Page 21 of Hibiscus Heights

Watching her, he said, “You might pick up hints of blackberry, violet, and vanilla.”

Deb tasted the wine, noting its smooth finish. “I also detect black cherry and a smoky note.”

“Very impressive.” His eyes sparkled with approval. “Rachel told me you’re an interior designer. That must keep you busy in a place like this.”

“Busy enough.” Deb relaxed despite her earlier wariness. “Between vacation homes and a major hotel renovation, I rarely run out of projects. What brings you to Crown Island besides your wine?”

“Partly business, as I’m exploring distribution opportunities along the coast. And partly pleasure because I needed to relax on a sunny beach.” He gestured toward the ocean. “This seemed like the perfect place to decompress before I continue to Napa for the harvest.”

Deb thought about that. “Having vineyards in both regions means your harvests take place at different times of the year. That’s convenient. Where do you spend most of your time?”

“It’s fairly equal,” Matteo replied. “It’s a benefit to have vineyards in opposite hemispheres, so I split my time between Argentina for malbec harvests and Napa Valley for my cabernet sauvignon. Add in two ex-wives and four children divided between the locations, and life gets complicated. Still, we try to be one big happy family. Well, almost.”

“Almost?”

“You know how women are.”

The words slipped out casually, but Deb caught the assumption immediately. “Only some women,” she said, sharpening her tone like a warning. “Just like some men.”

Matteo’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “That was poorly phrased. I deserved that correction.”

His easy acceptance of the rebuke surprised her. Most men would have defended their position or changed the subject. “You did.”

“I’m sorry, but I like that you called me on it.” He leaned forward slightly. “I find intelligence and independence extremely attractive in a woman. Too many women say what they think men want to hear. I don’t. I want to know the real person.”

Deb recognized the subtext of the word independent, which she’d learned probably meant, I’m not looking for anything serious. That suited her just fine. “Honesty makes conversations more interesting,” she added.

“I’m still learning and adjusting. As a man, I exist between two cultures with different customs, and both have changed a great deal in my lifetime. They’re still evolving. I learn from my children every day.”

“How old are they?”

“They’re all teenagers. Thirteen and fourteen, and eighteen and nineteen.”

“You were busy,” she said, slightly amused.

Embarrassment shadowed his face. “We make so many decisions when we’re young and inexperienced. Or older and foolish. But I love my children fiercely.”

She liked hearing that, yet she had no desire to be his third wife.

They talked easily as the evening progressed. Matteo was an engaging storyteller with a sense of humor that kept their conversation light. He described the harvest season in Argentina, the challenges of maintaining relationships across continents, and his children’s adaptation to their father’s nomadic lifestyle.

“They travel with me when they’re out of school, so all four children have grown up together. When they were young, their mothers came with them.”

Deb found that interesting and could imagine the stories and the fireworks. “And how do your ex-wives get along?”

He smoothed a hand across his forehead. “As you might imagine, the relationships were combative in the beginning. Only verbally, that is. I was very generous with them. After the second divorce, Veronica and Angie discovered they had much in common. Now they’re close friends, refer to each other as wives-in-law, and often gang up on me. This situation humbles me, but I try to see the humor in it.”

Deb smiled at his story. This wasn’t the first time she’d heard such a thing.

The conversation shifted to her work at the Majestic. “Rachel mentioned the grand opening event. I would be happy to escort you and meet Ryan Kingston, if you don’t mind.”

“For your wine?” she asked.

“Yes, of course. I will stock your cellar for an introduction.”

“If I had one, I’d accept that offer. Still, I’m happy to introduce you, and you’re welcome to attend the event,” Deb replied carefully. “I should mention I’ll be working that night, so I won’t be available the entire evening. It would be better if you attended on your own. Contrary to what my sister-in-law believes, I’m not desperate for a date.”

“I would never think you would be.” His smile suggested he appreciated her directness. “I’d still love to attend. Perhaps we could share a glass of wine during the evening if your schedule permits.”

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