A Kiss of Cabernet

by Pamela Gibson

  She giggled as that last remark flew into her head. But it wasn’t surprising. It had taken her an hour to choose her clothes for this meeting tonight. Her need to be seen as a professional seemed to be warring with her longing to be appreciated as a woman. This man might anger her, but he also drew her.

  Maybe Nana Reynoso was right. Maybe she’d been too long without a man in her life. To even think about Jake Madison as anyone other than what he was—the man who could take away everything she’d worked for—was somehow wrong. Yet there was no denying that he was a Man with a capital M. Her instincts told her she’d better be careful.

  Her stroll to the house gave her time to temper her feelings and organize her thoughts. She wasn’t going to let him sell without a battle.

  She paused at the back door to smooth a stray tendril that had escaped her long French braid. Sam sat at a small table in the kitchen, reading the evening paper. Jenny tended a large pot that filled the room with tantalizing smells.

  “Hi. What’s cooking?”

  “Cioppino. It’s one of my favorite meals,” said Jenny. “There’s salad and fresh rolls to go with it. Help yourself to an appetizer.” She pointed to a small plate of tiny crackers with various toppings. Another held assorted goodies.

  “Sounds wonderful.” Paige nibbled as she rummaged through a wine refrigerator that now contained a few bottles Sam had brought over from her cottage. She chose a petite syrah. “This should do nicely.”

  “Do you want a white wine with the appetizers?”

  “No way. I need to have my head on straight with this guy.”

  Jenny nodded and reached for a pile of salad greens in a stainless steel bowl. “That’s exactly what Mr. John said on the phone today. ‘I hope she keeps her head and doesn’t fall for this guy’s charm.’ I think he wanted to come back early when I told him Mr. Jake was here.”

  “Now why would he say something like that?”

  “I don’t know, Miss Paige. Maybe he’s jealous. I’ve always thought he had a crush on you.”

  If she only knew.

  Jenny picked up the appetizer plate and took it into the living room. Paige followed.

  You’re brave. You’re confident. You’re not going to let this man outwit you. Put a smile on your face.

  “Here’s a little snack to start.” Jenny put the plate down on a small table. Jake leaned on his crutches, staring out the west-facing windows at the fading sunset. “Can I get you a cocktail, sir?” she asked.

  “No. I’m fine.”

  “Hi.” Paige reached over and picked up a small cracker. “How about an appetizer?”

  Jake turned and gave her a crooked smile. “I’d love one, but my hands are full.”

  “I see that. Why don’t I take the tray over to the table? These are too good to miss.” She popped the cracker with a bit of dill and shrimp into her mouth. Jake watched her. His eyes seemed to dwell on her lips. A tingle of awareness warmed her as she took a hard look at this man. He was sexy as hell by anyone’s standards. If she sat down, she might melt into the upholstery. But tonight she had to forget his appeal and focus on winning his respect and good will. Her livelihood and connection to her heritage depended on it.

  Paige led the way, hearing the crutches tapping the floor behind her. She waited by the table as Jake seated himself. “How’s your ankle tonight?”

  “Sore.”

  Paige studied him while she propped the crutches next to the wall and sat down.

  She should apologize for her loss of control this morning, but all she could do was stare at this gorgeous man who seemed to fill the room with his presence.

  “Do I have crumbs on my chin? You’re looking at me like you want to say something but can’t find the words.” The slow smile was back, drawing her like a child to a candy dish.

  “No crumbs, but I do have something to say.” Had the temperature in the room gone up? Paige wished she’d worn something with short sleeves. She picked up her crystal water glass and swirled the contents, like it was wine.

  “I find it best to just spit it out. You’re not quitting, are you?”

  “No, no. I wouldn’t do that.” Really? He thought she’d walk away? “I want to apologize for my behavior this morning. It was unprofessional.”

  “No apology necessary. You were angry.”

  “You caught me off guard. I have better manners than that.”

  “Glad one of us does.” He picked up an appetizer, a puff pastry filled with crab, and popped it into his mouth. “Did you try one of these?”

  Paige shook her head and sipped her water. Was this going to be the way the evening went…small talk between bites? She had more to say, a challenge to throw down. And if she stayed in this man’s presence too long, she’d be babbling. That damn flutter was back, and it wasn’t hunger.

  The door to the kitchen opened, distracting her. Jenny came in and set the tureen of fish stew on a sideboard, ladling out a generous portion for each. When she left, Paige poured the wine, picked up her glass, saluted Jake, and sipped the rich, fruity liquid.

  “And this is?”

  “Petite Syrah. It’s a blend of local grapes. Some of ours are in it, but we don’t grow enough of this varietal for a bottling. It’s dry with a hint of spice. Perfect for cioppino.”

  “It’s good.”

  She watched him as he took another swig of the wine as though he were drinking beer. She raised her eyebrows and went back to her meal. Ratcheting up her courage, she took a deep breath.

  “I…I…originally thought you had come here for a rest. But then I realized men like you don’t rest, even before you told me the real reason you are here.”

  He laughed out loud, a throaty sound that filled the dining room. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

  “You haven’t been here in six years. Your business enterprises are still in recovery mode. You need money. So you come here to rest? I don’t think so.”

  “I am resting.” He protested loudly, the mirth still in his eyes. “At least for a few days until this ankle heals. How do you know about my business interests?”

  “Internet.”

  He laughed louder. “That must be interesting reading.”

  “Parts of it were…diverting.”

  “Then you know why I have to sell.”

  “No, I don’t know. And frankly”—she leaned forward for emphasis—“I think it’s the wrong thing to do.”

  Heat suffused her cheeks, and she was sure they were bright red. She took another swallow of wine and quickly buttered a sourdough roll, biting a chunk from the edge. The direct approach usually worked. She’d used the technique for years. People thought she was confident, knowledgeable, and assertive. Others used less polite words to describe her.

  I can do this. I’ve told him how I feel. I can wear him down with facts.

  He picked up his spoon and dipped it into the creamy liquid.

  “If I tell you why I need to sell, can we come to some kind of truce and enjoy the rest of our dinner?”

  “I’ll consider it.”

  “You’ll consider it?” Jake widened his eyes.

  “We’re talking about my livelihood. I need an answer.” She hadn’t meant to raise her voice, but Jake didn’t seem to take offense.

  “I manufacture biomedical devices, but even hospitals and research labs have to cut their budgets in a bad economy. Years ago I invested in real estate. This property was a tax write-off then. Now it’s making money. That means I can sell it at a profit, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do. I acknowledge that it’s making money largely due to your efforts. What I don’t know yet is how much it’s worth. I need a quick sale, not something that languishes for years, waiting for the right buyer. I need to price it correctly, and you, Miss Reynoso, will help me do that.”

  He stopped to sip his wine. Paige twisted the napkin in her lap, waiting for him to finish.

  “In case you’re thinking it’s just about cash, I assure you it’s more t
han that.” He paused as if framing his thoughts. “I have hundreds of employees and they’re counting on me. If either of my companies fails, then I fail because I’ve let them down. My people are important to me. Most can’t afford to be laid off.”

  “I’m your employee, too.” She hated sounding selfish, but she was trying to counter his points. They were good ones, and she was beginning to understand his urgency. She shifted in her seat.

  His eyes softened over the rim of his glass. “You’re a first-rate vineyard manager. I’m sure someone as talented as you won’t lose your job. But even if you do, I’m sure you can find another one. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s business. Does that answer your question?”

  She swallowed several times, studied her crumpled napkin, and nodded, the fight temporarily out of her. Not good news, but it was honest. Remembering her resolve, she blinked away moisture forming in the corners of her eyes, filled her lungs with air, and looked up. The wine bottle was poised over her glass.

  “More wine?” he asked.

  “Please.”

  He filled her glass and his own.

  “Why don’t you bring in a real estate appraiser to set the price for you?” She forced herself to sound calm, although a strand of agitation threaded its way into her tone.

  “I don’t trust people I don’t know. My instincts tell me I can trust you. Am I wrong?”

  She wanted to say yes, she’d do anything to sabotage his plan. John’s offer wormed its way into her thoughts. She thrust it aside, choosing instead not to answer Jake’s question.

  “What if you discover that this is one of those investments you should keep? The market for fine wines is growing. And quality grape acreage is scarce, especially in Napa where the name has its own value.”

  “It’s possible.”

  “And if I can prove its value as a long-term investment, will you consider retaining it? You can always sell it later if you still need money.” She hoped she didn’t sound too eager, but his answer was important…perhaps critical.

  He wiped his mouth with the napkin and leaned back in the chair. Even with his eyes half closed, he seemed to be studying her. Light from the tabletop candles was reflected in their depths. Then he closed his eyes altogether, as though he could think better without visual distractions.

  “Well?” She leaned forward.

  Opening his eyes, he sat up straight in the chair while that dazzling smile spread across his face.

  “I like a challenge, Ms. Reynoso.” His voice was as soft as a lambs-wool blanket. “You’re on.”

  Her chest constricted. She still had a chance. She was sure she could convince him this was a property that would continue to grow in value and would be worth the money he put into it. Whether that would sway him in the end was not a given. But in the meantime, she would revisit every bank in the valley and every friend who wanted to own grape land. If she lost, she still might be able to put together an offer herself.

  She picked up her glass, swirling its contents in the light, and took a swallow equal to his.

  Jake Madison, you’ve met your match.

  Chapter Four

  “A light, crisp viognier can be positively seductive with the right food. Try it with a double-cream brie covered with apricot preserves on a thin butter cracker.”

  —from Paige Reynoso’s tasting notes

  “Are you going to have your usual salad or something else today?” Paige handed the menu to her friend Sarah, who put it down with a quick glance.

  “My usual,” said Sarah. “Caesar with chicken. I’m boring.”

  Paige and Sarah had tried to have lunch together at least once a month, but schedules often got in the way. She liked having her friend handy. After college, Sarah had taken a job in Southern California, but had finally returned to work for the City of Napa.

  “So what’s he like?” asked Sarah. “I’ve been chomping at the bit ever since you called me.”

  “Let’s see…how about intimidating, exasperating, painfully honest…”

  “Exciting?”

  “Heart-stopping.”

  “Attractive?”

  “Hot. You could sit in a freezer and sweat if he was in there with you.”

  Sarah’s melodic laugh caused dancing highlights in her light blue eyes, visible even behind her wire-rimmed glasses.

  “You crack me up.”

  Paige ordered for them both, picked up her glass of raspberry iced tea, and sipped from the straw. She went over the details of her pact with Jake until their food came.

  “I’m scared, Sarah. What if I can’t convince him to keep the property? I can probably get a job somewhere else, but I want this one.”

  “What about your father?”

  “No. That’s not an option. He still blames me for Manuel’s death. He wouldn’t lift a finger to help me.”

  Sarah bit her lower lip. “I don’t understand any of this. Manuel died in a car crash, an accident. What’s wrong with your father? Why can’t he move on?”

  Paige picked up her fork and turned it over, studying the pattern on the handle. “Manuel was his protégé, the son he never had. Our marriage was a miracle according to Papa. He could retire and turn over his business to someone he’d trained. When Manuel died, it broke my father’s heart.”

  “It’s still not fair to blame you.”

  “I know. And now I have Mr. Jake Madison to contend with and his daily interrogations.”

  “Does he at least feed you?” Sarah grinned, dimples appearing on both sides of her mouth. She loved food, and Paige appreciated Sarah’s frequent efforts to teach her the basics of cooking.

  “Jenny’s still there, so I get fed well.”

  For the past few days, she had visited Jake at the end of every workday, filling him in on her activities. She brought him books and articles and answered endless questions. She could tell he knew nothing about farming and how much grapes brought on the open market. But he was smart and he was learning and that scared her.

  “It sounds like Jake Madison’s becoming an important part of your daily routine.”

  Was he? She wasn’t sure about that, either. Part of her wanted him to forget the reports and gaze at her longingly over the dessert course. The rest of her was still nervous about his final decision. But she was convinced she was doing her best to appeal to his business side.

  “Here I am, fighting for my career, my very existence, and I find myself pulled into this sensuous cloud that seems to swirl around the man. I can’t seem to help myself. I keep hoping he’ll make a move.”

  Sarah was quiet as the waitress brought their salads. Smoothing her napkin on her lap, she seemed to be choosing her words carefully. She was a planner for the city and wrote articulate reports about complicated subjects. Paige waited, knowing if her friend had something to say, it would be worth the wait.

  “You sell yourself short. You are one of the most talented vineyard managers in the Napa Valley. You don’t need this job. You could get one anywhere. And I know you hate to hear me say it, but your obsession with this property isn’t healthy. Get over it. As for Jake, follow your heart and don’t worry about the future.”

  “Did you know some of those vines in the north quadrant were the ones my great-grandfather planted right before Prohibition? I’ve given them my life. I’m not married. I don’t have children. These vines are my family.”

  “You could fix that, you know. You could have a real family. But you don’t even date anymore. This is the first guy you’ve talked about in a long time.”

  Sarah tilted her head to the side, looking intently into Paige’s face. “It’s been a year since Manuel died. I know you feel responsible, even though you shouldn’t. I also know that guilt can freeze your emotions, making you think you have no right to experience love again.”

  She was right. Paige closed her eyes and heard the squeal of the tires as Manuel drove off in a drunken rage after she’d told him the engagement was off. Following in her sister’s car, sh
e had almost caught up to him when he missed a sharp turn and the car rolled down an embankment. He’d died in her arms. She shuddered.

  “So now you’re a psychologist?”

  “No. I’m the friend that shared her lunch with you when we were in the sixth grade, the one who told you to let your hair grow when we were in high school, and who checked your spelling when we were in college. I’m telling you now—let go, Paige. You’ve been in your cocoon long enough. Give in to this attraction you feel and see where it goes. A short-term fling might do you some good. But be careful. Don’t go falling in love with a guy who’s not from your world. I don’t want to see you hurt. You need to put Manuel’s death behind you.”

  “I have.” It was a lie. Manuel’s death still haunted her. But sometimes a lie was more comfortable than the truth.

  She and Sarah finished their lunch, divided the check, and hugged at the front entrance to the restaurant.

  “You’re good for me, you know. But what about your love life? You spend your lunch hour giving me advice, and you didn’t say a word about anyone new you might be seeing.”

  Sarah shook her head. “Too busy. When I get some breathing room, maybe I’ll collapse on a beach in Hawaii and take up with a surfer. But not this year.”

  Paige leaned over and whispered in her ear. “If you get too lonely, I’ll have Nana Reynoso cast a spell on the man of your choice. Just pick one out and she’ll go to work on him.”

  Sarah grinned. “Thanks, but I’m not that desperate yet.”

  Paige waved her friend away and headed for the truck. Sarah was right. It was time to let go of the past and move on. A one-night hookup with Jake Madison might be just what she needed. The thought of his hands on her, touching all those places that made her come undone, made her knees wobble. Yes, indeed. She would give that idea some careful thought.

  …

  Paige remembered Sarah’s words as she peered into her closet for the third time, trying to decide what to wear to her nightly quiz session with Jake. Her first two choices lay in a pile on the floor. Did it matter what she wore? Jake saw her as a means to an end—which end was still to be decided.