Love On The Vine Read Online Free PDF Page A

them. “So, what do you think? Shall we have the party out here?”
    “That would be perfect.” All she could think about was kissing him again. Bella clasped her hands in her lap so tightly they hurt. “We could move the table to the side, and cover it with glasses. And put out some chairs, for those who aren’t content to stand.” In her imagination, the picture came vividly to life. The beautiful gilt chairs she’d rented for a wedding last year would be just perfect.
    “There will have to be music,” Etienne said.
    Bella pulled out her notebook and pen and jotted down notes. “How about a string quartet—they’re fantastic.” Her spirits soared in excitement at the thought of hearing ‘Strings’, Aqua Blanca’s famed string quartet. “They’re doing a performance next week at the Concert Hall.”
    “Get us tickets,” Etienne said in a calm voice.
    “And we could have some floral arrangements, not too many, just enough to bring the outside in. To create a link between the vineyard and the château.” She chewed at her bottom lip, drawing ivy curlicues and bunches of grapes on the paper.
    The setting sun flooded the sky with warm bands of golden rose. A vision for the party flickered through Bella’s mind, like soft focus movie rushes. Something to complement the golden stone of the house, like dusky tea roses. She focused all her concentration on the page, tenuous ideas springing to life under her moving pen.

Chapter Three
    B ella was completely focused on capturing her thoughts on paper. Too focused to notice Etienne staring at her expressive face which seemed lit from within. The curve of her cheek, the sparkle in her eyes, the excited energy fizzing from her—all held Etienne spellbound.
    “We could string lights out here. And candles, the patio is always so beautiful in candlelight.” Bella’s words tumbled over each other.
    Etienne had never worked like this before. He was used to being the sole driving force on matters relating to his vineyard—not one of a team. On hiring Bella, he’d expected to tell her what to do. Instead, he was captivated as this incredible woman tossed around ideas in the sunshine. Her enthusiasm for the project was infectious.
    He imagined candles and strings of lights festooning the patio. The look was different than he’d envisaged, but one that held undeniable appeal. “That could work.” He glanced at her again. She was so vibrant. Like life itself. If he kissed her, would she taste different in this new mood?
    Electricity sparked in the air.
    At a discreet cough from the doorway, Etienne turned.
    “Dinner is served.”
    His warm, homely housekeeper was totally unflappable. When he’d told her at short notice they had a guest for dinner, she’d barely batted an eyelid.
    “Margaret!” Bella jumped up from the chair and flung her arms around the old lady. “I didn’t know you were still here!”
    Margaret’s eyes shone as she clasped the younger woman close. “Bella! How wonderful to see you.”
    “Of course, you know Margaret,” Etienne said. Margaret had been her grandfather’s cook too.
    “Only all her life.” Margaret‘s wide smile transformed her face. Her eyes sparkled. “Come on through for dinner.” She patted Bella’s arm and winked. “The menu’s one of your favorites, and I didn’t even know you were the guest.”
    They followed Margaret into the formal dining room, to a table set for two. The side table held a hot plate with covered silver dishes. The enticing aroma of chicken pie wafted in the air.
    Etienne’s mouth watered. “Don’t bother serving, Margaret. We can manage.” He couldn’t stand being waited on, but Margaret was a stickler for protocol, always serving at table during business meetings. But not this time. He wanted to be alone with Bella.
    “Okay.” Margaret hugged Bella tight again. “It’s lovely to see you, dear.”
    “And you.” Bella’s gaze followed Margaret’s slow progress from the