up at the vineyard. Thomas climbed out of his truck and waited for Morgan to get off her motorcycle and put her helmet down. She did a quick brush through her hair with her fingers, sweeping the bulk away from her face to cascade over her shoulders. She was so sensual, no matter whether she tried or not.
“First of all,” Thomas instructed, “can I trust you to not tell anyone about what I’m going to show you?”
“You make it sound so secretive.” She leaned closer to him. “The question should be, should I trust you to show me something secretive?”
He caressed her cheek. “You’re right. That was a stupid question because I do trust you.”
“Good, then I will trust you.”
“But can I ask that you don’t take any pictures, unless...” He slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, “it’s of us?”
Morgan smiled and shook her head. “I promise to leave my camera here.”
Taking her hand in his, they walked to the gated entry of the vineyard. He pointed to the camera above the gate. “As you can see, there is constant surveillance going on at the entry and all areas around the perimeter of the vineyard.” Thomas waved to the camera, and she playfully followed his example. He entered in a security code on the gate and the gate opened. “And, in order to get inside, you need the access code.”
“Does everyone who works here have that code?”
“Only supervisors and Tasha, Darion’s secretary. They are here before the rest of the crew arrives, and that’s how they are let inside.”
He led her inside the gates. Once the gates closed behind him, he glanced across the rows of grapevines that filled the acres of land. The purple fruit was plump and looked ready to be picked. Thomas touched one of the grapes and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Almost ready,” he told her. “Next month the workers will begin preparations for the harvest.”
They strolled through the rows as he pointed out all the other safety measures and cameras that were placed throughout the vineyard. There was a medium-sized shed about halfway on the one side. It was inside one of the gated areas.
“What’s that?” Morgan asked.
“This area is to prepare the vines for grafting them together. This is the specialty wine area so grafting of the vines is very important in this spot. Once these branches are grafted, they are then weaved into the rest of the vines.”
“Who has access to get back here?” Morgan glanced around the area.
“The same people who have access to the gate. In other words, the people we trust.” He stopped and took hold of both of her hands. “It softens my heart to know that you are so concerned about the winery, but can you see there is nothing to worry about now?”
“After last night’s comments by Garth, I’m just more suspicious.”
“Sorenson wouldn’t be that stupid.”
“He was stupid enough to try to break into your home.” She shrugged. “And that tells me not to trust that man at all.”
“I’m sure he had too much to drink.” Thomas wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they moved back toward the shed. “I doubt he will try again.”
She sighed and glanced up at him. “So, Thomas, where are we going for dinner?”
“I have something really special planned for you.”
“Why?”
He grinned. “Because I happen to think you are one special lady, and you deserve to be spoiled.”
“Thomas, you don’t need to spoil me.” She cocked her head, narrowing her gaze on him. “I know what you are trying to do.”
“What am I trying to do?” Thomas looked deeply into her intoxicating hazel eyes.
“You are trying to make me your next flavor of the month.” She shook her head. “And I don’t do things like that.”
It physically hurt to hear her say that, but he didn’t want her to know how badly it crushed his ego. Dramatically, he placed his hand to his heart. “Ouch. That was harsh.”
“You do have a reputation, you know.”
“Maybe I date so many women because I haven’t found the right one yet.”
“Maybe you haven’t looked hard enough,” she responded. “I’ll go to dinner with you tonight, but I think that should be it. I don’t want you to break my heart.”
“So, my flattery will get me nowhere?”
“Thomas, I don’t need to know all the expensive things you buy. If I like you, I’ll have feelings for you, not your money.”
Thomas stood watching her, and his memory opened, recalling those same words by the