Love On The Vine Read Online Free PDF Page B

other otherwise.
    Marie poured two glasses of wine and sank into an inviting wicker chair in the warm kitchen’s bow window. “Phew, that’s better!”
    Bella joined her, relishing the chance to get off her feet. The party would go on for hours, but she could relax until clearing up time.
    “So. Tell me. How are things—really.” Marie reached over and squeezed Bella’s hand. “I know business has been bad. You know you can ask me for a loan to tide you over this rough patch, don’t you?”
    Marie’s emerald eyes shone with genuine concern. Bella’s sister had always been there. She’d unfailingly offered comfort through the whole fiasco with Brian, and its devastating fallout. Moving into the château with their grandfather had been her idea, too.
    Her warmth and caring support draped over Bella like a cloak. She swallowed hard before answering. “Everything is going fine, Marie, honest.”
    “You would say that, Bella. But a couple of teenage parties won’t keep the wolf from the door for long. Maybe you need a partner—someone who could put more capital into the business?” Marie’s brow creased with a frown.
    Bella’s heart filled with love. Marie was so kind, so caring. If Bella asked, she’d probably invest her own money to ensure Celebrate’s future. She deserved reassurance. “I’ve...I’ve got a big job lined up.”
    “What job?” Marie blinked. “Have you been holding out on me?”
    Bella hesitated. Their father spent all his time ranting about how he’d been shortchanged by the Durands. Would Marie be upset to learn Bella had agreed to work for Etienne? She nibbled on her bottom lip, and fiddled with the overstuffed cushion’s scalloped edge. “Etienne Durand came in to the office this week.” Her stomach clenched as she glanced at Marie under her lashes. “He’s asked me to do a launch party for the new vintage.”
    Marie stared in wide-eyed silence for a moment, and then a huge grin transformed her features. “That’s great!” Her voice lowered. “You know Dad will go mad.”
    “I know.” Bella’s heart sank. She never saw her parents these days, but the news would be all over the small town like a forest fire once the invitations went out. Her father would be furious to hear she was helping Etienne. “He hates the Durands.”
    “With no good reason,” Marie said with a jut of her chin. “It’s his own fault. Dad insisted the vineyard be sold at the worst possible moment, even though he got more than a fair price for his share. The fact the vineyard has done well since is completely due to the Durand family’s hard work and tenacity. Dad has no right to dictate what clients you work with, Bella. And I’ll tell him if I have to.” Marie filled up Bella’s glass and clinked the crystal against her sister’s. “You’re staying the night.” She grinned. “So you and I can celebrate!”
    Bella’s fears dissolved. With Marie wholeheartedly behind her, she could handle anything.
    “So.” Marie sipped her wine and leaned forward. “What’s Etienne Durand like? I hear he’s gorgeous.”
    An image of Etienne’s dark eyes filled Bella’s mind, and her heart rate quickened. “He is,” she said. “He’s more than gorgeous. He’s stunning.”
    Marie shifted to the edge of her seat. “Tell me more!”
    “He’s tall, dark, handsome, and French. Need I go on?” Bella forced lightness into her voice. Every day since the evening in the château, she’d relived in an endless loop the moment when their lips met, transforming her to putty in his arms. And every night she’d had sultry dreams of him which had left her burning with frustration each morning.
    “Yes, you do,” Marie’s gaze narrowed. “Definitely.”
    Bella sighed. “He’s very charming. And very single.”
    “Has he asked you out?” Marie asked.
    At the memory of Etienne’s mouth on hers, Bella felt her face heat. “Not exactly.” She looked down and played with the bracelets on her wrist.