Risking the Vine (Romancing the Vine Book 1) (12 page)

They finished the dance together, her fingers wrapped around the base of his cock, his fully inside her, pulsing and probing. She cupped his balls and squeezed, pleased to hear his shuddering breath.

Flexing a hand on her hip, he growled, “I need you. Now.”

He lunged, wrapped his arms around her, and propelled her to the mattress. His erection prodded her and he claimed her mouth as he pushed into her. The joy of being filled, stretched, washed through her. Each stroke rasped against her clit, sending her soaring. She moaned and matched his thrusts.

As she reached toward the flame he’d ignited, he moved faster and faster. Legs and arms wrapped around him, his hips bucked between her legs. His groans into her ear spurred Jac to hold on as he drove their passion.

Her body strained toward the precipice of desire, pulling tight, her inner muscles squeezing around his cock. Luke drove her higher with every movement, every thrust, every circle of his hips.

Want and need pulsed like firelight. Luke slipped one hand between them to rub her clit. Sparks bloomed into flames as she came hard. A satisfied shriek erupted from her at the same time his victorious groan filled her senses. He continued to grind against her. Wave upon sensuous wave crested within her with each deep slide of his cock.

An incredible lightness, like floating, filled her in spite of being tethered to the bed by the weight of his body. His heart galloped in time with the throb between her legs, and his breath rushed in her ear as he panted his way to calm.

“God, I hope I’m not too heavy. I don’t think I can move,” he muttered.

“I think you feel just right.” She traced the indentations between each of his vertebrae. Reaching the base of his spine, she skated her palm over his buttock muscles. He bucked his hips into her, groaning as he did.

He nuzzled her neck and lifted away from her, his cock sliding free of her body. Rolling away, his breath hitched. “Be right back.”

The mattress gave as he eased off the bed. Jac drifted in a haze of afterglow, absently aware of the sounds of running water from the bathroom. Body still humming, her limbs were fluid and lazy. The faucet shut off, and seconds later, she heard the clink of a glass on the bedside table.

Luke kissed her shoulder as he nestled in next to her. “Is your head okay?”

Curling on her side, she placed a hand on his lightly furred chest. “My everything is okay.”

“Everything, huh?” His teeth flashed white in the dim room.

The sight of his quick grin made her purr. “Mm-hmm.”

Outside laughter floated through the open window as the rest of the teams returned. He rubbed a strand of her hair between his fingers. “We should probably consider getting up. Don’t want to be late for team building.” His words said one thing, his tone told a completely different story.

“I hate to end this little
nap
with a dinner with the insurance guys.” She sighed, struggling with residual guilt. “But they did help clean up our mess, so we should probably at least say thanks.”

Luke’s eyes darkened as he ran his fingers down her arm. “I brought you some water. You need to drink it. What should we do about tonight? Do you want me to stay here? If you’d prefer to sleep alone, I understand.”

Cuddled in his arms this way, the last thing she wanted to think about was sleeping alone later. But Luke spending the night would be a huge step. She chewed her lips as she thought.

He saved her from having to answer. “We can work it out later. After dinner.” He winked.

Did he want to sleep alone? Doubt reared in her mind, sharp and anything but subtle. Jac settled against the pillows, watching as Luke reached for his clothes and tossed her the fleece robe he stripped off her body in his haste. The garment landed on her face and she left it there, feeling him rise from the bed. Fabric rustled as he dressed.

“I’m going to grab a fast shower in my room before dinner. I’ll see you downstairs,” he said.

Pulling the robe from her face, she clutched it to her chest like a shield. “Luke?”

“Yeah?”

Sucking in a huge gasp of air, she breathed it out and asked, “Do you regret this?”

He paused from tucking his shirttails into his pants. One side in, the other out, he leaned a knee on the bed, dipping toward her. “Hell no! Not even for an instant.” His mouth descended on hers, searing, confident; passionate.

He released her lips, his eyes filled with desire. Her heart hitched at the intensity she saw. She spoke over the lump in her throat. “You just seemed . . .”

His smile was self-deprecating as he cupped her cheek. “Baby, if I seemed anything less than eager or smitten, I’m sorry. I just don’t want to crowd you. I don’t regret making love to you. So get that idea out of your mind.”

Relief blossomed, easing the constriction in her chest. “Okay. Good. Because I don’t regret it either.”

“But you should know, I just used my emergency condom. I didn’t come prepared to find someone I liked enough to want to sleep with. So if you want me to spend the night, we’ll be sleeping only.”

She sure as hell didn’t expect that. “Really? I was going to invite you back for round two. Maybe three.”

“You’re straight up evil, woman. Can I trust you to behave yourself?”

“Cuddling is good.”

“Good, but not as great as . . .” His words trailed off as he stroked his hand up her leg, pausing at the juncture of her thighs.

Tingling burst to life in her body. Maybe she shouldn’t tempt fate by inviting him back after dinner. She hitched the robe higher on her chest. “Not nearly as great as—well, maybe you should sleep in your own room tonight.”

Disappointment shadowed his face but understanding warmed his expression. “You’d better get up and shower. They’ll be serving dinner soon.”

He brushed her lips with his, a fast, friendly peck. Jac eyed him as he strode to the door, the back of his shirt untucked and brushing the curve of his butt. With his hand on the doorknob, he glanced back toward the bed, his sensual gaze brushing over her body, as if memorizing each line and curve. She shivered at the intimate touch of his glance, biting her tongue to keep from calling him back. He winked as he pulled the door open.

With a quiet click of the latch, he was gone.

Chapter 10

Jules stopped Jac as she entered the dining room. “How’d it go?”

Heat flashed into Jac’s cheeks. Oh, good Lord. Was she really asking about her and Luke? Jac hesitated, not sure how to respond.

“With your boss? Did you give notice?” Jules clarified.

Oh, that
. Jac was still operating in the aftereffects of Luke’s excellent distraction. “Not yet. Although I have decided to quit. Ted isn’t ever going to recognize me with a promotion. Will you still have time to talk farming with me later?”

Jules beamed at her. “After dinner. Did you enjoy the wine? I’ll crack another bottle and we can talk soil acidity and irrigation to your heart’s content.”

“I drank a bit too much of your excellent wine.” Jac lowered her voice before continuing. “I needed a nap before dinner.”

“I’ve made the same mistake before. Occupational hazard of running a vineyard.” Jules laughed as she snagged Jac’s upper arm. “Bring your coffee to my office after dinner. I’ll point you in the right direction.”

Jules excused herself to greet another guest. Scanning the room, Jac found Luke engaged in conversation with Belinda and Sally. After stopping at the buffet for a glass of water, she made her way over to the trio.

“You got all the paint out,” Belinda said as Jac approached.

“It wasn’t easy, but yeah, eventually it all came out. Thanks for your help in cleaning up the mess. I hated to leave it to you, but getting as much of it rinsed out as possible was top priority.”

Sally lifted her glass in salute. “No worries. Jeff and Jeremy ended up cleaning the bulk of the mess. It really wasn’t bad. Most of the paint ended up on the tarp.”

Belinda scoffed. “Idiot Jeff stepped in the paint then walked away, leaving white footprints across the floor. I thought the top of Marcus’ head was going to blow off.” A disgusted looking grimace skated over her face. “I think Jeff is still on the porch with a bucket and scrub brush, trying to clean the bottom of his expensive leather shoes.”

“That explains the cursing I heard as I passed the front entry,” Jac deadpanned. The lady lawyers chuckled.

Musical tones rang out as Jules tapped a fork against the crystal wine stem in her hand. “Our evening activity will take place over dinner. Marcus and I have compiled three case studies where team building would certainly help achieve the goals. We’ll brainstorm solutions while we eat.” Jules had walked to the head of the table while she spoke. “Once dinner is over, you’ll be free for the rest of the evening. It’s Tuesday, and we regularly host the local population at the Rhythm in the Vines concert. The performance starts at half past eight at the pavilion where we had lunch today. You are welcome to attend. Tonight we have a string quartet from the local high school. They’re young, but talented.”

Jeff padded into the room as Jules finished. He held his shoes in one hand, gold-toed socks on his feet. “Are you serving refreshments?”

“A local Boy Scout troop holds a bake sale each week as a fund-raiser. I know they’d appreciate your money.”

Jeff scowled. “I was thinking about more adult refreshments.”

Jac gestured to the multiple bottles on the sideboard. “You are welcome to take a glass of wine with you. I only ask you to use a plastic cup instead of the crystal. Now, let’s eat.”

Luke pulled Jac’s chair out first, and guided her into it before turning to his right to help Belinda. Jac’s heart leapt at his courteous behavior. Sally sat across the table, next to Steve. Jeff flopped into the seat next to Jac, banging his head against her shoulder when he bent to put his shoes under the chair. Third time she’d suffered a hit today. And only one of them had been pleasant.

The aroma coming from stinky feet under the table was far from appealing. She leaned toward Luke, who slipped his arm over the back of her chair. It wasn’t exactly staking a claim on her, but Jeff got the message. After shooting a glare at Luke, he turned to Jeremy who was seated next to him.

“Dude,” Jeremy complained. “Put your shoes on. Your feet smell and we’re in company.”

“Shut up, Jerms,” Jeff replied. Fortunately he followed directions. His beefy hip jutted over the edge of his chair into Jac’s as he bent to slip his feet into his shoes. “Sorry.”

Dinner was a lively affair, with conversation, ideas, and suggestions flowing as freely as the wine. Jac accepted the glass the waiter had poured but only sipped at it, preferring to stick to water. Each time she emptied the goblet, Luke topped it off from an iced pitcher on the table.

As the meal drew to a close, Jules complimented them on all of their ideas, a satisfied grin on her face. She reissued the invitation to attend the evening concert, then excused herself. The other diners wandered away from the table, leaving only Luke and her.

“Do you want to go to the concert or just take a walk?” He toyed with her fingers, holding her gaze as he asked.

She shook her head. “I have a meeting with Jules. We’re going to discuss farming.”

Canting his head, he gazed at her. “Taking the first steps?”

“Everyone’s got to start somewhere. Once I find out what I’m in for, I’ll have to decide. My continued employment at MedServices isn’t an option, so I have to do something. Might as well be something I want to do. It kind of feels like I’m about to open Pandora’s Box and there’s trouble inside.” She managed to ease her grimace into a grin.

Luke laughed and gave her fingers a squeeze. “I’ll bet you can handle it.” He pulled her to her feet as he stood. “Go talk to Jules about how to conquer the world of agriculture. I’m going to the pavilion with the rest of the crew. I’ll try to catch you later, okay?” He raised his eyebrows, his bright eyes earnest.

She pressed her lips to his, letting them linger. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be.”

“If it’s too late, I’ll just see you in the morning.” Luke picked up his wine glass and walked to the buffet for something disposable, tipping the rest of his drink into a red plastic cup. With a lingering glance he exited the room, his footsteps echoing on the hardwood floor.

Standing beside her chair, Jac stared at the empty doorway. She hadn’t expected to find herself at a crossroads in her life. Just as her career was imploding, she’d met a man who interested her beyond belief. She’d focused on her job so much for the past three years, she’d let her dating life languish.

Breaking the trend earlier this afternoon, after a long, dry spell, had been a truly amazing moment in her life. Her body continued to hum. Luke was a generous lover, and even if they couldn’t repeat the ultimate physical expression of their feelings, she’d welcome the chance to continue their closeness.

It stood to reason that just as she found a man she wanted to spend time with, she contemplated moving to a new city. And while a long distance affair would work for a short time, she didn’t want Luke to end up resenting her because she wasn’t there. In her experience, trying to maintain a relationship while in two separate cities led to wandering eyes and cheating boyfriends. Her college sweetheart had found an Italian honey to cozy up to while on a semester abroad.
Once bitten
. . .

She dismissed her anxiety. Everything worth doing was risky. Starting a new love affair at the same time as a new business might take her farther out on a limb than she’d be comfortable with. She had to weigh the risk versus the reward. It’s what any good team leader would do. Her frustrated sigh built, until she let it gust between her lips.

At this point, her world was on hold. She had to think of her future career and what it might entail for her. She just wished she knew for sure if Luke had, or even wanted, a place in it.

Defeat settled on her shoulders, a press of uncertainty. She shook it away, forcing her thoughts to what Jules had to teach her. Leaving the dining room, Jac headed across the hall toward Jules’ office. The door was ajar and the peppy chords of a popular song filtered through the opening. Funny, she’d never pegged Jules as a Top Forty kind of woman.

She knocked and waited a beat to push open the door.

Marcus danced across the space, wiggling his ass, and brushing at his shoulders as he lip-synced to the radio about shaking it off. Jac clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a chuckle. Seeing the heavily muscled man whip his head back and forth, and move his hands like he was trying to hold in his heart, was priceless.

He spun in an agile pirouette, rocking like a Bobblehead. The instant he caught sight of her, he jerked to a stop.

Eyes wide, an embarrassed snigger burst from him. “Oops. Busted.”

“Hey, don’t let me stop you.” Jac motioned for him to continue.

Marcus shook his head, quickly reaching out to hit the power button on the sound dock. “What can I say? That song gives me happy feet.”

“I know what you’re saying. I almost wanted to join in.”

His smile grew broader. “I wouldn’t have stopped you. Looking for Jules?”

“I was supposed to meet her after dinner for a farming tutorial.”

“Ah, going to learn at the feet of the master. It’s a good decision. Jules didn’t know a thing about agriculture when she bought this place. She mostly knew about shoes and such. She did her research and learned pretty damn quick how to make a go of it.”

Curiosity got the better of Jac. “She mentioned earlier she didn’t grow up on a farm.”

“Oh, hell no.” Jules’ voice came over her shoulder. The woman in question crossed the office and shooed Marcus from behind the desk.

Jac glanced at Jules. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s okay. To answer your question a little more thoroughly, I grew up in Los Angeles. I worked in the family business for a while, but decided to get an education and leave the L.A. rat race for a simpler lifestyle. Hence the vineyard. I love wine, so it made sense.” Jules laughed. “Kind of a stupid reason. Except, once I toured the place and saw what I could make of it, I was hooked. The team building stuff is just a sideline. Our label is available in liquor and grocery stores across the nation.”

“We had to learn about distributors and state regulations,” Marcus added. “It was an intense year. We got lucky and the viticulturist wanted to stay on once we took over.”

“Viti-whatsit?” Jac wasn’t familiar with the term.

“He’s the guy who really knows how to grow grapes and understands the science and magic behind crushing them into wine.” Jules gestured to the framed certificates adorning one wall. “We’d be lost without him. He’s a prizewinner.”

“Impressive.” Jac meant it. There had to be fifteen awards adorning the wall. The oldest one, ‘Best Vintage from
Food and Wine
,’ was from three years ago.

“Marcus, would you mind checking on the concert while Jacqui and I talk? I hate to not be there, but the kids know what to do. You might have to keep the insurance guys in line. Jeff was—”Jules tossed a glance at Jac before continuing—“a little boisterous at dinner.”

“You got it, boss.” Marcus saluted, then pivoted toward the door.

As he walked through, he broke out in a chorus from the Taylor Swift song he’d been lip-syncing to earlier.

“He loves his pop songs.” A rueful smile on her face, Jules shook her head. “Okay, let’s talk soil and weather conditions.”

Jac spent two hours in the office, her head spinning at the amount of information Jules shared. By the time she left, her unofficial mentor had loaded her down with Department of Agriculture pamphlets and weather charts, and sheets of reference links Jac could use to find more information. Jules had fired questions at Jac as they discussed her plan to raise herbs and spices. Before they were done for the evening, Jules had all but begged for a chance to come to Eugene for a visit once the farm started growing again.

Jac climbed the stairs and walked absently down the long hallway to her room. Pausing at the desk, she dropped off the material Jules had given her, despairing of being able to fit it all in her suitcase. As she stared at the pile of paper, representing a potential future, calm settled in her gut. She hadn’t felt this hopeful about her path in a long time.

Even when she thought she’d be getting a promotion at MedServices, she hadn’t experienced the sense of rightness she possessed at this moment.

Marching into the bathroom, she scrubbed off the last traces of the day. She walked out of her clothes on the way to her suitcase. It only took a moment to jerk on a black camisole and leopard print sleep shorts.

Sinking into the comfortable chair by the desk, Jac regarded the mussed bed, remembering the blissful interlude she’d shared with Luke.

Why had she hesitated to spend the night with him? His presence added to the belief she was headed in the right direction. She should be with him, celebrating. Instead, she almost felt like she was hiding behind closed doors. Partly, she figured, because she wasn’t sure she could control her emotions or reactions if he were in the room with her. But the other part of her wasn’t sure she wanted to.

Someone passing her room laughed in the hallway, a feminine giggle. A door closed. She threw her hands in the air. “I’m an idiot.” Unsure of what she’d wanted before dinner, she knew now.

She wanted Luke.

Glancing at the clock, she decided it wasn’t too late to visit. Plucking her room key from the desk, she hustled to her door, hesitating only a second with her hand on the faceted crystal knob. She peered down at her outfit. It covered enough, but she pressed her ear to the wood. The hall sounded empty. Opening the door, she darted her head out, scanning left and right. Discovering it empty, she headed toward Luke’s room. The plush carpet runner silenced her footsteps as she hurried along.

After a brief hesitation outside his door, she lifted her hand. Her knuckles barely made any noise as she knocked. Luke answered quickly, as if he’d listened for her.

God, he was gorgeous. His athletic shorts hit just above his knee and the gray T-shirt he wore looked soft as sin as it stretched tight across his chest.

“May I come in?” Her voice sounded shy.