Page 55 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

He gazed out the plane window as they flew up the California coast, not seeing anything below. Lost in thought, he remembered most details of the couple of days he’d spent in the Presidential Suite at The Beach House Hotel. He’d gone from feeling like a jackass over being dumped at the altar by a woman he never should’ve dated in the first place, let alone asking her to marry him, to someone at peace with what had happened.

When he met the attractive Loralie Hamlin, someone who was open and honest with him, he relaxed in her company. They’d had fun experiencing new things together. From the beginning, it had been a huge relief to know she wasn’t interested in him as more than a friend.

But that night of the New Year’s Eve celebration, things changed for him as he held her in his arms. A feeling of tenderness, of wanting to protect her, and hot desire had captured him. She’d rested her head on his shoulder like a wounded animal seeking shelter, and he’d wanted to show her how much he cared. If the call hadn’t come about Grandad’s stroke, who knows what might’ve happened.

Even now, thinking about it, Griff shook his head. Lori was happily settled in her hometown and obviously dating a man called Guy Phillips.

CHAPTER THIRTY

LORI

Carrying a lantern, Lori headed up the hill to the main house for dinner. When she’d gone as far as the house next door, she paused as two children sitting on the front porch steps waved at her.

“Hi,” she said. “I’m Lori. Who are you?”

The girl, who looked to be about nine, placed a hand on her younger brother’s shoulder before he wiggled loose and ran to greet Lori.

“I’m Bert,” said the little boy, whose sparkling dark eyes shone at her.

“And I’m Elsa,” his sister said, staying by his side and placing a protective arm around him.

“Do you live there now?” asked Bert, pointing to the cabin.

“Just for a few more days. I’m here to learn how a vineyard operates,” Lori said.

“My father is the assistant foreman here,” said Elsa. “We just moved in.”

“It seems like a wonderful place to live,” Lori said.

Elsa shrugged. “I’m just making friends, so, we’ll see.” She seemed very grown-up for her age.

Lori was impressed by Elsa’s easy acceptance of what might be a challenging move for her. Being the new kid in a classroom wasn’t always easy.

Their mother came onto the front porch. “Hey, kids, don’t bother our neighbor.”

“They weren’t bothering me,” said Lori. “In fact, I’m the one who was interrupting them.”

The pretty, heavy-set woman approached them and wrapped her arms around the children. “I’m Sophia Perez. And these are my children. Elsa is nine, and Bert is just five.”

“I’m Loralie Hamlin, a guest in the cabin for the next few days. I understand you moved here recently.”

“Yes, my husband is the assistant foreman. We’re lucky to be here. Adeline Hills Vineyard has a reputation for taking care of staff.”

“I’m here to learn about the vineyard, grape growing, and wine making,” said Lori.

Sophia smiled. “It’s a lot to learn, but fascinating.”

“I’m glad I met you. Perhaps we’ll meet again.”

“Yes. Once the kids are settled in school, I’ll be helping in the fields,” said Sophia.

Lori went on her way, thinking how it must be for some working families in the area. She imagined there was a lot to be done at all the vineyards.

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When she reached the main house, Lori knocked on the door that had been propped open and called out as she entered the house.

Sarita met her in the hallway. “Glad to see you. We have a surprise visitor. Come join us in the den.”