“Unique, because it’s blended with everything that reminds me of you,” he said, suddenly shy.

What if she doesn’t like it?

Stop overthinking it,his bear warned him.

“Reminds you of me?” she asked as she took a sip.

“Your favorite notes, your warmth, your strength…and the sweetness that you have brought into my life.”

“Oh, Kris,” she whispered, pressing a gentle hand to her chest. “This is…incredible.”

He stepped closer, cupping her cheek tenderly. “I’m glad you think so. I named itCassia’s Heart.I blended it with every moment we’ve shared, every dream we’ve built together, and every hope I have for our future.”

She set the glass down carefully, eyes glistening with joyful tears. “You really know how to make a woman feel special, Kris Thornberg.”

He laughed softly, sliding his arms around her waist and drawing her close. “Only you, Cassia. Always and forever, only you.”

Forever sounds good.Hisbear sighed happily.

She tilted her head and smiled up at him. “Only me.”

He lowered his head and captured her lips. A small moan escaped her lips as the kiss deepened and his need for her threatened to overwhelm him.

In one fluid movement, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the workbench where he had been blending the wine.

Gently, he set her down on the smooth wooden surface, her eyes dark with desire as she gazed up at him. The moonlight streamed through the windows, casting silver patterns across her skin as he inched her knees apart and nestled his body between her thighs.

“I should be scandalized,” she whispered against his lips, her fingers tangling in his hair. “Wine making is serious business, Mr. Thornberg.”

“Very serious,” he agreed, his voice husky as he trailed kisses down her neck. “And what could be more serious than showing my mate exactly how much I adore her?”

She laughed, the sound spurring him on. “When you put it that way...”

He slipped his hand under her shirt, and cupped her breast in his hand, his thumb brushing over her taut nipple through the fabric of her bra.

“I love you,” Cassia breathed, arching into his touch. “More than I ever thought possible.”

The confession, though he’d heard it before, still hit him with the force of a revelation. This woman—this incredible, smart, beautiful woman—had chosen him. Had trusted him with her heart after it had been so carelessly broken.

“I will spend the rest of my life earning that love,” he promised. “Every day, Cassia.”

“You already have it, all of it. No earning required,” she whispered.

Kris lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her palm with reverence. “Then I’ll spend my life making sure you never regret giving it to me.”

A teasing smile curved her lips. “Well, you’re off to a good start with this wine.”

He laughed, the sound echoing through the tasting room. “Just wait until you see what else I have planned.”

“Oh?” Her eyebrow arched playfully. “Care to share these plans, Mr. Thornberg?”

Instead of answering, he pushed the cup of her bra down and lowered his head, sucking her taut nipple into his mouth. She gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him closer as a soft moan escaped her lips.

“I’ll take that as approval,” he murmured against her skin.

“Enthusiastic approval,” she confirmed breathlessly as he circled his tongue around her nipple. She pressed herself closer, inching her body up and down, rubbing against his hardness.

With a growl, he let go of her and stripped off his clothes, standing before her naked, like some primal beast.