Read Online Something in the Wine by Jae - Free Book Online

little rainbows where the spray hit the lake, but then she gave herself a mental shove and drove up to the house.
    She pulled into a small parking area in front of the house, parked beneath a large oak, and lifted the framed print out of the trunk.
    The doors of a glass-enclosed patio were open, but no one was in sight.
    Hesitantly, she walked up the three steps. She lingered in the doorway that separated the veranda from the inside of the house. “Hello? Drew?”
    “Come on in,” Drew called from a room to the right. “I’m running a bit late.”
    As soon as Annie stepped inside, a large dog raced up to her, wagging its tail.
    Annie froze. Oh my God! Is this a dog or a pony?
    The dog circled her and sniffed every inch of her slacks, taking special interest in her calves, where Amadeus had left a bit of hair. She held the print in front of herself like a shield. “Um, Drew?”
    Drew stuck her head around the doorjamb. “Oh. I’m sorry. I forgot I left the door open. He’s supposed to guard the barrel room.” With a dish towel across her shoulder, she strode toward Annie and the dog. “Cab, sit! Now say a proper hello.”
    Without hesitation, the dog dropped to his haunches and offered Annie his paw.
    “Aw. Hello there.” Annie set down the print and carefully gripped the dog’s paw, then let go and stroked the large head. “What kind of dog is he?”
    “Your guess is as good as mine. His mother was a black Labrador. His father might have been an Irish wolfhound, but we’re not sure.”
    “And his name is Cab?”
    Drew gave a rueful smile. “Short for Cabernet, my father’s favorite wine.”
    “You won’t get any teasing comments from me. I named my cat Amadeus, after my father’s favorite composer.” Annie petted the dog one last time, then straightened and handed Drew the framed print.
    “A gift? For me?”
    “Well,” Annie shrugged, “I couldn’t bring a bottle of wine, so I brought this.”
    A cold nose nudged Annie’s hand, and she caressed Cab’s floppy ears while she watched Drew unwrap the gift.
    The paper fell away, revealing the print.
    Drew stared at the image of frost-hung vines. “Wow. It’s beautiful.”
    “It’s a print of one of my mother’s paintings. When she heard that you’re a fan, she thought you might like it.”
    “I love it.” Drew cradled the print between both hands. “Thank you. And please tell your mother thanks from me too.” She carried the print into the living room.
    The dog trotted after her.
    “Come on in,” Drew called over her shoulder, still looking at the print.
    Annie followed her and took in the living room.
    Oak furniture and a large worn leather couch clashed with a bright red armchair. Dozens of DVDs stood next to leather-bound books, and a large flat-screen TV towered over an old record player. Gold-lettered certificates and black-and-white photos hung side by side with modern art. Above the fireplace, a painting portrayed a sunrise over an old farmhouse.
    Annie wasn’t an expert on art by any means—though God knew her mother had tried—but something about the brushwork seemed familiar. When she looked at the initials in one corner of the painting, she realized it was one of her mother’s. It seemed Drew really was a fan and hadn’t just said so to get into Annie’s good graces.
    She took another step into the living room and let herself be surrounded by its subtle smells. They, too, were an interesting combination: wood, leather, freshly baked bread, and Drew’s perfume. The living room was a curious mix of masculine and feminine, old and new, traditional and modern.
    It made Annie wonder whether Drew shared the large house with her parents.
    What will her parents think if they come in and find me here? Will they think I’m her lover?
    “Make yourself at home.” Drew gestured to the couch. “I’ll go put the cheese back in the fridge, then I’ll take you on a tour.”
    On the way to the couch, Annie let her gaze trail over the