Page 71 of Cru's Crush

Bit pulled out a hand-drawn map of vineyard sections. There were marks on those where they’d found the fungus.

“Ten?” I asked.

My brother nodded. “Sorry, Cru.”

“Don’t be.” The fungus was hard to catch and, once it took hold, spread at the same rate as a wildfire.

“Guess we’ll up the off-dry production this year.” I was being facetious, but about the only positive thing about Botrytis was that some of the most amazing sweet wines in the world could be made from the infected grapes.

“It’s a rough year, Cru. Between this, the heat, and the drought, our numbers are going to be way down.”

“I hear you, Bit.”

Thankfully, the last few years had been really good and we had enough wine stored in barrels to keep this year’s numbers up by releasing what we’d intendedto be long-hold collections as well as increase our blend inventory.

“You’re doing a good job, Cru.”

I looked into my brother’s eyes and saw nothing but sincerity.

“That means a lot, Bit. Thank you.”

“There’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

I raised a brow. I’d heard enough bad news so far this afternoon and wasn’t ready for more.

“I want to start hosting events in the old winery.”

“Yeah? What’s involved?” I asked.

“I should hire an event planner.”

“You don’t need my permission. This is your baby. Got anyone in mind?”

He shook his head. “I thought I’d run an ad.”

“Excellent plan.” I threw my leg over the ATV and started it up. “I’m calling it a day. Let everyone know they can take off, would you?”

“You got it, boss.”

I was about to drive away when I put on the brakes. “Hey, Bit?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you, man.”

“I love you too, Cru.”

Rather than lieon the bed in the downstairs room, I climbed the stairs to the one Daphne and I had shared most often. I opened the dresser drawers, relieved to find she’d left most of the lingerie we’d purchased together here. The closet was over half full too.

Stretching out where she and I had last made love and rolled over, I inhaled her scent on the pillow, missing her so much I ached. While I understood Beau’s reasons for suggesting I hold off traveling to Australia, it was damned hard to do. I wanted to stare into her eyes, touch her skin, and make love all night like we did before she left. Mostly, I just wanted her to come home so we could pick up where we’d left off.

For months, we’d both had everything we wanted in life. Most importantly, each other, but working together had been a dream come true too. I prayed she’d return before harvest and that she and I could still make wine together this year, even with the low yield, it looked like we’d experience.

Rather than sitting around, feeling sorry for myself, I got up, took a shower, and drove to Demetria, the vineyard property Maddox and Alex owned.

Up for company?I’d sent a text asking.

Sure. Maddox and I both need a change of scenery. How soon can you be here?