by Rachel Angel
“I’ll say,” I blurted. “Well, hopefully I passed.”
“You did. If you hadn’t you really would be back at your hotel and not here right now. I’m sure you requested it, knowing Jacob’s style.”
“Well yes, in fact. I did once or twice.” I looked at Sylvain and saw he had a slight smile on his face. I couldn’t help but bust out into laughter.
We began to walk into the building, making our way into the lobby. I liked the feeling I got from Sylvain’s warm strong hand grabbing mine. It was almost distracting. Who was I kidding? It would have been if I had allowed it to be.
We made our way into the lobby and he slid a card into an elevator off to the right. During the gentle ride up twenty flights I was forced to realize that I may be getting in way over my head, even attempting this interview and the thought of moving to Vegas. Sylvain, and his brother for that matter, didn’t act like most people and moved in different circles. I suddenly felt vulnerable, realizing how sheltered my life had been working at my family’s business and never going out into the world to deal with games like this. I had no frame of reference and for me that was about as frightening as it could get.
Chapter 3
Twenty flights later, the door to the elevator opened, revealing one giant penthouse. It seemed to take up the entire twentieth floor.
Sylvain and Taryn released hands and he began to explain. “This is the foyer and the wine cellar is over here,” he said, pointing to an ornate and gorgeous door to the right in the hallway. “That’s where we’ll conduct our interview.”
After opening the door, Sylvain stood aside so Taryn could walk into the room. She was instantly amazed. It had to be one of the most high tech and gorgeous wine cellars she’d ever seen in her life—and that was saying something. The room was very modern looking with neon blue lights lining the top of it. They were lights that wouldn’t damage wines and a very smart choice, Taryn thought.
In the middle of the room was a glass table that was set up with various wine glasses, both for whites and reds, and various crackers and other foods that cleansed the pallet after one was done tasting one wine and ready to move on to the next.
Taryn crossed her arms, realizing just how cold it was in that wine cellar. She felt something pressing against them and looked down. She was horrified. Her nipples were hard as rocks and definitely sticking out against the sheer white silky fabric of her shirt. Her bra was way too thin and sheer to hide it at all. She wasn’t one of those women who needed a padded push-up bra either. Full out exposure was what she was showing.
Sylvain apparently noticed too. “I’m sorry that I forgot to mention that we’d be conducting the interview in the wine cellar. You certainly should have dressed a bit warmer,” he said.
Taryn smiled, glad to be in cool cellar to keep her face from blushing from a heat infusion once again. She didn’t really know what to say and Sylvain saved her. “I’m going to find you something to wear to keep you a bit warmer,” he said. Taryn couldn’t help but notice that he was staring at her chest and licked his lips as he said so.
A quick telephone call was made and within five minutes a beautiful leggy Asian woman entered the room and was holding a feather down white parka in her hands. She handed it to Taryn who was grateful to slip it on and hide her perky nipples without having to cross her arms over her chest.
After the parka was on Taryn couldn’t help but laughing at how silly she looked. She never would have thought she’d look this way for an interview—ever.
“So, now that we have the temperature issues managed, what do you say we start this interview,” Sylvain commented.
“That sounds wonderful. Would you start with telling me a bit more about your objective and thoughts about the position. We can go from there,” Taryn said.
“Fair enough. Let’s sit down.” Sylvain gestured to Taryn to sit next to him at the table in the center of the wine cellar. Once they were both seated he began. “On this table are a few of my most prized wines that I have in my collection. I’m very particular when it comes to wine pairing and know that most all of my patrons are the same as me in that regard. It’s important to me that they never be disappointed, or me for that matter. When I visit my clubs and restaurants I want to know that I will be able to get the kind of wine I enjoy there as well. That takes someone else’s efforts that can spot quality and understand the needs of my customers. What we are here to determine is if you could be that person.”
“Of course,” Taryn said. “Are there any questions you’d like to ask me first?”
“I have read your background quite extensively and know a fair amount about your knowledge. I know that you actually grow most of the grapes and make the wines that you sell. There is no outsourcing or contracts with outside vendors to make the product. I feel that is very good and important, something that all of these wines have in common with your family’s,” Sylvain said, gesturing to the bottles on the table. “That knowledge is in valuable, but I still need more from my wine buyer.”
Taryn looked at Sylvain, captivated by his passion as he spoke about wine and she could see so much of her family in him during that moment. Wine was obviously their passion and it was so easy to spot someone else who had an equal passion. Taryn nodded to Sylvain, showing she was listening and he continued. “I also need to know if you have the ability to tell which wines go best with my chef’s creations and make the best pairings for different meal courses. I need to know that you understand the appropriate wines for different occasions and experiences. Plus, you need to be able to connect with people intimately and sense what they may enjoy just by looking at them.”
“I believe that I can do that for you, Mr. Richards. I have always been active in helping my father select the grapes that went into all our wines and making sure to get different strains in order to produce the different subtle effects in the wines that make each of them so wonderful and unique, creating a truly beautiful and wonderful experience with each one. In addition, I have always been active with many head chef’s in coming up with pairings that make everyone shine in the end and give people the ultimate culinary experience.”
“Impressive,” Sylvain commented.
Taryn smiled and continued. “The one thing that I always know, without fail, is the wine’s origins. Meaning, I can tell how long the wine has been fermenting just based on the taste, what kind of grapes were used, and what region the wine was made in.”
Sylvain’s eyes lit up and he looked at Taryn, clearly showing his fascination with her passion and her claim. “Really? I’d like to see that.”
“Then you shall see,” Taryn said.
“However, how do I know that you aren’t going to read the labels?” Sylvain asked.
“Well, it may be unconventional, but I have feeling you are very unconventional so I’d like to suggest a good old fashioned taste test. You can blindfold me and hand me the wines.”
“And if you guess wrong, Taryn?”
“I’ll buy the bottle from you…after I do my own research and likely prove that I was correct after all.”
“Some of these bottles cost upward of a $1,000,” Sylvain commented.
“I’ll take my chances.”
Sylvain excused himself to go get a proper blindfold, laughing that Gemma, his pretty young Asian assistant, may not understand that request so well. He was back ten minutes later and the wine tasting was set to begin.
Taryn sat as still as possible while Sylvain stood behind her and gently wrapped the white silk blindfold around her eyes. His fingers deftly tied the blindfold, and she wondered briefly what he else he had used that silk scarf for…hmm. Sylvain’s muscles pressed against Taryn’s back and she could feel how strong they were even with the thick parka in between them. It made her suspiciously aroused. Deep down she was also proud of herself for coming up with such a bold move for the wine tasting, believing that it would take something daring and extreme to capture this potential employer’s attention. She fel
t determined to get this job and knew that she would excel at it.
“Here’s the first glass to try,” Sylvain said. “It has already breathed for the appropriate time. I look forward to your analysis.” Sylvain put the glass into Taryn’s hand and she guided it up to her nose slowly, gently swishing it while she smelled it.
“It is definitely a red, containing a bit of pepper in it and darker berries, perhaps a cherry of sorts. It’s dried in a French oak cask—most unusual.” Then Taryn lifted the wine up to her lips slowly and took a small sip, tilting her head back and letting the red liquid travel down her throat slowly. She straightened her head up and announced that it was a definitely a Syrah and came from France, was soft in tannins, and came from the grape of the same name, Syrah, a blend made of the Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche grapes.”
Sylvain started clapping and Taryn raised her blindfold up, looking at him with a big smile on her face. “Very impressive. So, what’s your overall opinion of the wine now that you can see it?”
“It has nice legs on it and is a very deep and beautiful red color, making for a wonderful accompaniment to foods that are beef based, or perhaps a crusted duck. However, this type of wine really pops when it’s served with something a bit more original—such as elk or buffalo. That’s where it really shows its qualities.”
“Interesting. I have opened up a restaurant recently in Banff that has those types of dishes. You have already proven quite valuable. Would you recommend this one for purchase?”
“I would, but it would also be good with one other unique style dish that more people request now.”
“What’s that?”
“Vegetarian dishes made with more fibrous foods such as risotto, mushrooms, and such. It is phenomenal with dishes such as that too.”
“And how do you know?”
“I have a good friend who’s a vegetarian. She was my test subject for some time to try and find the best wines that would work with that type of diet.”
“I see.”
“What do you think of it?” Taryn asked.
“I think that I’d love to try it with a wonderful meal like you suggested some time to see if you are telling me the truth,” Sylvain commented, laughing softly.
“I’m sure you’re a man who can make that happen…probably right now if you really wanted.”
“Apparently my reputation precedes me.”
“Indeed. Shall we move on to the next?” Taryn asked. She slid the blindfold back down and waited. The sound of a bottle being uncorked followed and before Taryn knew it the sweet aroma of wine was wafting under her nose.
She slowly lifted up her hand, grabbing the glass. “Ah, a white wine. Very sweet smelling. This is definitely a Barsac. You can tell by the Semillon grape blend that it’s made with. Very distinct and aromatic.”
“Impressive. That is a wine that not many know about in the States,” Sylvain commented.
“It definitely isn’t as popular here as it is in Europe, mostly due to the grape blend not being as ideal for most of our climates, except maybe upstate Oregon.”
“What meals do you recommend with this wine?” Sylvain asked. He moved closer to Taryn and even over the sweet aroma of the wine she could smell the intoxicating musky scent of his cologne. She breathed in deeply.
“Strong and distinct ethnic dishes, mostly Indian. Definitely curry. Still, there’s one that would be better overall if that’s what you’re going for. That would be a Sauturnes.”
“And why?”
“It provides the same content, but has a bit less of an aftertaste, which can take away from the foods flavor eventually; plus make it more challenging to have a cleansed pallet for a desert if someone would so choose.” Taryn lifted her blindfold again and looked at Sylvain with an even grander smile. She was clearly enjoying showing her knowledge to him and from the way he was looking at her she saw that he was very impressed. She was feeling pretty proud of herself at that moment.
“I definitely believe you know your wines, Taryn. I say we skip the blindfold and keep going from here. What do you say?”
“Sounds fantastic,” Taryn said.
The two began to taste the remaining wines and talking about them in great detail. Taryn was getting more bold and confident as they went on, not holding back on her honest suggestions, but providing logical reasoning behind each one. The only one that stung was the other little shock that Sylvain had for her. He had a small boutique winery that he was a silent partner in and the bottle of that wine he’s snuck in didn’t make the cut with Taryn, with her even commenting that it was a good wine if one was looking to spend $30.00. Sylvain’s partner at the winery had been trying to sell it for $120.00. Still, he appreciated it even if it did sting just a bit.
Before Taryn knew it she was feeling very warm despite the cool wine cellar and also very affected by all of the wine she’d drank. She looked at the side of the table and saw six half empty or empty bottles there. All she could think was, I’ve gotten a bit intoxicated on a job interview. OMG.
Chapter 4
“It’s definitely getting warmer in here,” Taryn commented. She wasn’t thinking about it particularly much when she slid off the warm parka to cool down. She looked down at herself after sliding the parka off and realized that her blouse had grown damp from sweat and the sheer silk was sticking to her skin, showing the outline of her still rock hard nipples and revealing every curve of her ample breasts. It was somehow exciting to her and whether it was the wine or her being forced to admit that she was very attracted to Sylvain as more than an employer she couldn’t say for certain. She just knew that she felt very sexy at that moment and was interested in seeing just how far she’d go.
Sylvain had loosened his tie up, but Taryn wasn’t sure how long ago it had been. She felt so fuzzy, yet so alert and alive. It was a crazy sensation and unlike anything she’d ever experienced before.
Taryn noticed that Sylvain couldn’t take his eyes off her as he grumbled. “It’s too damn hot in here. I hope the cooler didn’t break. He was just getting ready to pull out his cell phone and make a call when Taryn walked up to him.
“Let me help you with that,” she said. She gently took his phone from him and placed it on the table and began to unbutton his shirt slowly, one button at a time, and feel his rippling muscular chest as she did so. There was no denying that she was in full out horny mode—the type that was always enhanced by the certain sensations that a fantastic wine could bring you. The difference was that before it was always Taryn’s love of wine that had evoked that passion. Today, without a doubt, it was Sylvain Richard. She’d never wanted anything so badly in her life and just one look at him confirmed to her that he was the one that could rock her world like it had never been rocked before. She was going to take full advantage of that.
Sylvain was still, almost motionless, as Taryn’s hands roamed on his body. Then Taryn’s lips pressed in to his chest and she began to kiss it passionately as his shirt slipped off his shoulders and onto the floor.
There was no stopping Taryn from pursuing her desires at that moment. Sylvain was holding still, groaning from the unexpected pleasure of her lips on his body, leaving a trail of tingles wherever she went. She began to gently bite at his nipples, kissing them aggressively and slowly going lower and lower, pressing her palms against his growing hard-on.
As if he’d just been slapped into reality, Sylvain suddenly placed his fingers under Taryn’s chin and raised it, forcing her to look at him. She stared at him with her large green eyes, not hiding the fact that she wanted him badly. Taryn could see Sylvain’s desire in his eyes too despite her being drunk. She knew that look and what it implied.
Sylvain’s lips began to move, almost as if in slow motion. “No Taryn, I’m sorry. I can’t.”
It was as if time froze and Taryn was suddenly brought to a sobering state. She was instantly horrified, realizing what she had done. She started shaking. “I’m so sorry. I’m so embarrassed…I don’t know what got
into me…I’ve got to go…”
Sylvain took his finger and pressed it to Taryn’s lips, trying to quiet her down. She didn’t want to look into those deep intense eyes at that moment. She would have crawled into a hole if there was one available. How could you have been such a simpering fool, her mind kept shouting.
“Look at me,” Sylvain commanded. This time there was authority in his voice and Taryn slowly looked up at him, feeling so completely ashamed of herself.
“Taryn, tell me why you left Summers Winery? Why did you break off your engagement?” Sylvain demanded. He was talking directly and didn’t show any sort of emotion in his voice, simply wanting to hear her story.
Taryn stared at Sylvain, not sure how to respond. No thoughts of surprise about him knowing her story came to her mind at that moment. She was not thinking clearly and the wine had made all logical thought processes abandon her. Despite the direct question all she could think about was Sylvain’s every touch and the tone of his voice since she’d met him. Sitting there in that wine cellar and the way he let her touch him at first was so completely hot and sensual. It was a connection and moment of intensity that she’d never had with a man before. That was what she wanted and she was feeling denied the pleasure. Damn it. She should get to experience that. It’s what she had longed for and the very reason that she’d broken off the engagement to Darren.
