Page 7 of Love Among Vines

“This is not your day,” she said. “If you don’t like the wine, sit there and shut up.”

“No,” Blake said defiantly. She picked the glass back up and nearly tipped her chair over. “If you tried serving this in a Napa winery, you’d be laughed out of the state. My palate has been irrevocably compromised. I expect a refund. Can I speak to the vintner?” she asked their server.

Oh hell.

“She doesn’t mean that.” Kenya stared daggers at Blake.

Ashley’s smile was frozen on her face. Even Camila had the good grace to look shocked.

“It’s no trouble. I’ll see if he’s available.” She turned to the man in the three-piece suit. “Rett?” she called.

Those piercing green eyes lifted in their direction. He said something to the employee next to him and started their way.

Shit. Jade had a partially drawn likeness of his face in hand and Blake was about to insult what seemed to be decades of winemaking legacy.

She tossed her sketchbook in her purse. Her feet hit the floor, and she half-jogged to intercept the man before Blake could open her mouth.

“Hi,” she said. Why was she breathless? She ran three miles every morning. “Uh, I’m Jade.”

“Rett.” He stuck his hand out stiffly and eyed the group behind her. His hand enveloped her, and shockwaves coursed up and down her body. What the hell was in this wine? Ecstasy?

“Excuse me,” said a snotty voice behind her.

“Nope.” Jade reached around without looking and shoved what felt like Blake’s face back in the direction of their table.

There was a harrumph behind her, but Blake didn’t speak again.

He—Rett, apparently—was even more handsome up close. The charcoal suit hugged the contour of his torso. His close-trimmed beard framed his face. Even though Jade was five-ten in sneakers, he looked down at her.

She glanced down in a way she hoped was casual. No wedding ring. Not that she was looking for a distraction while she was here. She’d probably never see him again. But something told her she’d remember this interaction for the rest of her life.

“Thank you so much for being willing to speak to us. I’m sure you’re incredibly busy.” Maybe if she poured on the charm, he would forget what Blake’s loose lips had said.

“I’m never too busy to speak to customers,” he said, but his clipped tone failed to back up the statement.

“Your wine is incredible,” she began. “The best we—I’ve had since we arrived. I would love to know more about your winemaking process. Do you offer tours?”

Rett looked past her at the group again. He crossed his arms over a broad chest. “You really like the wine?”

She nodded enthusiastically, then flexed her fingers. Her skin still tingled like an electric shock had passed between them.

“Then why is your friend dumping Splenda in our award-winning chardonnay?”

Shit. Jade pursed her lips and glanced behind her. Sure enough, Blake was rolling her eyes and fighting with a packet of sweetener.

“‘Friend’ isn’t really the right word. We’re here for a bachelorette party.”

He glanced down at her shirt. The frown line deepened.

“Who you surround yourself with says something about you, don’t you think?” One of his dark eyebrows lifted.

“I—uh…” She had an apology ready, but his words cut her off. Her cheeks grew hot and her toes curled. Out of all the wineries to pitch a fit in, why did Blake have to do it in the one that was owned by a Greek god in human form?

“If there’s nothing else, I have more trash to restock. We keep selling out.” Rett jerked his head at the cases on the floor.

“I’m so sorry again. I really think your wine is?—”

But he was already gone.

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