Page 82 of Wine & Whiskey
She laughs and squeezes Nick’s thigh, making every nerve in his body flare from her happy touch. “I love that.”
“Okay, Miss Shae, what kind of wine do you like?”
Erik’s easy-going, friendly personality matches the persona he conveyed on the phone, cementing Nick’s decision to select this winery from all the others. Rather than fawn over her or attempt to impress, he allows her to simply enjoy the experience.
“Someone once told me drink what you like, so that’s what I do. It doesn’t matter to me where it’s from or how much it costs.”
“Smart lady. Some snobs think good wine only comes from a few places.” He eases the cork out of an open bottle and pours the red liquid into two glasses. “You can get some wonderful wines from Australia, Chile, even the Midwest. Did you know Illinois and Indiana have the same topography as France? Grapes grow wonderfully there, and they produce some excellent wines.” He slides the drinks to each of them. “Like this one. Try it and let me know what you think.”
She tips her nose in the glass, smelling the bouquet before taking a long drink. “Definitely heaven.”
Erik’s round belly shakes the counter as he laughs. “Good! When you finish that one, I have another one I think you’ll really like.”
Over the next hour, Erik gives them tastes of several wines, pairing them with cold and hot hors d’oeuvres to help bring out the flavors. When Shae sets her glass down, he pours another drink and places squares of dark chocolate on the tiny, white plates in front of them.
She snatches the candy before pushing her goblet back toward him and raising her hand. “I’m sorry, but I think I’ve reached my limit. I’m getting tipsy.”
Of course, she keeps the sweets.
Nick rubs over her thumb as Erik smiles and nods his head. “Better to quit while you’re ahead. Keep the devil away.”
Her eyes light up, and she reaches over the bar and gives him a hug. “Thank you for everything. It was wonderful.”
“You’re welcome, but you’re not finished yet. Your boyfriend has plans for you.”
“Thank you, Erik.” Nick stands up and shakes his hand before turning to her. “Come on.”
With his hand caressing the small of her back, he guides her out the back door and into the vineyard. They walk through about ten rows of vines trailing over wire and wooden trellises. Her eyes widen at the oversized red blanket covering the ground adorned with a wicker picnic basket and ice bucket chilling sparkling water.
“What’s all this?”
“Wine and outdoors…two of your favorite things.”
Pressing her hands against his chest, she looks up at him. The alcohol in her body unable to diminish the love flaming in her eyes. “You’re my most favorite.”
“Me too.” He takes a deep breath, restraining the fire she ignites in him too. “Have a seat, madam.” He flips open the lid and pulls out a plate of cheese and sliced fruit. As she slips off the wrapping, he pours her a glass of water and drops in an orange slice. “Did you like the wine tasting?”
“I loved it. You know me too well.”
He clinks his drink against hers and takes a long sip. “Then tell me something I don’t know.”
Her nose crinkles in confusion. “What?”
“You know, like regular people on first dates. We have to tell each other things the other person doesn’t know.”
Her bubbly laugh echoes across the grape rows. “Are you tipsy too?”
“No, I’m serious.”
“Okay.” She tilts her head, his groin twitching at her tongue grazing her top lip as she thinks. “I can’t roller skate.”
“How’s that possible? You’re a great dancer.”
“I don’t know. I just can’t find my balance on wheels for some reason.” She pops a mango slice into her mouth. “Okay, your turn.”
“I can’t whistle.”
Her eyes grow as bright as her smile. “Everyone can whistle.”
