6. Chapter 6
Albrecht
I almost kissed her.
And then asking her if she likes me… I’m a complete fool when it comes to that woman. Thank God she thought I was merely talking about being a partner. I almost forgot all about my reason for being here after spending the evening with her.
I’ve spent years wishing I could meet someone I connect with and can be myself around. But everyone in Europe always knew who I was and only saw me as their ticket to becoming a princess. I’ve always craved an organic connection, but never found it… until today.
I rub my hand down my face, thinking about how I wish my life were different. If I wasn’t who I was, I would have kissed Giselle tonight or at least asked her out. She’s so stunning in a completely effortless way, like she’s not trying hard. She’s just naturally beautiful with her delicate features. She reminds me of an ethereal faerie queen with an old soul that I want to get lost in. I could barely keep my eyes off of her. Those plump lips will be the death of me.
Fuck , I need a cold shower.
The next morning, I wake up early to prepare for my meeting with Mr. Moratti. Yesterday, I dressed casually, wanting to blend in, but today I mean business. I put on a crisp white collared shirt and navy dress pants, along with my leather loafers. Yawning, I head out of the hotel and walk into St. Helena to get coffee that I’m in desperate need of. I could barely sleep, my thoughts rehearsing every moment spent with Giselle.
The quaint main street is only a couple of blocks and it’s quiet at this early hour. Most of the boutiques, galleries, and wine tasting rooms are not even open, but I keep walking until I find a small coffee shop to get an espresso.
I make my way back to my rental car at the hotel with coffee in hand, enjoying the cool morning air. It’s quite lovely here. I can see why everyone flocks to Napa Valley. It’s like an upscale version of the Italian countryside.
Getting into my rental car, I make my way down the meandering highway and turn onto the mountain road that winds up to the Moratti’s estate. The trees lining the road are all turning a brilliant yellow color and ever so often the leaves drift down, sprinkling the road with their beauty. I follow the signs to the office building and find a place to park.
As I get out of the car and make my way to the entrance, I should be rehearsing all the arguments for why they should choose me as partner, but instead my thoughts drift to Giselle, wondering if I’ll see her today.
“Loys,” Mr. Moratti says as he opens the door. “Thank you for being here bright and early. I hope you had a good night’s rest.” His smile reaches his eyes, and it gives me hope that he is genuinely interested in our proposal. Just like his daughter, he has a warm and welcoming presence.
“The hotel is quite nice, thank you, Mr. Moratti.”
“Please, call me Nello.” I nod in response. “If you would, follow me through here—we’ll be in the boardroom.” We walk past a couple of people working at their desks, and I smile as we go by. I can’t help but look around, trying to spot Giselle working. I feel a pang in my chest when I don’t see her anywhere.
When we get to the boardroom, Nello introduces me to their CFO, Jim—a nice older gentleman who proceeds to hand me a document of their financials to review. I give it a brief glance, but it’s information I already know.
“Thank you for this, and for yesterday. It was amazing to see your wine club members enjoying themselves, and it’s clear that you have created a special community with them and your family. It’s exactly the type of winery the company wants to invest in.”
“Thank you, Loys. We’re glad you were able to get a sense for why we do what we do—it’s so much more than just wine,” Nello says.
“So, let’s talk numbers. We have two other interested investors who have made generous proposals, but we’d like to hear yours before making a decision,” Jim says.
“Whatever they offered, we will double it.” Both Nello and Jim stare at me like I’m crazy.
“You don’t even know what they offered,” Jim says.
“I know, but I’ll be honest. Our company has more money than we know what to do with, and I’ve been tasked with finding meaningful investments. I don’t want us to miss out on this opportunity with you because I believe we are a perfect fit. I don’t want to change anything you have going on here, I just want us to be a part of it.”
Nello stares at me, and the seconds tick by painfully slow. I can feel my palms getting sweaty, wondering if my straight-forward approach has come off wrong.
“So, twenty percent of the company for three million dollars?” he finally asks me.
“You have a deal, Mr. Moratti,” I tell him. Yes, it’s more than I’d planned, but I want this.
“I see. Well, numbers wise, I’d be a fool to not go with you. But, I feel strange entering into a partnership without knowing you and your company better. So, I have a counter proposal. Stay here for the next month through harvest, spending time with us and helping out where you can, and if by the end of October we both still want to enter into this partnership, then it will be done.”
I wasn’t expecting that, but I don’t hate the idea. While my father will need some convincing, there’s not much he can do about it with me already here.
“I’ll run it by the board, but it shouldn’t be an issue. And I’d love to stay here longer, but the hotel isn’t available beyond this weekend.”
“You will stay here, of course. That way you will get to know us best and won’t have to drive up here everyday.”
“Are you sure? That seems like a lot to ask of you.”
“Nonsense. My daughter, whom you met last night, has a lovely cottage on the property with plenty of room for another person.” I smile, liking the sound of that.
“You don’t think she’ll mind?” I ask. But before he can answer, the door swings open and Giselle walks in.
“Who won’t mind what?” she asks.
“You, honey. I’ve graciously offered Loys to stay at your cottage for the duration of his stay.” Her eyes go wide as she chews the inside of her cheek.
“And how long might that be?” she asks, her arms crossing over her ribs.
“Until November,” her father replies, and her jaw drops. That’s almost six weeks from now.
“I promise I’ll be a great roommate—you won’t even notice I’m there. I think it will be great to be here on site and really get my hands dirty,” I say, flashing her a smile. “I really appreciate the offer.” I think we’ve completely stunned her, because next thing I know, instead of responding, she turns around and walks right out.
Fuck, that’s not the response I was hoping for. Maybe this is going to be a long six weeks.