Page 39 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

"Sure. Let me know which name wins. I'll pick up that bottle and case of wine later today."

"Is he always like that?" I ask as we watch Brennen and Joselyn hurry away, hand-in-hand. “Crazier than a road lizard?”

Sophie’s brow crinkles. “Huh?”

“You know—one day he’s crankier than a wolverine, and the next he’s all hearts and roses, walking on cloud nine?”

"Oh.” Sophie laughs. "Yeah, basically. Since I've been here, anyway. But this is the first time I’ve seen the hearts and roses."

She meets my gaze. "I've heard some of the winery employees whispering about money problems. That's probably why he was so excited about this wine." She nudges her chin toward the retreating couple, strolling arm-in-arm, joined at the hip. “Plus, Joselyn may have something to do with his good mood.”

I grunt. "Well, any wine connoisseur would be excited about this wine. Sophia's Blend is fantastic." I grin at the stink eye she gives me. "But in all seriousness, do you really think the winery has money problems?"

Sophie shrugs. "Based on the round of layoffs we had just before you arrived, probably. But I have tunnel vision when I'm focused on wine, so I don’t notice much. The only thing I worry about is getting supplies in on time and my vendors paid. There haven't been any issues there, thank god."

"That's good to know. I'd hate to get all the way out here just to have this place close down."

Sophie gives me a satisfied smile that makes my heart grow like the grinch's. "Don't you worry. Beach Bum is gonna solve all our problems."

Several people turn to look at us as my laughter booms out over the event field.

Damn, I believe her.

Chapter 5

Sophie

Alex lifts a glass. "Here's to Sophia's Blend. She was a huge success today."

His grin is so adorable, yet mischievous at the same time, that I can’t hold back the laughter. He hasn’t stopped crowing about winning the naming contest today. Yet, I have to admit, the nameSophia's Blenddoes give the new wine a fancy edge.

I tap my glass to his and take a sip. "ToSophia's Blend. I can't wait to rub it in my brothers' faces."

I feel Alex's answering chuckle deep in my bones as I take a sip of my creation. The flavor is light, crisp, and ever so slightly sweet.

Utter perfection, if I do say so myself.

“This is my favorite spot in Pelican Point,” I comment, watching the waves churn onto the sandy shoreline. “I found it not long after I got here. It’s so peaceful and private.” I meet his inquisitive gaze. “I like to come here when I need to think.”

“It’s perfect,” Alex murmurs, and I don’t know if he’s talking about the beach or the wine. He holds his glass up to the waning light, tilting it from side to side. "You know…we really do have afantastic wine on our hands here. I'll be interested in hearing the results of Brennen's mysterious critic and competition."

I can't stop the snort that explodes from my mouth. "Everything about Brennen is mysterious. His moods, his behavior, his business choices… Why should critics and competitions be any different? But I agree, and I really don’t like that he set them up without including me. I’ve refused to be part of critic tastings for their old wines, but this one is my baby. And I want to know how this wine will rank."

Alex picks up a carrot from the charcuterie platter that sits off to the side and swirls it in the hummus. "Do you think the batch we made last week will be just as good?"

I shake my head slowly from side to side and start to chuckle as Alex's face falls. His pouty bottom lip and puppy dog eyes are adorable. "You don't think so?"

"Nope," I reply, emphasizing the 'p.' Then I grin. "It'll be even better."

In an instant, his smooth chocolate gaze brightens, and if it was possible for eyes to sparkle like an anime character, his would right now. "Really?"

God, I really want to kiss him. The expression on his face is sincere and hopeful, sending his attractiveness off the charts. I've been replaying that scene at the ballfield nonstop since that night, and I’m dying to repeat it. But Alex has been nothing but a Boy Scout at every interaction, which has been frequent considering we’re together constantly, working on the new blends.

Right now, I just want to grab him by the ears and slam my mouth against his.

How romantic, Soph!

Instead, I draw in a full breath, enjoying the fresh sea air and sound of the surf as I look out at the darkening sky. My eyes automatically search out the stars. The setting sun is behind us,and while most people would rather watch as it sinks into the horizon, I prefer staring out at the night sky as it awakens.

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