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“To do with as I please”—I smothered a grin—“right?” Got him.
His eyes narrowing, he hesitated. “Meaning…”
“I want to invest it.”
“I’ll probably regret asking”—he took a slow, deep breath—“ but invest it where?”
“In your winery.”
“No.” Uncrossing his arms, he stood to his full height.
“It’s my money to do with as I please.” Straightening my spine, I stood up to him.
“Chateau Mont Bleu isn’t a public offering.”
“Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean I can’t invest in it.”
“Not if the owner doesn’t agree.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” I threw up my hands, frustrated that he’d balk at my offer.
“Trouble in paradise?” Her last word a hiss, Bea strolled past, her smile a lingering sneer.
Luke’s eyes blazed, then narrowed to slits.
I rested a light hand on his forearm, redirecting his attention. “This is the only fair solution. A dime appeared from nowhere on your property, in your wine cellar.”
“Coincidental.”
“I don’t believe in coincidences, remember?” I shook my head. “Everything happens for a reason, and if I ever recognized divine intervention, this is it.”
His stiff jaw softened. “What do you mean?”
“Call it the spirit of cooperation”—I shrugged—“or the spirit of fair play or—”
“Maybe the spirit of a common ancestor?” His eyes twinkled.
“Now you’re making fun of me.” I took a deep breath. “Look, I’m making you a business offer. I say we find out what the Mercury dime brings on the market and invest it in the winery. You get your patio bar. I get a share of the winery.” I raised my chin to meet his gaze. “What do you say?”
He stared silently, the pause growing painful.
Thinking he hadn’t heard, I raised my voice. “What do—”
“Put ’er there.” He held out his right hand.
As I shook hands, my fingers tingled. Despite my resolve to stay detached, a twinge dashed up my arm and catapulted down my spine, ending deep in my belly. I took a breath to steady myself. “This makes it official, right?”
“That’s right”—his grip tightened—“partner.”
“Isn’t this cozy?” Her voice syrupy, Bea approached with Rosie. “What’re you two plotting?”
“What are you insinuating?” Luke spun toward the voice, dropping my hand.
“You two certainly had your heads together.” Rosie smiled as she gestured toward the groaning buffet table and long queue. “Didn’t mean to interrupt, but supper’s served. Better get in line before the barbacoa’s gone.”
“When have you ever run out of food?” Luke gave his aunt a skeptical grin before turning toward me. “She always makes enough to feed an army.”
“Flatterer.” Rosie playfully tapped his shoulder, then gave me a friendly smile as she half-turned toward Bea. “Have you two met?”
