Page 40 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

I slowly nod my head. "Yeah, really. In my experience, when you've nailed the recipe the first time, it just keeps getting better and better. And that red wine we're creating right now will be just as good." I pop an olive in my mouth, enjoying the briny contrast to the wine. "That new experimental varietal we're growing is a phenomenal blending grape. I have to admit, I was skeptical when Brennen first told me about it. Florida isn't a great place to grow wine grapes, but he really has something there. And I?—"

I glance at Alex and my mind goes blank. He's lounging on his elbow, his rich brown eyes on me—hot, needy, and full of desire. If I didn't know better, I'd think my weird work talk turns him on.

"Yeah? And?" he asks softly, leaning closer.

I blink, trying to clear the sudden cobwebs in my brain. "And, uh… um…"

Finally, my mind catches up, and I remember my train of thought. "It wouldn't surprise me if we had visitors from across the pond who are interested in the new grape. Especially with its fungus-resistant genes."

Alex bobs his head, and I can't stop my eyes from following his lips like a flower follows the sun. I feel like I'm losing control of myself.

The corner of his mouth tilts up in a lopsided grin as he sets his wine aside. He leans even closer and whispers, "You'll have to excuse me. But I've been thinking about doing this all day... since the ball game, actually. And I'm tired of holding myself back."

I hold my breath as his hand threads through my loosened braid, and my body shudders, knowing what's about to happen. My lips part as he pulls me closer; then finally, his mouth slants across mine, and everything in me ignites.

I never knew kissing could be like this, but I can't get enough of him as our tongues duel. He's more intoxicating than the wine. I shiver at his moan, answering it with one of my own.

Alex rolls me beneath him, and I wrap my legs around his waist, desperate to get closer. He tears his mouth away and growls as he nips a trail down my throat.

"God, Soph. I can't get enough of you," he mutters.

My breath erupts in short pants, and as his warm hand inches across my bare stomach, the electric pulse I've always felt with him amplifies. I arch my chest, nipples stiff, and desperate for his touch.

"Alex, please," I half groan, half whisper.

I whimper when, with an annoyed growl, Alex props himself above me. A loud ringing finally breaks through my daze, and the world starts to shift back into focus. He disentangles himself from me and sits back on his knees, pulling his phone from his pocket.

"Sorry, Soph. I was expecting this call earlier." He glances at the screen and frowns. "Dammit. I'm sorry. I have to take this. Give me a minute."

I blink, my mind completely muddled, as Alex strides several feet away toward the churning surf and answers his call. He bobs his head several times and glances at me over his shoulder.

I don't know why I'm so shocked that he took a call while we were making out. He's been taking mysterious calls since he arrived. Or maybe not. I mean, he is a long way from home, after all. It's really none of my business, but I can't help but wonder if he left a girlfriend back in Texas, or even worse, a wife.

Maybe it is a good thing he got the call when he did. I grimace as I lift up and look around. Our wine glasses have toppled over. Even worse, my legs are splayed out unattractively on the lumpy picnic blanket, and sand is everywhere.

Ugh! Gross, Sophie. That was close.

My pulse pounds in my head as I realize I nearly crossed the line with an employee. I am hisboss, for fuck's sake. I know better than to make this mistake.I have watched my brothers do it time and time again, much to my father's disappointment. And here I was about to do the same thing.

I glance at Alex again. He's totally engrossed in his conversation, gesticulating with his hands and nodding. I can hear a few words here and there, but nothing else over the wind and surf. Honestly, I don't want to know what he's saying. It's none of my business, and I just had a very necessary wake-up call.

This would have been a huge mistake.

Chapter 6

Alex

Ryan's call comes at the worst possible time. I’ve been dying to kiss Sophie again, and while I'd had a few opportunities as we worked closely together, the timing was never quite right.

But on this beach, with both of us relaxed and lounging on a blanket, a great wine in our hands, the sound of the surf in the background, and Sophie riding high on her success… I couldn't have chosen a better setting for seduction.

And then my damned phone rings.

But I had to take the call. Ryan needs an update and the information I gathered for his investigators. I’ve compiled a lengthy and detailed list of leads and intel since I arrived at the winery. One thing is for certain, Brennen appears to be in over his head in some way and Ryan has good reason to be concerned. Something is definitely off at the Celtic Knot Winery.

I don’t get the feeling Brennen is corrupt, by any means. But would he get into bed with the wrong people to save his family's winery? It’s a possibility I have to consider. My suspicions in that area have been strengthened by rumors of a blonde woman snatching up businesses left and right throughout PelicanPoint. Her description matched the woman the tasting room employees and Isabella gave.

But how could that be connected to the winery?

---