magical atmosphere. “What did you have to do to get this private room with this killer view?”
“The vineyard was having some cybersecurity difficulties. They’re an old client of mine, so when I called to ask for this favor, the owner was only too happy to let me plan this evening for you.”
Poppy nodded. “Why does a vineyard need cyber protection?”
“Well, a rival vineyard was after their crops, so they thought it would be best to protect the entirety of their business. Including their client list, soil companies used, and all of that fun stuff.”
“Sure,” Poppy said with a head shake. “So how does this work? It’s a private tasting, right? When is the gentleman coming back to guide us through this?”
“He’s not,” Shaw quickly answered. “This isn’t your typical wine tasting. I’m leading it.” He was grinning at her, too excited to wait before going on.
He motioned her toward a high table where a few bottles of wine and a series of empty glasses were waiting for them. He pulled the high bar stool out for Poppy and helped her up. His hand definitely traveled up her butt, where he gave her a good squeeze. He was rewarded with a squeak of surprise. He kissed her neck as he took his own seat. It was all-around difficult to keep his hands off of her.
Shaw rubbed his hands together in sheer excitement, and he grabbed the first bottle of wine. He poured a generous amount in two glasses.
“This wine is sweet,” he explained. “It has a floral aftertaste because of the soil where the grapes were grown.” Shaw handed her the glass.
She took it reluctantly, but he raised his eyebrows at her, silently motioning her to taste it. Poppy brought the glass to her lips and took a small sip.
“It’s nice.” She sounded unsure.
“It is. I picked this one because it reminded me of your scent. The floral undertones remind me of the sweet, delicate scent of your shampoo. Especially when you come out of the shower with your hair still wet. It reminds me of that first morning together in the cabin when we ran out of hot water.”
Poppy’s eyes got wide. “What?”
Shaw took the next bottle and poured the burgundy liquid into the new waiting glasses. He brought it to his nose to take a deep whiff. “Oh, right. This is the woodsy one.” He gently gave it to her.
This time, Poppy took a gulp. He could all but smell the anticipation rolling off of her.
“This one reminds me of our first night together. That oak smell? It reminds me of the trees at the cabin. It reminds me of the s’mores I ate from your fingers, and the kiss we shared on the oak log bench.”
“Shaw,” she gasped. “Did you pick each wine because it reminds you of a moment in our relationship?”
He smiled at her. “Yeah. Or it reminds me of you. Everything reminds me of you, Poppy. I hope you know that I am ridiculously in love with you. You might be my mate, but it’s more than that. I want you to know you’re cherished and loved every single day.”
Poppy coughed as tears filled her eyes. She looked over at the other two bottles and bit down onto her lower lip.
“Shaw…” she was breathless. “This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“I’m not done,” he said with a wink.
He handed her the third glass. “This is a white wine, as you can see. It’s got a sharper edge to it, that’s the citrus undertone. But once you’ve swallowed, it gets bold and strong. I picked that one because it reminds me of us. Of how we started. There was a bit of sourness in our beginning, but it made us stronger and better. Together. Notice how the sharp edges of the taste ease once you’ve swallowed a few sips?”
Poppy took a deep exhale and wiped at a tear rolling down her cheek. He leaned over and kissed the trace of moisture. He knew it wasn’t a sad tear. It was a very happy one.
“This one,” he said, passing her the final glass, “is champagne. It’s bubbly and strong. It’s made for celebrations. I chose it because I want to celebrate every day I get to spend with you, Poppy Cain. I am so lucky to be your man.”
Poppy chugged down the champagne, hopped off her barstool, and pressed her body onto his.
“Let’s get out of here,” she whispered before kissing him passionately.
“But