CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
GRIFF
Griff was finishing his breakfast in the kitchen of the main house when Kayla Nielson walked into the room.
She was an attractive, tall, wiry blond woman in her thirties.
Griff’s grandfather thought they’d be a perfect love match, ensuring the continued success of Adeline Hills Winery.
What Grandad didn’t know was that Kayla was gay and any relationship with her would be as friends and co-workers, which worked for them both.
“Hey,” said Kayla, taking a seat at the table.
“We need to see how the wines are doing in our oak barrels. These cool temperatures allow the wine to interact with the barrels, extracting a range of flavors and aromas. I want you to help me make sure everything is okay. No one but you and I should be allowed in the cellar.”
“No problem,” said Griff. “I can give you some time. Pete is heading up our crew in repairing the trellis systems and replacing damaged posts while they continue pruning the vines.”
“Sounds like you have it all worked out,” said Kayla with a nod of approval. “Some of our customers wouldn’t understand how important winter is when the grapes are hunkered down for the cold months, and we can get the vineyards ready for another season.”
“I agree.” Griff noticed her unease and studied her. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Kayla frowned and looked away before turning back to him.
“Your grandfather wants to know why we haven’t gone out these past weeks while I’ve been working here.
I don’t want to tell him I’m gay. I’m afraid he’ll fire me on the spot.
You know how he is when he thinks people aren’t agreeing to his plans. ”
“Yeah, I do. I’ve been thinking of the situation myself,” said Griff.
“He’s convinced we’re right for each other and the winery’s future.
What do you say we go out together but as friends who simply want to protect our privacy from others?
By pretending to be together, I can keep women away, and you and your partner can keep your relationship to yourselves. ”
Kayla gave him a thoughtful look. “That might work. Rosie is pretty easygoing, and I think I can talk her into this. Though I’d want her to join us for some so-called dates.”
“A few of the local women think they can help me get over Cassandra and the disastrous wedding, but I have no desire to begin dating any time soon,” said Griff. “Not yet. Besides, I’m busy with the vineyard and my grandfather. You, of all people, know how difficult he can be.”
Kayla’s light-blue eyes lit with humor. “Oh, yes. He makes me report to him at least once a day.”
Griff laughed. “That says a lot more about you than it does about him. I’m happy he was able to talk you into working for us. I can tell by the way you’re handling the wine in the barrels that you know what you’re doing. Thanks.”
“You and Pete are the two that make it possible by growing the grapes well,” Kayla said. She stood. “Thanks, Griff. I feel better. I appreciate our open honesty.”
“Me, too,” said Griff. He was tired of all the games some women played. The only one in his recent past who’d been upfront with him about not wanting more than friendship was that cute woman at The Beach House Hotel. Too bad she lived so far away.