Read Between the Vines for Free Online Page B

going?”
    â€œChina.”
    â€œI’d love to go there. It’s a big country. There’s so much to see. Do you have an itinerary?”
    â€œThe Great Wall.”
    â€œA must.”
    â€œForbidden City. Haven’t decided beyond that.”
    They sipped their wine and talked about China. Before long they were having another glass and then another. She told him about her trip around Vietnam and her travels in Europe and her latest courier job. He talked about the local towns, marketing and tourism. They sat side-by-side. It was cosy on the couch, too comfortable, and suddenly she was struggling to keep her eyes open.
    It wasn’t quite the way she’d planned to spend the evening with Ed although she wasn’t sure what she hoped for. He was a nice guy, a bit focused on money but she could overlook that. She stifled a yawn then jumped at the sound of a message from her phone. It was from Mandy. Taylor didn’t know whether to be irritated or reassured. She wasn’t used to people worrying about her. She sent a quick reply to say she was fine.
    â€œSorry Ed. I think I should head back to the motel.”
    â€œUh-oh.” He smirked. “Not the old ‘my friend needs me’ trick.”
    Taylor pulled away from the arm he had draped loosely across her shoulders.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œIsn’t that what you girls do? Send a message so you can escape if the guy’s a jerk.”
    â€œNot this girl.” Taylor stood up. She didn’t like his mocking tone. “I didn’t think you were a jerk but if the cap fits–”
    The cold night air bit through her t-shirt. Her knees were like jelly and her head spun. Damn, she’d had too much to drink.
    â€œI’m sorry.” Ed stood. “Now I am being a jerk.” He pulled her into his arms. It was warm there and he smelt so good. Taylor put her head on his shoulder, the fight gone out of her as easily as it had flared.
    â€œWe’ve been so busy talking I haven’t kept track of the drinks,” he said. “I shouldn’t drive for a while but I’ve plenty of spare beds if you want to sleep.”
    It was not what she wanted. Ed’s body wrapped around hers was what she desired but she knew sleep was all she was capable of.She’d had very little in the last twenty-four hours and the wine had finished her off.
    â€œI’ve got to be up early,” he said. “I’ll wake you and drive you back.”
    She didn’t resist as he led her inside and showed her into a room with a brass double bed. He flicked on a lamp which cast a cosy glow. She sat. The bed was delightfully soft beneath her. He pulled off her shoes and carefully helped her out of her jacket. Her body was sending all kinds of signals that her blurry brain was trying to stifle. Her eyes opened wide as he brushed her lips with his then he gently pushed her back. Her wayward body burnt with desire. He took the blanket from the rail, spread it over her then stepped back. She could see a look in his eyes, a desire that matched her own.
    He moved to the door, keeping his gaze on her.
    Taylor waited, wanting him to come back and yet anxious he might.
    â€œI’ll wake you in a few hours.” He went through the door and closed it softly behind him.
    Taylor stared at the ceiling. Was she relieved or disappointed? She certainly had feelings for Ed but was she prepared to go as far as share his bed? She rolled over and flicked off the light. The bed was so comfortable beneath her. She closed her eyes and imagined herself in Ed’s embrace.
    â€œHey, sleepyhead.”
    Taylor’s eyelids flew open. Hadn’t she just shut them? She turned her head. Ed was standing beside the bed. His wet hair was swept back from his forehead and his jaw was freshly shaven. She dragged her gaze to his hand holding out a glass of water. She could smell coffee.
    â€œThere’s coffee on the