Page 55 of Gone With the Wine

“Oh, for the love of goats. The grapevine is working overtime here in Oak Creek Canyon. Word is out that there was a big brawl at the Cougar last night.”

He gazes back at me with a crease between his eyebrows. “There was no brawl.”

I sigh. “So you didn’t punch him?”

“No, I did not punch him. Although I could have. Asshole.”

I suck briefly on my bottom lip. My anger is fading in the face of his chivalry. That’s an old-fashioned word. But I don’t know a better one. It makes my heart beat in a funny rhythm that has me a tad breathless. “Okay. Wow. Apparently half the town is mad at you for beating him up.”

“Jesus.” He looks to the sky. “What am I doing here?”

“I wonder the same,” I mutter. “I mean, me. Not you. I wonder whatI’mdoing here. Okay, we’ll get Ana and Millie and the others on it to try to clear your name.” I pause. “I wonder if Mark told people that?”

“If he did, he’s an idiot. I wouldn’t go around telling people I harassed a woman and got beat up for it.”

I almost laugh. “I’m sure that’s not how he’d frame it.”

“Whatever. I don’t have time for bullshit. Is that what you came here for?”

“Um. Actually, no. I came on business. I noticed the birds were really active over the vineyard this morning.”

From the look on his face, I could have just told him I want to dip my feet in chocolate.

“The birds get more active over the vines when the grapes are ripe. They know.”

“Ah.”

“So we went through some blocks over at Caparelli and we’re starting to harvest tonight. I think we should go check out your grapes. Those sauvignon blanc were almost ready the other day.”

“Okay.” He straightens. “Does this mean you’re going to help me?”

“Oh. Right.” I nod in a businesslike manner. “I’ll agree to help you, if you’ll do something for me in return.”

His lips twitch. “Sounds interesting.”

I give him a chiding look. “I want to use your lab. Our equipment is old or gone and we’re going to need to do testing.”

“Damn.” He feigns disappointment. “Hmmm. Well, apparently we’re not really competitors, so I guess I’m okay with that.”

I smile, relief sliding through my veins. “Thank you.”

“I’ll still pay you. I’ve been researching winemaker salaries and there’s a range.” He names some numbers.

“I’ll only be working part time, since I have to also work at my own winery.”

“Right. Okay. We’ll take middle of the range and cut it in half.”

“This is weird.”

“What?”

“Negotiating salary with you.”

“Then take my offer.”

“Fine. Done.”

The expression on his face is the happiest I’ve seen even though he’s not really smiling. But the green and gold flecks in his hazel eyes light up and his face relaxes into satisfied softness. It’s a good look on him and my belly flutters.

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