Page 21 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“Why not?” Merlot inched closer. “Will you be too busy helping Claudia?”

“I don’t know anything about wines. Or your business. I’m not an expert in marketing. I work in hospitality and I’m an assistant. I just got lucky with an idea that you liked.” Talbot raised her chin. “I appreciate the offer, but it wouldn’t be a good fit.”

“If you change your mind, you know how to find us.” Eliza Jane glanced at her watch. “Shit. We have to get home. Our oldest has a doctor’s appointment. It was nice meeting you and I hope to see you again.”

“She’s coming to the wine tasting,” Merlot said.

“Good.” Malbec polished off his wine and rinsed out the glass. “Feel free to take that bottle home. Merlot can package up the rest of the cheese for you. See you later, little brother.”

“Later, old man.” Merlot slapped his brother on the shoulder before hugging Eliza Jane. He waited a full minute after they left before he closed the gap between him and Talbot. “I wish you would take us up on the consulting even if it is only temporary. It doesn’t matter that this isn’t your forte. You’ve got a keen sense of how to create buzz where we need it most.” He took her hand and pressed his lips on her warm skin. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. His pulse raced. He gazed into her big blue eyes, taking her chin with his thumb and forefinger. He could feel her hot breath coat his body. He couldn’t stand it a second longer. He pressed his mouth over hers in a tender kiss.

Her body stiffened for a brief second before she caved in his touch.

As he deepened the kiss, his body responded in the most unusual but recognizable way. It was if he’d been catapulted back twenty-one years and landed in the arms of the only person he’d ever truly loved. It stunned and terrified him and yet, he felt utterly at home.

The sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention. He took a step back.

“Excuse me,” his father said.

“Hey, Dad,” Merlot said. “What are you doing here?”

“Eliza Jane called and said there was wine. Mom and I wanted a bottle so I came to collect it.” His dad smiled. “Hello, Talbot. It’s good to see you again.”

“I should get going,” Talbot said.

“I haven’t given you a complete tour yet.” Merlot rested his hand on the small of her back.

“I didn’t realize how late it was and I have a couple of things I need to do in town. I’ll see you later.” Talbot raced past his dad and dashed out the door, disappearing into the corridor, turning in the wrong direction.

“Talbot, wait,” Merlot called, but she was gone by the time he reached the opening. Of course, she was going to get lost unless she found the back door. “I better go help her.”

“She’ll manage to find her way,” his father said.

“It’s a maze back here.”

“I came in the back, so the door is ajar. She’ll be fine.”

Merlot raked a hand through his hair. “It’s rude to let her leave like that.”

His father cocked a brow.

“Don’t give me that look. I’m not sixteen.”

His dad laughed. “I vaguely remember catching you in this very room with a bottle of wine that hadn’t aged properly, playing kissy face.”

“Real funny, Dad.” Merlot swallowed. The reality of the present clashing with the past swirled in his gut. He couldn’t reconcile his emotions.

Daisy was dead.

Yet he had felt her in that kiss, which made no sense.

He peeked his head out into the hallway. No Talbot. “I hope you didn’t scare her off. She finally agreed to come to the wine tasting event.”

“Claudia turned down the invitation, so that’s surprising.”

“Talbot would be coming as my guest. Her boss can’t make it.” Merlot sighed. “I like this girl and I want to get to know her.”

“That’s obvious.”

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