Romancing the Wine: A Boxed Set of 9 Newest Novellas from Award-Winning Authors by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: IndieWrites, Inc.
Published: 2016-09-05T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 1

“These look amazing, Flavia.” Leaning over the breakfast buffet piled high with fresh-baked goods, Alessia Costa inhaled deeply, savoring the smell of blueberries and cinnamon. Though she had always been of the opinion that her mother made the best blueberry scones, Flavia, the chef for the vineyard, came in a close second.

“Well, don’t just stand there sniffing at them, dearie.” The portly woman’s heavy Scottish brogue turned her words into a lilting song as her brown eyes sparkled with mirth. “Have one while they’re hot. The first guest won’t be down for ages.”

With a small smile, Alessia selected a large scone from the basket and took a bite. As always, Flavia didn’t disappoint. “This is sinful, Flavia. You spoil me.”

“That’s because you work too hard, darling.” The baker poked Alessia’s flat stomach. “If no one reminded you, I doubt you’d eat at all.”

“That’s not true,” Alessia said in her defense, holding up the scone as evidence. “I had a cinnamon roll for breakfast yesterday.”

Flavia arched a brow. “And since then?”

Alessia opened her mouth to tell Flavia what she’d had for dinner the previous night before recalling that she hadn’t eaten dinner. Or indeed lunch. Swallowing her denial, she merely sighed, shaking her head. “All right, fine. You win.”

“Sweet Lord, girl. You need a bit more meat on your bones. If your father knew how little you were eating, he’d be upset.” Taking hold of Alessia’s arm, Flavia maneuvered her into nearby chair, seating her at one of the elegantly set tables in the dining room. “You sit right here, and I’ll bring you a plate. You’re to eat all of it. Do you understand?”

Alessia began to protest. “Flavia, I have a meeting with a distributer in an hour, and then I’m supposed to do a walking tour with some new investors—” Her mouth snapped shut at the severe look on Flavia’s face.

“Every. Last. Bite. Lassie.”

She’d forgotten how intimidating Flavia could be when she tried. “I suppose I have time for breakfast first.”

Flavia’s wide smile reappeared. “That’s the ticket. You wait right here.” Turning her back on her employer, she disappeared into the kitchen, leaving a bemused Alessia sitting at the table.

She supposed she could spare twenty minutes for breakfast. It was getting a bit old, running on coffee and the occasional bagel.

As she waited for Flavia to bring her meal, she watched the sun rise through the floor-to-ceiling windows that lined the dining room. It was one of her favorite places, the sheer beauty of it something she never tired of. The sky lightened as the sun shone its rose-colored rays down on row after row of ripe California grapes, swelling in preparation for the wine they would create.

The gardens, meticulously tended, stretched out before the hotel in a series of rose hedges, lemon trees, and large, open ponds stocked with a variety of fish. Beyond the hotel itself was the fermenting house for the grapes, where the barrels of wine slowly aged into some of the best in the country.

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