Page 60 of So Right
She let go of him and took a step back as Cam and Brooke parked next to them. Cam stepped out of the car and only spared them a brief look. “I see we’re not the only ones running a bit late.”
He rushed around to help Brooke get out of the car, and the four of them walked into the winery together.
Luke touched the small of Kelsey’s back. “I need to help organize a few things. Grab a glass of wine if you want.”
“Can I help with anything?”
He looked around. “I don’t know. Maybe ask Brooke?” Cam had already disappeared into the kitchen.
Kelsey smiled up at him. “Sure. See you in a bit.”
As people began to arrive, Luke went to the first wine tasting station on the bridge overlooking the vats. Guests received their glasses when they checked in with Brooke and Bex, then made their way to Luke, who would pour chardonnay.
Kelsey appeared, joining him at the table where he was standing. “Brooke said I should come help you pour. That way you can focus on talking and answering questions.”
He grinned, glad to have her as his companion. “Lucky me. I hope you’re good with a wine opener.”
“Good enough, though I’m sure you can teach me some moves.” She was flirting with him again, and all he could think was how badly he wanted to kiss her.
He leaned toward her as the first group of guests approached. “You’re going to kill me tonight. But it’s going to be the best death.”
She flashed him a smile as she picked up the bottle for the new arrivals. He talked to them about the chardonnay and about his vineyard management, answering any questions they had. As the group moved on, Luke took advantage of the moment to slip his hand along Kelsey’s waist.
It felt so good to touch her. It was as if he’d crawled through a desert and had just found an oasis. He leaned close to her ear, barely resisting the urge to lick along the edge of her flesh. “You smell so fantastic.” He felt her shiver.
She sidled closer to him, and he squeezed her waist. This night was going to take forever. And what would happen at the end? He could only hope she wanted what he did.
Liam and Aubrey came up then, and Luke poured wine into Liam’s glass. Aubrey held up her water bottle with a sigh. “Sorry to miss out.” She turned to Kelsey. “How are you doing?”
“Good, thanks.”
Another few people joined them, and Luke started his spiel. They asked a few questions and then sipped their wine for a minute. He overheard Aubrey talking to Kelsey.
“I talked to the parole board, and he’s in Washington now,” Aubrey said, keeping her voice low.
Kelsey looked relieved. “That’s great to hear.”
Aubrey sipped her water. “I’ll be in court first thing Monday for the restraining order. Sorry I wasn’t able to get in there sooner. Don’t worry, these things are a slam dunk in your case.”
“Thanks so much for your help on this,” Kelsey said, giving her a quick hug.
“It’s my pleasure.” She gave Kelsey a warm, earnest smile before joining her husband, and the group took off.
Luke took a step closer to Kelsey. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Sounds like things are going well.”
“As well as can be expected. I’m glad he’s out of the state.”
He heard the relief in her voice and wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her tight. “Me too.”
George and her grandmother arrived at that moment, and Kelsey was delighted to see her. They embraced as Luke shook George’s hand.
“Now this is a role reversal,” George said, laughing. “You’re serving me.”
Luke grinned as he inclined his head toward Kelsey. “Actually, she’s pouring.”
Kelsey thrust the bottle at him. “Not this one.”
Luke laughed and poured wine for both George and Ruby.
