Page 5 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

Quickly, she snagged it and scurried around a couple of tables, keeping her head down. All she had to do was make it outside to the courtyard. She’d find a table, put her sunglasses back on, and mind her own damn business.

“Humph.” She hit something—or someone—tall and hard. “Shit.” Her strawberry drink spilled down the front of her shirt. It also landed on… she glanced up, adjusting her massive hat.

Merlot.

She blinked, staring into his deep, soulful blue eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” He raced to the counter and grabbed a handful of napkins. “I was trying to get my parents’ attention and didn’t see you.” He held out his hand and stared with wide eyes. “You look like someone I used to know.”

With a shaky hand, she took the napkins and patted down her chest. “I get that all the time. I think I have that kind of face.”

“Let me buy you another one of these.” He took her cup and tossed it in the garbage. “My baby sister drinks these all the time. She’s totally addicted to them, and come to think of it, the girl you remind me of used to like them too.” He lifted the cup. “Hey, Dad. Add a Zinny drink to the order, please.”

“That’s really not necessary.” Shit. Shit. Shit. This was not good. She needed to get the hell out of town. Screw having someone come out and clean the rental. It would give her something to do while she waited for Claudia to come to town.

“I should be buying you a new outfit too,” Merlot said.

“It was my fault,” she managed to choke out. She reached over her shoulder and took a few strands of hair and twisted them through her fingers.

He stretched out his arm. “I’m Merlot River. My family owns The River Winery outside of town.”

Her heart beat so fast she thought it would jump right out of her damn chest. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Talbot Grant.”

“Hey, son.” Carter River approached holding two drinks on a tray and a bag of goodies. Weezer stood at his side with two more drinks.

“Dad. Mom. This is Talbot. As you can see, I managed to spill her beverage,” Merlot said.

“Oh, dear. You’re never going to get that out,” Weezer said.

“It’s a pleasure, Talbot. I’m Carter, and this is my wife, Weezer. Are you new to Candlewood Falls?” Carter asked.

“I’m just passing through.” Day one and she’d literally bumped into all the people she couldn’t afford to see. She gripped her purse with her free hand and thumbed the strap.

If she got through this and they were none the wiser, she’d make it through the month. However, that meant she needed to go around town and behave like she belonged.

Because she didn’t.

This wasn’t her town anymore.

And these weren’t her people.

“Well, welcome,” Weezer said. “Come to The River Winery and I’d love to give you a free bottle of wine as a welcome to our town.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” No need to be rude and tell Weezer she’d never show up. She knew Weezer would take that as a personal insult and there was no reason to piss her off.

“What brings you to our town?” Carter asked.

“I’m helping a friend who recently inherited an old mansion.” There were things she had to lie about—like her past identity—but she could be honest about her reason for being in Candlewood Falls. Claudia had no idea about Talbot’s connections and wouldn’t hesitate to mention her assistant to anyone who asked.

“You must be referring to Georgette’s place,” Merlot said.

“Yes. My friend, Claudia, is her niece.” Talbot nodded.

“Is Claudia here?” Carter asked.

“Not yet, but I expect her in a few days.” Talbot glanced at her watch. “I really need to get going. It was nice to meet you all.”

“You as well,” Merlot said. “I hope to see you at the winery.”

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