Read Online Blame It on the Champagne by Nina Harrington - Free Book Online Page A

down his pasta and waved the fingers of one hand
towards her chest. ‘Because of who your family are, of course. I want the Elwood
name to be attached to my store. It’s as simple as that.’
    She stared at him in shocked silence as though she could hardly
believe what she had heard. So he continued to twirl his linguini and talk at
the same time. ‘My parents sign contracts with bulk producers over slick
boardroom tables without even visiting the vineyard. I cannot work like that.
No. I refuse to work like that.’
    Risk shook his head. ‘I deal with people one to one. When they
sign a contract they are signing it with me, not some faceless organisation who
will drop them at the first sign of trouble. I am the person who commits to
making their dream come true and in return they make the best wine that they are
capable of. And that is something very special. Something you can be part
of.’
    He scanned the table for a second then pounced on the bowl of
Parmesan, deliberately ignoring the fact that Saskia was glaring at him with a
look that could freeze ice.
    He brushed his hands off and pushed the bowl across the table
to her abandoned dinner. ‘More Parmesan? No? It is quite simple really. I meant
what I said earlier. You want to serve the best. And I believe that I have the
best. Come to France with me tomorrow and I’ll show you why I’m sticking my neck
out. No glossy brochures, no fancy advertising agencies. Just a hands-on
demonstration of the quality RB Wines is going to become world famous for. That
way we both win!’
    Saskia slid back in her chair and folded her arms. ‘So let me
get this straight. You want me to buy wine from you so that you can use the
Elwood name as some sort of seal of approval for your producers. You don’t need
me at all. You just need the name to bring some credibility to a risky business
venture. Isn’t that more like the truth?’
    â€˜Oh, I want a lot more than that,’ he replied as he lowered his
wine glass. ‘I want to buy credibility and respectability with a huge dollop of
tradition and heritage on the side.’
    His fingers traced out a sign in the air between them. ‘RB
Wines. Suppliers to Elwood House, London. It would give me just the kudos to
bring customers in the door, and, once inside the shop, we can create the most
tantalising selection of prestige wines in the city. Which you get to see first.
The best for the best.’
    â€˜ We can create the selection of
wines? I’m not sure I believe that. Not when the mighty Richard Burgess ego is
part of the decision making process. It’s almost as if you want to become the
new Elwood Brothers but all on your own.’
    He paused then slowly nodded his head. ‘Yes, I suppose I do.’ A
strange look crossed Rick’s face and he chuckled at the back of his throat. ‘Now
that is one hell of a crazy thought. Yeah. Actually that is amazing. Thank
you.’
    â€˜In fact, you have a brother, don’t you?’
    He looked up at her as though he had temporarily forgotten that
she was there.
    â€˜Not any longer. But that doesn’t matter. RB Wines is going to
be spectacular.’
    She unfolded her arms and leant forward and stared at him in
the eyes. He didn’t even blink or look away.
    â€˜This is a vanity project, Richard Burgess. And I’m not
interested in pandering to your ego by selling out my family name. Not for any
money.’
    â€˜Selling out your name? Oh no, that’s not what I’m offering. I
haven’t got to the good bit yet.’
    â€˜Oh, there’s a good bit? Well, please carry on. This should be
most entertaining.’
    He put down his fork and bent from the waist so that their
noses were almost touching. ‘I don’t want to buy your name, Saskia. I’m offering
you the chance to take the inside track on the best new producers in Europe and,
as a bonus, my company will commit to using