Free TOML SW 2015-04-09 by Amy Gamet

a complete fool of herself. “I don’t think so. I have some things I need to do. But I’ll see you at the rehearsal.”
    ~~~
    Jed was surprised to find the first three clues in Tori’s treasure hunt featured prominently in a plastic table display at the Moon Lake Bar and Grill. The bartender came to take his order, and Jed was happy it was not the usual redheaded girl, but a man.
    The bartender gestured to the clues in Jed’s hands. “That last one’s got to be this place.”
    “Because of the pint?”
    “Yeah, plus the shamrocks. This place used to be called O’Laughlin’s, and Tori wrote it both ways on the map, so it has to be us.”
    The mention of Tori’s name made him sad, the words he’d said to her still fresh in his mind.
    It’s not like we have feelings for each other.
    He’d chosen those words carefully, knowing full well they would hurt her. He wanted to be casual, but he had to break it off.
    “Why don’t you make that order, to-go,” he said, suddenly wanting to be alone. His mind replayed their conversation. Why had he invited her to dinner? What was he thinking? Thank goodness she didn’t come, or he would have happily tightened the rope between them that he’d deliberately let fall slack.
    He took his order back to the cabin and popped the top on a cold beer, stepping out onto the deck. The air was still and damp, lights reflecting off the dark water.
    What he said to Tori couldn’t be further from the truth. He had feelings, all right. The kind that had him tossing and turning in his bed all night, imagining her warm body tucked between the covers right next to his. He was gaga for that girl. And that was dangerous territory for a man who would do anything to avoid falling in love.
    His cell phone rang. “Trainor.”
    “It’s Edward.”
    Jed’s stomach clenched. There was no more putting this off. “I was just about to call you. There are a few things I need to talk to you about.”
    “Tomorrow, around noon? You can come to the house.”
    “I’ll be there.”
    He ended the call and gazed out over the water. He would do what he had to do to save Trainor Enterprises.
    ~~~

Chapter 7

    The house was wide and rambling, with a small front porch and dark wood shingles. A small sign hung at the entrance to the property, welcoming you to Crescent Moon Vineyard & Winery.
    Jed got out of his car and stretched. He hadn’t paid any attention to the property the last time he was here, his vision clouded with anger at his father.
    So this was where Tori grew up, overlooking the water and surrounded by grapevines. He imagined her here as a child, running between long rows of plants, the image drastically different from his own upbringing.
    He walked to the door and pressed the bell, waiting only a moment before a man with dark hair and deeply tanned skin answered. Jed tilted his head, and the man smiled warmly. “I’m Rafael, the vineyard manager. You’re Edward’s son?”
    “I am.”
    Rafael extended his hand and Jed shook it, noticing its callouses. “You look like your father,” said Rafael. “Come on in.”
    Bonnie walked into the foyer, drying her hands on a towel. “Good morning, Jed. Edward’s in the vineyard, checking on the vines.”
    “Checking on the vines?”
    She laughed. “You’d be surprised. Your father has taken quite an interest in the winery operations. He’s spent a lot of time with Rafael, learning all about what goes on here. I think Edward’s enjoying his retirement.”
    “Retirement?”
    “Yes. You didn’t know? He sold his company just a few months before he and I met. You should ask him about it.” She winked.
    Edward Trainor, retired?
    That was like a hawk deciding he was tiring of flying.
    Bonnie led him through the house and out the back door, where rows of grapevines stretched over the undulating ground as far as he could see.
    “This is incredible,” he said.
    “Isn’t it? My husband planted these vines when we were first married. Hard to