Tasting Notes by Cate Ashwood Read Free Book Online Page A

her, and then left, carrying the box down to his car. He opened the trunk and slid the case in next to his suitcase—a tight fit—before rounding the driver’s side and climbing back in. He tightened his hands on the steering wheel, the engine still silent. His body felt heavy, as though he was anchored in place. He shook his head. He was being ridiculous. Long ago he had perfected the ability to check his sentimentality at the door, but lately he felt those strategically constructed barriers begin to crack. There were things that needed to be done, and then he had to go home. Responsibilities could only be shirked for so long, and he’d delayed the trip long enough.
    He started his car and crossed back out onto the highway. Traffic was nearly nonexistent, and he sped forward, trying to shed the invisible ties that seemed to be pulling him back toward town. He made it another two miles before he turned sharply around and returned to Lennox Hill, this time parking directly outside the front door.
    “Did you change your mind about that tour?” the woman asked, obviously surprised to see him back.
    “Actually, I have a proposition for you….”

Chapter Six
     
     
    A WEEK had passed since Rush’s dinner with Sebastian. He showed up the next day to help Rush with some of the planting but remained uncharacteristically tight-lipped about what was bothering him. They worked mostly in silence until a good chunk of the work was completed. Sebastian would tell him if and when he wanted to, and the fact that he tried to figure it out was good enough as far as Rush was concerned.
    In the last few days, Sebastian had called several times, leaving voice mail messages on Rush’s phone, asking him to call back. Rush meant to, but the days got away from him. He resolved to call him as soon as he took a break for lunch. Finally his stomach’s demands won out, and he returned to the house, Casper in tow, to scrounge up something to eat.
    When he got inside, he grabbed his phone and dialed Sebastian’s number. He waited for him to answer as he pulled the cutting board out of the cupboard to prepare lunch.
    “Hey, Sebastian, it’s Rush,” he said when he answered.
    “Finally you call me back. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for days. I have something—”
    “Hold on a second. Casper’s going apeshit in the front room.”
    Rush walked into the room to find his dog barking like mad at the front door. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied movement in his yard. Turning to look through the window, he saw a very sleek, very black, very shiny sports car parked in his driveway.
    “What the fuck?” he bellowed as he commanded Casper back, then wrenched the door open. Walking up his front steps like he owned the place was the douche from the pub the other night.
    “What are you doing here?” Rush asked, none too politely.
    “Good afternoon,” the man said, ignoring the venom in Rush’s voice. “I’m West. I’m new in town—”
    “I thought you were leaving.”
    West looked confused.
    “I saw you at the pub last week. Cherie told me you were staying with Rosie overnight, but then you were leaving.”
    Rush watched the realization dawn on him.
    “That was the original plan, yes, but plans occasionally change. I’ve decided to stay awhile longer, as I’ve recently made an investment in the area.”
    “Investment?” Rush was becoming more and more suspicious of the stranger.
    “Yes. I purchased a winery on the west side of town.”
    “Lennox?”
    “That’s the one.”
    “You bought Lennox Hill?” Rush narrowed his eyes, the wariness building in his chest.
    “I did, yes.”
    “I wasn’t aware it was for sale.”
    “It wasn’t. But I stopped in on my way out of town, and I found the place charming. So I made an offer, and Charlotte and Jim accepted. They seemed quite excited. Now that they don’t have a winery to run, they’re moving to Palm Springs to retire.”
    Rush was dumbfounded. Dumbfounded and