Page 106 of Love Among Vines

She faltered. “You have a point. Regardless, don’t let him steal your joy. This isyourday. Your triumph. And if he tries to ruin it, I will at minimum fill his pockets with Penny’s poop.”

He squeezed her hand. Jade was like sunshine—bright, brilliant, nurturing. Even facing his brother and his ex sounded more tolerable with her at his side.

But it was only for another week. Then she would be back in the city, chasing her dreams. The reality of the timeline stirred something in him.

He pulled her roughly to him and pressed his lips to hers. She froze for an instant, then relaxed under his grip. Salt stung his lips. His heart rate, which had slowed down during their walk, ticked back up.

“Yoo-hoo!” someone called.

They broke apart. Jade looked a little dazed, and her cheeks were flushed. She glanced behind them.

“Hi, Margie,” she said with a smile.

Margie, decked out in tie-dyed sweatbands and followed by the book club, waved at them.

“I’m glad to see you safe, sweetheart. I was worried when you didn’t come home last night.”

“Sorry about that. I was—uh?—”

“She was with me.” Rett winked. “I wouldn’t expect to see her tonight either.”

“Oh, to be young and in love,” Margie said. “You kids have fun. I’ll stop by the booth later.”

The book club passed by with merry waves.

“Now this is just embarrassing.” He gestured down the hill where Mildred power walked in a purple leotard.

“Slow and steady,” Jade said. “Come on, let’s walk the rest of the way. I don’t want to be super sweaty for our shift at the booth.”

“If that’s what you want,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers again.

Together, they set off for the finish line.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

JADE

Jade helda tray with sample cups as Rett schmoozed with his patrons. Even though he had been panting and dying not half an hour before, he had recovered with ease. His presence was warm and comforting, and it was easy to see how he made each person feel welcome as they approached the booth.

Older women giggled when Rett demanded to see their ID before they could sample the wine. He crouched down when children approached, handing out lollipops and asking about their hobbies. It never felt forced or performative.

Bottles disappeared by the case. Men and women alike listened with rapt attention as Rett explained the winemaking process and difference between varietals. His intense vibe from earlier was gone, replaced by the calm, collected Rett she usually saw. He was in his element, and he was amazing.

Oh, no. Feelings.Danger! Danger!She needed to get out before she witnessed something that tipped her over that precipice.

“I’m just going to stretch my legs,” she announced.

The sample tray banged onto the table as she rushed away from the scene. When she was a good twenty feet away, she took a deep breath to clear her head.

This was not a time for feelings. Rett had been crystal clear about the terms of their relationship. There was an agreement in place. There was no future here. Falling for him was not an option.

She had no passion for budgeting, no driver’s license. She lacked the stamina to hold down an office job. Rett was a workaholic who excelled at everything…except maybe running. He was confident, charismatic, strong, generous. He probably expected a partner who was at least not on the verge of homelessness. They were just too different. It would never work.

She scanned the festival. Booth runners greeted customers like old friends. The smell of pie was everywhere—warm notes of cinnamon and apples, buttery crust, and rich blueberries.

Heart still beating uncomfortably fast, she beelined it in no particular direction and came to a stop in front of a booth with spun glass figurines. Pieces twirled in the light breeze, casting rainbows onto the ground.

She reached out to touch one, then snatched her hand back. She didn’t have money for beautiful trinkets. She barely had money to eat.

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