Page 65 of Wine and Research
“Need a stronger word than that,” her friend replied, fanning herself.
She smiled. “I totally understand. So, then what happened?”
“We broke for air, because we were kind of going at it for a while, then he blinked, told me it was a mistake, and strode out the front door to his truck and took off, leaving me dumbfounded and his toolbox on the floor.”
Elle grinned. “That’s a real good sign, Jenna. Do you happen to have the toolbox?”
“Yeah, in my car. I didn’t want his grandmother to trip over it, and I wasn’t sure she’d remember to give it to him.”
She nodded. “Is Scott across the street at the station right now?”
Jenna narrowed her eyes. “Y-yes. Why?”
“You need to march over there, hand him his toolbox, say something like, ‘You forgot this,’ then come right back. And don’t worry, I’ll watch your shop.”
Her friend slapped a hand over her mouth and chuckled. “I-I don’t know if I can.”
Elle got up and walked over to Jenna and pulled her to her feet. “Yes, you can. Trust me. Since coming to this town, I’ve done things I’ve never thought I’d do.”
“All right.” Jenna straightened her shoulders. “I’ll do it. I’m tired of being a mouse.”
Elle nodded, and ten minutes later, she was standing by the front window, watching Jenna cross the street and march right into the fire station, toolbox in hand. Elle never would’ve told her friend to do something so daring if she didn’t know in her heart…and with her eyes, that Scott was completely into Jenna.
Of course, she didn’t expect him to fall at her feet, since he’d apparently been fighting their attraction for a long time. But all it took was a nudge to get the ball rolling. And by the smile and confidence lighting her friend’s face as she made her way back, Elle figured the mission was a success.
Jenna entered the shop and squealed. “Oh my God. I can’t believe I just did that! You should’ve seen his face. He was kind of slack-jawed. It was great.”
“Good for you,” Elle said.
Her friend pulled her in for a hug. “Thanks. And don’t forget what I said about my brother. He’ll come around. Just give him some time.”
She kept the smile on her face as she drew back and nodded and was forever grateful to hear the tinkling of the bell, signaling the arrival of a customer.
Jenna sucked in a breath, glancing over Elle’s shoulder before meeting her gaze. “Wow…badass gorgeous guy behind you,” she whispered to Elle before she straightened her shoulders and faced her customer. “Can I help you?”
“Actually, I’m here to see Elle,” a familiar voice said, nearly stopping her heart.
She turned around and gasped. “Callum? W-what are you doing here?” she asked before he pulled her in for a hug.
“It’s good to see you, Elle,” he replied.
“Y-you, too,” she stammered, hugging him back.
He released her and smiled. “You look great.”
She took in his dark hair, worn longer than she’d remembered. Stubble on his chin, and a twinkle in his brown eyes. That twinkle was the same, but the rest of him had filled up and out. At six-two, he was broad now, and solid. She’d just been embraced by a lot of muscles. He’d matured from cute guy to badass gorgeous.
“So do you, but you’re awfully far from base, aren’t you?” she asked, willing her heart to beat crazy in her chest for him, for her pulse to kick up, and butterflies to swarm her stomach.
But they didn’t. It was a different badass gorgeous guy, with startling blue eyes and a lopsided grin who ruled her body and heart.
Callum shook his head, rubbing his shoulder. “Medically discharged last month.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, her heart hurting for him. The Navy meant everything to him. Even more than their marriage. “How did you end up here?”
Surely, he hadn’t been looking for her.
“I’m friends with one of theWyne Resort owners, Ben. We ran into each other when he was deployed last, and he extended an invitation to enjoy the resort. So, imagine my surprise when I’m on my way to meet him at the diner for lunch and see you in the window here.”
