by Jen Talty
“That’s bullshit.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why would you say that?”
“Because you have the chance to make your own line. Very few wineries will help you fund that.”
“If I ever leave, I’ll have to leave that behind, too. And how can I trust that, in five or ten years from now, you won’t sell The River Winery, along with my hard work.”
“That’s a risk you’ll need to be willing to take if you want your own label that badly,” he said. “You’ve got a lot more opportunities here than you would anywhere else. You can go really far.” His heart swelled with pride for what his family had created. And, damn, he was so proud to be a part of it.
Even from a distance.
He leaned closer until his lips were less than an inch from hers. “I better get going,” he whispered. “It’s getting late.” He covered her mouth with his in a soft and tender yet unexpected kiss that he let linger.
She let out a soft moan as her fingers dug into his shoulders. Their tongues swirled and twisted around each other in a hot, seductive dance that needed no music.
Even though he didn’t want to, he pulled back. “I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.”
“I guess you will.”
He brushed his lips over hers one more time, letting them linger a little longer than appropriate. He groaned. “You’re a dangerous woman.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re the kind of person I could absolutely fall for.”
She took him by the hand and led him across the only room in the cottage.
He became painfully aware of the queen-sized bed in the corner.
“But that is the last time you’re ever going to kiss me.” She opened the door. “You might be attractive, but you’re definitely not the kind of man I would ever become involved with.” She pushed him out the door, closed it, and clicked the lock.
“Damn, that really bruised my ego,” he mumbled as he made his way to his car, glancing over his shoulder. That wasn’t how he’d expected the evening to end. And now he’d have to find a way to redeem himself.
Again.
9
Eliza Jane
Eliza Jane took the mirror that Jenna handed to her and checked out the back of her hair. She’d never had highlights before, and she hated to admit that she loved them. “This looks amazing,” she said.
“I’m so glad you like it.”
“This is going to sound like a silly question, but how often do I have to come back and do this?”
“I’d say every three to four months. We don’t want to overdo the highlights, but we will need to deal with the regrowth. So, why don’t you make an appointment for a cut and color in three months, and we can see how your hair grows and make adjustments from there.”
“Sounds great. Thanks.”
Jenna ran her fingers through Eliza Jane’s hair a few more times, adjusting it to her liking. “What’s it like working for Weezer?”
“So far, she’s great.”
“I do her hair, and I have to admit, I was terrified the first few times. She can be a tough nut. But deep down, she’s a kind person.”
“I’ve seen a real tender side to her when it comes to her kids,” Eliza Jane said. “What do you know about the history of the winery? Like how the River family came into the land to start it?” Shit. Eliza Jane really needed to stop diving right into conversations that could be considered weird.
“I really don’t know,” Jenna said. “There is a book in the library about the history of Candlewood Falls. It talks about all the original businesses and founders of the town. I’m sure there’s something about the winery in there.” Jenna wiped Eliza Jane’s shoulders and took off the protective cape. “Or you could just ask Weezer. She’s full of stories. If you want to know the truth about anything, she’s the person to ask. If it’s not true, she won’t repeat it.” Jenna leaned closer. “But she can also be secretive. If she doesn’t want you to know something, she can be tight-lipped. I’ve heard that’s why Malbec hasn’t come home to run the winery. But that’s something that Weezer doesn’t talk about, and she’s very proud of Malbec. She’s proud of all her kids, though I sometimes think she has a weird way of showing it to them.”
“I’ve gotten that impression.” Eliza Jane slipped from the chair and followed Jenna to the front desk.
“It was a pleasure meeting you,” Jenna said. “Hopefully, I’ll see you around town or maybe we can get a cup of coffee sometime.”
“I’d like that.” Eliza Jane took care of the tip and made an appointment for her next cut and color. She stepped out of the beauty salon feeling as though she’d been super self-indulgent. She hadn’t had that much pampering since…she had no idea when. Never in her life had she experienced a spa day, so when Weezer had told her that she was going to the salon and spa, she hadn’t expected to get a facial and have her nails done—much less spend four hours there.
However, she had to admit, she might want to do that again in the near future.
She stepped outside and turned toward the coffee shop. Immediately, her gaze locked on Weezer, who sat at a table with two of her children.
Chablis and Merlot.
She only knew it was them based on a family picture she’d seen.
Oy. She wished she were within earshot of that conversation since she suspected she might be the topic.
Her and Malbec’s return.
Eliza Jane sucked in a deep breath and brought her fingers to her lips. She didn’t want to think about that kiss last night. She wanted to forget it along with every other emotion that Malbec stirred within her heart. She needed to focus on her future, and she had no idea what Chablis and Merlot taking time out of their busy day to speak with their mother meant. It could be that Malbec was keen on coming home. Or, at the very least, helping to manage the winery.
Or that he wanted to sell.
The last of those options was the worst, but she wasn’t sure about the first two either. Having Malbec around for the first few years while she learned the ins and outs of The River Winery could only be seen as an impediment to the process. He would only get in her way and make things more difficult.
Not to mention, he was a major distraction that she didn’t need.
Or he could be exactly what she needed to make everything go smoothly.
She let out a long sigh. She really wanted a fresh cup of coffee, but she didn’t want to deal with having to say hello to Weezer and her kids right now. If it were just Weezer, that would be one thing. However, being introduced to more of her family …she just didn’t want to deal with that right now.
“Excuse me,” a woman said as she maneuvered around Eliza Jane.
“Oh, sorry.”
“No worries.” The woman smiled. “You’re Eliza Jane, right?”
“How do you know my name?”
“It’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone.” The woman smiled. “My name’s Brooklyn Wilde. I live over on the alpaca farm.”
“Oh. You must be Alpacino’s owner.”
Brooklyn laughed. “He’s Weezer’s favorite.” She held her finger to her lips. “But don’t tell her I said that. She wants everyone to believe she’s not fond of the animals.”
“That’s not how she tells the story. She’s even told me that if I have something I need to hammer out, Alpacino’s my guy.”
Brooklyn cocked her head. “Well, that’s good to hear. Because all she ever does with me is complain.” She leaned in and smiled. “But then again, sometimes that’s Weezer’s go-to. Deep down, she’s got a big heart. And don’t let anyone in this town tell you otherwise.”
“She does run a little hot and cold, that’s for sure.”
“She hasn’t had an easy life,” Brooklyn said. “How are you getting along? I know the people of this town can be a bit standoffish with the newbie.”
“I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t had five minutes to breath, much less take in the sigh
ts or meet anyone.”
“If you need anything, outside of Alpacino’s good listening skills, let me know. I’m happy to help.” She waved to a man across the street, who looked as if he’d seen better days. “I best be on my way. It was nice meeting you. I’d love to grab a cup of coffee, or better yet, some wine sometime.”
“Sounds awesome. I could use a girlfriend in town.”
“You and me both.” Brooklyn scurried off.
Eliza Jane took one step to her right and nearly walked right into someone else.
“Well, we meet again,” the woman from the coffee shop that Eliza Jane had met the first day said. “How are things going at the winery?”
“Good. Thanks,” Eliza Jane said. “How did that wine and cheese platter work for you?”
“It was great.” The woman adjusted her big sunglasses that hid her eyes. She wore a leopard-print faux fur coat and leather high-heeled boots. “I was just going to head over there to get some more, but not the merlot this time. Any suggestions?”
“I highly recommend the pinot noir. It’s excellent. And if you’re looking for a white, the Riesling is to die for.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.” The woman tugged on her black leather gloves. “So, how does it go working with Malbec? I hear he’s back in town.”
“Well, he’s here, but he’s not working at the winery.”
“He’s always got a hand in the family business and he’s got a reputation for being quite difficult in general.”
“He’s not so bad.” Eliza Jane didn’t want to bad-mouth any of the River family members to a person she didn’t know. She couldn’t afford gossip getting back to Weezer. That wouldn’t be good. Besides, something about this woman set Eliza Jane on edge.
“He’s a real charmer, that’s for sure. But I’d watch your back when it comes to him. As well as his brother, Merlot.”
“If you know them so well, you must know the winery. Why did you need a recommendation?”
“Just making idle conversation.” The woman smiled.
“I didn’t get your name,” Eliza Jane said as the woman took two steps toward the street.
She waved over her shoulder. “See you around.”
“That is one weird person,” Eliza Jane mumbled.
“Oh, Eliza Jane. You left your Kindle behind.” The girl who checked her out at the spa came running out onto the sidewalk.
“Thanks.” Eliza Jane took the device. “I’m right in the middle of an amazing book and I would have been so frustrated tonight when I settled in to read.”
“I’m glad I caught you then,” the girl said as she let out a big puff of air. “I can’t believe he’s back in town and that Brooklyn is letting him stay with her considering what he’s done.”
“Who is he?”
“His name is Caleb Ransom. He was accused of killing her uncle.” The girl shivered. “Caleb’s known for being a troublemaker. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did it. Others think otherwise, but there’s a reason he stayed away for so long. If I were you, I’d keep my distance.”
“If I were you, I’d stop gossiping about things you know nothing about.” Weezer appeared out of nowhere.
Eliza Jane gasped.
“I didn’t mean to scare you, dear,” Weezer said. “I was having coffee with my kids and I saw you and wanted to introduce you.”
“That would be nice.” Eliza Jane couldn’t be rude to her boss, even though she really just wanted to get back to work. She wanted to finish with the little cards she’d been working on around the gift shop. She found that having pieces of history that explained the products pushed customers who were on the fence to buy. “Thanks again for bringing me my Kindle.”
“No worries. Hope to see you soon.” The girl from the spa turned and headed back into the salon.
Weezer looped her hand through Eliza Jane’s arm. “Don’t listen to a word that young girl said about Caleb. While he’s gotten in a bar brawl a time or two, he wouldn’t hurt a fly. Unless they really deserved it.”
“He looks like he might have been in one of those fights recently.”
“If he was, he certainly didn’t throw the first punch, and I can guarantee you that it’s more about people trying to run him out of town again. Poor kid. He hasn’t been given a fair shake in this town. I’m hoping Brooklyn can help turn that around. Of course, she has her own set of issues that she needs to work through. But they are both good people.”
“That girl certainly didn’t think so.”
“Well, that girl is a gossip.”
Eliza Jane chuckled. “My grandfather would be telling me to close my trap right about now, but you do know that’s what the entire town says about you, right?”
“Of course, they do. But I could care less.” She smiled. “I bet you got an earful about me in there.”
Eliza Jane arched a brow. “It was mostly all good.”
“I doubt that. This town likes to tell crazy stories about me, and only about half are true.” Weezer tugged her across the street. “What was your favorite tall tale about me today? And be honest. I really want to hear this.”
Eliza Jane swallowed. “But that would be gossiping, and I know how you feel about that.”
“Oh, good Lord. I really like you,” Weezer said. “And I love what Jenna did with your hair. I’m so glad she didn’t cut much off. And those highlights... They are to die for. Malbec’s eyes are just going to pop out of his head.” Weezer stopped in front of an outdoor table. “Kids. I’d like you to meet Eliza Jane.” She waved her hand, not giving Eliza Jane a chance to comment, which was probably a good thing. “This is Chablis, my eldest daughter, who happens to be a firefighter in the next town over. And this fine gentleman is Merlot. He’s a parole officer for the county,” Weezer said with a beaming smile. Her chest puffed out with pride. “They also help out during harvest and other busy times at the winery.”
Eliza had never been told that information before. According to Weezer, other than the three youngest, none of the kids had a hand in the business.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Eliza Jane said, doing her best to keep her emotions at bay. Just because the family was active, didn’t mean she would be pushed out, but she’d feel a lot better when everything was in writing. Once that happened, she could breathe.
“We’ve heard a lot about you.” Merlot stretched out his arm. He looked a lot like his brother and father with his broad shoulders, dark hair, and blue eyes. But he had his mother’s scrutinizing stare.
As did Chablis.
She also had her mother’s perfect complexion.
“I hear you’re staying in the cottage,” Chablis said.
“I am. It’s very comfortable. I really like it there.” Eliza Jane sat in the chair that Merlot offered.
She shifted uncomfortably, feeling as though he was looking her up and down—and not in a good way. It was more like he was sizing her up for lunch.
“I invited Eliza Jane to our family gathering this weekend,” Weezer said as she stuffed her hands into her oversized jeans’ pockets. She had a nice figure, but her clothes were always two or three sizes too big. “But I’m still glad you are both getting a chance to meet her now. We can be an overwhelming bunch to get to know all at once.”
“That’s an understatement.” Merlot fiddled with the small wooden coffee stirrer.
Chablis glared at her brother. It was hard to miss the venomous stare, but Eliza Jane tried to ignore the nasty vibe that circled the table.
Hopefully, it had nothing to do with her, but she doubted it.
“I hope you’re settling in well at the winery,” Chablis said.
“Oh. I am. It’s a lot to process and take in, but I’m learning and figuring things out.” Eliza Jane crossed her legs and did her best to appear relaxed, even though she was a ball of knots inside.
“She’s really smart and has some great ideas,” Weezer said. “I’m excited to implement some of them.”
“Since when
do you take ideas from other people?” Merlot snapped his gaze toward his mother.
“Merlot,” Chablis said in a hushed voice. “This is not the time or place.”
He nodded.
“My brother speaks very highly of your skills in the winery and out in the vineyards, as do my mom and dad,” Chablis said. “It takes a lot for my mother to give a compliment.”
“That’s true,” Weezer said. “I’ve always believed that praise is like candy. Only to be handed out on special occasions and when deserved.”
Eliza Jane had no idea how to take that analogy, but she decided to roll with it. “I’m enjoying working at The River Winery and am looking forward to learning so much more under your folks.”
“And Malbec.” Merlot arched a brow. “I heard he was there all morning barking out orders.” He shook his head. “Which was a total shocker, considering all he wanted to do a week ago was sell the place. Now, his mind is flipping about like a fish out of water.”
“That’s not true.” Weezer folded her arms.
“Yes, it is.” Merlot cocked his head. “But we shouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”
Eliza Jane squared her shoulders. She really didn’t want them to hold back on her account. Honestly, she wanted to know what they thought about her and Malbec, and something told her that Merlot spoke his mind no matter the company.
Kind of like his mother.
“Malbec is helping Eliza Jane out this week and mulling over a few things,” Weezer chimed in.
“There is nothing to consider.” Merlot pulled the top off his paper coffee mug and peered inside as if it would refill itself.
“Stop acting like a child.” Weezer reached for Merlot’s ear.
He jerked but was unsuccessful in avoiding the grab. He let out a long breath. “Mother. Really?”
“I need to go. Perhaps the two of you can buy Eliza Jane a sandwich.” Weezer dropped her hand to her side.
“I really should get—”
