A Taste of Romance

by Rhonda Laurel

  “Do you mind?” she asked.

  “Not at all.”

  She channel-hopped until she found a station that was playing Lana’s latest single. She had to give it to Lana. The management team ran her career like a well-oiled machine. The DJ came on the air after the song ended.

  “That was Lana’s new single ‘Come Back Love.’ She’s gearing up for her worldwide tour kicking off here in Los Angeles, California. Her opening act will be Trina Reed, Atlantis Blue’s newest rising star.”

  She gasped. She’d completely put the tour out of her mind. She was slated to open for Lana two weeks after her album debut.

  The DJ continued. “There’s still no word on Trina Reed after she left Lana McNeal’s swanky beach party after having a blow up with boyfriend, music producer Godfrey. Trina Reed had one hell of a week. First, her mic conks out on national television, then she has a fight with her boyfriend. Talk about a tumultuous music debut.”

  She reached up and turned off the radio. She didn’t have to look over—she could feel Marco looking at her.

  “Sorry. I couldn’t take it. There’s something about hearing a person talk about you as if they know you.”

  “I guess you should get used to that. Is that why you left L.A.? Boyfriend trouble?”

  She shook her head. “None of it is true. The mic malfunctioning and the music producer boyfriend. He’s not my boyfriend.”

  “What happened?”

  She bit her lip. “I didn’t have a mic failure like they reported in the news. I froze like a deer on that stage. It was humiliating. The record company and my manager spun it into a malfunction issue so I wouldn’t look like a total loser.”

  “It happens.”

  “The worst part is that I don’t know why I froze. I’m usually confident on stage. When I approach a microphone, I own it.” She sighed.

  “I’m sure it isn’t as bad as you think.”

  “No, it felt ten times worse, actually. If I could have disappeared into another dimension, I would have.”

  He looked at her for a moment. “Many years ago, I once served the wrong wine with fish at a cooking class.”

  “The horror.” She burst out laughing. “Did the wine gods try to run you out of Napa?”

  “No, but I had to put up with ridicule for years from a really obnoxious rival,” he replied with a straight face.

  “I suppose, for someone who prides himself on his knowledge of wine, that’s like a major snafu.” She bit back a smile. “How did you manage to do that?”

  “I was fooling around in a coat closet before the class with one of the students, and I lost focus.”

  “Oh. So, this is really a sex story that didn’t end well.”

  “Well, there was a happy ending. But not in the cooking class.” He grinned.

  “If this is supposed to cheer me up, it’s not,” she said.

  Marco pulled into the parking lot of the vineyard and cut the engine to the car.

  “You had one bad moment.” He caressed her cheek. “You can’t let it define you.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know how.”

  “You’ll find a way through. I believe in you.”

  “Thanks.” She touched his hand.

  “And.” He cleared his throat. “What’s the deal with this Godfrey guy?”

  “We hardly knew each other. The media has concocted a relationship. But I guess in Hollywood, knowing someone a week is tantamount to a five-year relationship.”

  “I’ve heard things can move fast in that world.”

  “It’s a fast-paced life. How could anyone know a person they only met for a week?” She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. She knew it was possible because she was fighting the feelings she was having for him. A whirlwind fling was one thing, but what she was beginning to feel for Marco was deeper than that.

  “It happens more than you think,” he replied. “The question is whether you accept the feeling as genuine when it happens.”

  “Is that what happened with your exes?”

  “You are very curious about my marriages.”

  “Well, when I said exes, I meant the wives and women you’ve dated over the years.”

  “I told you before, I am finished with brief romances. I know what I want.” He looked her in the eye. “What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  “This Godfrey guy is a fake, but who’s waiting for you back in Philadelphia?”

  “No one. I took a break from dating when I started getting serious about my career. It was getting hard to tell who wanted me for me and not because I might become rich and famous someday,” she said thoughtfully. “Like I said before, it’s all about finding the right mate.”

  “The right person may be closer than you think.” Marco got out, rounded the car, and opened the door for her.

  “What do you think about steaks for dinner tonight?”

  “Sounds good. We’ll make it an early day and go to the market.” He smiled.

  “Great. I’ll see you around five?”

  “Yes.” He kissed her on the cheek.

  Suddenly it was awfully hot, and it wasn’t from the sun’s rays beating down on them. He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her back into the main building. Portia was waiting for her to help with another tasting, and Maria informed him that they’d been looking for him in the warehouse. He’d turned his phone off again. She noticed he would turn it off whenever they were together as if he didn’t want anyone to interrupt their time together. He was cherishing it as she was, and it made her heart warm.

  She couldn’t see herself falling for him. He was the right guy, but at the wrong time in her life. Soon she’d be back in Los Angeles, and it would be foolish to rush into a steamy love affair with a gorgeous Italian vintner. But that was exactly what her heart wanted.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Trina was looking around at the patrons, who were all having a great time. She’d taken a break from working in the tasting room this afternoon to help the Café Vino staff get ready for music night and was happy it was a great success. The energy around the vineyard had changed. Everyone was normally upbeat, but today they were positively giddy about the entertainment for the evening. The band on stage were locals, but they played really well. No wonder Marco was jazzed about them playing.

  It felt good to be around music again. Even if she was still ignoring her own music career. She hadn’t returned any calls from her so-called managers or any of the other people from the record company. She still needed some time to think things through. She was not ready to go back into the lion’s den and had to decide if she really wanted to.

  She looked around for Marco but couldn’t find him. He’d been working the crowd a few minutes ago. It was no surprise all the patrons wanted to chat with him. He was a marvel when he got into his hosting zone. The women loved him, the men looked at him in admiration, and he was gracious and kind to everyone he met. She almost felt a little jealous he was giving everyone so much attention. She loved just the two of them winding down in the evenings.

  She looked at the stage, and although she got that familiar excitement about seeing the instruments and the equipment, the knowledge that she no longer had the nerve to get up there was grating on her. She’d taken Marco’s words to heart about this just being a hurdle to her impending stardom, but she still couldn’t help but feel it was more than that. Deep down she was scared of failure on many levels. She didn’t want to disappoint her family, who had so much faith in her. She didn’t want to fade into obscurity as soon as she got started. And she didn’t want to have any regrets about her life.

  She was usually fearless, but all she wanted to do recently was sit on her grandma’s couch and eat chocolate cake. She talked to her grandma every day, but she missed her hugs. But Marco had been doing a good job making her feel good since she’d arrived at the vineyard. Her homesickness wasn’t as bad as it had been last week. And it was all Marco’s doing. />
  As if summoned by her thoughts, Marco appeared before her. He looked great tonight in a white dress shirt and a pair of jeans. “Katrina. I have a surprise for you.”

  “What is it?”

  “I told the band about you, and they’d be honored if you’d sing.”

  “You did what?” She frowned.

  “Maybe it will help you get over whatever made you freeze Los Angeles.”

  “I can’t go out there and sing. I’m not ready. You go tell them I can’t do it.” She hurried into the building.

  Marco caught up to her a minute later. He gently put his hand on her arm to slow her down. “You said so yourself, it’s not the small audiences that scare you.”

  She stopped. “Yeah, but now it’s all audiences. Remember, I told you I have singer’s yips.”

  “Yips?” He furrowed his eyebrows. “Oh yes, the performance anxiety. It’s just in your head.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have to step up to the microphone and look like an idiot.”

  “Just give it a chance.”

  “No.” She wriggled out of his grasp. “I won’t embarrass myself.”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “Yes. It’s what I want.” She walked back out of the building.

  * * *

  Marco couldn’t figure out how he could have gotten things so wrong. He knew Trina just needed another chance to sing and she’d get over her fears, and tonight was a perfect night to do it. The band leader was more than happy to let her sing, and she’d be able to showcase that lovely voice that sang around his house every day.

  The band had performed four of the songs they were scheduled to play, and they’d already agreed to give Trina the stage to sing as many songs as she liked. Now all he had to do was convince her to get on the stage.

  He wanted to give her some time to cool off, but damn it, she was missing a good time. She was also missing her chance to work through whatever was holding her back. At this point, she was in danger of letting it cripple her for the rest of her life. He looked at his watch. An hour was a respectable amount of time to let her cool off, but if it wasn’t, so be it. He wasn’t going to let Trina stand in her own way and risk losing the career she wanted.

  They’d come to the winery together, so he was pretty sure she hadn’t walked back to his house. He searched the first floor, but there was no sign of her. The sun was setting, so she was probably up on the veranda. He climbed the steps two at a time, hoping she’d be there, and she was sitting there with a glass of wine in her hand. He walked over and took a seat next to her.

  “Katrina.” He put his elbows on his knees. “I gave you enough time to gather your thoughts. What are you doing up here?”

  “Enough time. It’s only been an hour.”

  “The band’s almost finished their set. There’s still time for you to sing.”

  “That’s easy for you to say.” She folded her arms across her chest.

  “Yes, it is. I am not the talented one who sings like an angel. I am not the one who fills my home with wonderful music every day. Frankly, I think you’re being pretty stubborn and selfish.”

  “Me? Selfish?”

  He nodded. “We are all given talents but no instructions on how to use them. You’ve found your voice, and you know what to do with it. Don’t waste it. Do I have to call your grandma and tell her you’re behaving like an infant?”

  “You wouldn’t dare.” She squinted at him. “I am not acting like a baby. I’m just not used to being out of my element.”

  “You miss home.”

  “Yes. My sisters and cousins are always there rooting for me. It’s invigorating.”

  “Someone who cares for you is right here with you. I will root for you. I will be your family.” He stood and pulled her up with him.

  “You will?”

  “I think you know I care for you.” He caressed her cheek. “Maybe more than I should, knowing we don’t have much time together. But I do.”

  “If I start to stammer, will you come up on the stage and sing with me?” She moved closer to him.

  “I can. I sound like a sick cat when I sing, but if it will help you, I will do that.”

  She put her arms around him and squeezed him tight. “OK.”

  “Come.” He took her hand and led her down the stairs. “Do you want to get over these yips, or what?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then get up on stage and show this crowd why you are about to become a famous singer. Pierce, the band leader, is waiting for you by the bar.”

  She stopped him when they got to the landing and looked him in the eyes. “Why do you have so much faith in me?”

  “Intuition.” He smiled. “You have music in your heart. It would be unnatural for you not to sing. You just need to get over the fear of singing for the masses.”

  * * *

  Trina went into the bathroom to fluff out her hair and checked her makeup. She took a deep breath, straightened her posture and went in search of Pierce, who was at the bar. He was a lovely guy who totally had a jazz vibe about him. They talked for a few minutes and settled on a classic, Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love.”

  “Everyone, we have a very special guest tonight. Trina Reed, the latest talent from Atlantis Blue who’s making her debut in a couple of weeks, is here and has agreed to sing with us. Give her a big round of applause.”

  Once that was all settled and he talked to the other band members, she took to the stage. They began playing the familiar intro, and as soon as she heard the notes, she knew it was her turn to sing. And she did it without hesitation. It was as if new life was being breathed into her lungs as she continued to belt out a few more lyrics until she found her rhythm and then it all came rushing back.

  The feeling she got when she sang a song filled her body. She felt her confidence rise as she hit each high note, reminding her of why she loved what she did. The pleasure she took in writing songs of her own. The warmth from the crowd of pleased faces. The look on Marco’s face. He stood near the entrance and watched. She was just as mesmerized by him. So much so that she closed her eyes a few times because it was too intense to meet his gaze. She hoped he knew why she chose the song. Just like the sultry lyrics, she was becoming unhinged by the attraction between them.

  By the time she was done, the applause was overwhelming. She took a bow, and when the audience asked her for an encore, Etta James’s song “At Last” popped into her head. She loved that song. It was the song that kept her grandfather alive in her grandmother’s heart. The slower rhythm was fine by her, and it felt as if it were just her Marco out on the patio. Once she was done, she bowed again, then exited the stage. He was waiting for her.

  “Katrina. You were wonderful.” He kissed her on each cheek.

  “Thank you.” She smiled. “I guess I just needed to get back to where I felt comfortable. In front of a small crowd. Can I get a glass of water?”

  “Of course, come inside.” He took her by the hand and led her over to one of the tables with a pitcher and glasses on it.

  “That hit the spot.”

  “I told you all you needed was to get in front of a crowd again.”

  “You did. Thank you.” She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, but he turned his head and caught her on the mouth instead. He pulled her into his arms and parted her lips with his tongue to deepen the kiss. She intended for it to be an appreciative smooch, but as soon as their lips connected, the passion that had been smoldering between them since they’d met ignited.

  “I want to make love to you.” His smile faded a bit. “Now.”

  “You can’t just leave in the middle of music night.”

  “I’m the boss. I can do whatever the hell I want.” He took her hand and headed toward the parking lot to his car.

  * * *

  As soon as they got in the house, she turned to him. “I think we should talk—”

  Was all she was able to get out becaus
e Marco pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck to draw him down to her level, but he just tightened his grip on her waist and hoisted her up into his arms. When they broke apart, it felt like eons had passed.

  “You were saying?”

  “Talk is cheap.” She gulped. “I want to make love to you.”

  “My sentiments exactly.”

  She touched his lips. “This is a special occasion. I want champagne.”

  “OK.” He gently put her down on the floor, zipped into the kitchen and retrieved a bottle of champagne and two glasses. He handed them to her, then picked her up again. He climbed the steps two at a time, then made the left into his bedroom.

  Clothes couldn’t come off fast enough as they placed frantic kisses on each other. The feel of his hands roaming her body and his lips trailing kisses down her neck to her breasts was sublime. Once his shirt was removed, she could see his well-defined muscle and six-pack stomach. He was like a sculpture in a museum. He was just as magnificent as she’d imagined when she fantasized about him. Finally, they were naked. Marco threw back the covers and laid her down on the bed and covered her body with his. Within minutes they were both hot and bothered and ready for action, so Marco reached into the nightstand for a condom. He quickly sheathed himself then stopped.

  “Sei la mossa bella donna che abbia mai conosciuto.”

  She didn’t try to figure it out what he’d said, but she knew it was something beautiful because it was coming from him. Hearing him speak Italian since the days she’d met was like a siren song. She’d become drawn to the sweet beckoning of his voice.

  She braced herself as he entered her in one swift, precise move. She gasped as the impact sent shivers all over her body. They quickly found a rhythm and moved in sync as they held onto each other. She grabbed onto his back, wanting more of him as he thrust wildly in and out. Time had slowed, but it was also rushing too fast. Soon she was reaching her crescendo, so she slapped him on the ass. He sped up the pace, and they both yelled out as they came together with an explosive climax. He collapsed on top of her but was careful to keep his elbows braced on the bed.