The Winemaker

by Michelle MacQueen

  I picked up on the note of hurt in his voice. I hadn’t had much time for my best friend lately, and I felt bad. I needed to check in with him more often. “What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?”

  Carter turned to me with a huge grin. “Car shopping, I hope?”

  “It’s a date.”

  “Yes!” There wasn’t much Carter enjoyed more than shopping for a new car. “I think you’d love a cute little Mercedes. Red, of course.”

  “Slow down, Mr. Trust Fund. I’m not spending business funds on an expensive car. We’re going to look for something used. A Chevy maybe.”

  “Ugh, on second thought, I think I’m busy tomorrow.” Carter shot me a dirty look. “A Chevy, she says.” He shook his head in disgust.

  “Okay, maybe a Nissan or a Toyota. A sedan,” I added when his eyes lit up again. “A moderately priced sedan.”

  “You just don’t know how to have fun, Lena.” He sighed. “But we’ll find you a perfectly reasonable, boring, turd-brown car that will at least not leave you stranded on the side of the road.”

  “You can choose the color.” I nudged him playfully.

  “And the sound system?”

  “Sure, as long as it’s not expensive.”

  “Deal.” Carter turned toward the golden gates of the Ashford Estates and laid his palm on the fancy scanner. The gates opened after scanning his palm print.

  “You’d think we were visiting royalty.”

  “As far as my father is concerned, we are.”

  “Man has a high opinion of himself, doesn’t he?” I frowned as Carter sailed along the tree-lined drive, right past the barn and the enormous estate.

  “Where are we going?” I looked behind us, searching for Conner’s car. It was parked by the barn. “His car is back that way.”

  “He’s not there.” Carter turned down a narrow road that led through the forest areas surrounding the house. “How do you feel about riding a horse?”

  “Hard pass. Can’t we just drive to wherever he is?”

  “Yes, but not in my precious.” Carter swerved into a gravel lot beside an adorable white bricked barn, much like the one I’d visited last time I was here. Except this one was twice the size.

  “The stables,” Carter explained as he stepped out of the car.

  “Not riding a horse, Carter.” I followed him around the side of the barn to a garage.

  “How about a four wheeler?” He pointed to a row of ATVs.

  “Um …” I glanced around the display of wealth. So many toys and none of the Ashfords had time for such things. “How about that?” I pointed to a safe-looking vehicle.

  “That’s the custodian’s golf cart, Lena.” Carter rolled his eyes.

  “Will it get us where we need to go?” I gave him a pleading look. My moped was about as adventurous as I was going to get.

  “Yeah.” Crater groaned and stepped into the driver’s seat. “Let’s go.”

  “Thank you.” I slid in beside him and clutched the arm rest. “Not so fast!” I gripped the seat with my other hand as we shot out of the barn and zoomed down a grassy hill.

  “Live a little, Lena.” Carter laughed, driving the death cart along a bumpy path over an open field. The house and barns faded quickly behind us.

  Acres of vineyards spread out across rolling hills. It was beautiful but also kind of intimidating to witness first-hand how much the Ashfords owned.

  “I thought we were going to the vineyard?” I frowned when we turned away from the rows of vines.

  “We are, just not that one.”

  “Oh, of course you have others.” I shrank in on myself, second guessing all my worries over the last few weeks. No wonder Conner was always so calm and collected about our partnership. It was small potatoes compared to this empire of his.

  “Just Connor’s hybrids.” Carter shrugged. “Dad makes him keep it far away from the “real” vineyard so it won’t taint his precious grapes.”

  I laughed at that. “Those two aren’t at all alike, are they?” I’d always thought of Conner as a carbon copy of The Ashford, but the man I’d grown fond of recently was nothing like his abrasive father.

  “This place is in Conner’s blood in a way it never has been for the rest of us. That’s the only similarity they share.” Carter glanced at me. “You get that now, right?”

  “I do.” I nodded. “He’s stuck behind his father’s shadow.”

  “But he won’t be forever,” Carter added. “And that will be a great day for everyone. The day Conner Ashford realizes he’s a better man than the one who raised us.” Conner turned a corner, and we were driving along a cliff over the ocean.

  “You slow your butt down right now, Carter.” I clutched the armrest, staring down the rocky slope to the narrow strip of beach below.

  “Relax, Lena. I’ve been driving this road since I was a kid.”

  “Well, I haven’t, so slow down.”

  “Conner likes his hybrid grapes to breathe the ocean air.” Carter pointed to the rows of vines stretching from the cliff to the barn across a wide, grassy slope. “Dad insists the salt air kills the sweetness of the grapes. As you can imagine, I’ve been subjected to some super boring dinner conversations that always turn into heated arguments.”

  “You sure he’s here?” I scanned the rows of grapes that were clustered into groups of different species. I couldn’t see Conner anywhere. But as soon as we came to a stop near a small brick shed that was a mini version of the barn I’d first visited, Duke came bounding out to greet us.

  “Hey, Duke.” I stepped out of the cart to greet my favorite Ashford.

  “He’s probably lost in his work inside.” Carter let out a sharp whistle. “Conner, you have a visitor!”

  “Get lost, Carter,” Conner called back from the shed. “I’m busy.”

  “Your visitor is much prettier than me, and that’s saying a lot.”

  “What are you babbling about?” Conner stepped out of his shed, and my jaw almost hit the ground.

  I’d always thought Conner was handsome. Who wouldn’t? But this Conner was shirtless and sweaty, with grubby old jeans sitting low on his hips. He ran a hand through his sweat-damp hair, and he looked like one of those ripped calendar guys come to life.

  “Put your tongue back in your mouth.” Carter elbowed me. “That’s my brother you’re gawking at.”

  “You can go now, Carter.” I stepped forward.

  “What am I, a chauffeur?”

  “Pretty much,” I called over my shoulder. “I’ll get a ride back with Conner.”

  “You realize that’s going to be by horseback?” Carter gestured at the black as night stallion grazing nearby.

  “Take Ares back with you.” Conner reached back into the shed for his t-shirt. “I’ll drive Selena back later.” He gestured to the golf cart.

  “Fine. That horse hates me, though.” Carter shot a glare at me and his brother. “And I don’t like this … whatever this is.” Carter took his time approaching Ares and lifting himself up into the saddle. “If he throws me, and I come up damaged, you’re a dead man, Conner.”

  “Send me the bill.” Conner cracked a smile, but he didn’t spare a glance for his retreating brother.

  “Call me if you need me, Lena. I’m serious.” Carter reluctantly left them alone. “Duke, watch our girl,” he called over his shoulder and cantered away on Ares.

  Duke took his orders seriously and came to lean against me.

  “You named your horse Ares, after the god of war?” I asked, hoping to break whatever tension there was between us.

  “He has a bad temper. Won’t let anyone ride him but me.” Conner grinned. “Carter’s probably going to end up walking home.”

  “Why did you do it?” I blurted. But I needed to understand his motives for visiting my family.

  “Do what?” He folded his arms across his chest as if to protect himself from whatever onslaught he anticipated.

  “Why did you talk to my family behind my ba
ck?”

  “It wasn’t about keeping anything from you. It was just something I needed to do.”

  “Why, Conner?” I sank my hands into Duke’s fur to keep myself steady.

  “I didn’t see it, Lena. For a long time, I missed it, overlooking you with your crappy mode of transportation, your messy hair and overalls.”

  “Ouch.”

  “I was a fool, Lena.” He took a step forward. The only thing between us was Duke, who thought this was a pet-Duke party. “I didn’t see what kind of powerhouse you were all this time. I didn’t see who you were and how amazing you are. I underestimated you in every way … and I didn’t want the people you love the most to make that same mistake. I know how much your family means to you, and I knew you’d never be able to make them see you as anything more than their daughter. Like my father will never see me as anything more than the less-than-perfect Ashford heir.” He took a step back, shaking his head.

  “I know your family doesn’t see you like that, but I wanted to show them what they were missing. I didn’t do it as your business partner overstepping. I did as your friend who cares.”

  “I didn’t see you either.” I finally managed to get a word in. “Not until I saw this place.” I turned toward his vineyard. “This is everything you are, Conner Ashford. From the horse, the dog, and the pretentious little building you guys call a shed.” I laughed. “And the grapes, and the whole thing about how you want your grapes to breathe the ocean air and your dad thinks that’s stupid.” I shook my head, not sure if my ramblings made any sense. “You’re so much more than I gave you credit for. And I think you’ve been dealing with that all your life. I’m sorry I didn’t see you before, but I see you now.” I moved around Duke and stepped into Conner’s arms, sliding my fingers into his messy hair. I didn’t hesitate as I kissed him. His lips parted in surprise, and his arms wrapped around me.

  Epilogue: Conner

  We found Carter walking along the trail back to the vineyards. He was waving his phone in the air, trying to get a signal.

  “Need a lift?” Lena teased, scooting closer to my side to make room for Carter.

  “Carter?” I frowned at the lost look on his face. I hadn’t seen that look in years. Not since Harper Chapman left Superiore Bay and broke his heart. My brother hadn’t been the same since.

  “You okay?” Lena tried to hand him a bottle of water.

  “Yeah, I’m good.” He slid in next to her, oblivious of the way she sat with my arm around her shoulders. “Hurry, I need to get back. I’m not getting service out here.”

  “Carter, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Lena glanced up at me with a worried frown. “Did you hit your head?”

  He shook his head, staring at his phone on his lap.

  I recognized the online chat forum for the Weekly Wine.

  “Harper is coming back to Superiore Bay. She’s recently divorced.”

  Lena and I shared another worried glance. She knew then. Any mention of Harper was strictly forbidden, Carter’s orders. If she was coming back, it would kill him.

  I stepped on the accelerator. Carter needed to get away from Ashford Estates and go wherever he went when he needed a break. Then, it occurred to me that he would want Lena. That was where he went when he needed a friend. I was going to have to learn to share her if we were going to be together, and I was certain that was where this was going. The burn of her kiss was still on my lips, and I wanted nothing more than to show her the surprise I had waiting for her.

  “I’ll go with you.” Lena reached for Carter’s hand.

  “No. I just need to be alone.” And the moment we arrived back at the garage, Carter took off in his car.

  “I’m worried.” Lena watched him go. “Harper really hurt him when she left. Hurt me too, but not nearly as much.”

  “He’ll be okay.” I took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Give him some time, and then we’ll go check on him later.”

  She turned into my arms, giving me a hesitant smile as she leaned her head against my shoulder. “Thank you for that.”

  “I have a surprise for you.” I tugged on her hand.

  “Uh-oh.” She followed me around to the front of the main garage bay where we parked the cars. “That’s always a little scary.”

  “My surprises scare you?” I laughed. “How?”

  “They usually come with a lot more than I bargained for, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad,” she rushed to add.

  I clicked on the garage remote in my pocket and waited for the door to lift, watching her face for her reaction.

  “What?” She scowled at me as she looked between me and the BMW parked inside. “Oh, no.” She stepped away from me. “Absolutely not. You’re not giving me a car, Conner. I’m never going to be that kind of girlfriend.”

  “Girlfriend?” I closed the distance between us. She stuttered and turned pink. “I like the sound of that, but this isn’t a gift from your boyfriend of like the last thirty minutes. It’s a company car your partner acquired.”

  “Acquired?” She arched a brow at me. “As in purchased?”

  “I purchased it used from one of the vendors we use for the winery, who will also be servicing the Orchard Hill Farms extension. I bought it with our joint operation funds. It’s yours to use for business-related driving so they don’t see you on that crazy moped.” I handed her the keys. “I thought you might like the blue one, but we can look at others if you don’t like it.”

  “It’s perfect.” She took the keys, wrapping her hand around mine. “I was on board as soon as you said it was used.”

  “I know you, Selena Contreras. I see you.” I pulled her into my arms again. “I won’t ever make that mistake again.”

  “What mistake?” She smiled at me.

  “Thinking that a woman capable of pushing me into the bay without a second thought wasn’t worth my time. You’re worth everything to me now.”

  * * *

  How does the reunion between Carter and Harper go? Find out in the Second Chance here.

  The Second Chance

  They’re exes…

  …nothing more.

  * * *

  Harper Chapman is running away. From her overbearing parents, and from a husband who broke her heart, a man who also happened to be her boss at one of the most prestigious newspapers in the country.

  The job was a dream come true. The husband, not so much.

  She just wants to go back to a simpler time when summers at her grandmother’s house could fix anything. But going back means facing things better left in the past.

  * * *

  Small town gossip.

  And him. The first boy she ever loved.

  * * *

  Carter Ashford is everything she never wants to remember. Charming, drop-dead gorgeous, and a member of the exclusive Ashford family, practically town royalty. Ten years ago, Harper walked away from Superiore Bay, from him. Now, back in town, she does everything she can to avoid the feelings she’s never gotten over.

  When she realizes the local newspaper has turned into a gossip rag, Harper knows she can fix it. She can spend her limited time here reviving something that actually matters, and then move on to the next chapter of her life.

  But could her return prove to be more than she can handle? Harper might learn the only thing better than running away is finding a reason to stay.

  * * *

  Get it here!

  About Ann Maree

  Ann Maree Craven is an Amazon bestselling author of Young Adult Contemporary Fiction and YA Fantasy (her Fantasy fans will know her as Melissa A. Craven). Her books focus on strong female protagonists who aren’t always perfect, but they find their inner strength along the way. Ann Maree’s novels will appeal to audiences of all ages and fans of almost any genre. She believes in stories that make you think and she loves playing with foreshadowing, leaving clues and hints for the careful reader.

  Ann Maree draws inspiration from her background in architectu
re and interior design to help her with the small details in world building and scene settings. (Her degree in fine art also comes in handy.) She is a diehard introvert with a wicked sense of humor and a tendency for hermit-like behavior. (Seriously, she gets cranky if she has to put on anything other than yoga pants and t-shirts!)

  Ann Maree enjoys editing almost as much as she enjoys writing, which makes her an absolute weirdo among her peers. Her favorite pastime is sitting on her porch when the weather is nice with her two dogs, Fynlee and Nahla, reading from her massive TBR pile and dreaming up new stories.

  Visit me at Melissaacraven.com for more information about the series and discover exclusive content.

  Want to see more books by Ann Maree Craven? You can find them here.

  About Michelle

  Michelle MacQueen is a USA Today bestselling author of love. Yes, love. Whether it be YA romance, NA romance, or fantasy romance (Under M. Lynn), she loves to make readers swoon.

  The great loves of her life to this point are two tiny blond creatures who call her “aunt” and proclaim her books to be “boring books” for their lack of pictures. Yet, somehow, she still manages to love them more than chocolate.

  When she’s not sharing her inexhaustible wisdom with her niece and nephew, Michelle is usually lounging in her ridiculously large bean bag chair creating worlds and characters that remind her to smile every day - even when a feisty five-year-old is telling her just how much she doesn’t know.

  Want to see more books by Michelle? You can view them here.