Page 94 of Wild Abandon

“What was that?”

“You.”

“Me?”

Ed places his hands on his cane and looks out to the roses. “Crystal, a man without a home is a man without a heart. You brought my home back to me.”

I throw my arms around Ed’s neck, my head nestled on his shoulder.

“Crystal?”

I sit up at the sound of my name. I look at Ed, and we wonder who is here. I rise and walk into the wine-tasting room where the voice is coming from. Imagine my surprise to see Brent Montavale standing in the middle of the room, wearing a baby-blue plaid button-down and navy trousers.

“Brent. What are you doing here?” I haven’t spoken to him since I told him I wasn’t going to Tahoe.

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” He smiles and holds out his hand.

I can only imagine what kind of sight I really am. Red and splotchy from three days of wallowing.

“You drove all the way from Sonoma to see me? Here?” I ask as I watch his eyes roam around the room.

“You bailed on me last weekend. Maybe Saturday, we can take a drive to Sausalito.”

He tries to give me a kiss on the lips, and I offer him my cheek. He doesn’t seem to notice my avoidance.

“About that. I wanted to talk to you—”

“So, this is the infamous Russet Ranch? After our dinner, I did some research. Quite a spot you have here.”

“Yes, it’s quite special,” I say. I try to veer the conversation to where it needs to go. As wonderful as Brent is, I have to end the relationship. I shouldn’t have been in it to begin with. My heart always belonged to Nate.

“I drove around the property. Twenty acres. After you told me about this place, I looked it up. The soil here is prime for cabernet.”

I tilt my head at his words. Looks like he really did do his research. His eyes widening, as if he’s imagining how he can build and expand upon it.

I suddenly have a feeling that he’s not really here to see me. “Did you come here to scope out the property?”

“I’m looking for land to grow a special reserve. I’m going to buy Russet Ranch.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “It’s not for sale.” My tone is defensive.

“Babe, everything’s for sale.” He laughs, putting his arm around me.

I swat it away. “Not everything.”

“Seriously, Crystal, the land is being leased. The owner will be happy to sell when he sees my offer.”

Remember how I said Brent was like Bruce Wayne? More like Two-Face.

A clicking sound echoes from the back of the room. “She said the land is not for sale.” For heaven’s sake, Ed is standing in the doorway with a shotgun.

Brent puts his hands up and smirks. “Wow, no need to get dramatic. Mr. Martin, my name is Brent—”

Ed holds the gun up to his left eye. “I know who you are. And if you’re not off my property in thirty seconds, I’ll make sure the lead in your foot is a staunch reminder of why you should never come back here.”

“You wouldn’t shoot me.”

“Watch me.” Ed steps forward, forcing Brent to back up and out the front door onto the gravel.