Page 38 of A Taste of Chardonnay

“We get dressed and go on with our day. You have a vineyard to run, and I have to get home to Jack.” Not that I had any doubts. He probably slept through the entire storm, and I’d bet money he was still sleeping.

“I didn’t plan this,” Char said.

“You can’t plan everything.”

“But planning makes me comfortable. Keeps me—”

“In control.”

“I was going to say grounded.”

“You were far from grounded last night.”

“I’m not usually like that. You just made me so angry, and then memories of that stupid vampire costume…”

“Turned you on, huh?”

“Don’t try to be cute.”

“I’m not cute. Rugged. Handsome. Not cute.”

“Sorry to emasculate you.” She laughed, and I wanted to bottle up the noise so I could listen to it whenever I was having a bad day.

“Just don’t do it again,” I joked.

She lifted on her toes and pressed a kiss to my lips. “Last night was fun. Thank you.”

I’ve had sex many times through the years, but no one had ever thanked me for it. I didn’t exactly know how to respond. I stared into her eyes, wanting to rip off her clothes and take her again on the bar. Fuck the codes and all the rules. But I really needed to get home to Jack, and pretty soon, more Grasso’s would ascend onto the property. It was better if I was gone by then. If Franc had a problem with me sleeping with his sister, then he knew where to find me.

“Anytime,” I said, then kissed her forehead and returned to reality.

With my updated to-do list in my hand, I headed home to take a quick shower before settling in my office for the day. I pulled into my driveway, curiosity tugging at me as I spotted Sherry’s car. As soon as I parked, Sherry and Rose jumped out of the vehicle.

“What’s the matter?” I asked as curiosity immediately warped into panic. “Are Mom and Dad okay?”

“Why wouldn’t they be okay?” Sherry asked.

“I don’t know. Why are you both here?”

“Heard some interesting news from Wyatt,” Rose said, eyebrows raised way too high.

“I don’t have time for this,” I said. “I have a million things to do today, and I’m already behind.”

“Because you were getting down and dirty with Brady,” Rose said, and I shot her a glare.

I hurried up my porch steps, unlocked the door, and stepped inside, kicking off my shoes.

Sherry and Rose followed. Rose went to continue when I pointed at her feet. “Shoes. Off.”

She slipped them off, and she and Sherry followed me to the kitchen.

“Spill,” Sherry said as she slid onto a stool. Rose took up occupancy on the one right beside it. Both put their elbows on the counter, resting their chins in their palms, and stared at me.

I threw my arms into the air. This was ridiculous. “I slept with Brady.”

Rose gasped as if she didn’t already know.

“Well… twice. Maybe three times. It’s kind of a blur.”

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