Tasting Notes by Cate Ashwood Read Free Book Online Page B

angry. He tried to force his brain to function, to form the right words. First, he couldn’t believe his parents hadn’t said anything. No one bothered to call him, to run the idea past him that they’d be selling his childhood home and moving hours away. That vineyard had been run by his mother’s family for three generations, and with one swift strike, this asshole used money to push them out.
    “Actually, that’s the reason I’m here. When I told them I didn’t know anything about how to make wine, they suggested I contact you.”
    “What?”
    “They said other than them, you knew that vineyard better than anyone.”
    Rush glared at him, the rage cresting over him. “Get the fuck off my property.”
    To his credit, West didn’t flinch. Instead he nodded, then calmly turned and walked away. Rush slammed the door for good measure and stalked back into the kitchen, where he found the phone he left off the hook. He picked it up and yelled into it.
    “What took you so long?” Sebastian asked, seemingly unfazed by the outburst.
    “That fucking dipshit from the pub showed up at my house. He bought Lennox Hill and wanted my help learning how to run it.”
    “Holy shit. I knew he bought it, but I didn’t know he’d end up at your place.”
    “You already knew?”
    “Yeah. I’ve been trying to call you for days. I knew you’d want to know. You seemed put off by the guy the other night, and I didn’t know if your parents had a chance to call you.”
    “They didn’t. I thought they would have told me something like this. It’s not exactly a small decision.”
    “To be fair, it was quick. The deal only closed yesterday. Gavin, the new guy, got the account. It was quite the commission too, from what I’ve heard. Rumor around the office is that your buddy paid them a little over five million.”
    “Dollars?” Rush could hardly believe it. He couldn’t fathom someone throwing that kind of money around, just for fun. The guy said himself he didn’t know anything about wine making. Why would someone with no experience purchase a vineyard? Nothing about this added up.
    “Yep.”
    “What a fucking asshole.”
    Sebastian laughed, which only pissed Rush off even more.
    “I have to go,” he growled, wanting to hang up before he said something to his friend he’d later regret.
    “Call me later if you need anything,” Sebastian said, all humor from earlier erased.
    Rush softened a little. It wasn’t Sebastian’s fault any of this was happening. In fact Rush actually had little reason to be upset about it at all. “Sorry I’m a dick.”
    “It’s fine. I understand you’re unhappy about this whole thing.”
    “I am, but it’s my parents’ decision. I can’t say I’m thrilled about it. And even less thrilled this guy is sticking around, but Lennox Hill is on the other side of town. No reason I should have to see him.”
    “What’s your problem with this guy, anyway? I’m not saying you’re wrong not to trust him. I’m wondering why.”
    Rush paused and thought about it. It was a knee-jerk reaction, a gut feeling he had when he saw the guy for the first time, and Rush long ago learned to trust his gut. It had saved him, and many others, more times than he could count.
    “I don’t like him. I don’t like the way he looks or the way he carries himself. He’s entitled and spoiled. He’s probably down here spending Daddy’s money. I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work. Guys like that have everything handed to them on silver platters, and they take what they have for granted. Who walks into a winery and drops five million? The business and property can’t be worth more than two or three. Clearly he’s also an idiot. Well, good for my mom and dad. They made out like bandits in that deal, but they traded her family’s legacy for it. I don’t like it.” Rush sighed.
    “Maybe you should call your mom. Get her side of things.”
    “Maybe you’re right,” Rush conceded. “I’ll call