Page 37 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“Two Pinks coming up.” Rip poured the wine and handed one to Noelle and the blushing blonde.

Sipping, Noelle found that she liked the sweet drink.

“What do you think?” Rip asked Noelle.

“That’s actually very good.”

“I like it too. I think it’s my favorite,” the blonde leaned in as if to gain Rip’s attention again. Her frustration with Noelle was evident in the woman’s newly formed frown.

“Come on, Sandra. Let’s go.” The friend encouraged, looking a bit irritated herself.

“Hold your horses, Treva. I’m talking to this handsome cowboy.” Sandra laid her fingers on Rip’s arm. “What time do you close up shop, handsome?”

“I’m afraid I’m here until the event closes,” he said levelly.

The blonde puffed out her bottom lip in a dramatic pout that probably worked with ninety-nine percent of men she came across. Noelle wondered if it would have worked with Rip had she not been standing so close.

“That’s too bad. Maybe I’ll see you around.” She winked and took three steps backward, winking before sashaying off with her friend. Their giggles could be heard until they mingled in the crowd.

“Sorry. Did I muddle the exchange of phone numbers?” Noelle said without apology.

“No numbers were going to be exchanged,” he said dryly. He wiped down the counter and slung the towel over his shoulder. He looked handsome in a pale blue button down and nice fitting jeans.

“How did you get roped into manning the booth?” She tipped the plastic cup and drained it.

“Whiskey had something come up. Looks like I’ll be managing the bar for a bit too. Want to try another?” he asked.

“Sure. You pick.”

“Hmm. Let’s see. I think you’ll like this flavor.” He uncorked a bottle and poured a small amount into her plastic cup.

She sipped and licked her lips. “That’s wonderful.”

“It’s called Endless Tease,” he said with a teasing grin.

“And you thought I’d like that flavor, huh?” She didn’t give him the pleasure by acting like it bothered her.

“It’s fitting.”

“And why is that?”

“Let’s see, every time you get near me you give me that look,” he said in a raspy voice.

“What look?” She acted innocent.

“The one that is silently begging me to kiss you until you’re breathless.” He grabbed a couple of unopened bottles from the cooler.

“That’s your imagination. You must be tapping into your own wine samples,” she said calmly. “Is the wine made locally?”

“Yes. We have a local supplier who wants us to offer it at Crew and Brew. Want to try another?”

“This time I’ll pick. Let’s do Honey Do because I’m curious just like Sandra, that was her name, I think. What does honey do?” She liked the easy conversation flowing between them.

One corner of his mouth lifted. “Better stop or I’ll think you’re a bit jealous.” He poured the drink.

“Jealous?” she scoffed. “Why in the world would I be jealous?”

“You tell me.” He planted his elbows on the counter and leaned in, holding her gaze.

---