Page 75 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“I want to try different wines to compare them to yours,” she told him. “You know how much I like Adeline Hills wines.”

“I think by doing comparisons, you’ll be happy with what we produce.”

“What about food?” she asked.

“Oh, there are several excellent restaurants,” Griff said. “Who knows where we’ll end up? For your last night, I’d love to take you to a more formal dinner at one of my favorite places.”

“That would be marvelous, though I’d hate to think of it as my final night here,” she said.

“Me, too.” Griff found a parking spot, pulled the car to a stop, and faced her.

She knew he wanted to kiss her and leaned forward.

Griff’s lips met hers,

She couldn’t help releasing a sigh of pleasure. He knew exactly how to make her want more. Aware this wasn’t the time or place, she pulled away and studied him.

“Guess we’d better meet the others,” said Griff, looking as shaken as she felt.

###

The View was as vibrant as Griff had indicated. Though the inside was busy, the outside patio overlooking the landscape was packed with even more people,

From a large round table in a corner, Pete stood and waved them over.

Lori followed Griff through the crowd to him. It felt marvelous to be part of a noisy group chatting and laughing with one another. She realized that working at the vineyard every day was solitary in some respects. Being able to come to town provided a healthy balance between the two.

Cristina and Mia greeted her with friendly smiles. Mia introduced her husband, Mike, to her and then motioned for Lori to sit next to her.

“What are you drinking?” Mia asked her.

“I’d like a light pinot noir from an Adeline Hills competitor,” Lori said. “I’m going to do some taste testing and learn more about different wines.”

“Great idea,” said Mia, studying her. “You truly are sincere about the vineyard. Griff has had women date him for the prestige and what they think is a lot of money. You don’t seem that way at all.”

“I’d honestly never thought much about growing grapes and how wine was produced until I met Griff,” Lori admitted. “Knowing about it, seeing the actual process, I find it fascinating. And I love the family history behind Adeline Hills Winery. Sam Sawyer is an interesting person.”

“Oh, yes. He’s a well-known figure in Napa,” said Mia. “He doesn’t get out much anymore, but he was very much a part of growing this area into what it is today. You can see his picture in some of the photos that are posted in a few of the restaurants and at the Chamber of Commerce.”

A glass of red wine was placed in front of Lori. “This is a pleasant wine from a vineyard I like,” said Griff. “Taste it, and when you’re through, tell me how you think it compares to a pinot from our vineyard.”

“Okay,” said Lori, feeling part of the group. She now realized her sisters were right about the importance of socializing. Her whole world had changed.

From across the table, Cristina waved at her.

“How did your day go?” asked Lori. “Were you able to decide on the ownership?”

“I have a lot of thinking to do,” said Cristina. “But while I’m not sure what business I’ll be involved with, I know I want to move here. That’s a big decision for me and one I don’t think I’ll regret.”

Pete put an arm across Cristina’s shoulders. “We’ve been reminiscing about our childhoods. We remember things very differently.”

Cristina laughed. “Very much so. I’m trying to forget the awful things he and, sometimes, Griff did to make my life miserable back then.”

Lori laughed with her and could see the beginning of a spark between Cristina and Pete, something that would make Sarita very happy.

Beside her, Griff checked his watch. “I wonder where Kayla and Rosie are. They should be here by now.”

Lori was surprised to see how much time had passed. “Have you tried calling them?”