Page 68 of Gone With the Wine

“You’re not always funny.” Our gazes connect, in the shadows of the live oaks, under blue and silver stars and the topaz crescent moon. I don’t move my hand from where it touches his face.

“I-I’m not?”

“Sometimes you’re sexy.”

A warm slide of desire pools low inside me. We look into each other’s eyes for a drawn out, laden moment.

I don’t know what this is.

I’ve been attracted to men before. Of course I have. But I don’t ever remember feeling like I’m going to die from wanting him, like my need for him is a powerful force I’m helpless against.

“Sometimes you’re sweet.” He curls his fingers around my hand and presses it to his cheek. His thick eyelashes sweep down and I know, I justknowthat he feels the same. He’s feeling this overruling attraction, too. The way he looks at me—no man has ever looked at me like that, like he’s drowning in lust. Like he’s desperate for me.

I move closer. Heat radiates from him. He doesn’t move. He’s resisting. He thinks he can fight this. He thinks he’s strong enough to hold out against it.

Maybe he is. I know he’s strong. I know he’s determined.

“But you’realwaysfucking fascinating.”

Oh God. My knees, no, my entirelegs, have turned to oatmeal.

He lets go of my hand and cups my face in both hands. I let my fingers trail down over the scruff on his jaw and rest on his shoulder. We stare into each other’s eyes, my body throbbing.

“I’ve tried so hard.” His thumb brushes my lips. “So fucking hard.”

I give a slow blink. “Tried what?”

“Tried to resist you.”

“Why?”

He makes a noise in his throat. “Because you’re young. Beautiful. Alive.”

“Yes. I am alive.” The sarcasm probably doesn’t come across because my voice is a whisper.

But his lips quirk in that way I love, the way that excites me because I’ve almost,almostmade him smile. I want to make him smile so badly. “I mean you’re…full of life. Full of energy. You never stop.”

I tip my head back and watch his mouth move as he talks. About me. As if he…likes me.

“I’m old and tired,” he goes on, his gaze wandering over my face. “And probably an idiot. You deserve more.”

“Oh my God.” I close my eyes. How can he say that when he is so much? So strong, so determined, so kind. “I’m attracted to you, Jansen.” That’s not enough to describe how much I want him. “There’s nothing wrong with that. With us wanting each other.”

“I don’t…I can’t…” He stops.

My heart turns to ice in my chest. “Are you still in love with your wife?”

“No! Jesus.” His instant, sincere reaction thaws my cardiac organ. “No.”

“Then what is it?” I slip my arms over his shoulders and press closer still. “Are you worried because you’re my boss and you don’t want to abuse your power over me?”

“Uh…” His eyes widen.

“I’m kidding. And don’t even think about the age difference between us. We’re both adults.”

“Okay, but…I’m not interested in marriage. Or a relationship. I want to focus on this winery. It’s better if I’m alone.”

“Hmm.” I give a tiny nod. “Well, I’m not interested in a relationship either. I’m only here for another month or so. I have a job and a life in Argentina to go back to.”

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