Page 137 of Spying Under the Mistletoe
We drove past a few wineries on the way, but he didn’t so much as slow down at any of them. In fact, it’s like he’s been here before. He knew exactly where he was going without turning on the GPS.
“Not in the typical sense,” he says.
Mom and I share a confused glance.
We approach the smaller building, and Landon opens the door for us to enter. The tingle of a small bell above the door announces us.
The only other person inside the store is a woman in her forties, examining a bottle of wine. She looks in our direction and a warm smile grows on her face. “Landon, it’s nice to see you again.”
My curiosity cranks up tenfold. Landon never mentioned he knew anyone here.
She shakes his hand. “And you must be Chloe Reinhart.”
I nod. “That’s right.”
“I’m Regina Helm. It’s nice to finally get to meet the owner of the winery.” She spreads her arms wide, gesturing to the building and the vineyards beyond the walls.
But she’s not looking at Landon when she says it. She’s talking directly to me.
Huh?
“What do you mean?”
“Your grandfather bought the property several years ago and put it under your name,” Landon explains.
“He did?” That’s an odd thing to do after you boot your granddaughter from the family. “How come he never mentioned it to me?” An unwelcome thought hits me like a stick of salami to the head. I groan. “God, I’m going to be nailed with back taxes, aren’t I? It’s not like I declared this place to the IRS.”
Was this the old man’s final act of vengeance because I wanted nothing to do with the family business?
Nice.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Your accountant was making sure the IRS was kept happy so no one inadvertently stumbled across your grandfather’s connection to the place. He wasn’t listed on the papers.”
Well, that would explain a few things.
“So, this is mine?” My voice comes out sounding like a chipmunk who’s been stepped on.
He nods.
“But I don’t know anything about running a vineyard.”
“Neither did your grandfather,” Regina says. “That’s why he hired my husband and me to manage the vineyard and the winery. And…well…we’re hoping you’ll still keep us on now that you’re officially the owner.” Her expression reminds me of when Whiskey’s eager for a treat—a treat he loves with all his doggy being.
In the short time Landon and I have known each other, he has gained the ability to guess what I’m thinking. And this time is no exception. “One of Liam’s contacts looked into the winery and the books. He was impressed at how well it’s doing.”
I smile at Regina, thankful no one is expecting me to suddenly take over the helm. “Well, in that case, I don’t see any reason for things to be changed around here. Other than the owner needing to become educated about what’s involved with running a winery. I hope you’ll be willing to help me there.”
She beams brighter than a firefly’s glowing butt. “Absolutely. Thank you.”
Landon threads his fingers with mine. “Now, if there are no objections, I’m stealing my girlfriend to show her around.”
He doesn’t wait for a reply. Not that it would’ve probably mattered if there were any. Either way, he plans to steal me.
And I’m more than thrilled to be stolen.
By him—and only him.
He leads me out the door we came through and escorts me to the side of the larger building, where no one can see us. He presses me against the wall, every part of his body making contact with mine.
