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

by Jan Moran

  “I hate to admit it, but from where I’m standing it looks the same.” The sadness emanating from all her movements sent sharp daggers into his chest. Oh shit! Why didn’t I see it before? Mr. Contrino had observed the affection between in him for Alicia. The old fart is too observant. His heart beat a joyous song. I should spill the beans right now. But this wouldn’t be the right moment.

  She stood and paced around the room. “How do we keep Nonno from making a big mistake?”

  “I do know one thing, your grandfather is a very smart and intuitive man. He must be seeing something we aren’t. Our question should be how do we see what he sees?”

  She stopped to glare at him. “But what is it? And are you sure it’s not going to destroy him?”

  “Nothing in life is ever certain.” He sighed. “We can continue to work together to figure out what he is thinking.” Appearing so vulnerable, he wanted to embrace her and tell her all would be fine as long as she fell in love with him again. “I know the day just started, but maybe what we need is a fresh cup of coffee. What say you we go to Mario’s and grab a cappuccino?”

  The frown she initially gave him turned upward and, standing, she said, “Sure, what can it hurt? It’s not like he’s going to fire us.”

  His heart tapped a happy dance. He rushed to the door and opened it for her. “I doubt he’ll ever fire you, me on the other hand….”

  Her glare lingered on his face before she exited his office. Vincenzo followed.

  Crossing the receptionist area, both Mr. Contrino and John glanced at them.

  “Where are the two of you going?” the boss asked, straightening.

  Noticing a twinkle in his eyes, Vincenzo said, “I’m kidnapping your granddaughter.”

  He smiled. “Is that all?” He focused his attention on John, who appeared quite startled by the exchange.

  Near the elevator, Vincenzo asked, “Did you notice your grandfather’s expression?”

  “Yeah, something strange is brewing in his stubborn head. I’m afraid to find out what it might be.”

  How could he find out if good old Nonno kept his fingers crossed for romance? Could it be the reason why the old man hired him? Could this be a conspiracy to reunite the two families? Sneaky! My luck to spend time with her. The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in.

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “We might be dealing with an underhanded conspiracy.”

  She pushed his arm away. “What do you mean?” As soon as the words came out of her mouth, he noticed her eyes widen. “You don’t think he’s playing matchmaker?”

  She must have noticed much more than he thought.

  Fuck! He fought the temptation of kissing her beautiful lips. He didn’t want to move too fast. I don’t want to scare her. Her brow furrowed, and she lowered her glance, fidgeting with her fingers. He leaned his head back, breathing in the soft aroma of her perfume.

  Chapter 19

  Vincenzo

  Vincenzo slapped cologne on his face then combed his wet hair. Ever since Alicia realized her grandfather played matchmaker, her attitude toward him had softened.

  When his mother moved in with him, life became easier for his little sweetheart Olivia. She had missed her Nonna. The joy in her smile he never wanted to see gone again.

  The aroma of fresh espresso, scrambled eggs, and biscuits filled his lungs as he came out of his bedroom. His morning stops at the local café stopped, and his stomach no longer growled during morning meetings. After checking on Olivia, sleeping like a little angel all wrapped in her fuzzy blanket, he sauntered down the hallway to the kitchen and kissed his mother’s cheek.

  “Good morning, Atho.” Mom was a morning person, always happy and thankful for another day. She had taught him to be grateful for each morning God gave him to make things in his life right. Alicia came to mind. Ever since the special meeting between Mr. Contrino and his father at the Jefferson Hotel, Alicia allowed him to get a little closer.

  “Ma, what’s going on between you and Dad?” He sat at the table, watching his mother bring platters filled with eggs and biscuits. She also brought the coffee and orange juice.

  She poured. “Here, you need vitamins, too.” She pushed the four-ounce glass filled with orange juice toward him.

  He gazed at her, waiting for an answer.

  After settling across from him, she said, “Your father stopped by yesterday. He’s having a very hard time deciding what to do, but I know he’ll do the right thing.”

  Vincenzo laughed. “Ma, you forced him into a tight corner.”

  “Sometimes, your father is blinded by bling and needs a little help to see what’s really important in life.”

  “You don’t say.”

  “Do you also need a reality check, Atho?”

  “If you’re talking about Alicia, I don’t need one, not yet anyway.”

  Mom nodded.

  He loved her sensitive nature, but also loved her shrewdness. The woman knew what she wanted and how to get it, but everything she did she did with love.

  “If I don’t hurry up, I’ll be late for work.” He drained his demitasse and kissed his mother good-bye. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Ma.”

  “We need to fix the situation.” She tilted her head as he walked out of the house.

  When Vincenzo merged onto the street from his driveway, his cell buzzed. Reaching over, he pushed the radio on to answer the call. He loved Bluetooth. “Hello!”

  “Good morning, Vincenzo. Would you mind joining me and Alicia at the vineyard?”

  “Is something special going on?”

  “Not really, just thought you might enjoy the vines, they are full of grapes.”

  “Not a problem, Mr. Contrino. I’m on my way right now.”

  “Good. See you in a bit.” He disconnected the call.

  What is the old man up to now? Hell, I hope he didn’t invite Dad, too. He wouldn’t know until he got to the vineyard. Was the old man looking for a lazy day, or was his mind working overtime? A laid-back day with Alicia. His heart accelerated. Images of Alicia’s soft body played with his emotions, his dick responded. I’ve got to keep cool before I get into an accident. Vincenzo tried hard to concentrate on his driving, but thoughts of Alicia wouldn’t go away. He shook his head and turned the radio on to help keep his mind on the road.

  At the vineyard, Mr. Contrino met him in the two-story foyer. “Hello, Vincenzo.”

  He extended his hand. Vincenzo shook it and guided him into the gathering room where Alicia sat curled on a sofa reading a book. Was it a holiday? Confusion circled his brain, while his stomach tied into a big knot.

  “Good morning, Alicia.” He stared around the immaculate room.

  Lowering the book to her lap, she raised her lids, focusing on him. “Good morning, Vincenzo.” She went back to her reading, but, after a few seconds, she pulled out the bookmark from between the pages and placed it on the open page, shutting the book.

  The evil glare she gave her grandfather gave him pause. “Nonno, what is all this about?”

  Mr. Contrino smiled. “I didn’t feel like going to work today and wanted to be surrounded by my favorite people. John is very capable of handling the office in my absence, and all the other accountants know their job. The IT department doesn’t need me. Marketing doesn’t need me.” He paused. A mischievous twinkle sparkled in his eyes. “Let’s go have breakfast.” Rubbing his hands together, he exited the room.

  Alicia stood, lost and bewildered. “I hate it when he’s in one of these moods. I feel like I’m spinning senseless on a merry-go-round.”

  “I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.” Vincenzo extended his hand to her and she took it. “At some point, I’d like to go over my disappearance with you. I understand how much I hurt you, but I really believed my actions were best for you. It’s never easy to be involved with a parent.”

  “I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me the reason when it happened or give me the choice to deci
de whether to forgive you or not.” She glanced at him. “Did you think I’d judge you?”

  “Yes, you would have. Alicia, I had sex with another girl while we were together.”

  “You were drunk.”

  “Yes, I was.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “To be honest all I remember is waking up naked next to her.”

  “Why did you always get plastered at these parties?”

  “I always lost control.”

  “Vinnie, you’re such a jerk.”

  “Please, Alicia. I know I was an idiot…. Being a parent has forced me to grow up. Now, my time is primarily for Olivia. Most people don’t like to share their significant other with someone else’s child. I didn’t think it would be fair to you and truly believed you’d forget about me and move on.”

  “I rationalized I had moved on until you showed up again.”

  “Alicia—”

  “I didn’t have a boyfriend because I decided finishing my studies would serve me better than to waste my time with relationships. Working for my grandfather became far more important. You know, the goal that’s keeping me on track.” She flipped her hair behind her shoulder.

  He understood she didn’t like the subject, but he needed to clear the air to find out whether she still loved him.

  The aroma of fresh-brewed espresso filled his nostrils. He was ready for another demitasse or two of espresso.

  After breakfast, Alicia turned to him. “Do you want to go riding through the vineyard? The vines are full of tiny grapes.”

  He cocked his head. “In a suit?”

  “No, silly, you can change. I’m sure there’s something appropriate for this occasion in the guest room.” She headed to the stairs.

  “Am I going to have to play catch up like the first time?”

  “No, not catch up, but I do like to gallop through certain parts of the field.”

  The challenges of the day brought on a certain thrill. The unconventional boss situation played in his favor.

  In the guest room closet, he found a pair of jeans, and, to his amazement, they fit like a glove, well, maybe it was an exaggeration, but they were quite comfortable. When ready, he headed downstairs to find Alicia waiting in the entrance.

  “Come on, if we go out the back door the stables are closer.”

  He followed, enjoying the excitement she displayed. “You love horseback riding, don’t you?”

  She glanced at him, her face sporting an ear-to-ear grin. “It’s not just the riding. I love my horse.”

  A man with two saddled horses met them at the stable entrance. “Good morning, Miss Contrino.”

  “Good morning, Mr. Russo. Thank you for getting the horses ready.” She brushed her cheek against the side of her horse’s face. “Good morning, Devil. Are you ready for a wonderful gallop?”

  The horse scraped the ground with his hoof, lowering his head. She mounted. Vincenzo followed suit.

  Once on the mare, Vincenzo asked, “Where to?”

  “This way.” She turned Devil around and started on a canter.

  He followed, bringing his to her side. “Damn! Your grandfather is a crazy old dude.”

  “He can afford to.” She slowed the horse to a walk. “I’m convinced he is playing matchmaker. Too bad he doesn’t know you broke his granddaughter’s heart.”

  “It explains why he is so nice to me.” He swallowed before asking, “Does anyone in your family know we were together in the past?”

  “Only my mother.”

  Interesting, because the woman had always been so pleasant to him. Could she be conspiring with Mr. Contrino? With this unconventional family, everything became possible. “Can you ever forgive me and give us another chance?”

  She stopped Devil and turned on the saddle to face him. “I don’t know. I guess I’d need to get to know your little girl to see if she likes me. At this point, I don’t think it’s just about you and me. You need to consider Olivia.”

  Her furrowed brow scared him.

  “Why don’t you come over for dinner Saturday evening?” He smiled at her when her eyes went wide and her jaw slack. “We can have an informal dinner and princess cartoons with Olivia.”

  She sighed. “Fine. It’ll be fun getting to know Olivia.”

  Hearing her answer, he sighed in relief.

  Chapter 20

  Alicia

  Rummaging around the walk-in closet, Alicia couldn’t decide what to wear for the evening. She leaned her head against the wall. I’m still in love with him! It surprised her. She’d tried so hard to hate him. Vincenzo appeared nervous when he asked her to join him for dinner and an early evening of princess cartoons with his daughter Olivia. She hoped he understood it wouldn’t be a date, only a way for her to get to know his little girl. Knowing well in her heart she still loved him, she didn’t want it to be apparent while she tried to figure out if he really still cared about her and how the child would impact the relationship. She remembered the sigh of relief escaping from her at the mention of cartoons. Maybe because of their past, embarking in a friendly relationship with him scared her.

  The informality of it all warranted she wear jeans and a semi-elegant blouse. Should she wear heels with the simple ensemble? Maybe flats would be best for this easygoing occasion. Drowning her mind in fickle matters of fashion helped keep her emotions under control.

  Sauntering down the winding staircase in her casual attire, Mina stopped her midway. “Where are you going?”

  “Having dinner at Vincenzo’s place so I can meet his little Olivia.”

  She whistled. “Is this your first date?” Alicia didn’t like the sarcasm spilling from her tone.

  “Jealousy does not become you.”

  “I thought you didn’t like him.” She twisted her lips.

  “I’m not going to stand here and have a silly argument with you.” She continued down the stairs.

  Mina followed. “Are you out to steal my man?”

  Alicia gazed into her sister’s dark eyes and realized how serious her infatuation had become. “First off, he’s an old flame from college.” She tilted her head. “Second, he’s too old for you.”

  Her frown deepened. “He’s not too old and if he’s an old flame, he should be mine.” She ran up the stairs. “Why should you always get what you want?” She leaned over the banister. “I hope the little girl hates you.”

  Sometimes Mina could be such a pain, but she did love her.

  Her granddad came out of his study and she almost bumped into him. “Where are you going? Dinner is soon. Why aren’t you dressed?”

  “Vincenzo invited me for dinner to introduce me to his precious little Olivia.” She didn’t like the grin across his face. “Is there something you’re hiding from me?”

  “Whatever gave you such an idea?” He shoved his hands in his khaki pockets. Not a good sign.

  She leaned over and kissed his cheek, not wanting to play guessing games. “I am going to find out sooner or later, you know.” She called as she strode to the door. Knowing she would be going out, she’d left her car near the entrance.

  Once she settled in the driver’s seat, tied a scarf around her head, turned on the GPS, and typed in Vincenzo’s address, she lowered the top of her convertible.

  She loved her new car and feeling the wind swirl around as she drove. Nonno always amazed her with his super-expensive gifts. Thinking about it, the extravaganza started after Dad died. Old fool, I love you no matter what.

  At the apartment complex, she found Vincenzo’s unit with ease. Parking the car in a visitor spot, she sauntered to his front door, playing with her purse’s strap, unsure of how the evening would play out. Her stomach rumbled, filled with the acrid juices of nerves and anticipation.

  After ringing the doorbell, she stood, staring at the door, rubbing her arms.

  The door opened. “Hello, Alicia. Won’t you come in?” Vincenzo’s soothing voice greeted her.

  Stepping inside, she said, “Thank you. How are you?�
�

  “Doing well, thanks. Olivia is very excited about meeting you.”

  “She’s two years old, isn’t she?” Why would a toddler be excited about meeting me? Not wanting to be mean, she smiled.

  Glancing around, she realized she’d never seen an apartment as large as this unit, feeling more like a house than an apartment.

  A little girl with a bright, intelligent gaze shuffled in, staring at Alicia. Her dark hair pulled away from her face with a sunflower headband, Olivia pursed her heart-shaped lips and ran into her father’s arms. “Olivia, this is Alicia.” He stepped close to her. “Alicia, this is my daughter Olivia.”

  “It’s great to meet you, Olivia. How old are you?”

  The little girl pushed out her hand holding two fingers in the air. “Twooooo.”

  “You’re such a big girl.”

  She giggled and, with extended arms, threw herself in Alicia’s direction. Alicia caught her and held the squirming child. “Would you like to show me your room?”

  “Yethhh.”

  “While Olivia is showing off all her toys, I’ll get dinner on the table.” Vincenzo moved to the kitchen section of the huge room.

  Alicia set Olivia down and took her hand, letting the child guide her to the bedroom. The large room decorated in pale pinks and minty greens resembled a princess room. A plush pink carpet covered most of the hardwood floor. The white wood canopy bed showed off a comforter with four princesses—Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, and Snow White. A wooden table with four miniature chairs sat in a corner with coloring pencils and books scattered on top. On the minty-green cushion on the window seat rested a beautiful china doll dressed in pink organza. Olivia ran to it and, picking her up, squealed, “Pincess.”

  Alicia sat on the window seat and took the doll. “She’s very pretty.” She helped the child sit next to her. “Did Daddy give it to you?”

  She shook her head. “Nonna.”

  “Your grandmother gave you the doll?”

  “Yethhh.” Olivia stood, leaning against the glass, staring at the table filled with coloring books and pencils. “Colo,” she said, pointing.