Page 36 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

Last night's kiss has been on a constant loop in my mind, and I really want to kiss her again. Often, longer, and somewhere private, preferably. In fact, this table is tiny enough for me to lean over and suck on that luscious bottom lip of hers. But I don't dare.

I shift in my seat as my crotch tightens, and I order my brain to concentrate on something else, anything else, to get my mind off sex with Sophie.

Damn it—there it goes again.

I huff out a sigh and close my eyes, counting to ten and thinking of things that will counteract the swelling in my groin. The conversation with Isabella earlier today plays like a reel in my head. There’s something up with Brennen. He’s moody—or more so than usual—and distracted with daily tasks. Accordingto the staff, it’s unlike him. Plus, there are whispers of money problems, potential theft… the list goes on.

All things I need to report to Ryan next time we talk.

"Is everything okay?" Sophie's sweet voice pulls me from my thoughts. Her tone is anxious and makes my eyes pop open.

"Oh, yeah." I smile. "I was sending out my thanks to the universe. Great pizza, beautiful company. What more can a guy ask for?"

Her brow smooths as her eyes widen in surprise, and her face pinkens prettily as she gives me a shy smile.

"I'm glad you like the pizza."

Oh, I like it all right. I like all of it… the pizza, the company, those lips… all of it.

And that's my problem right now. Instead of wooing the winemaker, I should focus on uncovering what’s going on at the winery. Especially after what I'd learned today. I cannot forget it’s the reason I’m here in the first place.

Brennen has been acting strange for several months now and taking random calls where he’s been witnessed yelling into his phone at god knows who. He is on edge and no one seems to know exactly what is going on. The employees are nervous.

Rumors are swirling, of course, but there’s nothing I can prove yet. I’ve also heard strange stories of a mystery investor group buying up properties all over Pelican Point, and even the threat of a hostile takeover of the winery itself. It’s apparent Ryan's worries aren’t unfounded.

"You know," I comment, "I was thinking your new wine—even though it’s a white—would be a perfect match with this pizza."

Sophie's face brightens. "That's exactly what I was shooting for. A nice, easy white that pairs well with everyday meals like this. Something for the working mom or dad to have with dinner after a long day at work."

"Well, you hit the nail on the head, then. Because it is one of the best white wines I've ever had. And I've tried quite a lot." That isn’t a lie, either. Her wine is fucking fantastic, and I learned a ton as I helped her today.

It became apparent as I watched her work that Sophie is a veritable genius at winemaking. She has a true gift, and there is no doubt she’ll reach her goal of putting the winery back on the map very soon.

If Brennen doesn't fuck it up first, that is.

She blushes as she fumbles with her slice of pizza. "Thank you. That means a lot."

"You're welcome. I can't wait to hand it out at the festival." I grin, picturing the scenario. "The crowd is gonna go nuts. I predict we'll sell out of the stock before the festival is over."

"You think so?” Her brows pinched together creating a cute vee that I wanted to kiss. “Should we bring more?"

"Yep, we'll definitely sell out. And no, we shouldn't bring more. Trust me—it'll be a great marketing strategy to run out at the festival. We can tell them they can grab a bottle of our new wine at the winery. Drive a little traffic into the tasting room, yes?"

"Yeah, that's a great idea. Increase interest. I like it."

Instinctively, I reach across the table and take her hand. My fingers lace with hers, and my eyes zero in on the way her pulse is thrumming at the base of her throat. I love that she's not immune to my touch and now accepts it.

"I'm serious when I say that you have a real winner here. Thanks for letting me be a part of it. I learned more in a few hours working with you than I have in years."

Her smile is bright, transforming her face. Sophie is beautiful in a general sense, but she is breathtaking when she smiles like this. I rub at the sudden ache I feel in my chest.

"You're welcome," she answers, her voice sultry. "It's obvious you have a knack for winemaking on your own. Your instincts are spot on."

My brows shoot up. That's a big compliment coming from her. "They are?"

She nods. "You're a natural. You easily followed what I was doing today."

I lean back in my seat and feel a warm tingly sensation sweep through me at her assessment. "You know, it's my dream to open my own winery someday. And you're helping me get one step closer to that dream."

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