Intrigue and a Bottle of Merlot

by Bria Marche

  “I’m counting on it, handsome. Want some coffee? I just took two cups out to the balcony.”

  “That sounds awesome.”

  They sat outside, facing downtown and the mountain. The snow cover was melting fast with the morning sun and bright-blue skies. The days were warming, and April would be gone soon.

  “What happened to the Explorer?”

  “I didn’t need it after you left. I wasn’t in the mood to hike or sightsee alone. But we will need a vehicle for our drive back. Did you buy a round-trip ticket or a one way?”

  “A one way, you goof. Do you really think I would come this far and not drive home with you? You promised me a road trip in both directions, mister. As long as I don’t crash into anything, it should be fun.”

  Mario laughed. “When did you know?”

  “Know what?” Karen turned toward Mario, raised her brows, and took a sip of coffee.

  “That we would end up together.”

  “Well, in my heart I knew the second I saw you sitting on the patio at Bottoms Up. I was intrigued with you. I never knew Vic had a brother, let alone a hippie-dippie, gorgeous one. I even took my own pulse when we sat down to eat. Crazy, huh?”

  “Not at all. I think my heart skipped a few beats when I met you, too.” Mario reached across the table and took Karen’s hand. “You know, it’s a beautiful day, and we shouldn’t waste it. I’ve got a great idea: how about a hike to Bear Creek Falls? It will be awesome with the snowmelt. The creek will be high, and the falls should really show off nicely. We’ll come back to town later, check out some cute shops, and go out to dinner. Are you up for it, hot stuff?”

  “Damn straight I am. I’ll make a quick breakfast, then we can head out.”

  Karen and Mario spent the day doing what they’d planned a few weeks earlier. Hiking through the mountain trails and seeing the waterfall was stunning. Shopping, dinner, and another romantic night in the hot tub ended the day perfectly.

  Monday was the last day they would spend at Gravity. Mario wanted to thank all his employees for their hard work and dedication. The store would be closed from eleven thirty until one, and he’d reserved a table for twelve at Slopes. Free snacks and beverages for the customers would be set out after the staff returned to Gravity.

  Karen did her best to set aside the awkward feelings she knew she would have around Sarah at the luncheon. She couldn’t let Sarah get in her head.

  Karen and Mario arrived at Gravity together. Mario made a speech, thanking his employees and Telluride for being wonderful to him over the years. Karen felt Sarah staring at her, but she wouldn’t make eye contact.

  At the luncheon, Karen sat next to Mario with Sarah right across the table, facing her. Karen shook, her heart racing, but she hoped nobody would notice.

  Sarah finally spoke up, directing her question at Karen. “Didn’t we meet somewhere before you came into Gravity on Saturday? You look familiar to me.”

  Karen mustered up the courage to respond confidently. “I hardly think so. Mario and I live in New York, you know. All you mountain-town kids look alike to me anyway, so you wouldn’t stand out. You probably saw me through the window of one of the high-end boutiques.”

  “Hmmph, maybe, but—”

  Mario squeezed Karen’s hand under the table and grinned. He interrupted Sarah before she had time to process Karen’s insult. “I’d like to make a toast to Telluride and Gravity. Billy, good luck. I hope you treat the store well, and I wish you all the success in the world. We’ll be back to visit—you can count on it.”

  Everyone clinked glasses and toasted Billy’s success. Mario had no doubts: Gravity would remain a successful store in Telluride for years to come with Billy’s ambition and dedication to supporting local businesses.

  ***

  Mario reserved another Explorer for the drive back to New York. He’d pick it up at noon. Billy met him downtown, and they left together to sign the papers at the bank. In a few hours, Mario would no longer be the owner of Gravity. He was excited about going home.

  Karen packed for their journey. She sat for the last time on the balcony looking out over Telluride. Man, this is a gorgeous town, but we’ll be back. We’ve created good memories here, and nobody, not even Dora Dreadlocks, can get between Mario and me. We’re going home to start our new life together. She set the suitcases next to the door and checked the time. It was twelve fifteen. He’ll be back any minute. Karen inhaled deeply, breathing in the fresh mountain air. She laughed and gave the hot tub a final splash with her hand before putting the cover on it. Mario walked in as she was closing the sliders.

  “You ready to go home, babe?” he asked.

  “Absolutely. I’m looking forward to getting back.”

  “Just so you know, this trip is going to be awesome.”

  “Really? What makes you so sure?” Karen asked, laughing. She remembered this same conversation when their road trip began.

  “Because I have the best travel partner I could ever ask for. We’re going to have fun—count on it. What about your relatives in Kansas?”

  “We’ll wing it. It seems like that works out pretty well for us. I just have one question.”

  “Yeah, what’s that, beautiful?”

  “Who’s driving?” she asked.

  They laughed, kissed, and drove down the hill past Gravity, leaving Telluride in the rear-view mirror. They headed east on their return adventure back to New York and their new life together.

  THE END

  Thank you!

  Thanks for reading Intrigue and a Bottle of Merlot, Book 4 in the Like Sisters Series. I hope you enjoyed it!

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  Now that you’ve read, Intrigue and a Bottle of Merlot, the fourth full-length book in the series, dive in with the last book in this series. Book 5, Desire and a Bottle of Merlot, is available now! Click here to grab your copy today.

  Do you know Abby Melrose?

  The Southern Comfort Series follows the life of Abby Melrose and her crazy friends of Charleston, South Carolina. Each book in the series focuses on one main character in this newly found group of friends. These light hearted romance novels appeal to fans of contemporary romance, chick lit, women's fiction and sweet romance books. Southern Comfort is a heartfelt romance series involving best friends, sexy guys and just the right amount of humor to have you anxiously waiting for the next book.

  Second Chances, the first book in the Southern Comfort series, has been downloaded and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of readers worldwide. See where it all starts today. The five books in the series (listed in order) are: Second Chances, Jasmine Kisses, Her Own Paradise, Back in Her Arms and Their Love Reunion.

  I hope you enjoy them all!

  Again, thank you for reading!

  Visit the Bria Marche author website at: http://briamarche.com

  See all of Bria Marche’s available titles at: http://briamarche.com/books/

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  My love, thanks, and deep appreciation go out to all of the people who have supported me from my initial dream of becoming a writer to reading the words “THE END” when I finished my very first novel. There were no scoffs, laughs, or negativity. Family and friends continue to help me with constructive criticism, high fives, cheers, and words of encouragement. From my editor and cover designer to my formatter in a faraway country, you have made my journey so much easier. Erik, I appreciate you more than you could imagine. You have been there for me since before I wrote the very first word. Rochelle, you’re the best promoter I could ask for. Photographer Karen Nelson made the “About the Author” photo of me look great. Plus she is an avid supporte
r and my fun-loving sister.