“Nice to meet you, Tegan. I’m Finn Dubose.”
Tegan quickly peeked at my ring finger, smiled, and then poured a cup of tea. “Are you moving to Vine Grove or just here for our fantastic wine?” Her smile was warm and inviting.
“Every minute I spend here makes me think I might stay for good. But if not, I’ll definitely be here through Christmas.”
Tegan handed me the tea and got a dreamy look on her face. “Christmas. Now that’s a great time of year around here. The summer is crazy busy because of the vineyards, but Christmas is a time for family, friends, and lovers. Do you have someone special in your life?”
“I’m divorced and haven’t been interested in anything long-term since the split.” I took a sip of the hot tea. It was smooth with a nice peppermint flavor. Scorch sat at my feet with his head on my running shoe. “I did meet a guy yesterday and we’re coming here this evening.”
“How exciting. You’ll love our wine tasting party.” She clapped her hands.
I really liked Tegan.
“I was only asking because a few of us get together and drink great wine, eat and gossip. If you’re interested, you can join our little group.” Tegan’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
“I love wine, food, and gossip. I’m in. When and where do you meet?”
“Here.” Tegan looked around her beautifully decorated shop. “On Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m., and everyone brings a little treat and a bottle of wine to share. Right now, it’s just me, Rebecca Miller, and Chloe Miles, but we’re hoping to expand.”
“I’ve been traveling a lot this year and this is the first time I’ve felt welcome in an area. Thank you for opening your door to me and Scorch. It means the world to me.”
Tegan stepped forward and hugged me. “You are more than welcome. I hope you love our little town as much as I do.”
At that moment, something clicked into place and my heart settled the restless beat that plagued me since my divorce. Vine Grove felt like home.
CHAPTER FOUR
Keaton’s rental recommendations came in handy and I found a fully-furnished house near the center of town. The owners said I could move in immediately. I only had a few personal items, so it was easy to move from the B&B. I purchased new bedding, towels, and things like that and Gran promised to send holiday decorations to spruce the place up. Scorch loved to play in the backyard and I even had my own office space to work in.
I dressed in hunter green wool pants and a black turtleneck, black leather boots and a tan wool coat for our wine-tasting date. I spent more time on my makeup and hair than normal and dabbed the tiniest drop of perfume behind my ear. Scorch was fed and sleeping when I met Keaton down stairs.
“Finn.” Keaton’s glowed with appreciation. “You look amazing.”
I stepped forward, so he could say whatever he wanted to say and I could feel his breath across my cheek. Then reality set in and I got ahold of my hormones. I knew nothing about this guy except he was cute and kind. That could be said about an axe murderer before he wielded his axe for the first time over someone’s head.
His look quickly turned from heated to concern. “Are you okay? You’ve gone pale.”
“Yes.” I nodded. I was being foolish.
“Good. Come on.” Keaton slipped his arm through mine and walked me to his car. “The Que Syrah Syrah Wine Shop is incredible. Tegan always comes up with sensational food to serve for every season. Halloween is just around the corner so I wouldn’t put it past her to make something with pumpkin.”
He got behind the wheel, started his car and the warmth from the heater washed over me. “That feels good. The air has that crispness to it that means snow is on its way.”
“I agree.” He looked skyward. “I’m surprised it hasn’t snowed already.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Hopefully it would snow through Christmas.
Keaton parked behind the wine shop and helped me out of the car. He paused with his hands on my arms. “Can I steal a kiss before we go inside?”
At that moment, a tiny white flake hit the tip of my nose. “Did you see that? It’s snowing. I’m so excited.”
“Yes. Very exciting.” Keaton’s eyes sparked.
He didn’t wait for my answer on the kiss. He bent his head and the first soft rub of his lips against mine were electric. He pulled me closer into his warm embrace, sliding his hand up my back to my neck. Burying his fingers in the strands of my hair and gently coaxing me back, he deepened the kiss, licking softly into my mouth. The contrast between the cold snow landing softly on my face and his hot kisses had my head spinning.
“Can we slow down? I’m a little overwhelmed right now.” I stepped back.