Page 50 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Lori’s body turned numb. She’d made such a mistake in coming here unannounced. It would have saved her a lot of heartache. She drew a breath. She’d thought she might have a chance to reconnect with Griff, but that didn’t seem likely. She’d also come here to learn about grape growing and wine making, and that’s exactly what she was going to do.

As if he’d read her thoughts, Pete said, “When you’re through with your breakfast, meet me here at the house, and I’ll drive you into the fields myself.” He took her cell phone and put in his information.

“Or I could work with her,” said Griff.

“No. You have an appointment in Los Angeles,” said Grandad.

“That’s right. Maybe later, Lori,” Griff said, looking uncomfortable.

Lori turned to Pete. “Thanks, I’ll call you in the morning when I head to the house.”

“I hope you’ve brought the right kind of clothes for working in the fields,” said Kayla. “If not, maybe you can borrow some of mine.”

“No need, but thanks. I came prepared,” said Lori.

“I like how interested you are,” said Grandad.

Sarita smiled at her. “I’m very glad you came.”

Feeling better, Lori waited through dessert until she could politely leave.

Griff stood. “I’ll walk you to your cabin.”

“No, thanks,” said Lori, holding up a hand to stop him. “I brought a lantern and need to get used to the area on my own.”

Griff was quiet as he sank back into his chair.

“Thank you, everyone. I’ll see you all tomorrow,” said Lori, walking out of the dining room to the front door, where she picked up the lantern.

In the dark, where no one could see her, she let the tears inside her flow unchecked down her cheeks.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

GRIFF

Griff was shocked to see Lori at the vineyard. It brought back memories of their time together at The Beach House Hotel and how easily they’d shared those hours. She was kind and beautiful in all sorts of ways. He’d even had a few erotic dreams about her. But now, he saw that she was as unavailable to him here as she had been in Florida. She’d made that very clear when she’d firmly turned him down for help back to the cabin.

He and Kayla left the house together, working to keep up the front of their dating. But Griff’s heart wasn’t in it any longer.

“What’s wrong? I can see how upset you are, even though you’re trying to hide it,” said Kayla. “Who is that woman, and what is she to you?”

“She is a friend I met in Florida. And when I say friend, I mean it. I was there after Cassandra dumped me, and Lori was trying to come to terms with the death of her husband two years earlier. Neither one of us wanted anything more than someone to hang out with.”

“It looked like more than friendship to me, but who am I to judge?” said Kayla, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Now, I’ll sneak home to my secret love.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re a sport about playing this game of ours. Maybe we’re being foolish, but it’s worked up to now.”

“Everyone knows the real story except for your grandfather, and that’s all that matters,” said Kayla.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

LORI

Lori woke up and blinked at the sunshine peeking through the small opening in the drapes at her windows. It took her a moment to realize where she was, and then it all came crashing back. The long trip, seeing Griff with Kayla, and the disappointment of knowing she’d made a huge mistake.

She got out of bed and stretched.

Walking to the window, she opened the drapes and gazed out at the countryside. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies.