Read Wine & Roses for Free Online Page A

after putting so much work into it, I’m not ready to let it go.”
    Setting down his menu, Jason offered a soft smile of reassurance. “It’s all right, Abby. The place is in good hands. Colin was about to tear it down, and look what you’ve done. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
    Surprise and then relief filtered through her features, the crease of anxiety smoothing from her forehead. “I’m so glad you feel that way.”
    So that was that, then. He wouldn’t have the inn, at least not for now, but it was all right. Ever since his father’s death, Jason had been determined to reacquire the place, no matter how much persistence it took. Here and now, though, he only wanted to sit with Abby and talk to her. He wanted to learn everything about her. Observing her now, with her auburn curls falling over her shoulders, he recalled the inviting curve of her neck when her hair had been wet and slicked against it. Remembering how she had felt in his arms, warm and vibrant, and the heady excitement of her kisses, he longed to touch her again. It was easy to call to mind the lilt of her laugh, and the way her gaze held his in a way that made his heart throb heavily against the walls of his chest.
    Jason shifted uneasily in his chair. He wasn’t used to feeling this way. Since breaking off his engagement to Brianna, he’d successfully resisted falling under any woman’s spell. He’d dated a few women, but kept them at a safe emotional distance, which suited him just fine. Unfortunately, Abby was different; he couldn’t spend time with her without wanting to get more deeply involved. If there was one thing he didn’t want, it was a relationship, and all the long-term expectations that came with it. He realized that, in fairness to Abby, it would be best to walk away now.
    “Is something wrong?” she asked, eyeing him with concern.
    “No, nothing.” Jason offered a smile.
    “I’ve been meaning to thank you for the tour of your winery.”
    “Thank you for the fantastic kiss,” he added, aiming to elicit that appealing blush in her cheeks once again—and she obliged immediately.
    “As I recall, it was you who kissed me .” She looked at him with the same playful glint in her eye that had so excited him as they sat together and sampled his wines that night.
    “I didn’t hear any complaints.”
    “I had none.” Abby’s mouth quirked as she tried to suppress her grin. “But I realize that it might have just been one of those weird things that happen when you mix a sultry, moonlit evening with a bit too much wine.”
    Jason hesitated a moment. She was offering him an out; he should take it. “Maybe,” he began, wanting to agree with her, but unable to stop himself from continuing. “But I think there was more to it than just the wine and the moonlight. That slip of yours may have played a part.”
    She let out a girlish laugh. “God, the slip. What was I thinking?”
    “Not having regrets, I hope?”
    “No. Maybe just feeling a little lost. I’ve been out of the dating game for over twenty years, you know.” He saw her wince as she said this, but her honesty was endearing. “Not that we’re dating, exactly. I mean, it didn’t start out as a date. I thought. Oh, why don’t I just shut my mouth?” Her colour deepening again, she buried her face in her hands, her elbows thumping on the tabletop.
    Gently taking hold of her wrist, Jason pried one of her hands away, holding it briefly. “Whatever it was, I enjoyed it very much.” Lifting one eyebrow, he slanted her a roguish grin. “The kiss, and the rest of the evening.”
    Releasing a breath, Abby dropped her other hand onto the table, responding with a gentle smile of her own. “Me, too.”
     
    It was well after midnight when Abby walked Jason to the door, just as the last customer was paying for his drinks.
    “Thank for coming, Jason,” she said. “I hope the food met your expectations.”
    “Are you kidding? Best prime rib I’ve had in