Romancing the Wine: A Boxed Set of 9 Newest Novellas from Award-Winning Authors

by Jan Moran

  Fuck, she looks angry.

  “She looked like she was about to devour you.” John’s confused expression also worried him. Things weren’t progressing well. He should just go explain how he was not cooperating with his father. His family screwed up, and now his father wanted it all back? How fucked up is that?

  Okay, I did come into the company with that objective. But now he knew the truth. Without further consideration, he burst out of the conference room, startling John, and went searching for Alicia. She leaned against the wall, staring out of her office window, hands wrapped around her coffee mug.

  He knocked and barged in without waiting for her response and closed the door. “We need to talk.”

  The shadows of worry cast over her features stabbed his chest. His heart summersaulted. “I need to make you understand I’m not working for my father.” Holding his hand up to stop her assault, he continued, “Yes, it was the initial intent, but after getting to know your family and the real history of the vineyard, I can’t go through with it. I’ve already explained to Mr. Contrino, and, as you can see, he didn’t fire me. Because of my stand, my father threw me out of the house with no thoughts for his granddaughter. It’s going to cause great hardship for Olivia.”

  “He did what?” She stared, her bottom jaw slacking. “What are you going to do about your little girl?”

  Of all he had said, she had honed in on his little girl. What an exceptional person! “Yes, Olivia will have the hardest time of it.” He wiped his palm on his thigh and then ran his fingers through his hair, furrowing his brow to hide his pain.

  She stood there, staring with parted lips, mug pressed to her chest. Was she also experiencing pain? The indifference she showed toward him pierced him like a pike.

  “I think your father called Nonno this morning and they are meeting right now.” It would explain the strain lines around her mouth—worry.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to stress I’m not working for my father.” He paused to slow his speech. “My father’s reasoning doesn’t make sense. My family practically destroyed the vineyard—”

  “What changed your mind?”

  He paused. “First off, getting to know your family influenced me the most. I could never destroy them. And…learning the truth from my mother.” He gulped air. “She’s against his plan.”

  She startled. “Your mother is against him?”

  “She used to argue with my grandfather about this.” He now understood what those fights were all about. The new twist to the conversation seemed appealing to Alicia. Her brow relaxed and she sat in her chair, signaling for him to do likewise. He sat, his gaze never leaving her face. A hint of a smile brushed her lips. He wanted to kiss them so badly. His heart wouldn’t stop racing. His hardening cock rubbed against his zipper. To squash his emotions, he averted his gaze out the window.

  “Alicia, you need to understand I’m an accountant seeking my CPA. I have no intentions of running a vineyard, or destroying the lives of people I’ve come to respect and love.” He sat up straighter, noting her stare roaming across his body. I swear she’s into me. “Have I made myself clear?”

  “Time will tell.” Her words sounded so distant. Was she even paying attention? “Right now, I’m worried about Nonno. Do you have any idea where they’re meeting?”

  “Dad loves to meet with clients or potential clients at the Jefferson Hotel.”

  She bounced to her feet. “Come on, let’s see if you’re right.”

  “I’m driving,” he announced worried at her renewed agitation.

  “Fine. Let’s just go.”

  Chapter 15

  Alicia

  Walking inside the Jefferson, a place she learned to love at an early age, she relaxed. Her granddad used to bring her for brunch on Sundays when she was a little girl. “You need to learn proper etiquette,” he used to boast, his chest puffing like a proud peacock. She had loved those moments alone with him. When Mina turned seven years old, he took her along, too. At stressful times like these, she wished she could go back to those simple days where her most complicated worry was getting a good grade on an exam.

  Up on the second floor, she spotted her grandfather and Mr. Grassi deep in conversation, lounging on two armchairs, sipping coffee.

  A hand on her forearm stopped her. “What?” She didn’t like the way he grabbed her.

  “I don’t think we should just pop in on them. They don’t look like they’re about to kill each other—”

  “Isn’t this the reason we came?”

  He showed his displeasure.

  She pulled away and rushed forward.

  He followed.

  As she approached, she said, “Hi, Nonno.”

  He glanced her way, the corners of his mouth curving upward. “Alicia, my dear, it took you a little longer to react than expected.”

  What in the blazing world did he mean? Mr. Grassi stood and extended his hand in greeting. She hesitated but then shook it.

  Vincenzo set to work pulling over two more armchairs. After they sat down, her granddad asked, “Can I get you coffees?”

  “Thank you, sir,” Vincenzo spoke all formal.

  “A cappuccino would do fine, thank you.” She crossed her ankles, bringing her legs close to the armchair.

  Seeing a server, her granddad raised his arm.

  The young man approached. “Can I get you something else, Mr. Contrino?”

  “Yes, my granddaughter here will have a cappuccino and Vincenzo will have an espresso.”

  “I’ll get your order right away. Can I get the two of you more coffee?”

  “Two more espressos will be great, thank you.”

  Once the server walked away, Nonno turned to Alicia. “What brings you here, my dear?”

  “Curiosity.” She didn’t have the courage to tell him the truth in front of his archenemy.

  “Let me bring the two of you up to speed. Mr. Grassi here has come clean with his intentions.” He raised his gaze toward Alicia. “Right now we are discussing the main reason for his wanting to take over the vineyard. Although, Mr. Grassi has agreed to withdraw for a while seeing we are introducing a new grape to our collection for a new wine.”

  Wait! What? Alicia frowned, her heart constricting. She shifted in her chair then glared at Mr. Grassi, distrust running through her veins. “Why would you agree to back off?”

  Nonno sent Mr. Grassi a stern look. What the hell is that all about?

  “It’s an agreement we made.” Mr. Grassi shifted in his seat. “If I wait for the new wine to come out, your grandfather thinks I should be able to run the vineyard without too many problems.”

  About to pop out of her seat and launch, she stopped when Vincenzo laid his hand on her arm. He leaned over and spoke in a soothing tone. “Sometimes we need to watch things play out before we react.”

  What’s the matter with everyone? Maybe buying time was a good idea. She sank into the chair. The twinkle in Mr. Grassi’s eyes twisted her gut into knots. She wanted to gouge them out.

  The server returned carrying a tray with a demitasse and mug.

  Her granddad’s closed smile angered her. How can he be so pleasant to a man wanting to destroy everything he loves? Unheard of! Why did he keep glancing at Vincenzo in such a way? She frowned and tightened her lips. I will find out what.

  The half smile plastered on Vincenzo’s face became suspicious. Yet, every now and then, she caught him glaring at his father. My, my, is it hatred or resentment? Did he really throw his son and granddaughter out of his home? What a bastard! To think of material things before his son and grandchild.

  The blessing of her family settled in her heart. She couldn’t be any luckier.

  “You can come and tour the vineyard next week. Afterwards, we can all have lunch at the house….”

  What the hell are you thinking, Nonno? Had he just thrown the family under a bus? Damn! What a wreck! Dumbfounded she stared at her grandfather who sat smug in his chair. The undercurrent of
something concealed swam around. Would she drown in it before understanding it?

  The conversation continued on a friendly note.

  Maybe her granddad didn’t think she could run the winery on her own. But why give it away? Frustration soured the taste of her cappuccino. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc would be appreciated now. Maybe a mild buzz would shed light to the weird situation. How stupid! She needed to be alert and on her toes.

  If he was going to destroy everything he’d worked for, why acquire new lands to introduce a new grape to the collection? Could I be wrong about all this? What game were these two old farts playing? Could she count on Vincenzo to help her figure it out?

  She rolled her eyes. Oh great! Now I’m turning to the man who broke my heart. She glanced over to see him studying her face. Heat rose to her cheeks, and she averted her gaze.

  He leaned over. “I’m as puzzled as you are,” he whispered.

  The situation would surely kill her.

  Chapter 16

  Vincenzo

  Vincenzo sat puzzled, scrutinizing the old men talking as if they were the best of friends. Mr. Contrino had to have scheduled the meeting, since his father craved blood. This encounter unfolded too friendly to have originated from his father, but he sure seemed pleased.

  The server came back to collect the empty demitasse and coffee mugs, his eyes resting on the square cut of Alicia’s blouse.

  If your gaze goes any lower, I’ll pop you. His fist tightened.

  Every time he glanced at Alicia, he sensed her distress. I hope she doesn’t turn against me. He wasn’t sure he could handle such a turn of events. Had he made his intentions clear? Did she understand he wanted no part in his dad’s scheming ways? But their past stood in the way of a healthy relationship. Suck it up and understand her feelings. Yes, he needed to live with whatever decision she made.

  “After your father tours the vineyard,” Mr. Contrino’s words drew him into the conversation, “We can take your father to the office and give him an idea of the profits we are making and the projections we’ve made once the new wine starts to sell.”

  The old man had gone crazy, lost his mind—fraternizing with the enemy.

  By the end of the stupid meeting, Vincenzo’s head had ballooned, ready to explode. “Alicia,” he said, taking her arm. “Drive with me?”

  She nodded, following him to his car.

  As he drove down the expressway toward the office, he said, “Do you think your grandfather has some big scheme in mind, or has he gone crazy?”

  “I don’t understand what went on at the Jefferson. Your guess is as good as mine. I feel I’m floating in a nightmare.”

  He agreed. “We need to do something to protect him and the vineyard from my father.”

  “I cannot understand why Nonno is behaving like this. Maybe we should just barge into his office and confront him.”

  “Is he going to tell you the truth?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve never caught him in a lie.”

  Chapter 17

  Alicia

  Alicia flopped backward on her bed, glaring at the revolving fan hanging from the ten-foot ceiling. The wind blowing down from it gave her goose bumps. Vincenzo swore he didn’t want to help his father take over her future business, but she still didn’t trust him. Not completely, yet. But then again, his father threw him out of his house because he wouldn’t help with his takeover scheme.

  The tug-of-war between her heart and mind drove her crazy. Why would Nonno open the door for Mr. Grassi to barge in and take over? Has everyone gone crazy? Or is it just me?

  Bouncing to her feet, she pushed her curls behind her shoulders and marched out of her room in search of her granddad. She stretched her lips into a fake smile. At this time of evening, he should have been in his study, chatting through facetime with his childhood friend who lived in California. She checked her iPhone. It read 9:47, much later than she had expected.

  Without knocking, she barged in the study and slammed the door behind her.

  He glared at her, wide-eyed. “What’s the meaning of this?”

  “Have you gone crazy fraternizing with the man who wants to steal the vineyard from under your feet?” She projected her voice a few pitches too high. She dropped on a leather recliner, facing him. “Can you please explain what you think you’re doing?” The grin he gave her made her want to scream, but needing to hear what he had to say she refrained.

  “Things are never what they seem, my dear.” He appeared so relaxed. “It goes back in time—”

  Great! She wasn’t in the mood for one of his rhetorical stories. “Please, Nonno, explain in English.” She crossed her legs.

  “Originally, the land belonged to the Grassi family who had no idea how to run a vineyard. In came the Contrino to save the day and turn a profit, and the vineyard became my grandfather’s. Vincenzo’s great-great-grandfather could never reconcile with himself his family couldn’t keep the vineyard profitable, but still swore it would become a Grassi property.” He stood and sauntered to the cabinet where he kept some wine. “Would you care to join me? I have your favorite, a Sauvignon Blanc from 2000.”

  “How can I resist?”

  After handing her the Waterford stemware, he sat down, stretching his legs and crossing his ankles. “I’ve observed many things lately and have come to the conclusion if I buy time, everything is going to work out for the best.” He raised his glass. “To our wonderful future.”

  “None of this makes any sense.”

  “Just raise your glass and amuse me.”

  “Salute.” The vibration of crystal against crystal lingered for a few moments. “I do hope you know what you’re doing.” Alicia took a sip then another. “I must say you seem to be quite fond of Vincenzo. Why?”

  “Because he is being honest. His initial intentions weren’t good, but he did see the light and you can count on him the way I do.”

  The confusion with which she walked into the study had increased. She drained the wine in her cup. Staring at it, she wanted a little more to create a light buzz, erasing all worry. Would Nonno mind if I had more? After all, bedtime had come and gone. She stood. “Can I refill your glass?”

  He gave it to her. “Don’t mind if I do.”

  After sitting down, she asked, “What is it you are thinking in terms of Vincenzo?”

  “Some things, my dear, you need to figure out for yourself. I see much but will not meddle.” Raising the crystal to his lips, he took a few sips.

  “Can Grassi take the vineyard from you?”

  “Since Vincenzo is against him, no.”

  She sighed with relief. “Thank God. I can go to bed now and sleep.” She drained the wine, kissed his cheek, handed him the empty glass, and strode out, hoping Vincenzo wouldn’t keep her tossing in bed.

  Chapter 18

  Vincenzo

  The next morning, disoriented from the meeting between his father and Mr. Contrino at the Jefferson, he shuffled into the office with rounded shoulders and a frown.

  “What’s wrong with you?” John asked as soon as he stepped out of the elevator. “You look like you lost your best friend.”

  “My father and Mr. Contrino met yesterday. The man is scattering my brains.”

  John scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I don’t know. My grandfather used to say it when confused.” He marched to his office and stood at the window, glaring at the parking structure. He glanced at his watch. Come on, Alicia, you’re always here bright and early. He couldn’t wait to ask her some questions. What game had his father engaged in? No, Mr. Contrino had initiated the meeting. Did he really want to dig a grave for the vineyard? Dropping like a dead weight on his chair, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a few minutes before cutting biweekly checks or sending the money via direct deposit to the employees’ bank accounts, a task he took on while the responsible accountant was on vacation. As he completed the task and glanced up, Alicia walked by, heading to her o
ffice.

  Without a second to waste, he jumped to his feet and rushed to the door. “Hey, Alicia, can I have a word with you?”

  “Sure. Let me put my stuff in my office, grab a cup of coffee, and I’ll be right with you.”

  Lack of sleep screamed from her expression and demeanor. He wanted to cuddle her and wipe away all her worries with his kisses. He stood by his window, hands clasped behind his back, rocking back and forth on his heels. Could he make her understand he cared too much about her to let even her own grandfather take away her business dreams? A quiet knock at the door made him turn around. “Please close the door and grab a chair. Have you had your coffee this morning?”

  “Right here.” She raised her mug. “How can I help you?” She sat and crossed her legs, her skirt climbed her thigh.

  He came to stand near her and leaned against the desk, ogling at her legs. “Have you any idea what happened yesterday?”

  “Nonno says not to worry about anything. He knows exactly what he’s doing, but I’m very worried.”

  She gazed at him, looking so vulnerable, he wanted to kiss all her worries away and shield her from the evil world. Had he lost his opportunity forever? “Is your grandfather trying to lose or get rid of the vineyard?”

  “No, but I don’t understand what the hell he’s doing.”

  When her lip jutted out, it melted his heart. “How do we figure out what game he’s playing to help prevent a disaster?” Her rosy lips drove him crazy. He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Mr. Contrino may not see it, but my father is out for blood.” At the sight of her fixed stare he added, “Figuratively speaking, of course.”

  “Last night he tried to reassure me he knows what he is doing and I need to trust him.” She sighed. “I really believe he thinks he’s got a good handle on things, but since I don’t know, from where I’m standing, it seems he’s ready to jump off a cliff.”