Page 3 of Kiss and Tell

“Mainly weights,” Joey said, but before he could elaborate, Lucy continued speaking.

“I have to admit, I’ve never stepped foot in a gym—except the one in my high school. Wouldn’t have a clue how to use all those weight machines. Life on a farm is its own workout.”

Joey loved Lucy’s voice. It was a weird thing to be thinking, but there was something about it that made him want to smile…like nonstop. There was a cheerful lilt to it, and she had the tiniest bit of a southern accent that he found adorable. “I bet it is.”

“Anyway…” Lucy started walking toward the ancient pickup. “I think we’d better take the truck. Otherwise, we’ll end up walking a hundred miles, trying to take everything in. Why don’t you follow me in your vehicle to the first stop, which is the cabin where you’ll be staying. We can drop off your suitcases and leave your car there.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Joey looked at Miles, tossing the keys to his car to him. “You can drive, Miles, while I ride with our beautiful tour guide.”

Miles rolled his eyes but didn’t argue.

Joey crossed around the back of the truck, claiming the passenger seat, grinning when he realized the thing had a long bucket in the front and no backseat at all. He mentally dibsed the middle spot for himself once Miles rejoined them. He liked the idea of spending a few hours sitting pressed close to Lucy.

God, she smelled good, he thought as soon as the two of them were closed in the cab of the truck. Like lilacs and apples, a perfect blend of the best of spring and fall.

“The cabins aren’t far.” Lucy glanced in the rearview mirror, checking that Miles was behind them before shifting into drive and starting down the dirt lane. “If you guys are tired, we can delay the tour. Maybe Miles wants some time to unwind?”

Obviously, Lucy had picked up on Miles’s bad mood. Joey wasn’t sure what the hell had gotten into his friend. While he’d been quiet on the drive from Philadelphia to Virginia, he hadn’t been the downright grumpy ass he was acting like right now. Miles was no fan of the mountains, but they’d spent a lot of time in places more remote than this during the filming of the show and he’d been just fine.

No. Miles’s mood had darkened when he’d looked at his cellphone. And it had only gotten worse since Lucy appeared. Which didn’t make a damn bit of sense, because she was charming and sweet.

“We’re good to go on the tour,” Joey replied.

“Cool.” Lucy gave him a sideways glance. “I guess I should warn you. I tend to talk a lot when I’m excited or nervous, and at the moment, I’m both. I’m going to try to settle down.”

Joey chuckled, loving how open, honest, and even self-deprecating Lucy was. There was no pretense with her, no putting on airs.

Lately, Joey had been dating the same type of women—all around his age, professionals in their chosen careers, sophisticated and worldly. He’d been on a dozen dates in the past few months and not one of them had ended in the bedroom, because Joey hadn’t felt any spark or connection to the women. Now it was starting to occur to him that perhaps he’d been seeking out the wrong women to date…which might also account for his failed attempts at finding “the one.”

Miles would roll his eyes hard if he heard Joey rambling on about “the one” again, but ever since his only other single sibling, Luca, had found his life partners—Conor and Harper—Joey had become even more determined than ever to find the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Not that he wassodetermined that he’d settle for just anyone, of course. Joey had witnessed too many examples of true love in his family to ever settle for less.

Aaaaand that was another concept Miles would give him shit for. Because Miles did not believe in true love or soul mates or love at first sight or any of those things Joey knew for a fact existed.

Glancing at Lucy, Joey felt a slight stir in his heartandhis pants. Both had lain dormant for too long, but now they were suddenly waking up.

“Do me a favor, Lucy. Don’t stop talking. I like the sound of your voice.”

She blushed as she grinned widely. “Okay, but you might regret that request later.”

“I’m pretty sure I won’t. Have to admit, I’m looking forward to seeing the farm, seeing where you work. What made you decide to become a brewmaster?”

Lucy lifted one shoulder casually. “I guess a combination of things. I’ve always loved science, and the chemistry behind brewing beer is fascinating. Plus, there are countless chores and jobs that need to be done in order to run the farm and businesses efficiently. Most of the primary tasks fall to the family, though we certainly have a lot of employees who aren’t related to us. I’ve always been most interested in the brewery side, while my sisters tend to work in the winery most of the time.”

“Sisters?”

“I have three, all younger.”

“No brothers?”

Lucy shook her head. “Nope, but that’s probably a good thing, because with seven male cousins, I’m not sure I could have survived with one more overprotective man in my life.”

Joey winced playfully. “Damn. I might resemble that remark. My brothers and I have one little sister, Layla.”

Lucy laughed. “I’m going to need her phone number. At least I have my sisters to commiserate with when the guys pull their cavemen routine with our prospective dates, while it sounds like poor Layla is adrift and on her own.”

Joey snorted. “Not really. She did alright for herself. Settled into a pretty amazing happily ever after.”

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