Page 119 of Wicked Dares
Piper walked into my life and gave me a vision of a future beyond hedge funds, investments, and expansion plans.
She showed me what life could look like with her waiting for me at the end of every day.
Arthur’s right. Women like Piper only come around once in an era.
Just like the butterfly, they’re beautiful and precious. And if you’re not careful, they can disappear far too quickly.
I don’t want that to happen to me.
Chapter Twenty-Five
PIPER
“Welcome to Belladonna Ridge.”
Arthur steps forward with his arms spread wide, showcasing the magnificent expanse of the vineyard before us.
It stretches endlessly across the rolling hills beneath the Texas sky with row after row of grapevines glowing beneath the late afternoon sun. Golden light spills across the landscape in soft ribbons and the breeze carries the earthy scent of fresh vines through the air.
It’s so breathtaking it looks like it can’t be real.
I’m immediately reminded of one of my all-time favorite movies,A Walk in the Clouds. The vineyard in that movie was something else. This is just like that.
And we’re finally here. Levi and I just arrived in this little slice of heaven.
We were greeted straightaway by Arthur and Ellie Mae.
They brought us right out here to see their prized vineyard.
I’m still staring, completely awestruck.
My gaze wanders over the stone pathways weaving between the vines toward a sprawling white estate nestled farther up the hill. Beyond it sits the winery itself.
For a second, I genuinely forget we’re still in Texas.
“It’s so beautiful,” I breathe, keeping my voice low, almost reverent.
Arthur’s grin widens instantly, like he’s been waiting for one of us to say it.
“Wait until sunset,” he says proudly. “That’s when this place really starts showing off.”
“It’s as pretty as a postcard,” Ellie Mae joins in. “And not that different from any of them vineyards in France and Italy.”
Arthur nods his agreement, raising his polished oak walking stick. He used it to lift one of the low-hanging vines while he spoke. “I may sound big-headed, but I think my place is better.”
“Of course, you would say that.” Levi smirks, slipping his sunglasses from his face.
Arthur scoffs. “Damn right.” He gestures dramatically toward the vines. “Boy, this place produces some of the finest Bordeaux-style blends in the world.”
Ellie Mae loops her arm through mine with a soft laugh. “Here he goes.”
Arthur ignores her completely.
“We grow primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot,” he says, already heading down the stone pathway between the vines. “The soil composition out here is perfect for structure and depth. Hot days. Cool nights. Gives the grapes balance.”
Levi glances toward me and smiles.
I smile back, and we follow Arthur down the path. He continues talking like a man entirely in his element.
