Page 116 of Love Among Vines

“Thanks for visiting Rhodes Vineyard.”Rett waved as a customer left with a case of wine.

He buffed the countertop with a cloth and glanced into the tasting room. Elaine was serving a pinot to a table of six. Jade sat with Penny in the corner of the room. She was frowning at something on the new laptop, glass of red virtually untouched next to it. Hopefully she was studying for her learner’s permit.

Penny lifted her hand and nosed Jade, who snapped to attention. She secured the leash on Penny and led her outside with a wink at Rett. Jade lifted her face to the sun and stretched like she was drinking it in. She was a master of soaking in a moment.

Tom’s words from the day before filtered back in. While the girls were taking a walk, Tom had confronted him about why exactly he was letting Jade leave.

His heart faltered. She was supposed to leave on Sunday. One week left. There would be no more dates, no more mind-blowing sex, no more elaborate attempts to thwart her painter’s block.

More than anything, he would miss her companionship. As chaotic as she could be, her presence was like a glass of champagne for his soul. She was kind, beautiful, optimistic, sexyas hell. The city didn’t deserve her, damn it. She couldn’t leave. Hammondsport was her home. He could feel it in his bones.

But how was he supposed to convince her? She had been hell-bent on going back to the city, and it had taken a lot of convincing for her to stay the two weeks before the party. And what if she went back and met someone else? He wouldn’t stand for it.

“What’s wrong? It kind of looks like you’re trying to buff your way to the floor.”

Rett jumped and dropped his cloth. Unbeknownst to him, Jade and Penny had snuck back in. She studied his face, frowning.

“Nothing. Just thinking about the party,” he lied.

“But you’re still committing to drinks and dinner tonight,” she said with a look. It wasn’t a question.

“Yes. As soon as we’re closed.” He crossed his heart. The end-of-day could wait till the morning.

“Good.” She leaned across the counter and kissed him before retreating back to her table.

The tasting group dispersed and filtered into the gift shop, a welcome distraction.

He needed to see if her feelings had changed. Communication and truth-telling had been one of the rules of their agreement, after all. There was no sense in pretending like their fake relationship wasn’t starting to feel real.

Two weeks wasn’t enough time. He wanted—needed—more. He resolved to talk to her about it and went back to work.

“Where are we going?”Rett frowned. Jade was being very cagey and was giving him directions. They were headed east, in the direction of Seneca Lake.

“So grumpy.” She poked him in the cheek. “You’ll find out when we get there.” With a smile, she went back to staring out the window.

Hammondsport was at its most spectacular. The fall foliage was at its peak. Explosions of red and yellow dotted the hills. The air was cool and crisp.

“Fine. But youwillanswer traffic questions on the way. Tuesday will be here before you know it.”

“Do your worst.”

The truck crawled to a stop. “What does a double yellow line on the road mean?”

“No passing in either lane.”

“Good. Can we make a U-turn at this red light?”

“I think it’s fine as long as there isn’t a sign prohibiting it? And we’re in the leftmost lane?”

Rett nodded. “I’m taking you for your first drive when you get your permit.”

In the interest of not acquiring traffic tickets she couldn’t afford, they had decided to table driving lessons until her permit was in hand.

“I’m sure you’ll be too busy with party preparations. Besides, Margie already offered.”

He looked at her. “Margie has more fender benders than anyone in the tristate area. She’s not qualified to teach someone to drive a bumper car.”

Jade snorted. “Sorry. I mean—I’m not sorry,” she said when she saw the look he shot her.

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