Read Love On The Vine for Free Online Page A

velvet seat’s arm. Her body heat permeated through the light cotton of his jacket.
    Subtle spotlights illuminated the musicians on the stage. The quartet tuned up, and the opening strains were familiar. Debussy? Etienne wished for enough light to consult the program.
    “Debussy,” Bella whispered.
    Etienne closed his eyes in appreciation of the masterful interpretation. He imagined the music at his vineyard’s launch. Soaring strings held the silent audience spellbound. As they should be. Such beautiful music deserved their attention. A selection of compositions followed. Searching his limited classical knowledge, Etienne recognized both Mozart and Beethoven.
    Through it all, Bella sat transfixed. All of her energy directed at the stage.
    Classic, dignified, and European. Perfect in this formal setting, but not for his vineyard’s launch. His grandfather’s influence had been strong but the St. Clair Durand Vineyard’s roots snaked through American soil. The choices he made for the launch should reflect that.
    By the time the closing refrain wafted through the air, Etienne had made up his mind. ‘Strings’ were more than competent, the captivated audience bore testimony to their skill, but they weren’t suitable.
    The lights went up, and he blinked a couple times at the brightness.
    “Weren’t they wonderful?” Bella’s gaze met his, and then flickered to his mouth and back again. Her mouth parted a fraction, and her irises expanded.
    People further down the row stood, forcing a wave which compelled Etienne to his feet. As a bunched group, the crowd flowed into the foyer.
    Bella gripped Etienne’s arm and stopped in her spot.
    Etienne tracked her wide-eyed gaze to the heavy-set man standing stock still in the bubbling sea of people.
    The man stared openmouthed.
    “Oh no.”
    Adrenalin raced through Etienne at her frantic whisper.
    John St. Clair pushed through the milling crowd. “Bella.”
    His plump face flushed an unhealthy red, and he panted heavily like a man destined for a heart attack. His contemptuous stare swept Etienne, who felt his back stiffen in response.
    “What are you doing here with him?”
    Bella’s hand reached for Etienne’s and gripped it tight. Her rigid body trembled.
    All of Etienne’s protective instincts urged him to stand in front of her. Her gaze met his briefly and the unspoken message made him hesitate.
    “Hello, Father.”
    Her cold tone gave nothing away.
    “The same as you, I expect. Enjoying the concert.”
    “With him?” John’s lip curled as he jerked a thumb outward.
    Etienne bit back the rage threatening to explode. They were the focus of enough attention without him hitting the older man. People watched and whispered. He couldn’t react. Not without damaging his reputation. He clamped down his teeth hard. “Good evening, Mr. St. Clair.”
    St. Clair’s eyes widened.
    Bella’s gripped his fingers so tightly they hurt, but gave no outward indication of her agitation.
    “I don’t know what you’re playing at Durand...” St. Clair started.
    “I am playing at nothing.” Iron control forced ice into Etienne’s tones. “Merely enjoying a pleasant evening with a friend.”
    “A friend?” John St. Clair’s hands curled into fists.
    “ Oui . My very good friend, Bella. And now we must be going.” Etienne turned away.
    With her fingers gripping his, Bella yanked Etienne through the crowd to the exit, not stopping until they reached the safe haven of his car. “I’m so sorry.” Tears welled in her eyes. “My father had no right to be so rude.”
    Her voice, half way between a sniffle and a sob, arose all Etienne’s protective instincts, and he pulled her into his arms. He smoothed a hand over her back, feeling her shudder in the aftermath of their encounter. “There is no reason for him to hate me so much,” he said, feeling her soft hair against his lips.
    “It’s not just you. He’s angry because I won’t come home and be dictated to any