Free So Good: A Ribbon Ridge Novel (Love on the Vine Book 1) by Darcy Burke Page A

salesperson. But the right woman is out there. Jennifer was the aberration, not the norm.”
    “Damn it. You had to go and say her name.”
    “Dude, everyone eventually said Voldemort too.”
    Cam knew Hayden meant well, but his love life was off-limits. “I think you should drop the conversation.”
    Hayden held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry. Just… I don’t want you to have regrets.”
    “It’s far too late for that,” Cam muttered. “Listen, I’m heading up to my office for a few.” He started toward the stairs.
    Hayden called after him. “I’ll let you know when Bex gets here with lunch.”
    Cam nodded but didn’t turn. He climbed up to his office, feeling agitated. He hated that word—regret. Because he had plenty of experience with it. He strove to live his life so that emotion never knocked him down again.
    Yeah, he liked Brooke, but he still didn’t want a girlfriend. Luckily for him, she didn’t seem interested—even if he was. He was content to flirt with her and keep things light. That was what he did best.  
    And that was what kept him out of trouble.

    B y the time they finished the vineyard tour, Brooke was hot and more than eager for that glass of Riesling Cam had promised her. Like Hayden, Luke had been an engaging and incredibly knowledgeable tour guide.
    “I have the sense you pretty much live and breathe this vineyard,” she said as they walked back toward the building.
    “Guilty. But then we all do.”
    She could see that. The four of them seemed to have poured all of their passion—their very souls—into this endeavor. It was inspiring and honestly a little envy inducing.
    “You guys are incredibly lucky to be pursuing your dream.”
    Luke blew out a whistle. “Don’t we know it. He led her toward a doorway on the uphill side of the building. “You sound wistful. Selling wine isn’t your dream?”
    “I love it, really.” She did. But it wasn’t really her dream. Her dream—to have a family—had been shattered when she and Darren had divorced. She realized she didn’t have a new dream, and that felt like a bit of an epiphany.
    “But maybe it’s not where you see yourself in five or ten years,” he said.
    She hadn’t thought about that. She’d been too focused on taking one day and then one week at a time. She’d stopped seeing a shrink when she’d moved north, but she still had tough questions she ought to explore.  
    Oh, get over yourself! Thinking about the future should not send you into a tailspin. Not anymore.
    Luke opened the door to the winery as she silently chided herself. They walked into a vestibule with a staircase—the one that led up to the offices, she was fairly certain.
    “Oh man, does that feel good.” Luke swept his hat off and closed his eyes briefly.
    Brooke welcomed the cool rush of air-conditioning, despite the instant goose bumps rising on her heated flesh. It felt delicious. “Yes, it does.”
    “This way,” Luke said, gesturing past the stairs to the main room.
    A table had been set up, and a cute brunette was arranging food on it. She turned as Brooke and Luke approached. “Hi!” She brushed her hands on her jean shorts and came toward Brooke. “I’m Bex Archer.” She offered her hand, which Brooke shook.
    “Nice to meet you. I’m Brooke Ellis.”
    “So I heard. I’m so thrilled you’ll be working with the guys. They need a woman’s influence.”
    Luke chuckled. “As if you don’t insert yours. And we have no issue with that.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
    Bex tossed him a look of affront. “Hey, I’m too busy with my beer.”
    “I meant no offense. Don’t listen to me. I’m overheated.”
    “Then I’m just in time!” Cam called from the base of the stairs. He carried two bottles of white wine—the Riesling, which she could discern by the shape of the bottle, and another white.
    Hayden came from the kitchen carrying a knife and some napkins. He handed the knife to Bex. “This is for the