Read Online Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot by Bria Marche - Free Book Online

don’t even believe it’s about me. They seem to be competing with each other for my attention, just to win. You don’t care about me one way or another. It’s actually refreshing in a weird way.” He laughed at the irony of it, then looked down, staring at the floor. Shit… did I say too much? “Sasha, I’m just a regular guy, and a little lonely at that. I’m tired of playing the single, stud game. It gets old. I’d really like to know you better. No games, no expectations, just friends.” Hopefully more than friends later. “I actually like doing remodeling work. I own a lot of properties in town, and did most of the work myself. What do you say? Do I get a chance?” He looked at her hopefully.
    “I guess you can never have too many friends, right? Here’s my question Josh, do you know anything about vineyards?”

Chapter Nine
    A late October chill cloaked the air and a definite north wind blew against the Victorian.
    “Josh, what’s going on with these windows?”
    Sasha rolled daffodil yellow paint on the walls of an upstairs bedroom and noticed the paper drop cloth blowing slightly. A light breeze was coming through the window.
    “Hang on, I’ll be right there.” Josh, in the next room was busy sanding floors. He wiped his forehead and took a look. “Yeah, I see what you mean. They aren’t in the best shape, but the storm windows aren’t on either. Are there windows in the shed?”
    “Yes, but I never knew why. They’re my storm windows? Does that mean we have to put them over all the windows in the house? All thirty windows?”
    Josh laughed and shook his head. “Yes, dear lady of the manor, that’s exactly what it means. It’s a dangerous job though, one that should be left to the experts. Let’s go take a look.”
    He took the roller from Sasha’s hand and helped her down the ladder. The antique oak claw foot table in the kitchen beckoned them to sit for a while. Sasha bought furniture as each room was completed. The wide plank maple floors in the kitchen glistened like new so the beautiful table and four pressed back spindle chairs were put in place. A cozy braided rug rested beneath the table and a matching one lay in front of the sink. The cabinets and counter tops needed to be replaced, but that would come in time.
    “Let’s take a break as long as we’re downstairs. How about lunch? I can whip together some grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. We’ll check out the windows after we eat.”
    “That sounds good, I’m starving. The house is really taking shape, Sasha. By next summer, the Victorian will be a showplace. So you’re serious about turning the extra lot into a vineyard, right?”
    “Well… yeah. It’s not about having a real vineyard, Josh. I want to draw people in. It will be unique and something to see, a novelty, I guess. But given the space I have, there may be a chance to produce a little wine. I guess it depends on how many grape plants I can fit on the lot.” Sasha handed Josh a can of soup to open as she busied herself assembling sandwiches.
    “And you want a vineyard… why?” He clamped the can opener with one hand and turned the crank with the other. He rummaged through several cabinets until he found a small stainless steel pot to pour the soup in.
    Sasha put the sandwiches on the hot griddle. They made a sizzling sound as they turned a golden shade of brown. “Because I want to make this place into a small inn. Nothing that will take all my time. I’d rent out rooms now and then when something special is going on in town. What I want to do, is host weddings here. Isn’t that romantic?” The smile she wore melted his heart. “I’m going to give the Victorian an official name.”
    “Really?” Josh filled the bowls and placed them on the table. “What are you going to call her?”
    “She’s going to be called ‘Martha’s Vineyard.’ There’s a reason behind all of that, but that’s a story for another day. Let’s eat.”
    The