Page 71 of A Taste of Chardonnay

“I can assure you, Ms. Grasso, everything we have done and will continue to do is above the board. Did you ever think you might be upset because your little family winery can’t keep up with the times?”

Oh, he did not. “Look, buddy. That ‘little family winery’ is the heart of this town. My grandfather started it from a single vine, and we’re now a multi-million-dollar corporation that provides hospitality, jobs, and a sense of community to the people here. Not to mention very generous donations throughout the community. We don’t cut corners. We don’t undermine competition. And we sure as hell don’t play dirty tricks. So, if you think you can waltz your overpriced shoes in here with your shady practices and disrespect what my family has built, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Do you want it to be?”

“That’s enough!” the mayor said, yanking at his tie that was too short. “We are dealing with facts here, not accusations. You both will have a chance to state your case at a formal hearing. Until then, let’s keep this civil.”

A million arguments rose in my throat, but Brady grabbed my hand and squeezed it. Laurent nodded his approval at what I had already said, and I knew, despite having a litany of other things to say, now wasn’t the time.

I settled into a seat, never taking my eyes off the enemy.

“You did good,” Brady said.

“I’m not done yet.”

“Oh, I know, and those people are going to be sorry.”

“They have no idea.”

This was a battle that would rage on for months… maybe even years. We were just getting started and, like any great war, you couldn’t show all your cards upfront. I’d bide my time. In the end, there would be one winner, and it wasn’t going to be those at the front of the room. It would be the people whose blood, sweat, and tears helped to create the legacy that was Vine Valley Vineyards. The people who gave two shits about the town and its people.

It would be my family.

God, she was hot when she was spitting fire. I had been looking forward to getting this meeting over with and going back to my place to Chardonnay in that ridiculous overpriced piece of lingerie, but watching her command the room and giving those people a piece of her mind was the perfect foreplay.

She spoke with Laurent and Phoebe for a moment. Lainey cleaned the dessert table and packed the leftover cake for Albert. He took it and even cracked a smile before hurrying away just as Odette was closing in.

Albert smacked me on the shoulder as he passed, and normally I’d walk out with him, but tonight I was waiting for Char. Her eyes met mine, and a slight smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. Most people probably wouldn’t have noticed, but I did.

She said her goodbyes and made her way over to me. “Get me out of here before I sink my teeth into one of those jerkoffs.”

“The only person I want your teeth sinking into is me.”

“Just because I read vampire romance books doesn’t mean I actually want teeth play.”

I leaned in, my lips barely touching the curve of her ear. “Until you’re coming, and you’re screaming so loud, and the only way to quiet yourself is to sink your teeth into my shoulder.”

“Pretty confident in yourself.”

“Always.”

“Why don’t we go back to your place, and you can show me that confidence. I can finally put on that new La Perla set?”

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” Impatient, I wrapped my arm around her waist and pressed my lips to hers.

“So it is true,” Odette said, and I reluctantly broke the kiss.

Chardonnay ran a hand down her suit and turned toward Odette. “Yes, Brady and I are… well we’re…”

“Together,” I said, linking my fingers through hers.

Odette didn’t even bat an eye. “So, what should we call you? Chardy? Bradonay? No, I don’t like that one.”

“Excuse me?” Chardonnay said.

“You know, like all those celebrity couples who have cute nicknames: Tayvis, Brangelina but they’re not together anymore, so that’s a bad example.”

---