Page 91 of Love Among Vines

“Later,” he said with a smoldering glance. His hand rested on her thigh, and his pinky brushed the bare skin an inch underneath her skirt.

All worries promptly fell out of her head. Tonight was the night. Finally. All she had to do was make it through whatever incredibly thoughtful and romantic evening Rett had planned, and then she could finally,finallyexperience the full package.

In the past, her one-night stands had always scratched that itch and provided mental clarity, an inner peace, and a readiness to move on. It would be a relief to find the same sensation after being relentlessly teased by Rett for the past week. She wasstarting to confuse hormones with feelings. Sleeping with him would help realign her priorities. She would be set free.

She inched slightly closer to him, and he smiled as he swung the truck around. His hand slid a centimeter higher.

“There’s a little bit of a drive. But it should be a nice night. We’ll be up a bit late, though.”

“I’m fine with staying up late.”

She usually got up before the sun, but one late night wouldn’t kill her.

They trundled up the road, and Rett noted points of interest along their route. They passed wineries, breweries, shops, and châteaus. The view was stunning. Sunset was approaching, elongating the shadows of the trees.

Finally, they pulled to a stop along a random road.

“Where are we?” She looked around, but didn’t see anything familiar.

“You’ll see.” He hopped out and came around to her door.

He helped her down in that same infuriatingly slow way, bodies brushing against each other and strength rippling in his forearms.

Screw it. She leaned in and kissed him, pressing every part of her body she could against him. His hands snaked around her waist, and he pulled her in even tighter. Heat formed between them like a geyser had opened up in the inch of earth that separated them.

Their tongues danced, and his grip tightened for a moment. Then he pulled back.

Jade frowned. Her body called out for his in a way she had never experienced. It was equally as spiritual as it was physical. So why the hell did he insist on constantly holding her at arm’s length?

“Later,” he said with that infuriating grin. His hand found hers, and he tugged her down the road on foot.

She looked to the left and right, lips still throbbing from their kiss. There was nothing around, not even a stray house or mailbox. So where was he taking her?

An iron gate appeared out of nowhere, and Rett led her through it and down a rocky incline. A magnificent stone chapel appeared in front of them.

She stopped in her tracks. He turned to look at her.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. What she would have given for her oil paints and a few more hours of natural light.

“It’s the first stop on our Artist Constipation Elimination Date,” he said in a low voice.

Jade pulled her phone out of her purse and swung it around, capturing as many pictures as she could. Eventually, she took his hand again and allowed him to pilot her around.

He spoke about the history of the chapel and the family who owned it. They had once been some of the most prolific wine producers in the United States.

A view of the lake over a stone wall nearly stole her breath away. Trees in hues of orange and red crisscrossed the vista.

“Rett.”

“Hmm?”

“Stand there.” She pointed to an outcropping. “Next to the arch.”

“Okay,” he said slowly.

“Face the lake,” she said.

He obligingly turned around, propping his hands on the low wall and looking out over the lake.

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