Page 36 of Champagne and Daisies

“Me neither. He’s not the ogre I wanted him to be.”

“Then why don’t you let him help you?”

She frowned. “I am. I’m not stopping him from doing what he’s here to do. He’s going through everything, and he’ll make his recommendations when he’s done.”

“I know, but why don’t you want to listen to his recommendations now? Put them into effect?”

“Because he’ll want to put profits above everything else, and that’s not what I’m about.”

Gene shook his head.

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just from what I’ve seen, he might have some ideas that could help you now.”

“I don’t want his kind of help. I just want to get through this, and then when he’s gone, I’ll take over and go my own way.”

Gene chuckled. “You’ve always gone your own way.”

“Yep, and I don’t intend to change direction now. Anyway, did you really come in here to talk about that?”

“No. I wanted to ask if you want to come for dinner on Saturday? I think Rita’s sick of having me home all the time and wants some company other than mine. She’s inviting a few people over for a bit of a get-together, and we’d like you to come.”

“Of course. I’d love to. What can I bring?”

“Just yourself. We’re going to grill out. It won’t be anything fancy.”

“That sounds great. How many people will there be?”

He shrugged. “I dunno yet.”

“Well, then I’ll make a huge dessert, enough for lots of people, and plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth for a while if it’s only a few people.”

“Thanks.” He got to his feet. “I’m going to be up in the offices with Cameron and Mary Ellen this week, so if I don’t see you before, I’ll see you Saturday, about six.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

He stopped when he got to the door and turned back. “Think about what I said. Maybe Grant could help you now if you let him. You might want to listen to what he has to say.”

She nodded. “Okay. I’ll listen.”

Once Gene had gone she stared out the window for a few moments. Was she really being too stubborn? She was trying to sideline Grant and just endure the time till he was gone. Maybe she should heed Gene’s advice. Perhaps Grant would have some suggestions that she could use in her own way. She blew out a sigh. Or perhaps not.

Chapter Eleven

Grant arrived at Zosca early on Wednesday morning. He parked in the little parking lot around back and took his time walking to the office building. He loved the early mornings, but he especially loved them here. There was a real feel of a new day dawning in the valley—and here at Zosca especially. He believed a new day was about to dawn for the little winery. Chelsea was about to have her day. He was surprised at himself how much he was rooting for her. He wondered how he’d see the situation if Zosca were run by someone else. Would he be so accepting of any other manager who was doing what she was? He was pretty sure the answer was no. He wouldn’t tolerate such sentimentality, not if it detracted from the bottom line. He pulled himself together as he reached the front door. He was spending the day working with her today, and he was looking forward to it. He knew he should try to lay things out for her—show her the errors of her ways, but he wasn’t even sure that he would—wasn’t sure there’d be any point. She didn’t want to hear it. She was just biding her time until she could be free of him and her father and could go about things however she pleased. He was a little concerned about how she’d fare left to her own devices. She was astute enough, but without her father’s influence to keep her in check, she might let her heart lead her into financial trouble.

It wasn’t his problem. He needed to remember that. She was her own person. Zosca would surely become her own company, and she would succeed or fail by her own choices. He didn’t have any influence on what she did. All he could do was the job he’d been brought in to do, which was make recommendations.

“Good morning.”

He smiled when he saw her. She was standing in the reception area, looking as gorgeous as ever. “Good morning,” he replied. “Are you ready for me?”

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked confused. He wasn’t sure if she’d forgotten that she was working with him today or if she thought he meant something else. He’d love to think what that something else could be. Was she ready for him? Ready for him to take her into her office and unbutton that white blouse. Ready for him to lay her back on her desk and …

“Yes.” She recovered too quickly for his fantasy to go any further. “Shall we get some coffee first?”

“Sure.” He followed her through to the break room and forced himself not watch her ass as they went.

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