Wine Astray: Spirit of the Soul Wine Shop Mystery (A Rysen Morris Mystery Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

had a nice, tight ass too, and kind eyes.  She'd always had a soft spot for kind eyes.
    “Ok," Christina said, making Rysen blush to think her sister might have read her thoughts.  "He’s supposed to be here at noon.  I’m so worried, sis.  What if he doesn't think my little shop is worth his time?  What if he refuses the job?” 
    "Don't be silly, Chris.  This is what the guy gets paid for, right?"  She smiled and took her sister's hand.  "And if that isn't enough, I promise to bat my eyelashes at him and make him do anything I ask."
    "Don't you dare!" Christina laughed, shocked at her sister's brazenness.  "This guy is here to do a job for us.  He is not your summer romance."
    "That remains to be seen, doesn't it?"
    Christina rolled her eyes, but Rysen saw the smile she tried to hide.  She had been trying to set her sister's mind at ease, at least a little, and it looked like it had worked.  Things would be better now.  Chris would see that soon enough.
    In the front pocket of her jeans Rysen's cell phone buzzed.  She took it out and checked the display.  She was surprised when she saw who it was.  "Hi Beatrice.  What's up?"
    "Hey," Beatrice greeted her warmly.  "I was wondering if you could meet me for lunch?  You and Christina?  I have a huge wedding order and the people want a dozen or more bottles of champagne included.  I was hoping we could talk details."
    "Uh, this might not be a good day," Rysen told her.  "We've got a guy coming over to the shop…"
    "Who is it?" Christina asked.
    "Beatrice, hold on just a minute.  Okay?"  Cupping her hand over her phone she whispered to Christina.  "It's Beatrice Leary.  She has a customer ordering flowers, but they want to buy some wine as well.  I was just about to tell her about the guy coming over."
    "Shh!" her sister hissed.  "I don’t want anyone to know.  The way rumors fly around this town?  I don't want to hurt my business.  Besides, if whoever is doing this to me lives here…"
    She didn't need to finish that sentence.  Rysen completely understood.  If whoever was doing this to her sister found out about the security consultant, they would just disappear for a while until the heat was off.  They might never find out who was doing this.  "I just didn't want you to have to meet the guy alone," she said.
    "Ry, I'm a big girl.  I've been doing this on my own for a long time now.  I think I can handle this."
    Still, Rysen hesitated.  "You're sure?"
    "Yes.  I'm sure.  If Beatrice is offering to throw some money our way by buying our wine for her clients, let's not turn that down.  Right now we need every dollar we can get."
    "Well," Rysen had to agree, "it would mean a sizeable sale for your shop."
    "Exactly!  Now go make us some money."
    She smiled and put the phone back to her ear.  "Okay, Beatrice.  I'll come right over.  Um.  Chris can't make it but I can make all the arrangements.  Okay?"
    "Great," Beatrice said.  "Is…is everything going all right at the shop?  Chris isn't in any trouble, is she?"
    "No," Rysen told her quickly.  "We're just busy here.  See you in a few minutes."
    They said their goodbyes and Rysen hung up.  Giving her sister a quick hug and promising to come back as soon as she could, she headed out the door.
    She almost ran into the man standing there.
    He was reaching out for the handle as she pulled the door open, and her momentum combined with his made her stumble right up into his chest.  He was strong.  She felt the lines of his pectorals and his tight abs as she pushed herself back to get her balance.  She had to look up to meet his eyes, and she could feel the way her cheeks flushed red when her gaze met his.  Crystal blue eyes the color of a summer sky held a hint of mischief and amusement that Rysen had fallen into his arms like that.  The chiseled lines of his face were striking.  Dark hair hung in a stylish, rakish way across his forehead.
    Hot, was the first word that came to