Chianti Classico Read Online Free PDF Page A

outside.
    Signora de Capua sat at the end of a large picnic table. Viviana went up to her to thank her for the invitation. Then she looked out to see Corsa Pietra across the valley. Setting behind the hill in back of her, the sun made the hill town shimmer.
    “It’s beautiful,” she said. “What a perfect view.”
    Giulio took her arm and led her to the bench next to his sister. On the way to his seat across from Viviana, he grabbed a bowl of pasta and carefully placed some on her plate. To one side, a dish of lettuce, tomato, and olives looked equally inviting. Then he poured her wine from the bottle on the table. “This is the riserva ,” he said. “Enjoy.” Giulio turned to his mother and began to tell her about the successes and frustrations that filled his day.
    “I’m Serena. Giulio tells us you might be working for us.”
    Startled, she looked back at Giulio.
    “I was hoping we might work something out. I’m not even sure you’re interested in doing the job I mentioned.”
    “I think I told you that I’m not from this area. I’m here because my grandmother’s ill. My aunts felt I should represent my mother and help them with Nonna’s care.”
    “Are you saying you can’t stay here?”
    Viviana hesitated, her mind whirling. She’d much rather have the job than care for her dying grandmother, but she’d made a commitment. How would she get out of it? “Let me see what I can do.”
    Every time Viviana took a sip, Giulio would refill her glass. She had no idea how many glasses of wine she had. “The meal was delicious,” she said. “Please let me help you with the dishes.”
    “No, no,” said Signora de Capua. “It will be dark soon. Giulio can at least see you back to the road.”
    Giulio pulled her toward the first rows of vines, and walked behind her as they trudged back the way she’d come. At the end of the first row, he took her arm, and turning her to face him, he leaned down to kiss her.
    Viviana felt her cheeks grow hot but didn’t retreat. When he rested his hand against her back, she leaned into him. Perhaps it was the wine or maybe the strong attraction to him that she felt from the first moment they’d met. She wouldn’t resist.
    Giulio lowered his hand and drew her up. She could feel his hardness just below her bellybutton and wanted to explore it further, but he pushed her away from him and stared into her eyes. “I hate women in trousers,” he said, his voice gruff.
    Viviana smiled. “Trousers are good protection for day one, don’t you think?”
    He took her hand and began walking with her again. “No. And they aren’t very good for your job either. I want you in a dress when you deal with the public.”
    “Not business wear?”
    “A skirt then. Just so the men don’t think you’re trying to be like them. No ponytail. Keep your hair down. Oh, and the shoes—wear heels.”
    “It sounds like you’re trying to sell me instead of the wine.”
    Giulio laughed. “Damn right I’m trying to sell you. Once you get them to taste the wine, they’ll get confused and end up buying the bottle.”
    They reached the road just as the moon began to rise behind hill town. He continued to walk with her, his hand gripping hers, and they talked about business and family until they were in front of her grandmother’s house.
    “So I might be bought. I thought you wanted me for yourself.”
    “I always take what’s left over, Viviana. Rest assured I won’t sell you. I’m keeping you for myself.
     
     

Chapter Four
    Sister Angela hoped Sister Daniela was still at the orphanage. Fortunately, she found the young nun correcting papers in the basement classroom.
    “I’m glad you came so quickly,” said Sister Daniela, rushing to hug her old friend.
    “This is Sister Liona. She drove me from Siena.”
    “Yes, I know Sister Liona,” she said, turning to hug the driver. “She often drives people back and forth. We’re grateful for all who assist us at Mission