesting, well mannered, downright sexy, and worth getting to know.

Glancing over to Trevor sitting on the love seat with Nancy, she observed his hand caressing her thigh as he leaned in close enough to kiss her. Resentment rolled over her. Aggravation gnawed against her nerves that Trevor hadn’t even given her a chance. The fact that he had summarily dismissed her with such ease had her clenching her jaw. A multitude of emotional reactions warred within her, an internal debate on what it was that put men off and a sharp pang of guilt about why she even cared. He was obviously not worth her time.

Derek continued talking about his previous experience, explaining his first job with this law office while she stood obsessing over Trevor. She cleared her throat and turned back towards him. Trevor deserved no more of her thoughts. Derek however, deserved her undivided attention. How do you know Mark?

His eyes followed hers, noticing Trevor with an attractive blond. Did you uh, come here with Trevor?

Her eyes grew wide. She could feel the flush on her cheeks. No! It was Jo’s idea to set me up with him. I just met him a few minutes ago and if I had been listening when Jo was planning this party, I would have realized it was a setup. But, I got excited about helping with some of the party planning details and it rather slipped my mind. Mark was in on it too. She babbled nervously. I just need to think of a way to repay their kindness. She raised her glass with a wicked smirk.

Good. Trevor is my friend and all, but he’s a dog. He is one of the guys I went down to Florida with last year. That girl, he leaned in motioning to Nancy, will be number three hundred. He was bragging last week while we were watching a football game. Trust me, a pretty girl like you, you do NOT want to get involved with that. Derek held his glass out pointing with his ring finger towards Trevor.

No, I don’t. Thanks for the heads up. But that only creates another dilemma. She leaned over the bar, her elbows on it as she leaned closer to Derek.

Yeah, what’s that? He asked as he poured two glasses of wine for party guests.

It makes the repayment of their kind deed even more imperative. She clinked her glass against his, smiling.

A broad smile, even bigger than the first spread across the lower half of his face, lighting up a sparkle in his eyes. Oh, I like how you think. Perhaps we should corroborate our efforts. It seems that Mark and JoAnne have been dabbling in the matchmaking venue. See that little wisp of a brunette over there? He motioned to a petite woman that barely came up to chest height on the man that she was talking with despite her four-inch heels. Long strands of straight dark hair hung over her shoulder and back with an equal amount piled on top of her head. It seemed to overwhelm her delicate frame. The shimmering metallic top hung on her loosely, doing nothing to flatter her figure. If anything, it accentuated how thin and gaunt she was. Julia wondered if she even wore a size zero. She rubbed her arm thinking that it was probably bigger around than the girl’s thigh, making her acutely aware of her less than ideal body weight.

That’s Monique. The date they set me up with tonight. Aside from not being able to hold a conversation, I’d be afraid I’d break her in two.

Julia giggled, thinking that she could snap Monique’s arms in two as well. Hmm, indeed we should put our heads together and come up with a fitting punish . . . I mean reward for Mark and Jo’s meddling. I mean kindness. She sipped her drink giggling. Oh who am I kidding? I would like to do or say something so that for the last time, they would quit meddling in my personal life. I get that they are happy with each other and that is great, but really. Trevor? There is no way I want to be anyone’s three hundredth conquest or any number for a guy like that. I figured him for a player. When I didn’t give up all my information immediately, he just walked away. What a jerk.

Yeah, that’s Trevor. Let me guess. Derek made air quotes then mimicked Trevor’s voice saying So tell me about yourself. What you like, what you don’t. What your favorites are, you know all the preliminaries. Derek shot her the same smoldering look that Trevor had given her.

What? Did he try that line on you as well? She made a mock shock face. Please tell me it wasn’t a home run.

Oh no, no, no! Derek made exaggerated hand movements to emphasize. On the first night down in Florida, as I was sitting at the bar making a mental note of the drinks that I hadn’t tried yet, he tried to coach me in scoring with the chicks. Funny thing though, the bartender came over just as he said that line to me telling me what to say to this shy little wallflower that was with the girl he wanted to hook up with. Frank, the bartender, looked at him then at me like, well you know."

So did you go for it? She asked, her brow raised.

I slammed my drink then turned to him and said ‘I’m not interested buddy, now shove off before I give you a beat down.’ He blanched, looked at the bartender, and then said ‘Damn man. Try to help a friend out. Fine! You’re on your own.’ then he went to hit on his target. Frank nearly tossed him out a few times when he’d come over and talk to me thinking he was still hitting on me.

She laughed, turning away blushing. Oh my gosh, Derek. I meant . . . She tried to regain her composure but kept laughing. I meant, if you took his advice to score with the shy girl, not if you took him up on that.

He wasn’t his brows raised with the dawning comprehension. His eyes widened in shock, speaking volumes to his realization that she didn’t know him well enough to have told her that bit of information. I didn’t. I’m not.

She placed her hand on his forearm reassuringly. I know. I think it’s hysterical that you played it up like that. She couldn’t stop the smile or giggles. I never would have expected that.

Oh. OK. Yeah, he didn’t appreciate it at all. I think he had something to do with me waking up in a strange place on our last night there, but I can’t prove it. The next day I went into the bar and Frank kept giving me strange looks. When it was time to leave and the four of us left together, he was shaking his head.

Well it sounds like you had a good time. She took a sip of her drink. Mark touched her shoulder behind her and moved her slightly out of his way as he moved back behind the bar.

Thanks for covering. Scored some tickets to the Falcons versus Bulls this Friday, want to go?

Derek lit up with excitement. Oh, you know it! Did you see the latest on Bronski? Busted on possession but they only fined him. Guess they can’t afford to suspend their star player.

They ought to suspend him for good. That makes three charges this season, doesn’t it?

Yes. I’d be willing to bet they will cut him at the end of the season or after playoffs. Derek put his hand on the small of Julia’s back leaning in close to her ear. Come with me to the kitchen?

She allowed him to guide her past the other guests in the living room through