Page 23 of Wine & Whiskey
This is it. The perfect opportunity to walk away. Tell him no and end the dance. Stuffing the cell under the pillow, her body throbs from her racing pulse. The right choice. Yet, the truth scrapes like a chisel against the wobbly foundation supporting her decision. She doesn’t want it to be over. A muffled chirp squeaks through the fabric.
I have dessert.
She laughs out loud at her lameness and his ingenuity. Too clever for his own good, he uses her weakness against her. Before she can talk herself out of it, she texts him back and grabs her keys.
At Nick’s estate, the gates glide open as soon as she pulls into the driveway. Her heart flip-flops at him waiting for her by the front door.
After she climbs out of the car, he wraps her in his arms, nuzzling her neck. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
Her knees weaken at his lips on her throat, stealing every thought out of her mind except for the feel of his muscular back through his shirt as she holds onto him, his broad chest engulfing her as she nestles against him. She swallows hard, trying to regain her ability to speak. “You know I can’t resist dessert.”
“I like tempting you.” A shudder ripples through her at his whisper in her ear before he pulls back, his sexy smile in full force. “Let’s go inside.”
She laughs as they walk into the kitchen. A light dusting of flour covers almost every surface. Cheese, black and smoking around the edges, melts on the cooktop. Drops of marinara sauce dot the countertop, with a long smear next to the cast iron sink. “You’re a messy cook.”
“I try not to be, but somehow it always gets out of control. Would you like some wine?”
“Yes, please.” After accepting the glass, she takes a small sip. The smooth, mellow merlot glides down her throat, the perfect complement to the bubbling tomato scent permeating the kitchen. “So, what happened to you this morning? Why didn’t you show up to run?”
“I worked late last night and accidentally overslept. I called Jason, but he refused to give me your number until I told him I had something of yours and needed to get it back to you.”
She crosses her arms and tilts her head, only half joking. “You lied?”
“No, it’s the truth. Marta made this for you.”
Inside the white box, tissue paper covers a popcorn ball, caramel apple, pink frosted cupcake, and an oversize chocolate brownie. “It’s to thank you for helping her with the menu for the church bazaar.”
A lump rises in her throat. Marta’s generosity reminds her of the hobbies she misses with her mom. Maybe they can bake together sometime. “She’s so sweet. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just enjoy them. That’s what she wants.” He brushes her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
Jolts of pleasure shoot through her body. “Me too.”
“Shit!”
Covering her mouth with the wine glass, she tries to hide her laughter as he grabs a pot and lifts it off the stove. Waves of white foam roll over the top, sizzling as they drip off the bottom and hit the hot surface below. He dumps the noodles into a colander in the sink and wipes the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Marta makes it look so easy.”
Stirring the marinara, he tells her about his mom’s recipe for chicken parmesan. “It’s one of the few things I know how to make, so I hope you like it.”
After grating a small bit of cheese, he makes two plates and places them on a black tray. She grabs the wine bottle and their glasses and follows him outside. The wood and glass table sits just a few yards from the lapping waves, offering a better view than any restaurant. Orange and pink streak the sky as the sun sits low on the horizon. A lone seagull circles above the water before flying inland.
She takes a bite, the tangy, sweet sauce different than she’s used to. “This is really good. Your mom would be proud.”
He smiles at her. “I wish she was here to meet you. I know she would love you too.”
Heat prickles her cheeks at his bittersweet comment. Her heart aches for him, but it doesn’t erase her anxiety from yesterday. She can no longer pretend this is just a simple date. Unable to smile back, she plunges in. “I was really worried about you this morning when you didn’t show up.”
Winking at her, he reaches out to take her hand. “I‘m glad you like me enough to worry about me.”
“I’m serious. After what happened with Juan, I’m not sure what to think about your job.” She pushes the food on her plate around in circles with her fork. Her hands tremble, and she drops the utensil, startling at the harsh clatter. “Are you in the—?” She can’t bring herself to say the actual word.
His body stiffens. Several moments pass as they sit in silence, except for his fingertip tapping on the edge of the table. Her hearts pounds, fearful she’s ruined everything with her need to know, scared of what she’ll do when she learns the truth.
He takes a deep breath and leans forward. “I’m involved in a variety of business ventures designed to build wealth for my partners and the companies I invest in. But I want you to know that I keep my business and my personal life separate. My relationship with you doesn’t have anything to do with my work.”
No indignant denial. No offense at her implied accusation. An answer without the answer. But now she knows the truth. She clenches her skirt before pressing it down, unsure of what to say next, uncertain as to why she doesn’t force herself to stand up and walk away. Make herself leave this beautiful home and amazing man who immerses himself in a dangerous world where she doesn’t belong.
He gently squeezes his fingers around hers. “What else do you want to know? I can tell something is bothering you.”
