The rental car came to a crawl as she navigated between two massive pillars covered in ledge stone. A large steel beam spanned above the entry touting their new name, Castello Giovanni Vineyards & Amore Mio Winery and Inn.
Though the Winery and Inn were new additions, the vineyard had been on her radar for years. Hope Tidwell worked as a foreign wine buyer for one of the largest big-box stores in the United States. She traveled the world, scouring every continent, searching for the best wines to offer their retailers at phenomenal prices. Some considered her to be a master sommelier, but she measured herself as a simple wine buyer . . . with talented taste buds and a knack for recognizing great wine. And the Giovanni family made great wine.
Following the tree-lined drive, she parked in front of the sprawling estate, large enough to be mistaken for a quaint village. A massive door built of thick wood and hand-forged wrought iron hinges was fixed open, settled between two tall turrets made from huge blocks of cut stone.
She met Antonio five years ago at a wine tasting event in Spain. They spent a glorious weekend together enjoying fine wine, delectable Spanish cuisine, and each other. At the time, Castello Giovanni was a small vineyard, unknown to most of the world, but celebrated locally for making one of the best palatable wines in all of Italy. As a fifth-generation winemaker, he had big ideas of making a profound influence on the global wine market, expanding his family name and reputation around the world. All of his dreams were coming true. Marrying the two estates created one of the most prestigious vineyards in Italy and Castello Giovanni recently received the esteemed award of being voted the Super Tuscan Wine of the Year.
The castle bustled with workers getting ready for the daily rush of tourists traveling to visit one of Tuscany’s hottest new wineries. The clicking of her heels echoed beneath the archways trimmed in aged brick as Hope walked along a path of worn, stone pavers, taking in the castle restored to its respective architecture.
She spotted Tracy in the distance arranging snowy white hydrangeas and blush pink roses into a dozen crystal vases. A handsome man at her side pressed a long kiss to her cheek. Without introduction, Hope immediately recognized Antonio’s brother. He bore the same tall, lean build, charismatic smile, and silvery-grey eyes. The similarities between the two men were uncanny.
Tracy greeted her with a bright smile and friendly wave. “Hi, Hope. So glad you could make it. Have you met my husband, Vincent?”
“No, we haven’t had the opportunity yet.”
“Ciao.” Vincent lightly clasped her hand in both of his. The scratchy callouses on his palms, the only distinguishable difference between him and his brother. “So nice to finally meet you.”
“Great to meet you too.”
“I hate to run, but I was just on my way out.” Vincent excused himself with an apologetic smile.
“Ciao,” she said, nonchalantly studying the similarities of the brothers’ backsides, long muscular legs and wide shoulders tapered at the waist, as he walked away. Turning to Tracy, she admitted, “From a distance, I would’ve sworn he was Antonio.”
“They look alike, but they’re complete polar opposites,” Tracy assured with a wry grin, enveloping Hope in a friendly embrace. “Thanks for stopping by before you head back to Seattle. I know it adds to your already long day.”
“This place is breathtaking,” Hope complimented, looking over the property with wide eyes. “The renovation is truly stunning.”
“Thank you.” Pride flushed Tracy’s cheeks. “Our goal was to preserve enough of the old to retain an authentic feel, yet offer all the luxurious, modern amenities you’d find at a new five-star resort. It’s been quite the labor of love.”
“Then I guess the name is fitting.” Hope pointed to a small sign hanging on the stucco wall with an arrow reading Amore Mio Winery translating to My Love in English. “Your passion certainly shines through.”
“It’s been an amazing journey. All the hard work and long hours have paid off nicely. Right now, we’re hosting two weddings a day and the calendar is already nearing seventy percent capacity for the next eighteen months. It’s going to be a very busy year.”
“Let’s not forget your gorgeous new label will soon be adorning the table of two hundred thousand wine enthusiasts.” Hope referred to the deal they’d just buttoned up during her visit, ordering twenty thousand cases of wine that would be distributed to more than six hundred warehouse stores throughout the US. “It’s going to be an exciting year for you.”
Tracy agreed with an anxious nod. Her dark, auburn hair accentuated her blue eyes. “I’d love to take you on a tour. Do you have enough time before your flight?”
“I have about an hour. I’d love to see it.”
Over the last few years, meetings had always been held at the vineyard next door, but she’d watched the progress of the restoration from afar. Fortunately, the Inn was booked to capacity this trip and she stayed at a quaint village not too far from the vineyard. Not that Hope didn’t want to stay at the Inn; she simply preferred not to divulge the fact she and Antonio were lovers. She’d learned early in her career not to sex-and-tell. If anything, she went the extra mile to keep her love life private.
Tracy escorted Hope through the quaint courtyards nestled between colorful gardens, pointing out intimate details of the castle. The Inn was tastefully decorated with stylish Tuscan furnishings, wonderfully-appointed beneath original wood beam ceilings. Enthusiasm clung to her every word. “We host an authentic Italian cuisine culinary class three times a week for tour groups, plus jazz nights in the courtyard during the summer. The list goes on. It’s too bad you have to rush home so soon.”
“Believe me, I’d love to stay longer, but I have a meeting the day after tomorrow that I can’t miss. I could use a real vacation. I always promise myself I’m going to come back and visit so many amazing places I travel for my job, but it never seems to happen. Every time I get a few days off, I wind up relaxing at home.”
“Do you ever get tired of traveling so much?”
The innocent question rendered Hope momentarily speechless. She’d been asked that same question countless times over the last ten years, and each time the air always seemed to weigh a bit heavier on her shoulders. Though it was a simple question on the surface, it burrowed into her subconscious . . . like a dog burying its bone deep enough so no one would ever find it.
Not waiting for a reply, Tracy continued, “Ever thought about putting down roots?”
“Not really. I’m like a palm tree . . . no roots,” she joked, masking her discomfort. Hope lifted her gaze and their eyes collided. An inquisitive grin widening across Tracy’s face. “Wait, are . . . are you offering me a job?”
“I’m simply . . . testing the waters.” Giddy excitement rose in her voice. Tracy curled a loose strand of hair behind her ear, pausing as she pinched the lobe between her thumb and finger, rubbing timidly. “Up until this point, the vineyard and winery have been a combined entity. Of course, it still will be, but we plan to diversify things a bit to make the estate run smoother. Vincent handles the winemaking, Antonio oversees the marketing and exporting at Castello Giovanni, and I get the crown jewel . . . Amore Mio Winery and Inn. I’m putting together a team, a family so to speak, of smart, enthusiastic people and I think you’d be a perfect fit.”
An appreciative sense of pride swelled in her chest and heat rose to the apples of her cheeks. “Wow. I didn’t see this coming at all.”
“We’ve never really discussed work beyond the scope of all-things wine. I wanted to talk with you face-to-face while you’re in Italy to see if you’re happy where you’re at.”
“I’m incredibly flattered. Really, I am,” she croaked softly. Her thoughts swirled, wondering if Antonio had anything to do with the offer. She didn’t think so. If anything, he’d probably panic at the idea of her working at the winery. Neither invested in long-term relationships. The convenience of a casual, passion-filled, triannual romp in the Tuscan countryside appealed to both o
f them, equally.
“I travel the world tasting the best wine. That constitutes as a dream job to one quarter of the American population,” she joked. “I love my job, for the most part. I mean, every job has its issues, but I’m happy there.”
“They’re lucky to have you.” Demonstrating an abundance of fortitude, Tracy persisted, “I’ll be honest, Hope, you’re the only person I’ve even considered for the job. This place is like my first-born child and I can’t think of anyone else I trust enough to manage it. You’re diligent, ambitious, hard-working, and you have an easygoing style about you that would only add to the charm here.”
“Tracy, I’m honored that you’d trust—”
“Before you say no, just think about it for a few weeks,” she coaxed. “I’m not expecting to fill the position until after the holidays. I’ll email you, spelling out the key terms, job responsibilities, title, salary, vacation, etc. as soon as I put together a detailed package.”
“I can’t make you any promises.” Hope had no intention of quitting her job and moving to Italy. However, it would be easier to say no when Tracy wasn’t standing in front of her appearing so hopeful. “But I’ll look at it.”
Many of Hope’s friends envied her career. They fantasized of escaping the calamity of their real lives to jet set around the world, visit sleepy villages in France, Italy, Spain, Chile and more, indulge in the best wines and enjoy spontaneous love affairs with gorgeous men. To some, it was a dream job. Or at least that’s how it appeared on the outside looking in.
At times it was a glamorous lifestyle, but in reality, she lived a hectic schedule, in and out of airports, taxi cabs, and hotel rooms. It was easy for her girlfriends to be seduced by the romanticism of it all . . . especially if you were comparing it to potty training a two-year-old.
However, Hope Tidwell wasn’t a romantic.
Get The Italain HERE
THANK YOU TO THE CREATOR, first and foremost, for giving me the courage, tools, and faith to continue this journey.
To my family, Mr. Locke, the Littles, Mama, and Peggy and Rob: Thank you for your incredible support. You see the best and worst of me and still stand behind me one-hundred percent. I thank God every day I landed up in this amazing group of people. Love you all. So much.
To my team, Kari (Kari March Designs), Lisa (Adept Edits), Christine (Type A Formatting), Kylie (Give Me Books): We did it again! I’m honored each and every time you all hit me with a “Yes!” when I ask if there’s room for me on your calendars. You are simply the best in the business. Thank you for working with me again.
To my beta team, Jen C, Susan, Jen F, Carleen, Candace, Joy, Ashley, Michele: There aren’t enough thank-you’s in the world for what you do for me. Your time, attention, eyes, love—you give it all in abundance. I hope you know how much it, and you, mean to me.
To my admins, Jen C, Jade, Tiffany, and Stephanie: Every day, you make me laugh. Keep me focused. Shower me with GIFS. (Take videos at concerts—ha!). Keep my groups running. Fix my Goodreads. Without you, I’m a mess. Without you, this train stops chugging. Without you, my heart would be sad. Thank you for being my friend.
To Mandi: You are so many things to me. My easy friend, my Pres, my voice of reason (sometimes, sometimes not). ;) Thank you for always believing in me, making me laugh, letting me vent, and keeping me entertained. #ELC
To Lisa, Jade, and Alexis: You are such a part of my Life . . . Ish. (See what I did there?) I can count on you for all things at any moment. Jokes, laughs, graphics, tea. ;) Thank you girls. MUAH!
To the real Danielle: Here’s to another summer of baseball and sweat and travels and laughs. Xo
To Mary Ruth: Your love of Lincoln Landry was there from the start! Thank you for your support, excitement, and friendship. And the awesome Arrows logo.
To bloggers: Your passion is what makes this possible. Your love of the written word drives my stories into the hands of readers. It’s incredible what you do. Thank you for taking a chance on me, for giving my words a spot on your blogs and in your heart. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
Books by Adriana Locke and All Locked Up: My happy places! You put a smile on my face, a laugh in my voice, and a fire in my rear. Thank you for so many things, but for each of your friendships before anything else.
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