more of this place than the bedroom.” Heat warmed her insides as she squeezed her thighs at his words. Sadly, he let her go and stepped back.
She turned and saw the passion in his eyes, making her feel better that he might be suffering as much as she was. She’d always read that anticipation made sex better. Maybe those people who said it knew what they were talking about, because she’d never been this turned on, not even while watching that famous scene in Top Gun — and she’d definitely been turned on during that hot kiss.
Once they left the cabin, their day was filled with activity. It began at the spa, where she received an incredibly healing ninety-minute massage with Carl only ten feet away. There was something very sexy about knowing he was naked on the table next to her, only a thin sheet hiding his beautiful body. She was also very aware she was nude as well. She had to push those thoughts from her mind before she embarrassed herself in front of the masseuse currently kneading her back.
He next took her on a hot air balloon ride. It had been both terrifying and awe-inspiring, flying high over the beautiful vineyard, feeling weightless as their guide explained the history of Napa Valley. And best of all, Carl held her the entire time, her back pressed against his chest, his hands caressing her stomach, brushing the undersides of her breasts, and making her so hot, she felt as if she’d explode without her clothes ever coming off.
They’d barely touched the ground when a golf cart picked them up and took them to a private room where they enjoyed a wonderful best wine tasting. She’d never been a big fan of wine, but now she might invest in a vineyard. Was the wine that good, or was she simply that happy?
She’d felt joy each time she’d won a case, each time she’d advanced in her career. But this was different. This was an unexplainable joy swirling through her from the inside out, making her smile, relax, and burn at the same time.
The sun was setting when they stepped out of the dark wine tasting room, and Carl took her hand again as he led her to the veranda of the main building where gas fireplaces were scattered between tables, giving off an ambience that whispered romance.
They sat at a corner table where he pressed in close, his hand resting on her thigh as the waiter took their drink order. She was so wired she couldn’t make small talk as she gazed blankly at her menu.
“You decide,” she finally said. The words weren’t computing. Never in her life had she been this distracted, never before had she been unable to read. What in the world was this man doing to her? She liked it, but she was sure she shouldn’t. Her brain felt as if alarms were ringing and she was about to have a permanent meltdown, all files erased.
“Hmm, a challenge. I think I can do it,” Carl said as he glanced again at the menu. The waiter came back and Carl tasted the wine, approved, and waited for it to be poured. She grabbed her glass and took a large swallow while Carl gave their food order. She wasn’t sure what he’d picked.
As soon as the waiter departed, she was saved from having to speak when a group of colorfully dressed men and women stepped onto the stage at the front of the patio. Music began and she was mesmerized as they began to dance. The stunning lifts, twirls, and tricks were good enough for the stages of New York.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to dance,” Avery admitted. This wasn’t even something she’d told her mother.
“It’s never too late to learn. I have a few moves I’ll be more than happy to teach you,” he said, his fingers trailing higher up her thigh with each pass of his hand.
This place embodied seduction. The wine, the music, the lighting, the entire atmosphere was an aphrodisiac. She was his, and he had to know it by now.
“No, it’s a silly dream. It’s foolish to put so much time into something that won’t help you in life. It would be fun, but work is more important than fun. Work gives a person security and purpose. Dancing is . . . well, it’s just dancing,” she finished, not knowing what else to say.
“I disagree. No one on their deathbed praises how