Page 41 of Rainshadow Road

“It’s a mixture of science, hard work… and a touch of magic.”

“Magic,” Lucy repeated, staring at him closely.

“Sure. A vintner can grow the same kind of grapes in the same patch of soil, but it turns out differently every year. The flavor of the grapes tells you about the soil composition, how long the sun shone, how cool the nighttime breezes were, how much rain fell. It’s the unique expression of a place and a season.Terroir,the French call it.”

Conversation was momentarily interrupted as the waitress brought their entrees and refilled their water glasses. As lunch continued at a leisurely pace, Lucy found herself relaxing and enjoying herself even more than she would have expected. Sam had a way of focusing on a person that was immensely flattering, especially to a woman with a bruised ego. He was smart, self-deprecating, and so charming that she could easily have been lulled into a false sense of security.

But she could not let herself forget that he was the kind of guy who would find his way past your guard, take what he wanted, and convince you that it was what you wanted as well. He would run you in circles, put mileage on you, and then go on to his next conquest without a backward glance. And you wouldn’t be able to complain, because he hadn’t put up a pretense of being anything other than what he was.

Eventually the waitress brought the check, and Sam put his hand over Lucy’s as she began to reach for her bag. “Don’t even think about it,” he told her, and gave the waitress his credit card.

“Friends can go Dutch,” Lucy protested.

“It’s a small price to pay for the pleasure of your company.”

“Thank you,” she said sincerely. “I’ve had a wonderful time. In fact, I’m in such a good mood, I don’t think anything could spoil it.”

“Don’t jinx yourself.” He knocked on the table.

She laughed. “Are you superstitious?”

“Of course. I’m an islander. I was raised on superstition.”

“Such as?” Lucy asked, entertained.

“The wishing stones on South Beach. You know about those, right? No? People are always looking for them. Smooth stones circled by white bands. If you find one, you make a wish and throw it into the sea.”

“Have you done that?”

“Once or twice.”

“Did your wishes come true?”

“Not yet. But wishes don’t have expiration dates.”

“I’m not superstitious,” Lucy said. “But I do believe in magic.”

“So do I. It’s called science.”

“I believe in real magic,” Lucy insisted.

“Like what?”

Before Lucy could answer, she caught a glimpse of a couple entering the outside seating area. All the color drained from her face.“Shit,”she whispered, the glow of well-being fading rapidly. A sick feeling rushed over her. “You were right. I jinxed myself.”

Following her gaze, Sam saw Kevin and Alice. He frowned and reached for her nerveless hand. “Look at me, Lucy.”

She dragged her gaze to his and managed a bleak smile. “There’s no way we can avoid them, is there?”

“No.” His grip was firm and reassuring. “There’s no need to be scared.”

“I’m not scared. I’m just not ready to deal with this yet.”

“How do you want to play it?”

Fixing him with a desperate stare, Lucy made a spontaneous decision. “Kiss me,” she said urgently.

Sam’s eyes flickered with mild surprise. “Right now?”

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