Risking the Vine (Romancing the Vine Book 1) by Gemma Brocato Read Free Book Online Page A

in the corporate world, Jac. Most businesses are designed to promote mediocrity.” Luke reached for his juice glass. His knuckles turned white as he grasped it. A shadow passed over his face.
    “It appears I’m not the only one experiencing the blue Mondays on a Tuesday.”
    Luke glanced at his phone and grimaced. “Nope. Another problem came up yesterday between the nurses and doctors. HR is handling the situation, but they keep emailing. And the nurses’ union is exercising their early-up option on contract negotiations. But this isn’t about me. It’s about what you’re going to do now. And what I can do to help.”
    “Why would you go out on a limb for me? You hardly know me. You wouldn’t have a clue about what kind of work ethic I have.”
    “One of the emails I got this morning was from Bella Robins. She said I was lucky to have you on my team here this week. Told me you are one of the best problem solvers and creative thinkers she’s ever known. You know she doesn’t lavish praise without justification.”
    “No, she doesn’t.” She couldn’t believe Bella would have emailed Luke specifically to give her a character reference. Affection for her friend bubbled up within her chest. “I’m afraid I’ll be relying on those creative skills quite a bit in the next few weeks while I’m figuring out what to do with my life. Gramps’ farm is a leading contender right now.”
    “You said he grew spices, right?”
    “Yeah. Basil, rosemary, and thyme were his biggest crops. I could branch out into Brassica crops, like kale or Brussels sprouts. Stuff that’s high in antioxidants. That area is turning into a cash crop venture.” She glanced out the window at the rows of vines marching over the fields. “Or maybe I could open a vineyard. Wine is highly popular and if I grow red varietals, it’s considered antioxidants too. And the soil could be right at Gramps’ farm.”
    “Well, you’ll certainly learn a lot about growing grapes this week. You are going to stay, right? Finish the training course?” The expression on Luke’s face was hopeful.
    The intensity in his eyes warmed her. It was easy to imagine he truly wanted her to stay. “Absolutely. I think team building will be a great addition on my résumé. Unless Ted calls me back to the office, I’ll be here.”
    Across the room FIG brayed obnoxiously at something Belinda, the lawyer said, temporarily making conversation difficult. Juice sloshed around in Luke’s glass as he lifted it and toasted to her. “I’m glad. I’d much rather be partnered with you than with your flirty insurance agent.”
    Peering over her shoulder at the commotion across the room, Jac suppressed a shudder. Spittle flew from FIG’s lips, droplets landing on Sally, the other lady lawyer’s white shirt. Jac turned back to Luke, relief swimming in her gut that she’d dodged being paired with FIG or his compatriots. A broad grin lingered on Luke’s mouth. He was the perfect partner for this type of activity. And others, too, Jac was certain.
    Her physical response to Luke surprised her in its intensity. Every fiber in her being strained toward the man. He wasn’t just attractive on the outside. His entire demeanor proved his sincerity and warmth. He obviously had problems with his own job to worry about, but he focused on staying positive and helping to solve her issues. He was the sort of man Bella called a ‘keeper.’
    Jac dropped her gaze to her hands, clutched together in her lap. She battled the urge to reach out to run her fingers over his lips. Or press her mouth to his, then drag him up the stairs to her room and peel off his pale blue button-down shirt.
    With her teeth.
    Any response or action she might have made was cut off as Jules and Marcus entered the room. Conversation died around them as Jules made her way toward the front of the room.
    “Good morning. I hope you all got plenty of rest last night and are ready to go.”
    FIG pounded on the table.