Page 101 of Love Among Vines

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? Maybe,” Rett said from the floor.

“That’s my favorite movie.”

“I know.”

“How did you know that?”

“I read an interview you did withArtist’s Weeklya few years ago. I planned to seduce you during the movie. But apparently I couldn’t wait.” He held out his arms.

She dropped to her knees and crawled across the blankets to settle on his chest. His hand curled around her waist. Warmth surrounded her like a cocoon.

“Do you always do a deep dive like this on your dates?” She yawned and snuggled in closer.

“No,” he said quietly.

What the hell was she supposed to do with that information?

An ear-shatteringpop split the air.

Jade leapt out of the tangle of blankets, heart hammering in her chest. A flock of birds took flight, frantically fleeing as the sound echoed off the hills behind them.

The sun had just risen, sending streaks of pink and gold into the sky. Had she not been in the midst of fearing for her life, the view would have been unparalleled.

“What the hell was that? A gun? Are we being attacked?”

She scanned the horizon, but nothing was amiss.

Rett rolled over and cracked one eye open. “Bird cannon.”

“A what?” She clasped a hand over her staggering heart. An image of a soldier loading sparrows into a Civil War-era cannon filled her mind.

He sighed and sat up. The blankets fell around his waist, exposing his defined pecs and abs. Desire stirred in her despite the threat of danger.

“A bird cannon. They get shot off at periodic intervals during harvest time. Keeps the birds from eating the grapes.”

“Oh.” She collapsed back onto the blanket. “Well, now I feel like an idiot.”

Rett joined her on the blanket. His eyes were already closed. “Don’t. Can’t imagine you have many of those in the city.”

“Hey.” Jade nudged him. “Don’t we have to get ready for a 5k?”

He sat up again. “Shit. You’re right. And Penny.”

“I’ll make you breakfast. Come on.” She reached down and pulled him up.

“Wait,” she said as he bent down to grab his abandoned pants. “Can I just?—”

His eyes snapped up to meet hers. “No, you’re not taking a picture of me naked on the roof of my business.”

“What if I let you put pants on? Please?”

He sighed and turned to her. “Will this help with a painting?”

“Maybe,” she said. And if not, it would definitely give her something to remember him by.

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes and put his pants on.

“Okay, now just turn halfway towards me. Too far. Just enough to get the sun on those abs.”

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