Page 13 of Play For Me
Her hazel eyes stare into mine as my heart thuds against my chest in a fast, rhythmic beat. I see the desire in her eyes and the part of her that wants to let go, but there’s also a part of her that wants to keep that control.
I couldn’t believe my luck when she just walked into my place. She’s just as beautiful as I remember, even more so if that’s possible. I know she’s fighting this attraction between us. I just don’t know the reason why. We’re two grown adults and perfectly capable of seeing where this goes.
“I can’t,” she finally says, looking away. “Things would get messy, and I can’t bring messy into my life.”
I didn’t expect her to agree, but I couldn’t help myself from calling her bluff. I can tell she’s not the type to jump every guy she’s attracted to, which makes me want her even more. Deciding to cut her some slack, I get up and grab my t-shirt that’s slung over the arm of the couch and put it on.
“Better?” I ask, sitting back down.
“Thank you,” she says, looking relieved.
“So, tell me more about this wine list that you’ve come up with.”
Her eyes get excited, and I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm as she discusses her ideas. She’s good at what she does and very knowledgeable about catering to specific needs. When I first got the idea of a bar, I didn’t even think about adding wine until Savi and my sisters-in-law insisted I needed it on the menu. I can name almost every brand of tequila and bourbon, but have no idea when it comes to wine.
“I love that you want to bring in wine from the local wineries in Florida. I plan on doing that with local craft beer from around the area. The food trucks will be local as well.”
“Exactly,” she smiles, and those dimples reel me in again. “Blue Haven is a close-knit community. I felt it the moment I arrived, and I feel it in this place too. What you are doing to this place makes you feel welcome and at home. The community is going to feel that, too, and will love the fact that you are helping out local businesses.”
It makes me happy that she already feels exactly what I envision this place to be. “Let’s do it then,” I grin, sitting back in my chair.
“Which part? I went over a lot of my ideas,” she laughs, and I vow right then to make her do more of it.
“All of it,” I wave to the papers scattered across my desk. “The Sunday afternoon wine tastings, the monthly wine feature…you’re in charge of it all.”
“Just like that?” She asks, shocked. “Don’t you want to taste some first or do a trial run with me?”
“Nope. You’re hired. I’ll have Noah add some wine racks to the wall with the history of the local vineyards, like you suggested. I love the idea of being able to buy your own bottle to take home. My sisters-in-law are going to eat that shit up,” I laugh.
“I…I don’t know what to say. I’ve never been given free rein like this,” she tucks a strand of hair behind her ears and nervously laughs.
“Do you think you are ready for this?” I tease, knowing she’s more than ready.
“Of course, I’m ready. I know what I’m capable of, and you are going to be very pleased with the business I bring you.”
“I have no doubt I’ll be very pleased with whatever you bring.” My eyes lock with hers, and I quickly find myself drowning in them again. I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t get enough of the way she makes me feel.
“We should celebrate,” I say, helping her gather her papers and handing them back to her. “How about dinner tomorrow night?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she says quickly, putting her folders back in her oversized black bag.
“I think it’s a great idea,” I grin. “It’s just dinner. You have to eat it anyway, so you might as well have some company.”
Her bottom lip disappears between her teeth, and every part of me wants to pull it back out with mine. “Just dinner,” she says firmly. I don’t know whether it’s aimed at me, or she’s confirming it to herself. “As friends,” she adds. “This is not a date.”
“You are friend-zoning me already? God, way to bruise a man’s ego.” I lay my hand across my heart, feigning pain.
“I’m sure you will recover,” she rolls her eyes, but I can tell she’s trying not to laugh.
“I don’t think I will this time, but I’ll agree to a friend-only dinner if it means you’ll say yes.”
I can see the wheels turning in her head and hold my breath for a response. I’m not used to putting this much work into a girl, but I’m willing to put in so much more if it means I get to spend more time with her.
“Okay,” she finally nods her head, yes, and I breathe out relief. “Text me the time and place, and I’ll meet you there.”
I start to argue that I want to pick her up, but I bite back the words. She feels more in charge this way, and I’ll let her take control just a little bit longer if it makes her more comfortable and gets her to agree to see me.
“Sounds good.” I stand up with her and walk back out front.
