Page 14 of Cru's Crush
“When you visit, you’ll understand why Brix and I would rather be there, regardless of how much we’ll miss it here.”
“I’ve heard it’s quite nice.”
She nodded once. “It is. More than that, though. The best word I can use to describe it is magical.”
I could say the same about being in this part of the world. I’d always been drawn to the Central Coast of California. While the wine regions in the northern part of the state were breathtaking in their ostentatiousness, I found those in Paso Robles to be more welcoming. Los Caballeros especially.
The Avila family had settled in the area in the seventeen hundreds. The winery buildings, which reflected the family’s Spanish heritage, hadn’t been constructed for another hundred years, but that was still old by California standards.
In comparison, the family who owned the property adjacent to this were of Scottish heritage and their structures looked as though they’d been brought over from the Highlands.
I stood and looked out to the vineyards, which were illuminated by the moon. Working here would be a dream, particularly since Cru was willing to let me be the primary winemaker for the second label. I’d have to prove myself, of course, but I was always up for a challenge. At least when it came to wine.
The challenge Cru represented as a man was a different story. I could handle the rejection, if it came to that, but letting go of the dream of him and me being together would be hard on my heart.
In hindsight, I should’ve ended things with Beau years ago. Our relationship wound up being more of a convenience than a love affair. If I had, would I have had a chance with Cru then? On the other hand, maybe he was the winemaker Anthony Ricci was happily taken with.
“What I’d give to know what you’re thinking,” he said.
“I’m going to love working here.”
He smiled. “I hope so.”
If he hadn’t reacted so strangely when I attempted touching his hand at Stave, I’d hug him. Instead, I wrapped my arms around my own body. “When do I start?”
“Would tomorrow be too soon?”
“Not at all.” I bit my lip, realizing I had very few items of clothing with me. The little I’d taken with me on my misguided cross-country trip was left behind when Cru had rushed me out of the apartment.
Maybe that was the moment when I realized how wrong Beau had always been for me and how right Cru could be.
“What’s wrong?” Cru asked.
“I don’t suppose there are any all-night clothing stores anywhere nearby.”
“I should’ve thought of that earlier today. I’m sorry.”
I couldn’t help it; I released my arms and touched his with my hand. “It wasn’t your responsibility. I should’ve thought of it.”
He looked down at where my fingers rested on his bare skin but didn’t pull away.
“Does this bother you?” I asked.
“Why would it?”
“Earlier, it seemed like it did.”
Cru removed my hand but embraced me. “We’re going to make great wine together, Cullen.”
“Speaking of Cullen, my parents are probably frantic with worry.” I’d spoken with them from the hospital, explained I was there under an abundance of caution on Cru’s part, then said I’d ring them the following day. It had been over twenty-four hours, and I still hadn’t called. Since it was midmorning in Perth, I could get in touch now, but I didn’t feel up to the conversation.
Cru dropped his arms, and his face fell. “I forgot to tell you. They’re on their way. In fact, they should be landing soon.”
“Where?”
“LAX, but they’re catching a flight in the morning to San Luis Obispo.”
“Bloody hell,” I said under my breath.
