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Aspen
There were no words to describe the beauty of Napa Valley. Pictures hadn’t been able to do the area justice. As the taxi dropped me off, placing my bags on the aggregate sidewalk in front of the most magnificent-looking building on the entire estate, my breath was taken away. All I could do was gawk at the incredible surroundings, marveling how green everything was. I suddenly felt so inadequate, unable to comprehend what I was getting myself into.
Everything was simply far too picturesque. Swallowing hard, I rubbed my hands down the front of my jeans, feeling woefully underdressed. I’d been told very little after accepting the job, merely given a letter of hire as well as details on my plane flight.
Which had left seventy-two hours after I’d accepted. Seventy-two. I’d barely been able to get my affairs in order, not that I’d had but so much to do. My parents would sublet my apartment, including what limited furniture I had. I’d managed to pack up most of my personal things, storing the boxes in their garage. Quitting my job had been the best part.
The look on Scott’s face had been priceless.
I pressed my shaking hand across my mouth before turning to face the majestic castle in front of me. The massive structure had been built from stone, the various turret and pinnacles straight out of a history book. I couldn’t believe anything like this existed in California. I stared at the ornate wooden double doors, swallowing hard.
“What did you get yourself into?” I whispered before finding the courage to grab my bags, moving closer to the entrance.
Within seconds, both doors were opened, Robert Blakely grinning as he walked toward me. “You made it.”
While he held out his hand, waiting for me to accept the gracious welcome, my hand was sweating. After dropping one of the bags, I rubbed my fingers across my jeans again before advancing, accepting the gesture. “This is incredible.”
His smile was genuine. “I’m glad you approve. Everyone has worked hard over the years to make the winery something to be proud of.”
I heard a car’s engine, noticing he shifted his gaze toward the approaching vehicle. He slipped his hand into his pocket, pulling out a set of keys as well as a small map of some kind. “I ordinarily wouldn’t do this to a new arrival, but I have an important meeting that I can’t miss. If you’ll look over your shoulder, that is your vehicle for the upcoming year. I made certain there’s a full tank of gas.”
I glanced over my shoulder at the rugged-looking red Jeep. From what I could tell, the vehicle was brand new. There wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere to be seen. Another shiver coursed through me, a little glee threatening to escape. “Thank you. I expected some old truck maybe.”
He laughed. “Nonsense. I told you there would be perks with the job.”
“Yes, you did.”
“I’ve taken the liberty of providing you with a map of the property, the villa where you’ll be staying indicated by the red dot. I assure you it’s not hard to find. Just keep on the same road, making a turn on the second one to the right. I’ve also made certain the refrigerator and freezer are stocked, even though I wasn’t certain what you’d like. Of course, you have plenty of wine to drink. I do hope you like wine.” He laughed, the sound genuine.
“I adore wine.”
“Thank God. Anyway, we have a meeting at eight in the morning sharp in this building. That will leave you to enjoy the rest of the day exploring as well as getting settled.”
While I continued to feel somewhat overwhelmed, accepting the keys meant there was no going back. “I appreciate your confidence in me, Mr. Blakely. I won’t let you down.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “Don’t worry, Ms. Porter. I have a feeling you’re going to stir the pot, which is exactly what has been needed around here for a long time.” Although he started to walk away, he stopped short, shifting back in my direction. “One word of advice.”
“Of course. Anything.” Why was there an entire storm of clouds hovering over him all of a sudden?
“Don’t allow Montgomery Wolfe to get under your skin. Forgive the ridiculous analogy, but he’s all bark and no bite. However, he is formidable. Just something for you to keep in mind.”
When he chuckled after issuing the words, I was torn between asking him what he meant and simply keeping my mouth shut. So what if the owner was formidable? I still needed to work with him. I’d worked with a number of assholes in my time. A rich, good-looking man wasn’t going to throw me in the least.
Or so I hoped.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
His returning smile was almost like a smirk, as if the man was goading me. He obviously didn’t know what I was made of.
I wrapped my hand around the keyring, turning ever so slowly toward the Jeep, resisting making any kind of giddy moves. After loading my bags into the back, I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the clean, fresh air before climbing into the driver’s seat. The scent of leather was entirely different than the torn upholstery from my little car back in Indiana.
I took another deep breath before starting the engine. “Here’s to a new adventure.”
The map was detailed enough that I found the villa easily, although I continued to be drawn to the amazing surroundings. When I pulled in front of the house, I could tell my mouth had fallen open. I checked the red dot on the map not once but twice, then was forced to glance at the letter of employment to make sure I was at the correct address.
Shocked wasn’t the word for my reaction. I was floored to the point I found it difficult to even get out of the Jeep. What I expected was a small location, maybe even a duplex where I had a couple of rooms and a bath. Instead, the incredible house was like something out of a fairytale. The cottage was two story, every design element ornate and stunning. The yard was pristine with trees and flowers as well as well manicured shrubs. There was even a pretty little flag hanging just outside the front door. I had no idea what to think.
