Chaos Among the Vines (Romancing the Vine Book 2) Read online

  Will nodded and watched her mouth as she chewed more of the cheese. His eyes darkened, accentuating the golden flecks buried in them. “Absolutely. The marvel of fat and alcohol.”

  Avalon dropped her gaze to his mouth, then further, until his broad shoulders filled her vision. Her body vibrated with sudden desire.

  “Hello!”

  Avalon jerked at the unexpected greeting and she eased back. Heat blazed into her face. Even her ears got warm.

  Will let out a low sound. Was that frustration? He swiveled his head toward the newcomer, then his face lit up. “Jules!”

  Leaping from his chair, he covered the short distance toward a very pretty blonde. He crashed into her, sweeping her up into a bear hug, and twirled her in a circle. Avalon’s heart sped up and her vision narrowed to about half of what she’d normally see. The cut-crystal stem of her wineglass serrated her fingers. She gave herself the ten seconds it took for Will to lead his . . . whatever she was . . . to the table.

  I’m not going to be jealous. Not of the newcomer’s gorgeous thick honey blond curls, not her sapphire blue eyes. And most certainly not because of the fact that Will’s fingers were laced together with this Jules person.

  “Avalon, Guinevere, I’d like you to meet one of my dearest friends, Jules Capelli.” Will slipped his hand to the small of the woman’s back.

  Jules extended a friendly hand toward Avalon. “Really pleased to meet you. Will mentioned he’d finally agreed to accept some help getting the business under control. Glad to see he’s taking care of my investment.”

  What? “Um, nice to meet you as well.” Avalon found her hand clasped in Jules’ firm grip. The woman’s smile was so warm and inviting Avalon couldn’t help but be charmed.

  Will pulled the fourth chair out as Jules greeted Guin in the same open, friendly manner.

  While Jules adjusted on the chair, Will explained. “Jules runs a small venture capital firm down near Santa Rosa. She fronted me part of the original seed money to start Rolling.”

  “One of my more successful ventures.”

  God, why’d she have to have such an engaging manner?

  “Where’s Alex?” Will cast a glance up the stone path.

  “He’s in Atlanta covering a story.” Jules looked at Avalon and offered, “My fiancé, Alex Dixon, is a financial reporter.”

  Guin squealed. “He works for Entertainment Access! I love his stories. More than the usual fluff.”

  “Alex parted company with EA. He wanted to concentrate on harder news.” Jules’ face went soft when she spoke of Alex. “And this trip is business for me. I’m heading north to check in on another venture. Will, you remember I told you about Jac Bishop and Luke Rossi, right?”

  “Yeah. The couple that started up an herb farm in Oregon.”

  “Uh-huh. Jac invited me to come up and check on my investment. I believe she has an ulterior motive, though. She’s getting ready to redecorate and I think she’s going to cash in on my offer to help her paint.” Jules finished with a musical laugh that made Avalon want to cry in envy. “Maybe I ought to talk to Avalon about signing Jac up for some efficiency consulting. They’re nearing harvest and she’s trying to get a production facility sorted as well as fixing up the farmhouse.”

  That claimed Avalon’s attention. “I’ll be sure to give you a couple of my business cards.”

  “Cloverdale isn’t such a convenient spot to stop,” Will observed. “You’re not going on to Eugene tonight, are you?”

  “Jac isn’t expecting me until tomorrow around lunch. I’m staying with Brynnden at the Carlysle.” Jules tipped her head toward Avalon. “Another of my investments. Cutest little B and B in Hopland. While you’re here you should take the twenty-minute drive north and meet the owner.”

  Avalon nodded even as Will formed a frown. “I’d offer you a room here, but Ava and Guin are staying in the two guest rooms that could be considered habitable.”

  The nickname grated, and Avalon swallowed a sigh. No matter how nice the shortened version sounded on his lips, she’d have to work hard to break him of his habit. “Jules could take my room. I can bunk with Guin.” They’d shared the back of a station wagon, and on really cold nights, a double bed at the homeless shelter near her high school.

  “Oh, no! I wouldn’t want to put anyone out. Brynn’s expecting me.” She pointed to the opened bottle on the table, then batted her eyes at Will. “You going to get me a glass, or should I guzzle straight from the bottle?”

  Avalon jumped up. “I’ll get you a glass. Need to check my email anyway. Be right back.” She scurried up the path, away from the pleasant smile Jules directed at Will. Knowing Jules was engaged to someone else hadn’t stopped twisty, uncomfortable jealousy from stomping on Avalon’s gut with both feet.

  Chapter 12

  Birds chirping in the trees dragged Avalon awake. Momentarily disoriented, she stared at the shadowy beadboard ceiling just above her head. The closeness of it reminded her of the roof of the station wagon she’d called home at one time. The only thing missing was Mom’s breath chuffing against her cheek.

  Then she remembered where she was. Lying in a strange bed at Rolling In The Clover Vineyards, in Northern California. Working with a man who had a serious case of laissez faire. With her mother for company and the pair of them hiding out from a human hulk who may or may not be a felon, but was definitely threatening and scary.

  She fought the urge to roll over and bury her head under the pillow. Hiding from her problems wouldn’t make them disappear. But throwing herself into organizing Will’s business would help her evade thinking about them.

  She rolled over onto her iPad, which she’d laid aside last night when she gave in to the effects of the wine she’d consumed on the patio. Only a glass or two, but the hours on the road, and the strain and anxiety of the past few days had caught up with her as she’d sat in the peaceful dusk with Mom and Will. She’d never felt so relaxed, not even after one of Beth’s magic massages.

  Was it the wine? Which was excellent, she admitted. Or the company? Will had been charming and easygoing. Once Avalon had chased her jealousy away, she’d even come to adore Jules. Mom had quizzed her at length about the different stories Alex had covered, until Jules had tossed her hands in the air and promised to bring Alex to Cloverdale on their next trip.

  After finishing the cheese and fruit Will had supplied, they’d moved to the edge of the patio to watch the sunset on the plush wicker furniture there. The inside of the house might not be finished, but evidently Will spent a lot of his time in his backyard.

  After Jules left, Will had teased Avalon about being a clock-watcher and a master sergeant, marshaling the troops for attack on his business. When he and Guin had chastised her the sixth time she checked her watch, she’d gone on the defensive. It was her job to be connected. But their smiles peeked through and they’d laughed.

  Finally, though it slayed her to do it, she’d silenced the watch. Even leaned back on the comfortable loveseat she and Mom had shared and watched the sun paint the sky in pink, purple, and orange as it sank behind the distant hills.

  She’d slept like a rock last night. Something she rarely did. It was as if her mind shut off because she was away from her natural habitat. Patting her hand over the blankets, Avalon located her phone. Blinking to clear her blurry eyes, she focused on the face of the phone. Overnight, only twenty new emails had dropped into her inbox. Not too bad. Scooching up on the pillows, she scanned the alerts, deleting a couple of trivial items right from the lock screen. More efficient that way. She never let junk mail sit in her box.

  The window was cracked open and a cool breeze blew into the room, bringing the sound of voices with it. Oh no! Someone was up early and she’d overslept. Even though it was Saturday, and her alarm had been set, she’d typically be up before it buzzed at the
crack of dawn, packing as much work into a day as possible.

  Uncomfortable emotion teased her consciousness as she realized how pathetic her life was.

  Avalon turned her attention to the voices on the breeze. Mom’s she recognized, even though she couldn’t hear the words. The other voice was a little higher pitched, mating nicely with the low and raspy voice accompanying it. Will.

  She let the phone drop to her lap and gave in to thoughts of him. He’d been relaxed and charismatic. And so gorgeous and alluring she’d had to force her gaze from him. His hands, as he poured more wine into Guin’s glass, were elegant and strong. Her mouth had watered at the sight of his long legs and muscular thighs as he’d walked Jules up the stone path to her car. His husky voice had teased her ears while he bantered easily with the delivery guy bearing two monster-sized, loaded pizzas. As Will had slid his wallet back into his pocket, Avalon couldn’t help but ogle his butt.

  She squeezed her eyes closed and scolded herself. She was here for business. Only business. They had six weeks to get his production facility and office whipped into shape.

  The phone buzzed again, jarring against her thigh. She scanned the incoming message from her bank. The transfer she’d started yesterday was complete. The money delivered to Mom’s former employer had been received.

  Reality smacked Avalon right between the eyes. She might be on assignment here, but her mother was little more than a fugitive hiding from her responsibilities. As she swung her feet over the side of the bed, Avalon wondered if she was guilty of aiding and abetting.

  She swiped her way into her email app and studied the message from her bank. The transfer had been completed as they’d been delayed with traffic in San Francisco. The money had been claimed within the last fifteen minutes. No word yet from her banker about the loan of the remaining balance. The silence on that aspect escalated her tension, the sensation pinching the curve of her neck, and tapping against her temple with a low-grade ache.

  Or maybe that was the wine she’d had last night. She wasn’t a fan of reds, but Will’s Cabernet was delicious. No wonder sales were through the roof for him.

  The floor was cool under her toes as she stood and stretched. Setting her phone aside, she moved to the window and peeked through the lacy curtains. Her mother was seated across from Will at a round table on the terrace close to the house. Will tossed his head back, clearly laughing at something Guin had said.

  A woman with pale blond hair snuggled close to Will’s side, crowding into his space. They looked . . . cozy.

  Avalon bit her lip at their chummy behavior. First she was envious of Jules, and now a woman she didn’t even know. This unfortunate and unacceptable attraction could mess up their working relationship. Probably better if he had a girlfriend. That made it easier to focus on the business of making Will more efficient. But rationalizing it didn’t make her heart squeeze any less at the idea.

  With her typical attention to economic movement, Avalon made the bed, then grabbed her things for a shower. As long as Will was outside, she’d allow a little extra time in her morning routine and stretch it to ten minutes. She vowed to herself she wouldn’t peek in his cabinets or medicine chest while she was in the bathroom they’d be sharing during her time here. It wouldn’t be right to do that. And when her extra three minutes were up, she’d get busy.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Good morning,” she called as she approached the trio on the terrace.

  Guin waved in her direction, then went back to wiping her chin, sweeping away toast crumbs.

  Will jumped from his seat and rushed over to her, his long strides eating up the distance quickly. “Good morning. How did you sleep?”

  “Surprisingly well. Sorry I’m late getting down. Are you ready to work?”

  He wagged his finger under her nose. “Uh-uh. First breakfast, then work. Come on over and meet Penny. Do you want coffee?”

  The rapid-fire pace of Will’s words belied the lazy smile stretching his lips. Her inner grump reeled. It was too early in the morning for him to be this beguiling.

  He gripped her elbow and pulled her to the table. “Ava, this is Penny Evans. Drake’s sister. She’s going to be dressing up your room this weekend to make it more habitable.”

  “Good morning,” she greeted Penny with a smile before facing Will again. “My room is fine. You don’t need to do anything special in there.”

  “Oh, I don’t mind. I love to do things for Will to make his home more cozy.” The smile on Penny’s lips didn’t make it to her eyes. She laid her hand on Will’s arm and rubbed her thumb across the smattering of dark hair there.

  Will slid an odd look at Penny, stepped away, and tucked his hand in his pocket. “Penny made quiche for breakfast. You have to have some. It’s tasty.” He gestured to the dish resting in the center of the table.

  A bowl of mixed fruit sat on one side, a platter of bacon on the other. Will handed her a plate and then turned away to fill a cup of coffee for her.

  “Orange juice?” he asked.

  Shaking her head, Avalon took the chair next to her mother’s, directly across from Penny. She suppressed a shiver over the frosty gleam in the other woman’s blue eyes. Confusion trumped her hunger and she hesitated before taking the napkin Mom handed her.

  “You slept in today, Ava.” Guin slid the plate of bacon and fruit toward her. “I woke to the sound of banging pots and pans, so I got up, found Penny in the kitchen and offered to help.”

  “That was nice of you.” Avalon transferred two pieces of bacon to her plate, then cut a sliver of the quiche and added it. Strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon had been cut in bite-sized chunks and tossed with grapes. “I didn’t really sleep in. I’ve been awake a little while.”

  “Really?” Penny raised her brow. “I peeked in on my way past and you looked dead to the world.”

  Will choked on his coffee. He coughed to clear his throat.

  “Why would you come into my room?” Avalon couldn’t help the hard edge in her voice. Penny’s behavior skewed toward creepy.

  “Oh, I thought you were already up and out. I was going to check what I needed to get started in there this morning. Imagine my surprise to find you there. Snoring.”

  “I don’t snore.” And even if she did, a perfect stranger commenting on the fact was rude.

  “Yes you do, sweetie.” Mom patted her arm then sipped her juice.

  Ava felt ganged up on, and she didn’t like it one bit. Intent on giving herself time to get over it, she lined up the pieces of fruit she’d scooped out, arranging them according to color. Next, she squared up the bacon to the quiche, before taking her first bite.

  “Anyway, Ava, I hope you don’t mind me making myself at home in your room this morning.” Penny leaned closer to Will and dangled her wrist over the arm of his chair. Her fingertips brushed his thigh. “I’ll just move all your jun—uh, things out of the way. I’ll be painting first.”

  Avalon chewed and swallowed the food and her animosity. “Really, you don’t have to bother. I hate to make extra work for people. My job is about making less work.”

  What is her problem? Was the woman threatened by Avalon’s presence in Will’s home? Penny sure was going out of her way to demonstrate her claim on the man. Avalon wasn’t interested in him. He was only a client. Penny could have him.

  “Did you hear about that other transaction we talked about yesterday?” Mom asked.

  The bite Avalon had just forked into her mouth hit the back of her throat with those words. She coughed and grabbed for her coffee. At least Mom had been discreet about it and hadn’t blurted out the true purpose behind her question.

  Avalon’s fingers tensed around the handle of her cup. “Yes. The first installment on the plan took effect this morning. No word on the second part.” She gave a tiny shake of her he
ad and sent her mother a pointed stare.

  The legs of Will’s chair scraped the stone as he moved to the side, out of reach from Penny’s dangling fingers. “That sounds mysterious. Do you work with more than one client at a time?”

  Penny frowned at Will’s action, but then hid her lips behind her mug.

  “Sometimes. It depends on what’s needed.” Avalon jumped at the chance to get on a less personal, more professional topic. “Since I’m in residence here with this project, I’ve handed off all, uh . . . almost all my other clients. Karen wanted to be sure you got most of my attention.” She forked up a mouthful of eggs and cheese. She was certain it tasted wonderful, but she was too distracted by the conversation to note any special flavors.

  Penny edged her chair closer to Will’s. He leaned in the opposite direction.

  “Will, how about if you and I head to the office and you show me the ropes,” Guin suggested. “If I learn my way around things today, I will be ready to tackle everything by myself on Monday. It’ll free your time up to work closely with Avalon.”

  That drew a sharp look from Penny, directed first at Mom, then settling as a glare on Avalon.

  Avalon fidgeted in her chair, unsure if her unease was due to Penny’s scrutiny, or the idea Guin would be working in Will’s office. Avalon’s workload would double thanks to the need to review Will’s books to make sure her mother didn’t get creative with his funds. And how would she explain to Will why she needed access to the bookkeeping files?

  Will rose and gathered up his plate and utensils. “A great idea. Let’s drop our dishes in the kitchen, and we’ll head down the hill.”

  “Oh, but you haven’t finished eating.” Penny eyed Will’s plate, a girlish pout on her lips. “Need to keep your strength up.” Her sultry tone implied it would be necessary for all the energetic sex she was going to give him later.