Page 46 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“I told you in the car, you don’t have to worry about that. These people are like family, and they’ll all love you.”
I force a smile, then fall into step behind Jack. We both make our way down the gravel dirt road toward the tasting room. The sun is out today, but the heavy wind is crisp and blowing my hair around my face.
“It’s very windy out here in the country.” I giggle, pushing my hair aside, but it doesn’t help. A heavy gust whips another couple of strands in front of my face, blocking my view. I roll the bottom of my foot on a large rock, and without control, my legs quickly slip from underneath me. From the side, I see a flash of darkness. It’s Jack’s hand shooting out to grab my arm, preventing me from sliding down the shallow incline.
“Oh my god!” I shriek, grabbing his shoulder tightly with my other hand to brace myself.
“Shit, that was close.” His firm grasp holding me upright.
I’m twisted toward him, with my feet planted into the ground. “That would be my luck today, to fall on my face right before I meet some of the most important people in your life.”
He turns to face me, and our bodies flush. “First, your dress flew up, and now you almost slipped. I’m starting to get a little worried.”
“You?”
He lowers his eyes, turning them into slits. “Were you fidgeting again?”
“No, a very aggressive wind slammed into me. My hair blocked my view, and I couldn’t see.” I grip his arm until we reach the bottom of the hill.
Jack leads me. “Sure.”
“That’s what happened!” I argue.
His chest vibrates as he laughs through his words. “I believe you.”
Once I’m safely away from the rocks, Jack brings an arm around my shoulder. The sweet smell of grapes and fresh air isn’t enough to mask the overpowering, clean scent of him that hits me when I curl into his body.
We approach the tasting room from the side. The parking lot is full of cars—tourists, I’m assuming. Jack and I step onto a small, paved pathway with little flower beds on either side and a tiny sign poking out of the grass in the shape of a wine glass that readsOffices. He reaches to touch the ornate brass doorknob but pauses before turning it.
“This is where everyone’s office is located. Edward, who runs all wine-making production, Marybeth, and both my parents’ offices.”
I nod, keeping my hand securely in his.
Jack dips his head to make eye contact with me. His blues are light. He’s excited—which makes me feel more confident. “You are beautiful, kind, and authentic. You’re going to be fine.”
“You’re just trying to stroke my ego.”
“Obviously. But seriously, don’t trip on anything, and keep your dress down. If anyone gets to see what’s under your skirt, it will be me.”
“Jack!” I playfully hit his shoulder. “You’re such a jerk.”
“Sorry. I’m kidding,” he says, opening the door to a long hallway with rooms on either side. The walls are lined with large black and white portraits of what look to be various stages of the development of the winery.
Jack stops in front of a photo of two men and Heidi, who I recognize. She looks a lot younger and has a baby in her arms. “This is my dad, Steve, my mom, and me when they bought the second half of the vineyard. I think I was only about a year old in this picture.
“The three of them look so happy. What has happened between you, your mom, and Steve in the last year is unfortunate. That’s got to be difficult for her.” I analyze the facial features of Jack’s dad. Their bone structure, square jaw, and light hair are so similar, although Jack inherited Heidi’s beautiful blue eyes.
“I know, right? I’ve never liked Steve, but my parents were close with him, and now it fucking sucks for my mom.”
I squint to get a clear look at his dad. “You look so much like your dad.”
“I’ve been told,” he mutters as we round the corner into the first office space.
“Jack!” An older man in blue jeans and a flannel button-up shirt rises from behind a large maple desk.
“Hi, Edward.” Jack pulls him in for a side hug before turning to me. “This is my girlfriend, Piper.”
“Well, hello there, Piper. How the hell are ya?”
