lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches, I resist the temptation to sweep her into my arms and have my way with her. All day, her light fragrance tickles my senses. I’ve been a veritable saint keeping my urges in check. It’s time to dig a little deeper and get to know her better.
“How long have you been managing the business?”
“Just after Mom got real sick. It was the month after graduation.”
“Was this your dream then, stepping up to run the family business?”
“Not at all, but…” She shrugs and her smile slips. I make a mental note to find out more. What dreams did she not follow? I sense this is a situation she found herself in rather than the dream job she hoped for.
We finish lunch in silence, and I check in with Asher. While I speak with him, Grace puts our dishes in the sink.
“Hey,” Asher answers on the first ring.
“How’s it going?”
“Pretty good. They’ve got a sweet operation going. Great quality. Impeccable inspection records. Love their processing, and Mark and I are currently picking out the best wines for tonight.”
“I think Grace said she already did that.” I lower the phone from my ear. “Didn’t you say you picked out the wine already?”
“Mark did. He put a couple cases in my trunk. Why?”
“Asher says he’s sampling right now.”
“Sampling?” She gives a soft laugh. “More like goofing off.”
“Don’t forget you’re working for me today, brother. Don’t get too happy sampling the wine.”
“No worries, but take the wine I picked. Mark told me what he gave Grace, and to be honest, it’s not one of their top-tier offerings. Not really sure why he would do that, but regardless, I’ve got four cases for you to take with you.”
“Great. Thanks. We’ll compare notes later.”
“Sounds good. Talk at ya’ later.” Asher hangs up, and I turn to admire Grace’s slim figure as she puts everything away. My mouth goes dry, and my heart speeds up. The woman is simply amazing, and she tastes like sin.
“You’re staring.” She stops and glances at me.
“Can’t help it.”
She affects me. Already, my breathing’s erratic and raw; sexual need heats my blood. This hands-off routine isn’t going to last much longer. I need to get my hands on her hot body and pull forth sounds of pleasure from us both. The long length of my arousal strains the zipper of my trousers, making me swallow down the potency of my need.
“Ready to get back to it?” she asks.
“I am, but we need to cut out no later than two. I need to be back here by four or we’re going to be late.”
“I’m nervous about tonight. You never told me how many cases to bring.”
“Asher is swapping out the cases Mark gave you. I guess Mark didn’t understand what we’re doing tonight.”
“I’m not surprised. Mark isn’t big on giving away stuff for free, especially our more expensive wines.”
“Sometimes, the best way to make money is to give a token away for free. Are you nervous about that tonight? Or is it that you’re going with me?”
“Both, honestly. I’m a little more comfortable after today with you. I thought it would be stressful, or that you’d be pushy about… Well, you know. But it’s been an easy day. Thank you for that. As for chatting up famous chefs? I’m not really a people person.”
“You’re great with people. You don’t see what I see. Wrap that amazing body in a dress men will go crazy over, and you won’t have to worry about anything. Besides, I’ll prep you on the drive in. Do you think that would help?”
“That would be great. I never really know what to say, and selling my product to strangers… I’d just like to give them the bottle and say, ‘It’s good, trust me.’”
“That’s certainly the easy way out. While you get ready, think about what it is Atwood Estates has to offer. Why they want to join your exclusive club. Remember, we’re drumming up interest in a select club. They have to join it to get access to your top wines.”
“When you say it, it doesn’t sound corny. When I say it, I feel like a fool.”
I draw her close and give her the lightest feathery kiss on her forehead. Anything more would undo me. Behaving like a real gentleman, instead of the scoundrel I am, is more challenging than expected.
“You’re going to do great.” I release her and take a few steps back. “I’ll be back in a bit to pick you up.