Love On The Vine

by Sally Clements

  A faint pink blush swept her features. “Yes.”

  Etienne sank onto the battered leather seat. “So, you’re related to John St. Clair?”

  Bella’s chin lifted. “He’s my father.”

  Tension stiffened Etienne’s spine. She must be the granddaughter of Michael St. Clair, his grandfather’s former partner. On Etienne’s arrival to take over the vineyard after Michael’s death, he’d naturally visited her father to pay his respects.

  John St. Clair had been unbelievably rude. He’d spoken to Etienne on the doorstep of his home. Hadn’t even extended the basic courtesy of inviting him in.

  “I didn’t know.” Etienne started to get to his feet.

  Bella stared, eyes growing larger.

  At the glint of desperation in her eyes, Etienne paused. He made his voice soften. “I don’t feel we can work together. I’m sorry.”

  “Mr. Durand,” she said in a low voice. “Please don’t dismiss me so quickly. I don’t know why my family name should make any difference, but...”

  Surely, she must be aware of her father’s attitude toward him? Etienne shrugged. “Your father and I have an uneasy relationship. He has been far from welcoming since I arrived to run the vineyard.”

  Eyebrows wrinkled, Bella drew in her bottom lip and worried it with small white teeth.

  Etienne couldn’t look away from the tiny movement which emphasized her soft, kissable mouth.

  “My father...” She hesitated a moment. “My father and I have an uneasy relationship too.” Her slim fingers fiddled with a pen. “If you need Celebrate’s services, then be assured you are dealing with only one St. Clair. Me.” Her gaze held his. “And I take pride in the fact I have never let down any of my clients.”

  He noted the determination evident in the blue depths. She seemed embarrassed to admit the truth of her relationship with her father. Under the circumstances, he’d be churlish to reject her out of hand because of her father’s attitude. Etienne rubbed a hand across his jaw, and considered his options. He needed a local event planner. Someone familiar with town politics, with insider knowledge of the important people to invite. The guest list had been drawn up, but the tight-knit community was unwelcoming to strangers. Despite his efforts, he still hadn’t managed to make a single friend since moving to California.

  On the other hand, Bella had an automatic ‘in’ to the local community. The St. Clairs had lived in Aqua Blanca since its founding. John St. Clair had been more than willing to tell him all about that. He pushed away the mental picture of Bella covered in water and nothing else, and examined her afresh.

  All traces of the damp nymph had vanished. Her blonde hair was twisted up in a chignon, and her sensible suit was professional. There really was no reason not to use her services. His lips stretched into a tight smile. “Let’s give it a try.”

  Chapter Two

  At Etienne’s words, relief flooded Bella. Her father must have been horribly rude to cause such a reaction in the new owner of the vineyard. John’s irrational hatred of the Durand family was so toxic she wouldn’t have blamed Etienne if he’d spurned her services. Hell, she’d walked away because she couldn’t tolerate her father. Why should a complete stranger be any different?

  She flipped open her notebook onto a fresh page and uncapped her pen. “So, what sort of party are you planning?” Not an engagement party, I hope. Bella stilled in shock. Where had that come from? She shouldn’t care if Etienne was involved with someone, she barely knew him. She shot a quick glance across the desk.

  Etienne stared back.

  She felt like a rabbit, under the glare of an intent hawk. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. With effort, she swallowed and pasted on her most professional smile.

  “A launch party,” Etienne said. “To introduce the winery and the vintage to potential buyers.”

  Bella’s heart raced. Not an engagement, then. She avoided his eyes and doodled on the page. “How many guests were you thinking?”

  Etienne brushed a non-existent fleck of lint from his suit pants. “Two hundred, maybe two hundred and fifty.” His gaze swept the office before settling on her. “Let’s discuss this at the vineyard. You could see the location and I could talk you through what I want in situ.”

  Her heart swelled at the thought of visiting the vineyard again. “That makes sense. Have you a date in mind for the party?”

  “A date?” One dark eyebrow rose. “Do you mean someone to accompany me?”

  Bella’s face heated with a flush. Oh no, he would have to take that interpretation from her words, wouldn’t he? “No, I-I...” She bit down on her lip. “I meant when. When do you want to hold the party?”

  “Ah.” Etienne grinned. “Forgive me. My English has room for improvement.”

  He spoke English better than most of the men in Aqua Blanca, and in a sexy accent that tied her stomach in knots. His tone sounded like he was flirting. But he wasn’t.

  Was he?

  “I would like the party held in two weeks. Will you have enough time to organize everything?” He leaned closer across the wide expanse of polished pine desk. Close enough so Bella could breathe in the sandalwood scent of his aftershave. “And, in case you were wondering, I don’t have a date.”

  He was flirting.

  And Bella had never felt so out of her depth in her life. A gorgeous, available stranger flirted with her. So much time had passed since she’d played that game, she was pretty sure she’d forgotten how. “I wasn’t wondering.” Her voice sounded sharp. Oh great, way to frighten away the clients, Bella! Warmth flooded her face. “I mean, your private life is none of my concern.” To her mortification, she sounded like a prim spinster.

  Etienne consulted his Rolex. “We could go to the vineyard now, if you’re finished for the day.”

  A flicker of movement from the window drew Bella’s gaze.

  Wendy, the hair stylist, pulled down the steel shutters outside Flair for Hair across the street. Must be after six o’clock.

  “Unless, of course, you have a prior engagement?” Etienne’s dark brows rose.

  More than anything she’d ever needed in her life, she needed this job. If he asked her to walk across hot coals, she’d do it to prevent her company going into liquidation. “I don’t.” She slipped her jacket from the back of the chair and shut down her computer. “Let’s go.”

  ****

  As Bella brushed past him, Etienne breathed in the intoxicating scent of roses that wafted in her wake. She was close. So close if he leaned in, he could brush the silken skin at the nape of her neck. Would it feel soft and warm beneath his lips?

  The suggestion she join him at the château was a strange, irresistible compulsion that appeared out of nowhere. Something about Bella threw him off kilter—sent uneasiness skittering deep within. The dichotomy between his nymph and this polished woman perhaps. He escaped back a pace. “I’ll meet you there.” He needed time in the car alone to regain his usual composure.

  Bella leaned against her Jeep when Etienne pulled up outside the château. High heels emphasized the length of her legs. She really was a spectacular looking woman, in clothes or out of them. He climbed out of his car and joined her.

  “I’ve made some changes.” Etienne pushed open the heavy oak door. The showy interior had been completely transformed. He’d replaced the huge chandelier in the hall with recessed lighting and low lamps. The flagged floor, previously covered by rugs, had been washed and left bare, and the austere white walls were now painted a warm bone color. A cavernous fireplace was stacked with logs, and a new addition of an antique French tapestry covered the opposite wall.

  “It’s wonderful,” Bella breathed, eyes widening. “I never dreamed the château could look like this. The room is so inviting.”

  “Merci.” Warmth flooded Etienne at her obvious approval. He’d changed her grandfather’s home so much he’d expected dismay.

  Instead, her eyes shone.

  Etienne rested his palm on the curve o
f her spine, feeling her body’s warmth through the fabric. “Come and see the rest.” They walked into the large salon where once again he had stripped back the expensive touches which, in his eyes, spoiled the plain elegance of the old building.

  “Oh, this is lovely too.”

  The way her smile tilted the corners of her expressive mouth was enchanting.

  “The château looks as it did when my grandparents were alive, before my father made improvements.” Her nose wrinkled and her mouth turned down at the corners. “I visited often in my childhood, and the house was so warm and cozy.” She touched his arm. “I love it.”

  Golden flecks accented the green of her eyes. Electricity raced up Etienne’s arm at her touch.

  Bella’s gaze flickered to his lips.

  As he watched her lips part slightly in provocative invitation, Etienne’s heart beat faster. He breathed in the scent of roses. If he leaned forward, he could brush his lips over hers. As though aware of his thoughts, her irises expanded.

  Her chin tilted up.

  He shouldn’t kiss her. The urge to surrender to the compulsion was strong, but the last thing he needed was a romantic entanglement. Etienne’s mouth twisted. He’d learned the hard way women weren’t to be trusted, when the woman he thought loved him had transferred her affections to his older brother, Vincent.

  As she swallowed, Bella’s throat moved.

  With Bella so temptingly close, none of that mattered. Etienne leaned in and angled his lips over hers. What started as gentle teasing changed to something more the moment she sighed and her lips parted, allowing him access.

  Her hand slid up the front of his jacket. Warm fingers stroked the back of his neck. Etienne’s control evaporated. One arm tightened to pull her close, while the other released her thick swathe of hair from its constraint to swing free against her back. “That’s better.”

  His muttered words seemed to break the spell.

  Bella pulled back and stared with wide, shocked eyes. “I...” She blinked rapidly, and her hands dropped to her sides.

  She looked gorgeously aroused, and completely confused.

  “What were you thinking?” She crossed her arms over her chest, and glared.

  Etienne’s heart thundered. He’d been carried away on a wave of passion the moment their lips met. The realization of just how out of control he’d been shocked him. “I wasn’t thinking.” He grasped her hand. “I acted on impulse, and I suppose you think I should apologize.”

  Bella’s lush mouth tightened. Her head jerked in a swift nod.

  Despite her silence, her response couldn’t lie. She’d liked the kiss as much as he had. He wouldn’t apologize for taking what was so obviously offered. “Well, I won’t. I didn’t mean to kiss you.” Unable to stop himself, he gazed into her eyes, watching for her reaction. “But I’m glad I did.”

  “We barely know each other.” Bella’s eyes flashed green fire. She reached up to touch the hair swinging free from its clasp.

  “We only met this morning, but the attraction between us is impossible to ignore. The way you gazed at me...I had to kiss you.”

  Bella’s back straightened. Her hands brushed her outer thighs in quick swipes. “I’m here to do business, Mr. Durand. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but...” She looked away.

  “Etienne,” he demanded. “You will call me Etienne, and I will call you Bella. If I have offended you, I apologize. If you do not wish me to kiss you...”

  She shook her head, setting her curtain of hair swinging from side to side. Her body trembled. “I don’t.” Her lips pressed together.

  “In that case, I promise not to kiss you again. Unless you ask me to.” Etienne handed Bella her jeweled hair clasp and waved a hand to the doorway. “Shall we continue with the tour?” Holding open the door into the conservatory, he forced himself to act as though nothing had happened.

  He’d come on too strong. Had acted like a schoolboy compelled by hormones. He rubbed a hand over the tight muscles in his neck and discreetly rolled his shoulders to release the tension which gripped them. A powerful attraction had splashed over him and pulled him under when their gazes met. For the first time ever, he’d been unable to resist a woman’s lure. Shock at his response shook him to the core, and despite his attempts to rationalize his reaction, he couldn’t.

  The large conservatory was a recent addition to the château, its large expanse of glass perfectly showcasing the view of vines laid out symmetrically in terraces. “I have included a large patio area.” Etienne walked past Bella and threw wide the glass doors. “I’d like to have the party both here and outside.”

  “It’s perfect.” Bella’s gaze scanned the areas. “Plenty of room, and the view is spectacular.”

  Etienne waved an arm toward the table set out under the trees. “I’ll join you at the table. Excuse me for a moment.”

  ****

  Dappled sunlight flickered over the table’s surface. Bella breathed in the warm air, shoulders rising with each deep inhale. A light breeze spun little eddies in the dry earth under the large olive tree next to the heavy rustic wooden table. Tension flowed from her body as the sun’s touch warmed her uptilted face. She sank onto a heavy wooden chair, and felt her heart soar as she stared at the familiar view. He’d kept the table. She glanced at the chair at its head, recalling her grandfather there.

  The St. Clair Durand Vineyard had been her grandfather’s pride and joy. The culmination of all his dreams. When Michael St. Clair was only nineteen, he’d first met Jean Durand as the two young soldiers readied themselves for the D-Day landings. They’d talked about their families, their homes, and their dreams. Although they were from opposite ends of the earth, they shared a common vision.

  Jean’s family had a vineyard in France. At the end of the war, Michael visited Provence and worked in the Durand vineyard. After three years, he returned to Aqua Blanca, persuaded his father to give him a parcel of land, and started the vineyard. Jean advised from afar, bought into the business, and the St. Clair and Durand partnership was born.

  Her grandfather often told her times were hard and money tight in those early days. But like Bella, Michael had a dream. One he’d been determined to see bear fruit. And it had. Michael’s hard work and diligence paid off. And over the years that followed, the vineyard grew in fame and fortune.

  As her grandfather’s voice echoed in her memory, Bella’s hand ran over the table’s warm wooden surface. “You have to look after the vines, Bella,” he’d said, right here at this table. “If you do, you’ll reap the rewards.”

  Ten years ago, her beloved grandfather was felled by a stroke and his son and heir, John, took over the family business. Her father loved the prestige of ownership, but lacked the passion and drive necessary to ensure the vineyard’s continued success. As a result, the neglected vineyard quickly spiraled into decay. When the wine industry faltered and her grandfather’s health failed, John’s interest waned. And the Durand family, unwilling to see their investment diluted by selling in a depressed market, bought him out.

  Jean Durand insisted his old friend Michael have a life interest in the château, and employed a manager to oversee the business and look after the vines. On Michael’s death, the vineyard and château became the sole property of the Durand family. Etienne had arrived in California to assume the inherited mantle of owner soon thereafter.

  Bella lifted her heavy swathe of hair so the breeze teased the back of her neck. Her grandfather would be happy with the changes Etienne had wrought in such a short time. The land and the whole estate had been transformed, and with obvious loving care, brought back to life.

  Etienne strode through the open door carrying a bottle and two glasses. “I think you better know what you’re promoting.” He poured rich, red liquid into both glasses. “Santé.”

  After accepting the glass, Bella rolled the wine around her mouth, tasting the elusive flavor of raspberries along with soft, round tannins. “It tastes like...the ’92.�
� The last vintage her grandfather had launched before his stroke. The one that had finally put the St. Clair Vineyard firmly on the map.

  Etienne raised his eyebrows. “You know the vintages?”

  “I used to be quite the wine buff.” Her sadness faded and she felt her mouth tilt slowly into a smile. “Back in the old days.”

  “The old days?” His voice was quiet.

  “When my grandfather was in charge.” Nostalgia weighed on her thoughts. She put down her glass. “This is a vintage like his most famous. Congratulations.”

  “You were close to your grandfather?”

  “After he died, my father...” Bella stared out over the ranks of vines as her thoughts tumbled back through time. Her father had taken the money from his share of the vineyard and acted like a lottery winner. He bought more cars than he could possibly drive, treated his friends to weekends away in the finest hotels, and even considered buying a private jet.

  Even her more conservative mother had been swept up in all the excitement. Their life became a blur of cocktail parties, dinner parties, and weekend parties.

  With money burning a hole in his pocket, John St. Clair reluctantly agreed to his wife’s pleading that they invest some of their windfall in Beauregard Polo, her family’s polo pony stables. Before long, a showy mansion on the outskirts of town became home. Despite John’s reckless spending and excessive lifestyle, his investment in Beauregard Polo was a wise one. He became a very rich silent partner.

  When her father met Brian Delaney, he thought him perfect husband material, and introduced him to Bella at the earliest opportunity. On the checklist of suitability, Brian ticked all the boxes. As the eldest son of an old family, he would inherit all of his father’s riches.

  Bella found him dull as dishwater, but went on a few dates to please her father. Their relationship progressed in fits and starts until she finally realized that his controlling nature was so stifling, their relationship could have no future. When Bella told Brian she didn’t want to see him any more, he showed his true colors.