Vineyard Dreams (Beyond The Red Carpet #4)

Chapter 9

9

T he perfectly seared ribeye melted in Harper’s mouth, its peppery crust giving way to a tender, medium-rare center that needed barely any pressure from her knife. The homemade red wine sauce drizzled across the plate added a rich depth that brought everything together. Harper savored the last bite of the meal Elle had prepared.

The conversation had flowed effortlessly between them all evening, but she kept thinking about Elle’s text from just a few hours ago, telling her that she had an idea she wanted to run by her, but Harper was still waiting to find out what that idea was.

As Elle cleared the plates, Harper tried to help, but Elle insisted on taking care of it. So, Harper leaned back in her chair, sipping the last of the wine Elle had paired with their dinner.

The curiosity had been building throughout the evening, but Harper had patiently waited, enjoying the company and the delicious food, and just as she was about to bring it up, Elle returned to the table, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“Harper, I’ve been thinking,” she began, her hazel eyes meeting her gaze. “I have an idea I’d like to discuss with you.”

Harper set her wine glass down, giving Elle her full attention. “I’m all ears,” she said, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She tilted her head as she tried to figure out why Elle suddenly seemed a little nervous as she sat down across from her again.

Elle took a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts. “I’m not sure if this is something you’d be open to or not, but I’m just going to say it.” Elle’s fingers slowly slid up and down the stem of her wine glass before she looked up and held Harper’s gaze. “I was wondering if you’d consider renting your vineyard to me,” she said. “It would allow me to expand my business while honoring your father’s legacy. We could work out an arrangement that benefits us both.”

Harper blinked. She hadn’t expected this, but as the idea sank in, she found herself intrigued. Elle’s expertise and passion for winemaking were undeniable, and the thought of her father’s vineyard thriving under Elle’s care was appealing.

“When did you think of this?” Harper asked, leaning forward, her elbows resting on the table.

Elle shook her head, a tiny smile coming to her lips. “About two minutes before I texted you.”

“What?” Harper asked, her own smile widening.

Elle looked away, her cheeks rosy. “I… Well, there had always been plans to expand someday, but it never really made sense, because it would mean picking up and starting over again somewhere else, somewhere that had more land. But now… Your land is there, unused. It was a dream of Stephanie’s, and I think it could work out nicely for both of us.”

Harper suddenly found herself blinking back tears. She’d already kind of come to terms with the idea that her father’s vineyard would never return to the way it was when Harper had grown up here. It was too much work for someone who had no idea what she was doing. But with Elle in charge? Now it was a possibility.

Elle reached across the table, her hand gently covering Harper’s. The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down Harper’s spine. “I know it must have been hard for you, coming back here and finding your family’s vineyard like this,” Elle said softly, her eyes filled with empathy. “I want to help, Harper. I believe we can make this work. We can work out the details, but I was thinking that we could sign a lease. It’ll be official.”

Harper pressed her lips together. Elle was right to think that Harper would be apprehensive to put her trust in someone again. It wouldn’t hurt to have it all in writing.

Elle’s hand slid away from her own. “You can take some time to think about it. I just wanted to put the idea out there.”

Harper leaned back in her chair, contemplating Elle’s proposal. The idea of renting the vineyard to Elle seemed like a perfect solution, allowing her to honor her father’s legacy while entrusting the property to someone with the knowledge and passion to make it thrive.

For the first time since returning to the vineyard, Harper felt a glimmer of hope. “It sounds almost too good to be true,” she admitted, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

“I understand your hesitation, but I promise you, this is a genuine offer. I want to help, not just for the sake of expanding my business, but because I think it’ll make your life easier too. You could come and go, without worrying about more than your house. And I know I don’t know you that well, but if your vineyard was back up and running, I think you’d be able to let go of some of that guilt that you’re holding onto.”

Harper exhaled softly. “That really is how I’ve felt most days since I’ve been here. Guilty. Guilty for not coming back here sooner. For not being able to fix this mess.”

Elle’s expression softened, her eyes filled with understanding. “And I think this might be the solution.”

“I think it might be too.”

“There is one thing I need to mention,” Elle said gently. “In order to get the vineyard back to where it needs to be, there will be some initial costs involved. I would need you to fund those expenses, but my team and I would handle all the work.”

Harper considered this for a moment, knowing that investing in the vineyard was a necessary step. She had the means to do so, thankfully, and the thought of seeing her father’s vineyard flourish once more made the decision easy.

“I’m willing to do that,” Harper said. “I want to see the vineyard thrive again, and I trust you to make it happen.”

“I’ll draw up some estimates and speak to my lawyer about drafting a document.”

“Let me know as soon as you have them and maybe I can cook dinner for you while we look over it?”

Elle smiled, the lines around her eyes fanning out. “That sounds perfect.”

Harper followed Elle into the living room, a glass of wine in hand. The cozy space was adorned with personal touches, photographs, and mementos that told the story of Elle’s life. As they settled onto the plush couch, Harper’s eyes were drawn to a particular photograph on the bookshelf. It captured a much younger Elle, her chestnut hair tousled by the wind, and a stunning blond-haired woman by her side. They were on a beach, their smiles radiant and carefree.

Elle must have noticed Harper’s gaze lingering on the photograph because she spoke softly, “That was taken in Portugal, on our first trip together.” A wistful smile played on her lips as she added, “That was nearly thirty years ago.”

Harper turned to Elle, curiosity piqued. “Is that Stephanie?” she asked gently.

Elle nodded, her hazel eyes filled with a mixture of love and nostalgia. “Yes, that’s her. We were so young and in love back then. Portugal was where we truly fell for each other, away from the demands of everyday life.”

“She was beautiful,” Harper said softly, her gaze returning to the photograph. “You both look so happy.”

Elle’s smile widened, a glimmer of joy in her eyes. “We were. Stephanie had a way of making every moment feel like an adventure. She taught me to embrace life fully, to take risks and follow my heart.”

Harper sipped her wine, the rich flavor complementing the warmth of the moment. She admired Elle’s strength and resilience.

“Losing someone you love is never easy.”

Elle met Harper’s gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them. “It’s been ten years, but there are still moments when the absence feels so raw.”

Harper reached out, placing a comforting hand on Elle’s arm. “I’m so sorry, Elle. I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through.”

Although even as she said those words, another heart-wrenching scene flashed across her mind. Harper had never loved someone like Lena had loved Clara or like Elle had loved her wife.

She’d never had that connection, but Harper had poured herself into Lena when she’d cradled Clara in her arms, both of them exhausted, bloodied, and bruised after they’d fought off the intruders that had stormed into their home in the middle of the night. But Clara had fallen backwards as one of the intruders elbowed her when she’d tried to attack him. Blood poured from the side of Clara’s head, and she was gone before the ambulance had arrived.

Harper swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She might not know what that kind of loss was like, but that scene was the one that woke her up in the middle of the night more than any of the others. The tears had streaked down Harper’s face, the ragged sobs echoing around the set. How Lena could have gone on after that, knowing that the reason the intruders had attacked their home was because they’d been looking for her, Harper would never understand.

And Clara had paid the price for Lena’s fight.

If Lena hadn’t been so outspoken, Clara would still be alive.

Harper blinked, Elle’s voice cutting through the haunting memories of filming Lena’s darkest moments.

“I’m sorry,” Elle said. “I didn’t mean to bring down the mood with old memories.”

“No.” Harper shook her head, her dark hair falling across her face. “Please don’t apologize. Memories are important, even the painful ones.” She brushed her hair back, grateful for the distraction from her own memories. “Besides, this evening has been one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Your idea about renting the vineyard...” A smile spread across her face. “It feels right like the perfection solution to my problems, and I feel like it’s something my father would have wanted. I wish you two had met.”

Elle reached for her wine glass, the deep red liquid catching the warm light. “I was worried you might think I was being presumptuous.”

“Presumptuous?” Harper laughed softly. “Elle, you’re offering to save my father’s legacy. I’d be crazy not to consider it.” She leaned back against the couch cushions, feeling lighter than she had in months. “Your experience, your passion for the land… It’s exactly what the vineyard needs.”

Elle’s eyes crinkled at the corners, and Harper found herself drawn to the warmth in that expression. Harper’s gaze lingered on Elle’s smile, and the way it softened her features.

As they sat together on the couch, Harper found herself noticing the little things about Elle—the way her chestnut hair fell in soft waves around her face, the elegance of her hands as she held her wine glass, and the subtle scent of her perfume.

A flutter of attraction stirred within Harper, catching her off guard. She dismissed it immediately, but there was no denying the pull she felt towards Elle. If Harper really thought about it, she could admit to herself that she felt something when Elle had helped her get out of the wine cellar, when they’d been sitting on that bench together, and Harper slowly started to gain control of her breathing again.

But Harper pushed those thoughts aside, a twinge of guilt settling in her stomach. She couldn’t help but think of the paparazzi that had followed her to Elle’s doorstep, the unwanted attention she had inadvertently brought into Elle’s life before she’d even met Elle.

And then Harper really pushed those thoughts completely out of her head. The pain of Elle’s loss still lingered, and Harper got the feeling that Elle hadn’t dated since and maybe never would.

No, it was best to focus on their professional partnership, on the shared goal of revitalizing the vineyard.

As Elle spoke, Harper found herself drawn in, captivated by the tone of her voice. She loved the way Elle talked about her vineyard, her voice tinged with passion as she gave an overview of what would be involved and how long it would take.

Harper tried to focus on Elle’s words, but her mind kept drifting to the way Elle’s lips moved as she spoke, the way her eyes shone with enthusiasm. She took another sip of wine, hoping the rich liquid would help her regain her composure, but it only seemed to amplify the attraction she felt.

It’s just the wine. That’s all that’s going on here.

But deep down, she knew that wasn’t true. She’d only had two glasses, hardly enough to cloud her judgment. No, this attraction was real, and it terrified her.

She couldn’t be interested in Elle. It was a terrible idea on so many levels. They were about to enter into a business partnership, and the last thing Harper needed was to complicate things with romantic feelings. Elle was still grieving the loss of her wife, and Harper had no right to even entertain the thought of pursuing something more than friendship.

Besides, Harper’s life was a mess. She’d come to the vineyard to escape the chaos of Hollywood, to find some semblance of peace after the most intense role of her career.

Harper tried to push the thoughts aside, to focus on the present moment. Elle was offering her a chance to save her father’s legacy, to bring the vineyard back to life. That was what mattered, not the way Elle’s smile made Harper’s heart skip a beat or the way her gentle touch sent shivers down Harper’s spine.

But as Elle continued to speak, her passion for the vineyard evident in every word, Harper found it increasingly difficult to ignore the pull she felt towards her.