Page 7 of Blind Date with a #MOUNTAINMAN

“What if we make the time?”

I set my wine glass down. “Uh, I’m not so sure. I have to work and how long are you here until, anyway?”

“I leave in six days.”

“See, not much time.”

“There’s plenty of time if you want to make it happen.”

“Who’s watching your business while you’re away?”

“A couple of guys I trust who work for me. They’ve run the show a few times. We all need a break sometimes.”

“Yeah, well, not all of us can get one so easily.” I said, my words sounding harsher than I intended. I looked away from him and down at my lap, my shoulders sagging.

“Okay, no biggie.” Jace’s voice softened. “Just an idea I had.”

We sat in silence for a few minutes, the reality show on the TV forgotten about.

It was official- I was a fun sucker. Through and through. My cold exterior dampened any warmth he gave off.

I sighed heavily, as if the weight of the world sat on my shoulders.

You have plenty of vacation time…use some! Go to a vineyard with this hot man!

I shook my head in a futile attempt to clear my thoughts. I couldn’t get caught up in whatever this was. It wasn’t real life. This was the wine talking and I wasn’t about to let it convince me of something unrealistic.

“I think I’m going to call it a night.” I muttered and stood up from the couch. No need to drag this out any longer. Just cut ties and be done with it.

“Oh, okay. I take it you have work tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” I forced the word out.What are you doing? Why would you let him go?

“Listen, Iris, I’m sorry if I offended you in any way. That wasn’t my intention.” Jace stood up next to me, his eyes full of sincerity. “I thought it could be a fun little adventure. But I totally understand if you have to work. So, yeah, it was nice meeting you and thanks for the nice meal.” He went to grab our plates and without thinking, I placed my hand on his arm.

“Wait.”

Jace froze in place and when our eyes connected, his were full to the brim with kindness and compassion.

Who is this man?

I dropped my hand. “You know what? Maybe a trip to a vineyard would be nice. I haven’t taken any vacation time in so long. I could use a few days off.” I blurted the words out quickly before I had a chance to change my mind.

“Really?” Jace’s entire face beamed bright. “I mean, that’s cool. If you want to…” His voice trailed off but the grin stretched across his face didn’t waver one bit.

I lightly pushed him on the shoulder, a playful gesture, like two friends teasing, but Jace seized the moment and wrapped his strong hand around my wrist, pulling me towards him.

He pressed his muscular body against mine and my breath hitched in my throat, dizzy from the feel of him. My fingers ached to touch him, explore his skin, and see what was beneath his t-shirt.

Tingles ran down my spine and when his hands fell to my waist and his fingers dug into my skin, I was ready to explode. “What are you doing?”

“I’ve thought about kissing you all night.” Jace whispered, his lips moving closer towards mine. “May I?”

Swoon, holy fucking swoon.

Did this man just ask me permission?

I nodded, all reasonable thought processes evaporating into thin air.

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