Page 4 of Loving Words
I wrapped my hands around the cardboard sleeve, still able to feel the heat from the brew, and inhaled the magical-bean aroma. I took a tentative sip, and my eyes rolled back in my head as I moaned.
“Now I have to have what she’s having,” a deep voice said, startling me, “if it makes her moan like that.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see who that voice belonged to. The stranger winked and flashed a panty-melting smile in my direction. He was hotter than the Kennedy in my hand. I felt a blush rise up my neck.
“Only if you can name the drink,” Dixie replied, flirting. “It’s part of our off-menu menu.”
“Thanks, Dixie, I still need to grab a few things for Gran. I’ll see you soon.”
Dixie laughed. “They just got a new shipment. Betty will love the new red that MayaRosa created for the holidays.”
I raised my cup above my head as I left the shop. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early.”
I let the door close before Dixie—or the owner of that deep voice—could say another word. I sighed and took a drink of the liquid heaven in my hand.
Right there in the window of Let’s Wine 2gether, the town’s wine shop, was a big display of the MayaRosa Vineyards holiday wine.
A male voice echoed from the back. “Be with you in a jiff.”
“That’s fine, no rush,” I replied as I perused the aisle of wine they had beyond the MayaRosa selection. Gran liked all wine. Red, white, sparkling, pink... It didn’t matter to her. Most people liked one type over others. Not my gran. She liked all of her fermented grapes.
A unique bottle caught my eye, an Italian Moscato called Voga. It looked like a souped-up posh water bottle. It was a bit on the expensive side for me, at just over twenty dollars. A starving journalist leaned toward cheaper brands that were seven dollars or less. Even so, I wanted to splurge a little.
The wine was a quick way to suck up to Gran and Harrison. I needed them liquored up before I dropped my big news on them.
“What can I help you with?” an older gentleman asked as he walked up.
“I’d like a bottle of Voga.” I returned his friendly smile. “And two others you would suggest in the seven-to-ten-dollar range.”
“Any particular blend?”
“Nope, Gran doesn’t have a preference.” I took a sip of my coffee. “Oh, and a case of the MayaRosa holiday blend.”
“That’s a smart choice. Their holiday blends are limited editions.” He put the three bottles on the counter and grabbed a case of the holiday blends from behind it. I was thankful it was a white box with no labeling. “Would you like this one wrapped?”
My eyes widened as I looked at him. “Do you do that?”
“Yes, on special occasions.” He laughed as he rang up my purchases. I tapped my credit card on the pad and cringed internally until it went through.
“Wait here. I’ll get this wrapped up and help you carry them to your car.”
“Thank you.”
I looked around while he did his thing. It was a cute wine shop. Wine barrels were mounted along the walls, each showing the vineyard logo it came from. The floors and shelves of the aisles were made from old barn wood and scuffed with age. It was a wine cellar above ground, with a few more expensive bottles behind glass and key.
I frowned at the bottom of my cup. Looking around, I spotted a trash can and threw the cup in. I pulled my keys out of my pocket and hit the remote start button I so loved.
I cushioned the wine in the back seat with a blanket I kept in the car and buckled it in.
“Kennedy, wait!” Dixie met me with two large to-go cups. “One for now and the chai latte for your gran.”
“Thank you!” I said. “You’re an angel.” I set Gran’s drink into the cupholder in my car. “I’m sure I’ll see you again tomorrow.” I sipped from the second cup and grinned. “An angel!”
She laughed and waved as I pulled out of my spot. Inhaling the amazing coffee aroma, I headed back up the mountain. Snowflakes slowly fell as I turned into the driveway.
“Welcome to Christmas in the mountains,” I said to myself.
