and squeezed so tightly onto his cock that he thought he might lose it right there. He stilled, sweeping his hand up to lift her shirt so he could taste her nipples.
“Mmm” was the only sound she made as he sucked and licked her while he began to move. “A lot more of that.”
He gave more until she squirmed against him, lifting to give him a lot more of what he liked, which was her.
Then there were no words between them, only moans and sighs and the groans he made because damn, this was good. And when her body began to quake, he was right there with her, groaning and trembling as they both came hard. He had to hold on to Brenna as he pumped with his release, feeling as if he had given her everything he had.
And afterward, as he held her, he realized that Brenna made him feel things he’d never felt before. Like wanting to take care of her and make her happy.
For the rest of his life. So he could feel this good forever.
He kissed her neck, her jaw, her mouth.
“Hungry?” he asked.
She looked up at him with such clear eyes and a bright smile. “Starving, thanks to you.”
He grinned. “How about I make us some breakfast?”
“Fabulous idea. I’ll help.”
They got up and cleaned up, then headed into the kitchen. Finn opened the door and called for Murphy, who came rambling in from the woods. He gave Murphy his food and set out fresh water for him, and then he and Brenna made bacon, eggs and toast along with sliced cantaloupe and orange juice.
Brenna took a slice of her toast and dredged it through her eggs. “You know we could have gone to the main house for breakfast.”
“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have been alone with you.”
She gave him an unfathomable look. “That’s true. And everyone would have stared.”
“You think so? I don’t think so. I don’t think anyone cares whether we’re dating or not.”
She snorted out a laugh. “Oh, come on, Finn. You know the family. They’ll care.”
“So I should expect the third degree from your dad?”
She shrugged and grabbed a slice of bacon, took a bite and chewed thoughtfully. “I don’t know. Maybe. He likes you so he probably figures you and I together is okay.”
“Just okay?”
“Jury’s out. My mom, on the other hand, might have a few things to say about me having hot sex with the hired help.”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “Oh, now I’m the hired help?”
She winked at him, then dipped her toast in his eggs.
“Hey, no stealing my food.”
“I ate all my eggs.”
“I can make more for you.”
“I’m good.”
He looked her up and down. “You sure are.”
“And you’re good for my ego. I might just keep you around for a while.”
“You have to. We have to present our fake-engaged selves to Esther and Brock at their party or present opening or whatever it was they said.”
“Right. Which means I’ll have to put up with Mitchell and Allison again.”
He could tell she was still bothered by that. He reached over and grabbed her hand. “Hey. We have this fake engagement down to a science now. We’ve got this.”
Her lips curved. “Yes. We do.”
And maybe, if everything went according to plan, he could arrange a few more events to keep the fake engagement going. At least until Brenna realized the two of them belonged together as a couple. Then they could forget the fake engagement and just—be.
He was looking forward to that day.
CHAPTER
• • • • • •
eighteen
BRENNA MEANDERED AMONG her Riesling grapes, checking each bundle for ripeness. She had staff to do this, but these were her babies, and it was nearly time for harvest.
Despite the oppressive heat, she enjoyed walking the vineyard and reviewing the vines. She did it every afternoon before she left for the day, making sure that every vine was secure, that pests were controlled, that nothing was out of order.
As usual, all the vines were in great shape, the leaves beautiful, the grapes plump and ready to pick.
Next week should produce a bountiful harvest. She couldn’t wait.
She spotted her father out there among the grapes as well. Then again, when wasn’t he out there?
“Bellissimo, eh?” he asked.
“Si, Papa,” she replied. “Everything looks good. We have our seasonal staff lined up for the harvest next week.”
He nodded. “Good. I’m anxious to get my hands on these Rieslings. And the sauvignon blanc not too far behind them.”
As much as she knew about winemaking, her