Page 48 of All I've Waited For

What was he saying?

He drew back his head again, looking down at her, and licked his lips. “I can’t think with you so near.”

“So stop thinking.” Instantly, she regretted the words. They were too bold, even if she’d been someone who was used to asking for what she wanted.

But then Derek swooped in and kissed her, and Ashley’s whole body caught fire. A guttural moan bubbled up from her chest as his mouth burned a trail from her lips to her cheek to her ear to the curve of her neck. Both her arms hooked around him again and their mouths found each other once more, giving and taking in equal measure. Ashley pushed her hands through the sides of his hair, her fingers massaging the back of his head as she deepened the kiss. Pulling back slightly, she nipped at his ear. He growled with pleasure before turning his head and catching her lips again.

Finally, they stopped. Both of them huffed air in and out, and the most delicious warmth curled through her as she laid her head against his chest. “I love you, Derek Campbell.”

He didn’t say anything at first, and reality dawned as the music in the background shifted once more—this time to something dark, foreboding.

She risked a glance up at him, and the pain in his gaze was enough to tear her in two.

“Ash.”

Shaking her head, she closed her eyes for only a moment. “Don’t say it.”

He took a step back.

Her hands flew to the desk once more for support, and the edge bit into her fingers. She gripped tighter, welcoming the pain.

“I’m sorry.” His ragged whisper sliced into her resolve.

But no, she wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Not now. Not afterthat. “Don’t do this, Derek. Don’t walk away.”

He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I have to.”

“Why?” She had a right to know that much—why he’d kissed her and why he was willing to toss aside the possibility of a life together.

“The vineyard …” He looked away.

“I just told you I love you, and all you can talk about is the vineyard?”

“I—I can’t just forget about the vineyard.”

“Then why did you kiss me?”

“That shouldn’t have happened. I was so determined to just stay friends. I can’t believe…” He groaned.

“Why. Did. You. Kiss. Me?” She surged forward and pushed against his chest. He didn’t budge. She pushed again. And again. Hot tears coursed down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” His hands curled into fists. “You deserve better than this.” Then, with one final look of apology, of torment, he turned and left her alone.

Ashley hooked her arms around herself.

Unbelievable.

Except, not really. Because she’d been right all along.

No matter how hard she fought for it, Ashley Baker never really got what she wanted.

Chapter 13

The day had finally come for Derek to pay the piper.

Because Claire was returning to Walker Beach.

Derek grunted as he hefted a case of Zinfandel onto his shoulder. The smell of the loamy cellar grounded him as he walked toward the exit.

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