He led the way to the car. Even though the morning was mild, Flynn had noticed her shiver a couple of times, probably a reaction to all that had happened. He kept a protective arm around her shoulders while they waited at Anna’s back door. Why did he find it so easy to be close with Kat and yet with Keely he was so awkward?

Anna opened the door. “Hello, you two. What’s brought you here so early?”

Flynn gave her a quick explanation and she whisked them inside to the cosy kitchen full of warmth and delicious smells.

* * *

Maggie’s prediction had been correct. The customers had come in their droves as soon as Levallier Dell was open for business. It was another beautiful day and Euan had dusted off the garden furniture he’d set up just outside the cellar door for the overflow of people to enjoy the sunshine. Keely and Maggie had been flat out in the kitchen until mid-afternoon when their supplies had all but gone, and they had decided to say the kitchen was closed.

Maggie sent the two waitstaff home, then she collapsed onto the couch and kicked off her shoes. “I’m reminded why I’ve become more of a facilitator than a worker,” she groaned. “It’s easier on my feet.”

Keely finished wiping down the benches. She was tired but restless. She’d hardly seen Flynn since he’d rushed in with the rolls, then dashed back to open up the cellar door. He’d only given her a quick hello and when Maggie asked after Kat he had briefly explained Theo’s emergency.

Keely imagined the people still tasting out in the cellar door. She’d enjoyed the previous afternoon and her brief introduction to ‘front of house’, as Flynn had called it. Whether it was that or working beside Flynn, she wasn’t sure, but it had been fun.

“Why don’t you go out and see what’s happening, before you rub a hole in that bench,” Maggie said. “There’s nothing more to do in here for now.”

Keely dropped the cloth and glanced at Maggie but she was stretched out on the couch with her eyes closed. There were probably glasses to wash. She picked up a tray and went outside.

“Keely!” A set of arms wrapped her in a bear hug as she stepped through the door. The tray dropped to one side.

“Hi, Marty.”

The quick brush of his lips on her cheek was accompanied by the smell of alcohol. Mike appeared at his side on slightly wobbly legs and Keely disentangled herself from Marty’s arms.

Marty glanced around the cellar door. “This is a great place.”

“Best winery we’ve been in all day,” Mike said.

Marty leaned in closer and chuckled with beery breath. “That’s because it’s the only winery we’ve been in all day.”

“We had to check out the breweries first,” Mike said.