Merry Misunderstandings

Wine tasting

Vivienne POV

“It looks wonderful,” Vivienne said, taking a deep breath as she surveyed the B&B’s courtyard. Fairy lights glittered like stars strung across the rustic wooden beams. The long tables were set with autumn-themed runners, dried flowers in copper vases, and flickering candles that cast a warm, inviting glow.

Chloe adjusted a sign that read Wood & Vine: Fall Wine Tasting Experience in elegant calligraphy. “I can’t believe we pulled this off,” she said, straightening the last wine glass. “The place looks like something out of a lifestyle magazine.”

Vivienne smiled. It really did. After everything that had happened, it felt good to see something coming together.

She let her eyes drift to the vineyards stretching out in the distance, vines still clinging to the last of their autumn leaves. The air smelled like woodsmoke and pine, with a hint of winter’s edge.

“This has to work,” she murmured, more to herself. The B&B needed the exposure, and if the event succeeded, Wood & Vine might even land a spot in the town’s holiday wine festival—a game-changer for the struggling brand. Her family’s vineyards stretched out for several acres behind the B&B. Not only were the Woods and Blackwood’s rivals in hospitality—they were rivals in the brewing industry.

But as she adjusted one of the wine displays, the sound of heavy crates being dragged across the front lawn made her pause. She turned slowly, her stomach sinking.

There, near the entrance of the B&B, Grayson was directing a group of workers unloading barrels marked Blackwood Brewing Co. and setting up a massive portable tap system.

Vivienne’s mouth dropped open.

“Is he—?” Chloe asked, blinking in disbelief.

“Yes, he is.” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed as Grayson caught her gaze from across the yard. His smirk widened as he raised a hand in mock greeting before turning back to his workers.

“Oh, he’s dead,” Vivienne hissed, marching toward him, heels clicking with determined fury.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Vivienne snapped, as she neared Grayson, who was telling his crew where to put the tables.

“Good afternoon to you too, Vivienne,” Grayson spoke formally.

“Well?” Vivienne asked, her hands on her hips—tapping her foot on the grass.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m setting up a beer tasting. It’s a nice day for it, isn’t it?" He smiled.

“This is my event!” Vivienne said with outrage.

“But we,” Grayson pointed between the two of them, “are partners. So it only seems fair that I get a share, right?” And with that, Grayson walked away, heading towards the BBQ the caterers had set up. Vivienne pulled her bottom lips between her teeth. He was serving food? All she was doing was wine & cheese.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see more people walking up the driveway—with instruments. The nerve of that man! Beer taps, BBQ, and a live music setup? He’d turned her classy wine-tasting experience into a damn fall festival.

“Everything okay?” Chloe whispered, watching Vivienne’s growing frustration.

“No,” Vivienne hissed. “But it will be.”

She stomped back toward her wine display, determined to outshine him. Guests were already gathering near Grayson’s side, drawn by the tantalizing smell of grilled meat and the energetic strum of a guitar. But she wouldn’t be outdone.

Vivienne tightened her ponytail with a sharp tug, feeling the familiar sense of control settle over her. The fall breeze teased loose strands, but she ignored it, busy arranging the Wood & Vine wine bottles into a perfect, inviting display.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Grayson striding toward her, hands casually tucked into his pockets, exuding maddening confidence. His gaze swept over her, darkening with that familiar, unmistakable heat.

He’s not going to win today.

“Careful, Foxy,” he drawled, stopping just a foot away, his voice low and intimate. “If you’re trying to distract me, it’s working.”

Vivienne arched an unimpressed brow. “Please. You’d need more than a beer tap and a bad pick-up line to stand a chance.”

His smirk widened as he leaned in just enough that she caught the faint, woodsy scent of his cologne. “Good thing I’m not the only one tasting something tempting today.”

Her pulse quickened, but she met his gaze coolly, refusing to give him the satisfaction. “Careful, Blackwood,” she warned, her tone silky and dangerous. “You might find yourself choking on more than just your cheap brew.”

Before he could respond, the mayor’s voice boomed from across the courtyard.

“Attention, folks! Welcome to Cedar Hollow’s first-ever Fall Wine & Beer Tasting Showdown!”

Vivienne’s jaw dropped. Showdown?

“Your challenge,” the mayor continued, “is to sample both sides and vote for your favorite! May the best brew—or vintage—win!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the townsfolk eagerly swarmed both tasting stations.

Grayson’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he stepped back. “Looks like we’re officially in competition.”

“We’ve always been in competition.” Vivienne’s voice was razor-sharp, but she couldn’t suppress the thrill sparking through her veins. She lived for a challenge—and wiping that smug look off his face would be very satisfying.

The tasting event was in full swing, and Vivienne’s station was thriving—but so was Grayson’s. His beer taps were practically overflowing with customers thanks to his ridiculously charming bartender act.

She narrowed her eyes. Time for Plan B.

Feigning interest in the setup, she strolled casually toward Grayson’s portable tap station. No one was looking—perfect.

Dropping to her knees behind the largest keg, she reached for the tap’s connection hose. A little twist…maybe a small "accidental" detachment...

“Need help down there, Foxy?”

Her head shot up so fast she nearly knocked into the keg. Grayson stood over her, arms crossed, amusement glinting in his dark eyes.

Vivienne forced a sweet, innocent smile. “Just admiring your… equipment,” she said smoothly. “It’s surprisingly… fragile.”

Grayson’s chuckle was low and wicked. “You’ve always been curious.” He crouched down, his face far too close for comfort. “Careful, though. Wouldn’t want you getting… wet.”

Her cheeks burned, but she tilted her head, playing along. “Don’t worry. I know exactly how to handle your setup.”

For a breathless moment, they stared at each other, laughter threatening to break the simmering tension. Almost.

But just as she started to rise, Grayson’s fingers brushed her wrist, lingering just long enough to send a pulse of heat through her.

“You really don’t play fair,” he murmured, his voice low enough to be a secret.

Vivienne smiled sweetly. “Neither do you.”

His eyes flickered to her lips, and for a moment, Vivienne forgot where they were. She could feel his warm breath fanning her face. She leaned in closer. How would his lips feel on hers?

“Mr. Blackwood! Ms. Wood!” Mayor Wellington’s booming voice shattered the moment like glass hitting stone.

They jerked apart just as the mayor and his assistant strode toward them, holding a clipboard. “We’ve tallied the votes,” the mayor declared. “You’ll be pleased to hear... it’s a tie!”

Vivienne blinked. A tie?

Grayson’s brow lifted. “How convenient,” he murmured, shooting her a knowing glance.

“Given how popular both of your tasting events were, the town committee would like to invite both businesses to collaborate on the upcoming Thanksgiving Harvest Festival,” the mayor continued with an air of finality. “Together.”

Vivienne forced a strained smile. “Wonderful.”

“Fantastic,” Grayson added dryly.

As the mayor and his assistant walked away, Vivienne turned to Grayson, hands on her hips. “This doesn’t mean we’re partners outside of this event.”

Grayson’s eyes sparkled with barely concealed amusement. “Wouldn’t dream of it... partner.”

He tipped an imaginary hat and sauntered off, leaving Vivienne fuming—but unable to suppress the smallest hint of a smile.