Page 59 of Lochlan

“I can be there in two hours. Will I be meeting with you, or will Kenzie attend?”

The mention of her name gives me an expected stab of regret. As long as I don't think about her, Kenzie stays in a shut compartment in my mind. “Kenzie has already contributed her part. From now on, it will just be you and me on the project.”

“Then I'll see you after lunch.”

* * *

Fiona givesme a surprised smile when she sees me standing at the path leading to the winery entrance. The heels of her boots click on the cobblestone pavement, her hair a mass of brown waves swinging with the breeze with each step.

“I know you said you would be here in two hours,” I call out to her, “but I thought I would take a chance to be here when you arrived. I'd like to start off our meeting with a tour.”

As Fiona draws near, she opens her arms for a hug. I take her into my arms and old memories crop up without warning as her scent fills my senses. I hold her, not sure if this is the right path to take.

“I think this is a better welcome than the one we had in the study,” she says into the sleeve of my sweater.

I stop my evaluations, squeeze her tighter, and enjoy the moment. “Maybe, but the welcome we had in the study was memorable,” I say, as she looks up at me, lips slightly parted, ready for a kiss. We look at each other for a few heartbeats, while I decide if a public display is worth it. I work here, after all, and need to set an example.

“Lochlan?”

I release Fiona to answer Connell, who's driven up in one of the silent electric carts we use to crisscross the property. There's a shade of annoyance with me as he climbs out of the cart. He's dressed in the MacTavish uniform of a dark shirt and kilt. He looks impressive enough, by the look on Fiona's face.

“You didn't need to deliver the cart yourself; you should've asked one of the other men. It's not your job.”

Fiona extends her hand toward Connell. “I'm Fiona from the MacTavish Distilleries, here to help Lochlan on a project.”

Connell gives her a wide smile as he extends his hand. “I'm Connell, assistant to the winemaker. Good to meet you.” He glances over at me. “Geordie asked me to bring you the cart you requested. He said you might need my help if you're conducting a tour. I'd be happy to help if I can.”

Fiona's eyes sparkle. “I would love to have a winemaker on the tour.”

“I'm only the assistant to the winemaker, miss. Geordie suggested we end the tour in one of our private tasting rooms, so you'll have the opportunity to sample some vintages.”

“Don't sell yourself short, laddie,” I chide, because Connell has never been modest. “Fiona, he isn't just a humble wine assistant. Connell is a graduate of Davis from one of the best viticulture programs in America. He grew up working with the vines on his family's farm. According to Geordie, he's a very talented winemaker.”

It was worth it to see the surprise on Connell' face when I talked about his background. I make it a point to know everyone who's hired to work here at the winery. He would've been working as the assistant winemaker sooner if Geordie hadn't insisted he could do his job alone.

“I'm suitably impressed by your credentials,” Fiona says, giving him her best smile. “I'll sit up front with Connell. It will be easier for him to answer my questions.”

I lead Fiona to the passenger side of the car, while Connell takes his place at the wheel. “I think I'll leave you with Connell for the tour. His wine knowledge is far better than mine. If you have questions about the business side of the operation, we can discuss that later. I'll meet you at the end of the tour in the tasting room.”

I trail back to my office, feeling that somehow I dodged a bullet. I don't think I'm comfortable yet being with Fiona alone.

* * *

Geordie joinsus in the private tasting room with Fiona when her tour is done. She beams, sipping wine and holding court with three attentive men, all of us in our MacTavish uniforms.

“Would you like to revisit any of the wines?” Geordie is leaning against the counter with several bottles and glasses around him. It looks like a party. We use a fresh glass each time we taste a different wine. I'm sure that all four of us are suitably buzzed with the amount we've sampled.

“Remember, we still have our meeting,” I caution Fiona.

She flashes a smile but ignores me. She points to a bottle. “I think I'll have a glass of that wine to go. It will help the meeting with Lochlan run smoothly.”

Geordie nods and pushes away from the counter. “Good choice. This is a popular Zinfandel for us.” He grabs a fresh glass, pours it half full, and slides it towards Fiona.

“Thank you, Connell, for an informative tour,” she says, leaning towards him.

“You're welcome, Miss Fiona.”

I place my hand on Fiona's to get her attention. “I think we should go,” I say, setting my glass on the counter. “My office is just a short walk from here.”

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