Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 95256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Everything is okay now,” he said.
I exhaled in relief, putting a hand over my heart. “Poor Aunt Coco. I wish I’d have known.”
“Honestly, I wanted to tell you a bunch of times. But I had to respect my mom’s wishes.”
It struck me how devoted Gianni was as a son, and I admired him for it. “That had to be tough for you—not saying anything. Were you scared?”
“Yeah. My family is everything to me.” His tone was fierce and sweet at the same time, and my heart cracked open a little more.
We got back to our room just after noon, stuffed and sleepy. “I’m too tired for snow angels,” Gianni said, falling face first onto our bed.
“Same.” I sat on my side and pulled out my phone. I had texts from Des and Winnie telling me not to worry about anything and asking me to call them when I could, and I had a voice message from my mom.
“Hi honey, just calling to check on you and see how everything went last night with the tasting. Looks like the weather is awful at home. Call me when you can. Love you.”
I knew I should call her back, but I didn’t feel like rehashing the evening just yet. Instead I texted: Everything went fine, Gianni and I ended up not driving all the way home because of the snow, but we’re safe at a motel and heading back as soon as the roads are plowed. I decided not to say anything about car trouble, so she wouldn’t worry more.
Then I called Des, and he picked up right away, letting me know he’d made it into Abelard on his snowmobile and would handle tastings all day for guests who were stranded. “It’s actually great for the winery,” he joked. “What else is there to do here today but taste wine and then buy what you like so you can drink more of it while you wait out the blizzard?”
“Good,” I said with a laugh. “Thanks, Des. I’m hoping to be back later tonight, but I’m sure I’ll miss anything scheduled today.”
“Not a problem. Be safe on the road—it’s bad out there.”
We hung up and I called Winnie. Glancing down at Gianni next to me—his eyes were closed and his breathing was deep and even—I decided to take my phone into the bathroom so I could actually talk to her.
“Hello?”
“Hey.” I shut the bathroom door and perched on the edge of the tub. “It’s me.”
“Hey! How are you?”
“Fine.”
“Why are you whispering?”
“I don’t want Gianni to hear me. He’s asleep in the bed, so I’m in the bathroom.”
Winnie laughed. “This is so insane.”
“You have no idea.”
She gasped. “Did something happen? Something happened.”
“Yeah—twice.”
“Shut up! Tell me everything!”
“I will, but first, are you at Abelard? What’s happening?”
“Yes. Dex managed to get me here about an hour ago, but it was rough. In fact, he stayed with me so he wouldn’t have to leave and come back later.” She giggled. “I’m putting him to work.”
“Doing what?”
“Right now he’s shoveling the front steps, but after that he’s going to help Felicity and me serve lunch.”
“Felicity is there too?”
“Yes. My dad brought her a little bit ago, and she’s been working in the kitchen ever since. She’s making soup and sandwiches.”
“Please thank her for me.” The tension in my shoulders eased. “So you’re all good there?”
“Totally. And I think Gianni’s dad is heading our way this afternoon to help with dinner.”
“Are guests miserable being stuck inside?”
“Not at all! Some people wandered out into the snow for hikes, some people are just lounging in the lobby by the fire, playing cards or board games, lots of people are asking when the tasting room will open.”
I laughed. “Should be soon. It’s nice of Dex to help out—please tell him thanks.”
“I will, now on to the good stuff! What happened with Gianni?”
“Uh, lots of things.” My stomach whooshed.
“And? Was it good?”
“Yes,” I whispered even softer. “Crazy good. So good I’m mad about it.”
She squealed with delight. “I knew it would be.”
“I didn’t even have to fake the finish!”
“Good. You shouldn’t.”
“I know, but it’s so annoying. How come I have such good chemistry with that asshole?”
“Because this has been simmering for a long time, Ell. All that built-up tension was bound to erupt.”
“I guess.”
“So what’s the scoop? Are you guys a thing now?”
“No! I don’t like him any better—I just liked the sex.”
“So why not see where things lead?”
“Because it was just a blizzard bang, okay? It didn’t mean anything.” A knock on the bathroom door made me jump up. “Shit! I have to go. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay. Be safe.”
I ended the call and pulled the door open. Gianni stood there with his hair matted and mussed from his winter hat and maybe the pillow. “Sorry,” he said, running a hand through it. “I drank too much coffee. I need to use the bathroom.”