Page 26 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“The one thing Ellenton doesn’t have is an ocean,” said Lori. “But we do have Loon Lake. I’m sure you remember that. It was a favorite place for high school kids to hang out.”

Guy laughed. “Of course, I remember that. You and I went there together just before I moved.” His gaze rested on her. “I’ve never forgotten it.”

“That was a long time ago,” said Lori, remembering that Guy had wanted to do a lot more than kissing and how conflicted she’d felt.

“Tell me about your husband,” said Guy. “I noticed a photo of him. He looked like a nice man.”

“Nick was a special person whom everyone loved and respected. He taught science at the local high school. We had a very loving relationship, and were both devastated when he found out he had cancer.”

Guy studied her. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”

Lori indicated the interior of the house with a wave of her hand. “We’d just started fixing up the house when we learned about it. I try to do a little something with the house now that I’ve paid off the medical bills. ”

“It looks very homey,” said Guy. “I like what you’ve done this far.”

“Thanks,” said Lori, realizing he’d probably never lived in a small, ordinary house like this. She could tell he was a little surprised by it.

They finished their beers.

Guy checked his watch and stood. “I guess I’d better be going. It was great spending time with you.”

“Yes, me, too,” she said, following him to the front door.

There, Guy stopped, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks again for an enjoyable evening.”

“You’re very welcome,” said Lori, confused by his somewhat formal behavior, but she was determined not to show it.

He left, and she watched from the living room window as he got into his car and started the engine. With a quick beep of the car’s horn, he pulled out of the driveway.

She turned away and let out a sigh. This dating thing was difficult. Especially when it was with an old crush. A crush who was still very much out of her league. She wasn’t part of the country club crowd and never would be.

Her thoughts turned to Griffin Sawyer. It was obvious he had money, but he’d never made her feel as if she didn’t measure up to his standards. Of course, they both knew their friendship wouldn’t last more than a week. Even then, it turned out to be for only two days, so they didn’t know each other very well.

Lori turned out the downstairs lights and climbed the stairs to the master suite on the second floor. Though she and Nick hadn’t had enough money to do more than paint the walls a warm, sunny yellow, this room held priceless memories of a beautiful love.

She lay in bed thinking of the year ahead. Now that she’d decided to make some changes, she couldn’t let the disappointment of this evening change her mind.

As she nestled her head against her soft pillow, Lori reviewed the date. It hadn’t been a complete failure. She and Guy had had a pleasant time. It was just the awkward ending that bothered her. Yet, at the same time, she was grateful to Guy for understanding her nervousness. He complied with her request and had one drink. She’d have to learn to relax and let things take a more natural course.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

GRIFF

Griff sat in the office of the Adeline Hills Winery, going over the books. He was shocked by the neglect from his grandfather over the past few months. Now that Grandad would be recovering for the next few weeks, he couldn’t protest when Griff told him he’d get things in order. Because Grandad was a proud man, Griff agreed to report to him on a daily basis.

As he ended a call with a supplier who hadn’t been paid on time, Sarita walked into the office carrying a mug of coffee. “Thought you might like a refresh.”

Griff looked up and smiled at the mid-sixties woman who’d been acting as his mother since he’d first come to live at his grandfather’s house. Her hair had turned a pretty shade of silver, and her skin had weathered a bit, but her face was still beautiful with high cheekbones and large dark eyes that saw more than the surface of someone. He’d always been fascinated by how she seemed to know what he needed before he did.

“Thanks, Sarita,” he said as she handed the mug to him and then sat in the chair in front of his desk.

“Your grandfather is getting stronger, but he’ll never be the same,” said Sarita. “And he’s talking more and more about finding you a bride. He was deeply disappointed that it didn’t work out with you and Cassandra. But I’m not. She was wrong for you. I knew it the first time I met her.”

“I’ve put the wedding business behind me,” said Griff. “And I don’t intend to get pushed into anything to try and satisfy my grandfather. He tells me he doesn’t want to die before knowing the vineyard is in capable hands with me, happily settled with a wife and family. I tried too hard to make him happy, but it won’t happen again.”

“I’ve heard that when you’re looking least, romance with find you,” said Sarita.

Griff let out a polite snort. “How many romance books have you been reading lately?”