Flynn walked along the path to the front door. There were topiary shrubs in ceramic pots covered in fairy lights lining his way. He could see people standing around inside the glass doors and, as he approached, the doors opened before him. Two of Theo’s younger grandsons held them back for him to walk through.

“Flynn!” Theo threw his arms out wide then stepped towards him and kissed him on both cheeks. “Welcome to River Dynasty restaurant.”

“Thanks, Theo.” Flynn looked around and bent low to be welcomed by Theo’s wife in the same way.

“What would you like to drink? Besides our fine wines we have many things to choose from. Would you prefer a beer perhaps?”

“Thanks.”

Flynn looked around as Theo called out for a beer to be brought. There were individual tables in the front part of the room all set for service; a large bar took up one corner at the left and back walls, and along from that were doors through to what was once the original old house. Partway down the wall to his right was a huge open fire with several comfy chairs scattered in front of it. Kat stood near the fire, talking to some of her aunts. Theo was distracted as more guests arrived and Flynn took the beer he was offered and made his way towards the fire.

“I’m not sure how long I can stay, at least two weeks, I hope. It just depends,” Kat was saying to the two women beside her. One of them welcomed Flynn. He recalled she was married to Theo’s son who ran their other winery, closer to Augusta. Kat smiled a hello and the three women continued their conversation. The older women spoke partly in Greek and Flynn had difficulty following their words.

He took the chance to study Kat. The pale pink of her top complemented her olive complexion. It was fell loosely over her jeans, which stopped just short of white ankle boots. She was perfectly proportioned.

The aunts moved away and Flynn lifted his gaze to find Kat looking at him, a small smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. “I try to tell them I don’t understand much when they speak Greek.”

“Your grandfather has done a lot of work here,” he said quickly, aware she had caught him out.

“It’s changed from when I was here last. Pappou has grand plans for River Dynasty.”

“Are you part of those plans?”

“Oh no. Pappou has so many family members here he employs already. Besides, my parents think I’m going to take over the running of their winery one day.”

Flynn thought there was a sharp edge to her words. “And you’ve got other ideas?”

“I’m an only child.” The smile left her face and she glanced at the people talking and laughing around them.