“The credit goes to Dale,” I say. “This is his baby.”
“Will you be helping to make the wines during your internship?”
“I’ll be doing a little bit of everything,” I reply. “But my interests aren’t in winemaking so much as tasting and selling. I hope to eventually end up as a sommelier in a fine restaurant.”
“I’m sure you will. How did you end up here at a boutique winery?”
“You already know I’m a doctoral candidate in oenology. Ryan Steel, Dale’s uncle, did a lecture at UCLA over the summer, where I met his niece and she introduced me to him. He offered me an internship on the spot.”
“Honestly, I think your talents are being wasted here. You should already be working at a restaurant.”
“I want to finish my degree first. I’m lucky that I’ve gotten full rides during my entire college career.”
“I’m not surprised. You’re an amazing talent.” He smiles. “I hope this isn’t too forward, but could I take you to dinner?”
I regard him. He’s a nice-looking man, probably slightly older than Dale. His dark hair is cut short, and he has kind blue eyes and a handsome face.
“I’m not sure—”
“I won’t deny that I’m attracted to you, Ashley,” he says, “but that’s not my main reason for the invitation. My family owns a chain of fine steakhouses in Nebraska. We’re always looking for the best people.”
“Oh?” My heart pounds slightly faster. “I do want to finish my education first, but I love to make any contacts that I can. Do you work at one of your restaurants?”
He shakes his head and hands me a business card. “I’m the vice president of marketing for the company. Plus an amateur oenophile. I’m always looking for excellent wines to add to our wine lists. I think my family will love this Cab Franc.”
Hmm. No harm in the platonic dinner date that could end up as a business contact. “I need to check with Dale to see what time we’ll be done here. Are you staying in Snow Creek?”
“In Grand Junction, actually. There’s a new steakhouse I want to try, and I’d love to get your opinion on their wine list.”
I’d much rather be having a candlelight dinner with Dale alone at his place, but that clearly isn’t happening. Levi is attractive and appears to be an excellent business contact. So why not?
“I’ll need to go home and change.”
“Where do you live?” he asks.
“I’m actually staying with Dale’s mom and dad at their main ranch house. I can give you the address. But I still don’t know what time I’m going to be done here.”
“Mr. Jones,” an employee interrupts us, “we’ve got your wine ready to pack into your car for you.”
“Great, thank you,” Levi says. “Ashley, my cell phone number’s on the card. Give me a call or text, and let me know what time you’ll be ready for me to pick you up.”
I smile and nod. “Sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.”
He winks at me. “So am I.”
The wink catches me off guard. Not that a guy has never winked at me before, but I find myself comparing Levi to Dale. Dale Steel will never wink at me. I’ve known him for only four days, but already I’m sure of that.
I’m not interested in Levi. For all I know, he may be involved with someone else. He’s not wearing a wedding ring, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a significant other he’s been with for ten years.
He leaves, leading the employee with his cases of wine on a dolly to his car.
Now to talk to Dale.
Except…where is he?
Several of the other tasters are placing their orders, and a few already left. Katie’s friend is speaking to another taster.
But where is Katie? She didn’t leave, not if she and her friend came together.
No Dale, and no Katie.
Completely circumstantial, but I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit. I turn to look for Dale, when a taster steps in front of me.
“Could you help me?” she asks.
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
“My husband will kill me if I buy more than one case of wine, and I can’t make up my mind between the Cab Franc and the Rhône blend. Do you sell mixed cases?”
“That’s a very good question. I’m assuming so, but this is my first day and I don’t actually know.” I tap an employee on the shoulder. “Excuse me, but can we sell a mixed case?”
“Yes, of course. Give me a second while I finish up with this customer.”
“Awesome, thank you. This gentleman will help you in a moment,” I say to the taster.
“I really enjoyed today,” she says. “You have a real knack for this.”
“It’s my passion,” I say.
“Well, you chose correctly. You’re a natural.”
I smile as my cheeks warm. “Thank you so much. You’ve just made my day.”