Everlasting Love: The Vineyard's of Love Series, #1

By Kenzie Rose

Abigail has gone through most of her adult life avoiding guys and falling in love. She fell in love once and he was taken from her suddenly. She didn't expect to meet the man of her dreams when he walked into the coffee bar where she works. Can she open her heart and let him in? Will he be able to calm her fears and show her that they're meant to be together? Or will a freak accident take him away too?  

 

Anthony was enjoying his last summer before his Senior Year in College and taking over the responsibilities of running the family winery. He wasn't looking for love when he walked into a coffee bar after spending the morning surfing with his brothers. Then she looked at him and he knew that fate had brought him there. Now he is trying to show her that love at first sight does exist.Will this be an Everlasting Love?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Kenzie Rose
• Release date: Dec 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393370628

Kenzie Rose

Kenzie Rose lives on the Central Coast of California with her husband and grown children where she is surrounded by ideas and insperation for her books. When not writing you will find her sitting on the deck reading romances and listening to the waves.  She also loves to cook and throw parties for friends and family so this is her excuse to spend way too much time on Pinterest. She loves talking to readers and connecting with them on Social Media.

Book preview

Chapter One

Abby

As the sun peaked over the hills and the fog moved back out to sea, I watched as the surfers sat on their boards, waiting for the next wave to crest. The three closest to the boradwalk were bare chested and surfing without wetsuits, how I don’t know. The water is so cold this far up the coast. I stood mesmerized, watching the guys bob up and down in the water. I went about setting up the tables and chairs, but kept a close eye on the muscular guys in the water. I watched as on with red shorts paddle to catch a wave and jump up on the board. I used the binoculars that we kept on the tables to watch his rippling muscles worked as he rode the wave to the shore. I must say the one nice thing about having the deck right on the edge of the cliff was so we can watch the activites in water. I have never seen those guys here in this area before, I said to myself. Must be tourists. I mean, it is June at the beach in California.

What are you looking at? Avery said, as she came out to the patio with a tray with napkin holders for the tables.

Handing her another pair of banoculars, I nodded to the water.  OH MY! she said. Samantha, come out here and look at these guys, Avery yelled.  Sam came running out with flour on her face. Taking the banoculars she sucked in a breath.

Sweet Mother of Pearl, where did those guys come from? Samantha asked.

I don’t know, I said.

All three of us just stood there for a few more minutes, admiring the view until Avery said, Customers are coming, back to work.

Early risers were enjoying their walk on the boardwalk before they drank their coffee and got their daily dose of gossip. This is how every morning started. I went about baking pastries for the Seaside Coffee Den customers. They loved the Lemon Tea Cake and the Banana Nut Cream Cheese Cake and Muffins. Two more months of brewing the coffee and baking until my final semester at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo started and I would be done, I ca/n’t wait. I have been working on my designs for this year all summer and I just wanted to enjoy the last few months of freedom before I dive into the fashion world. At least, that is my dream.

Avery and Samantha were in the back roasting the coffee and getting the supplies before the morning rush. Avery and Samantha are my very best friends. We have been best friends since Mrs. Taylor’s Class in 4th grade. Now we all share a house in Cayucos that Samantha’s grandma Iva Mae owns, but doesn’t live in. She was letting us live there so we wouldn’t have to worry about rent. This way she had someone watching her beachfront home that her and her late husband built and hoped to retire in. The three of us were all going to school together and we planned to go into the design business in one capacity or another. Me, fashion designer, Samantha Fashion Merchandising and Jewelry design and Avery, Interior Design. This is our life - school and work.

The next few hours went by as they usually did, FAST.  Mr. Johnson wanted his Latte with Cinnamon, Mrs. Evan's wanted her Americano with Hazelnut Syrup.  The locals were very specific about their coffee and their wine. We’re so busy that the guys on the surfboards were long forgotten. There are days like today when I wish that I didn’t have to work here. Someday, I will have my own store and be my own boss.

Chapter Two

Tony

I love sitting in the Pacific Ocean on my surfboard. I could sit here for hours and just be me. The only thing better is being here with my brothers; Jonathan, Marco, and Stefan. Well, when Stefan is around and playing baseball but it’snot my passion.  I have 2 months before I start working at my family's vineyard, my dad wants me to start taking over more of the day to day running of the family business. We all work there, but I am the one that will be running Giovanni Family Vineyards.  That has always been the plan, so I went to school to learn business management and how to run a vineyard. Thank god Stefan is the winemaker, not me.  Don’t get me wrong, I like wine, but craft beer is my passion. But for the next 2 months, I plan to enjoy myself. No school, no work, just surfing, parties, beer, bonfires, BBQ’s, and girls.

Marco took the first wave that looked like it might be rideable, then Jon took the next one. These waves suck, so I decided to paddle in instead of waiting for the next wave. As I stood on the beach and drank some water, I noticed some girls standing on the patio of the new coffee bar on the cliff overlooking the beach. From this angle I can’t tell what they look like but the blonde is cute Huh, when did that open? I asked. Neither one of them were paying much attention to me so I turned my attention back to what Marco was saying.

Do you want to go back out? Marco asked

Are you kidding? The waves are flat. So flat that Jon was falling asleep on his board, I said making Jon laugh.

Last night's bonfire must be catching up with me, who wants some coffee? Jon asked. We both nodded, stashing our boards against the wall.

As we walked into the coffee bar, I saw a beautiful brunette behind the counter, brown eyes the color of chocolate and her smile, WOW. Her face lights up when she smiles. I need to find out what her name is, I said to myself. 

Hey man, snap out of it, Marco said as he slapped me on the back.

Crap what was wrong with me, she is just another pretty girl.

As I made my way up to the counter, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was laughing at something that a cute little redhead was saying.  WOW - what a sound. I could listen to her laugh all day.

The cute brunette asked me what I wanted to order. Our eyes met and BAM! I couldn’t look away. I heard my brother Marco apologize for me being a dumbass, that snapped out of it and I smiled at her. What can I get you this morning? she asked again.

A double mocha with an extra shot please and a banana nut muffin.  She blushed and went about making my drink. I need to know her name.

I handed her my money and as our hands touched, I felt it. What the hell was that? It was like I was shocked! Did she feel that too?  She must have. She blushed a sweet red, rose color.  It was creeping up her cheeks.  She is so cute. I took my muffin and coffee, thanked her, and went to sit down. Just then ‘Love me like you do’ by Ellie Goulding came on.  What timing.

My brothers and I were talking about our plans for the week. Hank had invited us to the Ranch for a party tonight. The guys wanted to go but my mind was on the cute brunette that was stealing looks at me.  Every time our eyes would meet she would literally take my breath away.

Chapter Three

Abby

Oh my god. It’s the guys from the beach this morning. What are they doing in here?  I said.

What did you say? Samantha asked me.

What, oh nothing, I said as I stood there and looked at them. Samantha walked up and closed my mouth, I looked stunned and then embarrassed. What the hell is wrong with me? Get a grip, they're just guys.

Holy Hotness, Samantha said loud enough for everyone to hear.

Samantha, I said as I blushed.  I swear she has no filter at all.  Why is he staring at me I thought? 

What can I get you this morning? I asked him.

Please excuse my brother, the dumbass.  Wow, they all look alike. I’m Marco and this one is Anthony. That seemed to snap him out of it.

I asked again, What can I get you this morning?

He smiled and said, Double Mocha and an extra shot of Espresso. Oh, and a Banana Nut Muffin. I went about pulling 3 shots for the drink then added the chocolate syrup and then the steamed milk. I added some whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.  I put the coffee and the muffin on the counter and as he paid, his hand touched mine and I felt like a bolt of lightning hit my hand.

Holy hell, what was that?  Did he feel that too?  He must have. I could feel the heat creeping up into my cheeks. God, I hate being Irish sometimes and having freckles, I blush so easy.

Thank you, he said, and I swear his smile melted my panties. What the hell, no guy has ever had that effect on me before. Not even Andy.

Umm, you’re welcome, I said. He took his coffee and his muffin and went to sit with his brothers at one of the high-top tables. Damn, he’s hot!!

Avery came over and bumped my shoulders. Who is that? she asked.

Which one? I laughed.

The one that can’t take his eyes off you, she said.

His name is Anthony; they are the guys we saw on the beach this morning. There is something about him, every time our eyes meet, I can’t breathe. And his smile I swear makes me go weak in the knees.

Samantha came over with more pastries for the tray and said the one that she was talking to was named Marco. Well, whoever they are, Anthony can’t stop looking at Abby.  The music changed and ‘Love me like you do’ by Ellie Goulding came on and he smiled that smile again. WOW.

Samantha said, I’m thinking of getting to know Marco, as she wiggled her eyebrows. She isn’t shy at all. Mr. Jefferson our boss decided at that moment that he needed to ask me why I was staring at that young man?  Sam said under her breath that she couldn’t believe he asked me that.

Oh, I said, He looks like someone I know. But of course, Anthony heard him and smiled at me. Oh my why is it when he smiles at me I can’t breathe?

Rude Much, Avery said under her breath.

I went to fill up his coffee cup and when I turned around he was standing right there in front of me.

Snap out of it, Mr. Jefferson said as he walked by. Well that was embarring.

About 10 minutes later while I was stalking the shelves and singing to my self as Mark Ballas’s song Miss Incredible played, I heard someone clear their thoat.I turned around and there was that drop-you-to-your-knee’s smile again. I had to grab the counter before my knee’s gave out.

Hi, he said.

Hi, I said.

"What’s your name?’

Abigail but everyone calls me Abby, I said.

Hi Abby, I’m Anthony but they call me Tony. As I shook his hand I felt it again. I looked up and noticed he did too. Did you feel that? he asked. I just nodded.

When is your break? he asked.

In about 10 minutes, I said.

"Would you like to have some coffee with me? he asked.

Umm, ok, I said.

He smiled. I’ll meet you over there, he said, pointing to the corner table and walked away.  Damn, he has a nice butt.

Avery came over. Why do you have red cheeks and a goofy grin on your face? Samantha walked up and grabbed mine and Avery’s hands as she dragged us into the back room.

Ok, Spill it!  What did he say?  You're all red, Sam said

Umm, he asked me my name and when my break was, I said.

"And.... what did you say?  Sam asked me.

I told him in 10 minutes, then he asked me if I would have coffee with him. I said yes, oh and his name is Tony, I said.

Sweet Mother of Pearl Sam yelled.  His brother Marco asked me if I wanted to go to a party at the ranch tonight."

What did you say?  I asked

Are you crazy? A hotter than hot guy asked me out. Of course, I’m going to say yes! she answered with a huge smile on her face.

Avery and I just threw our heads back and laughed.  Leave it to Samantha to relieve my nerves.  God, I love her.

I grabbed myself a mocha and headed to the back table where he decided to sit. As I walked by his brothers, they smiled that same panty-melting smile that Tony has. OMG, we are in So much trouble with these guys, I thought.  I bet they have girls falling all over them all the time. Why does he want to talk to me?

Tony stood up and pulled out my chair. Breath Abby, he is just a guy.

Chapter Four

Tony

God, she is beautiful, I thought as she came my way. She blushed as she passed my brothers’ table.

Hi, she said.

Hi, have a seat, I said as I pulled out her chair. She blushed and sat down.

So, how long have you worked here? I asked.

2 years, Abby said.

I thought it was a new coffee bar? I said

Umm.... newly remodeled and a new name, Abby said.

Oh, no wonder I didn't remember it, I answered.

She giggled and took a drink of her coffee.

So, are you going to Cal Poly? I asked, trying to get to know her better since she was so shy.

Yep, she said. Fashion design, I have one more year.

That’s cool, I wonder why I haven’t seen you around campus? I said.

All I do is work, go to school, and I’m working on my design portfolio, she said

I know what you mean, between working for my dad, school, and baseball; I don’t have a life. But I am really looking forward to this summer, I finished.

Why? she asked. What’s happening this summer?

Tony answered, After graduation, I am taking over for my dad in our family business so he can retire.

Oh, she smiled. What are you studying?

Business Management and Vintner, I said.

Winemaker? Wow, that’s awesome," Abby said.

It’s in our blood,’ I added.  Are you from Cambria?"

Transplanted from the Central Valley to Morro Bay. My dad is a Sheriff Deputy and my mom is a housewife. I have an older brother named Thomas, a younger sister named Elizabeth, and a younger brother named Ethan, Abby said.

Are you from this area? Abby asked with genuine interest.

Born and raised in Paso Robles, 3 brothers and a sister.

You have another brother? she asked.

Yes, unfortunately. He is the oldest and a pain in the ass. Then there is Marco who I am two minutes older than and I won't let him forget it. Next, there’s Jonathon and Tess who is the baby and she acts like it, I said with a grin.

What do your parents do? Abby asked me with genuine interest.

My dad is a winemaker plus he runs the vineyard and my mom runs the office and handles the books,  I said. That is why I am taking these classes so I can take over and he can retire.

Wow, that’s pretty cool.

My great-grandfather started making wine in Italy and when my grandfather was traveling in California he came across some land here in the Paso Robles/Templeton area that he thought would make for a good vineyard. So, they decided to move here and we have been working the land for 75 years.

That sounds amazing, she said with a smile. I bet it’s beautiful.

It is. I have a favorite spot on the hill above the horse barns. I hope to build my own home there, someday,  I said.

So, what do you want to do after you graduate? I asked. I had to know more about her. I know I should let her go back to work, but I wasn’t ready just yet to let her go.

She blushed. Hopefully, I can open my own store with my own designs. Looking at her smile when she is talking about opening her own store is magical. Wow, I would love to make her happy, if just to see her smile like that again.

I bet you will make it happen and it will be an amazing success,   I told her.

She ducked her head just a bit. Thank you, she said quietly. I hope so. Umm, I better get back before the boss shows up again,  Abby said looking at the clock.

Oh, ok. Hey, we are all going to the ranch tonight to dance. Would you like to go? I asked.

Sure, I know your brother asked Samantha to go too.

That would be Marco. I think he has a thing for your friend, I laughed because I had a thing for this beautiful girl, too.

Abigail smiled and then got up. What time do you want us to meet you there?

How about I pick you up and we get some dinner first? I asked. Do you like burgers? How about we go to Sylvester's in A-town? What do you say?

I handed her my phone so she had to put her number in. I wasn’t going to let her get away in case she tried to blow me off.

Umm sure, here’s my number, she said as she put it in my phone. I sent her a quick text and her phone chimed right away. She looked at it and I smiled. Send me your address. I’ll pick you up at 5 pm, I said with a smile.

She backed up a little and waved then turned and rushed back to the back room where the girls followed her.

I walked back over to our table and the guys were deep in discussion about something.

So? Marco asked with a smirk.

I’m picking her up at 5 pm for dinner then we will meet you guys at the Ranch, I said with a smile.

Yeah there is something about Sam, I would love to get to know her better, Marco added.

I looked back over at Abby and she smiled at me. I mouthed, See you soon. There was that blush. She did a little wave.

Let’s get out of here, I have things to do, I said.

I need to go call Jasmine and see if she’s up for some dancing, Jon said as he left to get in his truck.

I took one more look at her then left.  I jumped in my truck and turned on the radio and All the single ladies by Beyonce started playing on my iPod. Tess, I thought. Why does my sister have to mess with our iPod?  I laughed, I think my baby sister loves messing with me.  As I drove to the beach house we were using for the summer, I thought about Abby. God, she is perfect, almost delicate. I want to make her happy. Hold on, where the hell did that come from? I just met her, I said to myself, as I ran my hand through my hair. Slow down, dude.

Chapter Five

Abby

Oh my god. You have the biggest smile on your face, the pinkest cheeks, and you look like you're on cloud nine. Tell us all about it, Samantha said as she beamed at me.

He asked me to go out to dinner then dancing at the Ranch tonight, I said.

Oh my God, he is so freaking hot. Hell, all of them are hot, Avery said.

He is picking me up at 5 o’clock, I said.

I called Eric and asked him if he wanted to go dancing tonight, Avery said.

I am going with them and meeting Marco there, Samantha said

We need to finish work so we can get home and get ready,  Sam said over her shoulder. I’m dancing until I can’t move tonight. Avery and I just laughed at her.

I have a date,  I said to myself and smiled. About damn time I started enjoying myself. Andy would want me to be happy, I thought as I touched the cross around my neck. It’s time to live again, I smiled at myself as I thought about it, five years is a long time to mourn someone. Maybe this is his way of telling me its ok? I thought as a tear fell from my eye.

Why do you look so sad? Avery asked as she gave me a hug.

Oh nothing, I was just thinking to myself that it was finally ok to be happy with someone,  I said as I touched the cross again.

I miss my brother too, but he would not want you to be unhappy. Listen, It’s time to start fresh. Andy will always be in your heart.... but maybe Tony is the guy to start fresh with.

Samantha came in not realizing how emotional the moment was and said, Let’s get a move on. 15 minutes ladies and we can blow this pop stand.

Yes, Avery said. I need to go shopping, I want to knock Eric’s socks off. 

Trust me, they will swallow their tongues when they finally see us. Forget about knocking their socks off! Sam said with a wink.

They won't be able to take their eyes off of us, Avery said.

Damn, what are they feeding those guys? Samantha asked. Whatever it is, we need to bottle it up and sell it. We would be rich!

I busted up laughing.

Ok, let’s do this, I said.

About three hours later, after we'd gotten the essential items we needed so I could make all three of us look amazing, we were back at the house getting ready. The sewing machine was going and Samantha had her stuff out to make the jewelry and accessories that were needed. I looked up and noticed that it was almost five o’clock and Tony would be here at any moment. I ran into Sam’s room and asked, How do I look?

Hot, damn hot, she answered.  I had my brown hair curled and pulled back with a headband that I made to match my dress, with white eyelet cotton with red cherries on it. Samantha created a red belt with a rhinestone cherry in the middle and I had on my red and white cowboy boots, since we were going dancing.

Ready? Samantha asked as she gave me a hug.

Yes, it is time to live again. I am not sure what it is about this guy but I like him, I really do, I said with a smile.

Finally, Samantha yelled. She’s back. I laughed and walked back to my room, I heard a knock on the front door. I ran upstairs, opening the door expecting Tony to be on the other side.  But no, it’s Samantha’s crazy ex-boyfriend.

What are you doing here? I asked

I want to talk to Samantha, Darren said

No, I said. You're not going anywhere near her. Do you hear me? Haven’t you caused enough damage and pain?"

Get out of my way. She is my girlfriend, he says as he grabs my arm.

Just then a hand grabs him around the neck and hauls him off his feet. He drops his hand from my arm and looks scared as hell. Tony, please put him down, I begged.

Chapter Six

Tony

I pulled up to the girl's house, right on the beach, I would have loved to get a better look but I looked up and saw some guy grab Abby. I raced out of my truck and shot up the stairs so fast that no one heard me. I grabbed the jackass by the neck and hauled him off his feet.

Abby grabbed my arm. Tony, please put him down.

Not until he apologizes to you, I said.

Who the hell is this guy, Abigail? Darren asked looking a little scared and shocked.

I’m her boyfriend, I said as I got in his face. YOU. DO. NOT. TOUCH. HER! Touch her again and you won’t be so lucky.

Boyfriend? he said. You're not her type, he snarled. I would love to punch him in the face but not this time.

How would you know? Get out of here and leave us alone, please. That includes Samantha, Abby yelled.

He got in his truck and sped away. I didn’t trust him and I will make sure my brother knows about this guy too.

I turned and reached for Abby’s hand. Are you ok?   

Yes, she said after taking a few deep breaths. Boyfriend? We just met a few hours ago.

I know, but when I saw his hands on you I kind of flipped out. I hope that wasn’t being to forward?

It’s alright, as long as it keeps him away.  I got a good look at her arms. Deep red marks were starting to show. Looking down she frowned. Oh no, I’m going to bruise,  Abby said. I rubbed her arms and pulled her in for a hug.

As I rested my chin on the top of her head, I said, He won't hurt you again. I promise.

Thank you, he scares me, Abby said. He always has. Holding on to her I held her tighter and kissed the top of her head.

Ready to go? I asked.

Yes, just let me grab my things and tell Sam her douchebag ex-boyfriend was here, Abby said.

As we walked through the house I saw the view of the water. Wow, I need to come and surf here. Do you surf? I said.

No, but if you teach me I might like to learn, she said with a wink as we headed downstairs. She walked into a room that I assume is Samantha’s and I stopped at the door. Hi Tony, I’m looking forward to dancing at the Ranch tonight with that brother of your’s. Hope he can hold his own on the dance floor? She laughed.

Hey sweetie, Darren showed up but Tony got rid of him. She turned white and I thought she was going to faint but Abby was right there helping her onto the bed. Hopefully that’s the last we see of him. She shook her head.

I thought he was gone for good.

Tony scared the crap out of him, told him that he was my boyfriend and to leave us all alone. She turned and smiled at me and my heart skipped a beat. Maybe this time he will get the hint and stay away. She looked down at her hands and then at me.

Thank you, he’s a mistake I never should have made and have regreted it for years now. I need to let me dad know. She looked at her hands again.

He’s gone for now. Why don’t we just forget about it and have fun tonight. I looked at Abby and then Samantha, hoping to lift her spirits a little." Abby nodded.

I like that idea, it’s been a while since we all went out, and with Avery’s boyfriend here, we can really have some fun.

Sounds good to me. Now go and let me finish getting ready. I want to dance all night. Abby and Samantha hugged and I backed out of the room so we could get going. I think Abby’s friend is putting on a brave face, she looks pretty scared still. I wonder what he did to her?

I followed her to the next room and stopped short at the door. Did you do all of this? I asked as I looked around.

She smiled and nodded her head. Sketches, racks of clothes, sewing machines and fabrics were everywhere. I saw the sketch on her bed and then I looked at her. It was the same dress she had on. Did you make that?  I asked.

Yes, she said and blushed. She had on a white dress with cherries on it, red belt  with a rhinestone cherry in the middle, and red and white cowboy boots. Her brown hair was curly and pulled back.

I like it, or should I say I love it? I said.

Well thank you, she said.

Let’s get this night started, I said, as I put my hand on the small of her back and guided her to my pickup truck.

Have you ever been to Sylvester's?  I asked.

Yes, we love it there. We would go there and hang out after the football games, Abby said.

Good, then you know what you are in for, I said with a wink.

She laughed and said, Oh yeah, don’t worry. I am not one to eat like a rabbit.

Yes, my kind of girl, I said and she blushed.

As we parked under the big oak tree next to the park, I told her to wait and I would come around and open her door.  I had to adjust myself before I did. Wow, never before has a woman affected me this way.

I opened the door for her and helped her out of the truck.  What a gentleman. Don’t find many guys that will open the door for us and help us out, she said with a pink tint to her cheek.

Trust me, I said with a laugh, it was drilled into us. If we didn’t do it, we got a brain duster. I swear Marco just forgot on purpose to get my dad going. He’s the troublemaker... watch out. We walked onto the building that looks like an old diner, with the walls were covered with poloroid photos of people taking the 5lb burger challenge or celebrating their birthdays there wearing goofy hats with their friends. I watched as Abby took a closer look at one and noticed my brother and I in hats making goofy faces. I love this picture. She pointed to it. I shook my head and laughed.

You had to find that one, did you? I forgot that was up there.

It’s cute, How old were you?

Fourteen, you get free burgers on your birthday so we came with our friends.

My brother went to the one in Los Osos for his brithday one year. My mom took pictures and we used them against him when he had a gorlfriend in high school.

That’s mean.

He deserved it. She said with a sparkle in her eye.

We placed our