Page 85 of Wine & Whiskey
Nick releases a long breath. Her words and smile signal her forgiveness of his overreaction, defending him regardless of his mistakes. Even when he doesn’t deserve it.
“From what?”
“Sometimes, I have problems with overzealous fans and paparazzi.”
The sheriff looks closer, studying her features. “Are you…Shae Armstrong?”
“Yes, I’m Shae.”
“Well, Miss Armstrong, you and your entourage have caused quite a bit of trouble today.” The man’s voice drips with disgust. “Neighbors reported a huge convoy of vehicles racing back here and a crowd of people overrunning the place.”
She holds up her fingers, signifying the truth of their situation. “Two vehicles, five people, zero reckless driving.” Her voice conveys poise and self-confidence as she meets the sheriff’s scowl.
Now is the sexiest he has ever seen her. He’s rubbing off on her in more ways than one.
“That’s what I’ve got.” The officer holding Nick’s arm nods down the hill toward the tasting room. “Three men and two SUVs in the parking lot.”
The other man shakes his head and reaches for his radio. “Let’s see if Mr. Altmeyer corroborates your story.”
* * *
Shae squeezesNick’s hand after he helps her from the limo, trying to pull him out of the guilt immersing him, attempting to end the blame he inflicts upon himself for only doing what makes her love him.
He shakes his head, his face drawn and dark under the lights lining the entryway. Max gives her a sympathetic frown as they walk inside. He too knows the battle she faces in trying to relieve Nick of his misguided torture.
Carter sprawls across the sofa, his soft snore greeting them in the otherwise empty house. Nick nudges his cousin’s leg with his foot. “Wake up, pretty boy. We’re home.”
The most Nick’s said since they left the winery. Engulfing her as soon as the restraints were removed, he murmured his apologies into her hair as he held her. On the plane, he flinched at her touch against his wrist, rubbed raw from the tight metal, not allowing her to comfort him. Only kissing her forehead and drawing her closer when she tried to assure him she’s okay.
Carter yawns and stretches before sitting up. “Fuck you. I’ve been waiting here for hours. What else did you expect me to do?”
“Yeah, sounds like you had a real rough night. Unlike some of us, who’ve enjoyed being handcuffed for four hours.”
“You owe me. If Luther hadn’t been able to sweet-talk the district attorney with a whole song and dance about your right to protect yourself, you’d be sitting your ass in jail right now. Lucky for you, Shae didn’t press charges either. They were really gunning for that too.” A smirk plays on Carter’s lips, and he winks at her. “Don’t worry though. It’s not too late to change your mind. Charges can be pressed for years after an assault.”
Nick’s grip tightens on her hand as his body stiffens. Carter pushes it too far, and she must extinguish the fire he flames, smother the fury that can only lead to more violence between the men. “Can you give us a minute, please? I’d like to talk to Nick before you guys hole up in his office.”
Carter stands up and rolls his eyes. “Come on, Max. I’ll let you tell me all about your sob story too.”
Once they’re alone, she wraps her arms around Nick’s waist, meeting his searing gaze. It’s her turn to soothe his fears. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s just trying to be funny.”
He cups her face, his eyes scanning hers, long fingers curling around her hair. “At the vineyard, I thought he was going to…” His mouth twists as he shakes his head, his voice falling to a pained whisper. “Shoot you. I would never push you down for any other reason. I would never put my hands on you.”
She wraps her fingers around his. So lost in his anguish, he can’t accept what she knows, what she sees in him. Never concerned with himself, not worried about the accusations against him or the possible punishment. Only scared for her safety, afraid she doubts his intentions. “You don’t have to worry about me thinking anything else. I know you were trying to protect me.”
With his forehead pressed against hers, he conveys an exhausted relief. “I love you, sweetness.”
“I know, fiancé.”
His eyes darken and shivers trail over her bare shoulders at his lips on her ear, “Wait up for me. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
They walk hand-in-hand to the steps, her racing heart slowing at his calmer demeanor. He’s come back to her. As he kisses her cheek, his office door opens and Max steps out. “Nick, we need to talk to Shae.”
Nick’s head flies up. “What are you doing, Max?”
“There’s no way this was a coincidence. The story about the neighbors doesn’t make any sense. Someone tipped off the sheriff with fake information, trying to set us up. I need to know who she told about going to the winery so we can figure out who it was.”
“It was a surprise. She couldn’t have told anyone.”
