Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 334 Nathaniel's POV +25 Bonus Morning in the hills of Southridge broke perfectly with cloudless blue skies, mild temperatures, and a soft breeze carrying the scent of ripening grapes. Annie had suggested a walk around the property, and I'd agreed instantly, grateful for a little time alone with her, away from the buzz of family activity. "Come on, I want to show you my favorite place to read," Annie said, taking my hand and pulling me toward the vineyard.

Ginger trotted happily behind us, occasionally stopping to investigate an interesting scent or chase a leaf the breeze had knocked loose. Her puppy enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help smiling as I watched her discover an entirely new world. Annie was glowing, clearly emotional about being back in the place that had become a refuge for her after Zoey's wedding. Her eyes sparkled as she guided me through the grounds. "That's where I used to sit and read in the afternoons," she said, pointing to a stone bench beneath a large, leafy tree.

"The shade is perfect, and you can hear the birds singing." We walked between rows of grapevines heavy with ripe fruit, following dirt paths winding through the vineyard. As we went, Annie shared little stories about adapting to life at the winery during the months she'd lived there, the friendly staff she'd met, the family traditions she'd witnessed during harvest season. "And this is the lookout," she said, pointing to a small rise topped with a wooden pergola covered in twisting vines. "The view is amazing, especially at sunset.

Zoey and I used to come up here to talk almost every afternoon. "I We walked for nearly an hour, Annie sharing memories while I soaked in the simple pleasure of seeing her so relaxed, so completely at home. Then she stopped abruptly in the middle of the path and looked at me, her expression tinged with embarrassment. "I'm being silly, aren't I?" she asked, running a hand through her hair in a gesture I recognized as nerves. "Why would you say that?" I asked, genuinely confused by the sudden shift.

times," I said honestly, trying to reassure her. "And never with you showing me your favorite places." "Nate," Annie said, giving me a skeptical look, "you were here for Christian and Zoey's wedding. Even if we barely noticed each other back then..." "I noticed you," I cut in immediately, the memory vivid

introducing places you've seen dozens of times." 1/3 "It's different seeing them through your eyes," I said sincerely, lifting a hand to touch her cheek. Her smile softened, and she leaned

planned. "This feels like a good place to relax," I suggested. "What do you say we have our picnic here?" "It's perfect," Annie said, spreading the checkered blanket over the grass. We started setting up our meal, pulling cheeses, bread, and fresh fruit from the basket Annie had

now rested beside the rest of the spread. We spent a few minutes arranging everything, talking about plans for the rest of the day and laughing as Ginger tried to steal bits of cheese whenever she thought we weren't looking. The atmosphere was perfect. Relaxed. Intimate.

the basket and began sniffing with growing interest at a small spot where I'd hidden something special among the napkins. "What did you find there, huh?" Annie asked, watching our puppy's increasingly excited behavior. Ginger let out a soft bark, looking back and forth between the basket and me, clearly trying to draw attention to something important. My heart started pounding as