Bitter Wine, Sweet Kiss

nths p

er the Tuscan sun. Elena buried herself in the harvest - early mornin

e the morning Sophia appear

'd raged. The

e simpl

never disappeared in the night. And the wine - the wine told her truth. It

the cellar, Elena heard footsteps on the old

- she knew their rhythms. T

tu

sn't

as L

olive skin and hands that spoke of earth and labor. He had dropped off e

ing," he said, setting do

d, not unkindly. "

e. "You always seem... som

ike it bet

eason to stay here," he

suddenly warm,

"Are you flirting w

a coward. If I say

ch one a

man still holding on to

hing deep - a chord sh

stepping past him.

o," he said

mell of oak and crushed berries fi

nything soft," she w

taking a slow step toward her.

the most seductive thi

t kiss hi

t tell him to

ith a glass of dark red wine,

e somethi

s and tender - still wond