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And the look he was giving me was so deliciously enticing.
Fuck it,I finally decided.What’s so bad about a little harmless flirtation?
* * *
We madeour way to the final portion of the tour, showing everyone our facilities and the overall process of cultivating the grapes to the delectable liquid they would enjoy shortly. I stood next to a set of original barrels that we had preserved and put on display, then turned and addressed the group. “Here at Moretti Vineyards, we believe that our land is a continuation of our family’s legacy. Our wine holds a powerful connection to our past, our present, and our future. Moretti Vineyards is firmly rooted in the connection to our heritage, and it is with pride and love that we share our traditions with you. Wherever you are, and wherever you go, make time to enjoy a bottle of great wine with people who fill your life and your heart with happiness. Every one of our bottles is created with family in mind. And we hope you come to love Moretti as part of your own family.”
The friends chatted and asked a few questions on our way back. I smiled as I overheard Vickie say, “I never knew so much patience went into making wine. I thought you just had to stomp and smash the grapes like onI Love Lucy.” She giggled, “I knew there was more to it, but wow!” She turned, looking around at everything. “This is all so incredible. Such a great experience.” She joined hands with her best girlfriends and pulled them in for a hug.
“We hope you enjoy your time here with us.” I stopped at a table reserved for them when we arrived back at the tasting room. “La nostra famiglia è la tua famiglia. Our family is your family.” Everyone smiled, looking at one another. “And here, where we will bid farewell for now, I’ll leave you with our philosophy. Our wine is everything life is supposed to be—exhilarating, wild, and fulfilling. We hope you find pleasure when you drink with us.Salute.”
I caught Michael’s gaze as I turned to go. He raised his glass. “Salute.”
I handed each guest tickets for complimentary tastings. “I always like to suggest our sangiovese for red lovers and the pinot grigio for white enthusiasts, but please feel free to peruse through our lists and select whatever tickles your fancy. I will be available if you have any questions or need recommendations. And Jenny and my grandmother, Sophia, the Moretti family’s matriarch, are available as well. We will be more than happy to assist you should you need anything. I’ll have a complimentary appetizer sent to your table.” I bid them farewell and started walking back to the bar when Michael sauntered up to my side.
“That was very nice,” he said, joining me.
I stopped at an empty table. “What was?”
“Free wine and appetizers.”
“Just part of the service. But I liked them, so I gave them something extra on the house.”
“Well, I just might have to come and get aprivate tour.”
His suggestion made my stomach flutter, and I was silently listing all the places on my body he might want to start his journey. I tried to control my nerves, telling myself not to blush. I grinned. “Notice I said I likedthem.”
“Ha ha. Although, for some reason, I don’t think you’re joking.”
“You know, you could always just buy some wine and appetizers.”
“But I enjoyed the tour. And I like the way you talk.”
My eyebrow rose in speculation.
He groaned with annoyance. “I meant how you talk about the winery. You come alive. And everything was really interesting.”
I kept silent, playing with him. Just to see if I could make him squirm.
“Really. I was genuinely impressed and enjoyed myself. How is it you got to know everybody on the tour in such a short amount of time?”
I smiled, feeling a teensy bit of satisfaction that he seemed affected by me too. “Pops passed down the teachings of my great-great-grandfather who said, ‘If we treat our customers like family, we will create a lasting relationship with them. Just like paying attention to every detail in the vineyard, we pay close attention to our guests. So they feel the essence of Moretti Vineyards. So they feel a familial connection to us.’” I lifted my hand. “Thus, we produce what you just witnessed—an immediate connection—an everlasting link. They feel like part of our family, a part of us, and they become loyal to our name, just like it was their own.”
“Impressive.” He tucked his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth on his toes. “You just might make a fan out of me yet.”
“How’s that?”
“I like wine, but I’ve always been more of a beer man. But you? You could definitely persuade me to the dark side.” I felt a flurry of excitement rush through me.
“The dark side, huh?” The butterflies danced in my stomach. All these sexy remarks and innuendos were getting to me.
His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Yep. Definitely.”
Pops sidled up to us. “What are you two jibber-jabbering about over here?”
“Michael was just complimenting us on the tour.”
“Well, you are more than welcome to stay awhile. Order whatever you like. On the house,” Pops said as he walked off.
