Love On The Vine

by Sally Clements

  He grasped her around the neck, squeezing lightly before forcing his face close. “Unacceptable, Bella,” he ground out before forcing his mouth onto hers. “Our relationship isn’t over until I say it is.”

  Shocked, and in pain, Bella spluttered and coughed.

  Brian loosened his grip around her throat, then pulled her unresponsive body tight against his. His hot breath feathered against her cheek. “I love you, darling.”

  The words chilled her heart.

  “And I’m going to marry you.”

  “I don’t want to marry you,” she whispered as panic flared into life.

  In response, his hand tightened, fingers digging painfully into her upper arm. “Don’t make me fight with you again.” He stepped away.

  A shudder trembled through Bella at the wild look in his eyes, like those of a dangerous predator.

  “Because I’ll win.”

  Terrified, she fled to her parent’s house where she shakily recounted the whole incident.

  Calmly, her mother told her she’d overreacted.

  And John St. Clair stood in front of the fireplace with his hands clasped behind his back. “The thing to remember here, Bella, is Brian Delaney, the most eligible bachelor in Aqua Blanca, has proposed. To you.” His chest swelled and he smiled. “You really couldn’t make a better match.”

  Struck dumb, Bella couldn’t believe her ears.

  John strode toward the large window overlooking the manicured garden. “It’s unfortunate you rejected him, but I’m sure we can get everything back on track.”

  Bella struggled as if in the grip of a nightmare. Had her parents not heard her when she’d told them how he’d behaved? How he’d...“He’s controlling.” Her voice rose. “I don’t love him...” Blood pounded in Bella’s temples.

  “Love will come in time,” John snapped. His mouth pursed into a thin line. “Brian is perfect for you.”

  What her father hadn’t said was Brian was perfect for him and his balance sheet. He coveted a strategic marriage with one of Aqua Blanca’s oldest families.

  At that very moment, the truth splashed over Bella like a cloudburst of freezing water. She was a commodity. A prize to be traded to the most illustrious bidder, no matter what her feelings were on the matter.

  Brian didn’t want her—he wanted the cachet a society wife provided.

  Whereas she yearned to be loved for herself. “No.” Bella insisted. She crossed her arms and stared down her father. “I deserve to be with a man who loves me. One I love in return. I’ll never marry him.” On shaking legs, she’d stalked from the room, packed her bags and left. On escaping the showy mansion, she’d moved in with her grandfather, attended college, and earned her business diploma.

  The memory of the pain etched on her grandfather’s silent face when she’d recounted her story brought tears to her eyes. In the midst of her troubles, he’d always been her rock. She missed him so much.

  “Are you alright?” Etienne leaned close, and his deep brown gaze locked onto hers.

  Bella looked down at her trembling fingers. “I’m sorry.” She wrapped her arms around her torso and willed herself to calm down. “My grandfather’s last years were difficult ones. He had a stroke and couldn’t speak.”

  “I understand.” Etienne eased away and stared out at the vines.

  Taking a couple of breaths, she grasped the moment to gather her composure.

  “I have organized some dinner,” Etienne murmured.

  Bella glanced from under her lashes. He was so sensitive. So different from Brian. Instead of hounding her, he’d backed off at the first sign of her distress, and changed the subject. He really was the most extraordinary man. Her fingertips tingled with the remembered slide of his midnight-black hair, the warm column of his neck.

  His mouth curved in a warm smile.

  Bella’s heart jumped.

  His upturned hand swept the view before them. “So, what do you think? Shall we have the party out here?”

  “That would be perfect.” All she could think about was kissing him again. Bella clasped her hands in her lap so tightly they hurt. “We could move the table to the side, and cover it with glasses. And put out some chairs, for those who aren’t content to stand.” In her imagination, the picture came vividly to life. The beautiful gilt chairs she’d rented for a wedding last year would be just perfect.

  “There will have to be music,” Etienne said.

  Bella pulled out her notebook and pen and jotted down notes. “How about a string quartet—they’re fantastic.” Her spirits soared in excitement at the thought of hearing ‘Strings’, Aqua Blanca’s famed string quartet. “They’re doing a performance next week at the Concert Hall.”

  “Get us tickets,” Etienne said in a calm voice.

  “And we could have some floral arrangements, not too many, just enough to bring the outside in. To create a link between the vineyard and the château.” She chewed at her bottom lip, drawing ivy curlicues and bunches of grapes on the paper.

  The setting sun flooded the sky with warm bands of golden rose. A vision for the party flickered through Bella’s mind, like soft focus movie rushes. Something to complement the golden stone of the house, like dusky tea roses. She focused all her concentration on the page, tenuous ideas springing to life under her moving pen.

  Chapter Three

  Bella was completely focused on capturing her thoughts on paper. Too focused to notice Etienne staring at her expressive face which seemed lit from within. The curve of her cheek, the sparkle in her eyes, the excited energy fizzing from her—all held Etienne spellbound.

  “We could string lights out here. And candles, the patio is always so beautiful in candlelight.” Bella’s words tumbled over each other.

  Etienne had never worked like this before. He was used to being the sole driving force on matters relating to his vineyard—not one of a team. On hiring Bella, he’d expected to tell her what to do. Instead, he was captivated as this incredible woman tossed around ideas in the sunshine. Her enthusiasm for the project was infectious.

  He imagined candles and strings of lights festooning the patio. The look was different than he’d envisaged, but one that held undeniable appeal. “That could work.” He glanced at her again. She was so vibrant. Like life itself. If he kissed her, would she taste different in this new mood?

  Electricity sparked in the air.

  At a discreet cough from the doorway, Etienne turned.

  “Dinner is served.”

  His warm, homely housekeeper was totally unflappable. When he’d told her at short notice they had a guest for dinner, she’d barely batted an eyelid.

  “Margaret!” Bella jumped up from the chair and flung her arms around the old lady. “I didn’t know you were still here!”

  Margaret’s eyes shone as she clasped the younger woman close. “Bella! How wonderful to see you.”

  “Of course, you know Margaret,” Etienne said. Margaret had been her grandfather’s cook too.

  “Only all her life.” Margaret‘s wide smile transformed her face. Her eyes sparkled. “Come on through for dinner.” She patted Bella’s arm and winked. “The menu’s one of your favorites, and I didn’t even know you were the guest.”

  They followed Margaret into the formal dining room, to a table set for two. The side table held a hot plate with covered silver dishes. The enticing aroma of chicken pie wafted in the air.

  Etienne’s mouth watered. “Don’t bother serving, Margaret. We can manage.” He couldn’t stand being waited on, but Margaret was a stickler for protocol, always serving at table during business meetings. But not this time. He wanted to be alone with Bella.

  “Okay.” Margaret hugged Bella tight again. “It’s lovely to see you, dear.”

  “And you.” Bella’s gaze followed Margaret’s slow progress from the room.

  In mere moments they were alone, with Margaret’s pie, new potatoes, and fresh peas from the garden before them.

  Bella glanced to the
doorway then leaned to Etienne. “Margaret has terrible arthritis,” she said. “She was having trouble walking. I think her hip is hurting her again.”

  Surprise rippled through Etienne at Bella’s quiet words. “She never mentioned it.”

  “She wouldn’t.” Bella sipped her wine. “In Margaret’s eyes that would be complaining, and Margaret doesn’t complain. She used to take physio classes in Vista Dorada Hospital once a month, but I guess since Grandfather’s death, there’s no-one to nag her about them. But sometimes the pain gets so bad she can’t walk.” Her gaze locked with his.

  How could any man resist that look?

  Did she really expect him to become involved? “You want me to order Margaret to go back to her physio classes?” Etienne felt his brow crease as unease skittered through him. “I don’t think it’s my place to...”

  Bella’s hand covered his on the table.

  Heat flashed up Etienne’s arm. He swallowed and scrambled to remember what he’d been saying.

  “It is.” Bella squeezed his hand.

  The determination in her clear, unwavering voice gave Etienne pause for thought. “Really?”

  “Really.” Bella said. “She’s a saint. I just presumed when you took over...”

  “That I’d fire her?” Did she consider him such a monster then?

  “I thought you’d employ someone younger.” Bella glanced away.

  The assumption was logical but on Etienne’s arrival at the château, Margaret had been so welcoming the thought had never crossed his mind. Fresh flowers were everywhere, and the surfaces shone in gleaming evidence of her careful tending.

  She’d even stocked the fridge with food ready for his arrival, and in the morning, there’d been croissants warm from the oven for breakfast. Then and there, he’d sat her down at the kitchen table and asked her to work for him. On her delighted agreement, he’d renegotiated and raised her paltry salary.

  She lived nearby, and was such a warm and friendly person she reminded him of his mother. A fact he’d never admit it to anyone. “Margaret knows the château. And she’s very efficient,” Etienne said in a firm tone. “She’s perfect for the job.”

  Bella’s eyes lit with a subtle knowing expression. Her slow, genuine smile warmed him to his bones.

  “And she makes a mean chicken pie too, doesn’t she?” She bit into the pastry, closed her eyes, and moaned.

  Etienne’s stomach tightened at the tiny sound. How could he resist this captivating minx? He stared down at his plate, and willed his body to behave.

  After dinner, he briskly accompanied her to her car. She’d said she didn’t want him to kiss her, wanted to keep things professional. And the only way he could keep to his promise was to put distance between them. A lot of distance.

  ****

  Emily’s sweet sixteen party proved a resounding success.

  Bella carefully placed a large platter of tiny vol-au-vents on the side table, and breathed out in relief.

  Emily looked beautiful in a shell pink dress accessorized with the usual teenage touches of black eyeliner and red Doc Martens. Her wide grin, while dancing with her friends to the DJ, warmed Bella’s heart.

  Marie slung an arm around Bella’s shoulders. “It’s just perfect, Bella. Thank you so much.” Her eyes shone as she watched her daughter.

  “Thank you, sis,” Bella said. “I’ve had a lot of interest from the other parents too. I’m all out of fliers.” Two other families wanted to book Celebrate for their daughters’ parties, and many others had taken the fliers assuring her they’d be in touch.

  Lady Gaga’s voice blared out from the speakers. The crowd of teenagers jumped up and down wildly.

  “Let’s retreat to the kitchen.” Marie mouthed over the music.

  With a brief nod, Bella followed her sister from the room. They had no hope of hearing each other otherwise.

  Marie poured two glasses of wine and sank into an inviting wicker chair in the warm kitchen’s bow window. “Phew, that’s better!”

  Bella joined her, relishing the chance to get off her feet. The party would go on for hours, but she could relax until clearing up time.

  “So. Tell me. How are things—really.” Marie reached over and squeezed Bella’s hand. “I know business has been bad. You know you can ask me for a loan to tide you over this rough patch, don’t you?”

  Marie’s emerald eyes shone with genuine concern. Bella’s sister had always been there. She’d unfailingly offered comfort through the whole fiasco with Brian, and its devastating fallout. Moving into the château with their grandfather had been her idea, too.

  Her warmth and caring support draped over Bella like a cloak. She swallowed hard before answering. “Everything is going fine, Marie, honest.”

  “You would say that, Bella. But a couple of teenage parties won’t keep the wolf from the door for long. Maybe you need a partner—someone who could put more capital into the business?” Marie’s brow creased with a frown.

  Bella’s heart filled with love. Marie was so kind, so caring. If Bella asked, she’d probably invest her own money to ensure Celebrate’s future. She deserved reassurance. “I’ve...I’ve got a big job lined up.”

  “What job?” Marie blinked. “Have you been holding out on me?”

  Bella hesitated. Their father spent all his time ranting about how he’d been shortchanged by the Durands. Would Marie be upset to learn Bella had agreed to work for Etienne? She nibbled on her bottom lip, and fiddled with the overstuffed cushion’s scalloped edge. “Etienne Durand came in to the office this week.” Her stomach clenched as she glanced at Marie under her lashes. “He’s asked me to do a launch party for the new vintage.”

  Marie stared in wide-eyed silence for a moment, and then a huge grin transformed her features. “That’s great!” Her voice lowered. “You know Dad will go mad.”

  “I know.” Bella’s heart sank. She never saw her parents these days, but the news would be all over the small town like a forest fire once the invitations went out. Her father would be furious to hear she was helping Etienne. “He hates the Durands.”

  “With no good reason,” Marie said with a jut of her chin. “It’s his own fault. Dad insisted the vineyard be sold at the worst possible moment, even though he got more than a fair price for his share. The fact the vineyard has done well since is completely due to the Durand family’s hard work and tenacity. Dad has no right to dictate what clients you work with, Bella. And I’ll tell him if I have to.” Marie filled up Bella’s glass and clinked the crystal against her sister’s. “You’re staying the night.” She grinned. “So you and I can celebrate!”

  Bella’s fears dissolved. With Marie wholeheartedly behind her, she could handle anything.

  “So.” Marie sipped her wine and leaned forward. “What’s Etienne Durand like? I hear he’s gorgeous.”

  An image of Etienne’s dark eyes filled Bella’s mind, and her heart rate quickened. “He is,” she said. “He’s more than gorgeous. He’s stunning.”

  Marie shifted to the edge of her seat. “Tell me more!”

  “He’s tall, dark, handsome, and French. Need I go on?” Bella forced lightness into her voice. Every day since the evening in the château, she’d relived in an endless loop the moment when their lips met, transforming her to putty in his arms. And every night she’d had sultry dreams of him which had left her burning with frustration each morning.

  “Yes, you do,” Marie’s gaze narrowed. “Definitely.”

  Bella sighed. “He’s very charming. And very single.”

  “Has he asked you out?” Marie asked.

  At the memory of Etienne’s mouth on hers, Bella felt her face heat. “Not exactly.” She looked down and played with the bracelets on her wrist. “I don’t really want him to either.” The lie tasted ashen on her tongue. She yearned to spend time in Etienne’s arms again, preferably without clothes. But things must remain professional between them. Nothing could jeopardize the launch party, and getting involved with
a client would add an unwanted layer of complication.

  “What do you mean, not exactly?”

  Marie kept at it like a dog with a bone. “We kissed.” One wonderful kiss.

  Marie’s eyes opened wide and her mouth formed a perfect O.

  “It didn’t mean anything, Marie.” Bella spoke quickly, hoping to avoid any more questions. “Crazy moments happen sometimes.”

  “Happen never, honey.” Marie swallowed a mouthful of wine. “Do you like him?”

  “I like him.” The realization hit Bella like a brick thrown from the top of a tall building. Etienne had dominated her every waking thought for days. But what did she really know about him after two brief meetings? She’d drifted into a relationship with Brian, realizing too late his perfect face hid a vicious and controlling personality. Could she ever trust her own judgment again?

  The string quartet tickets were booked–and a killer dress and new high heels she really couldn’t afford hung ready in her wardrobe. Panic skittered within with the realization that this fascination for Etienne put her in danger. In danger of falling for him hard.

  “Not all men are like Brian.” Marie grasped her hand and squeezed tightly. “If you like Etienne, go for it.”

  ****

  Etienne stood outside the darkened windows of Celebrate’s office on Aqua Blanca’s main street. He edged back the sleeve of his formal suit to glance at his watch. She’d said seven, and the time was five past. Where was she? He shoved both hands into his pockets.

  Music swelled from a small club further down the street, and a queue snaked around the corner. The intricate melodies accompanied by complex percussion were exotically unfamiliar. Inside everyone would be dancing. It would be impossible not to.

  Again, he glanced up the street. No sign of her. A small sound behind him caught his attention. He turned to see Celebrate’s door swing open.

  Bella stood in the doorway. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

  Etienne’s heart thumped hard. The vision before him had been well worth the wait. “You look beautiful.” His voice sounded deep to his own ears. Like a man bewitched.