They slipped into easy conversation, and Griff talked about the area they were driving through. If they ignored the electric poles and tarmacked roads, much of the undulating farmland would’ve appeared pretty much the same to the first settlers. When they passed one of his favorite old barns, he made her smile by reciting its full history. He spotted the first sign for their destination and turned off onto Cox Road, but she didn’t say anything else until they passed another sign.
‘Arrington Vineyards? I didn’t know you could grow grapes in Tennessee.’
‘We sure can. This particular place has been in business about fifteen years, and they make some award-winning wines.’
A few minutes later, he slowed down at the main entrance so she could better appreciate the acres of vineyards spread out in front of them.
‘Oh wow, what a gorgeous spot.’
‘They’ve sited the buildings perfectly to make the most of the views. It’s been developed into quite a tourist attraction.’ Griff followed the parking signs and swung into an empty space. ‘I hope it’s not goin’ to be too hot. Jase seemed to think—’
‘This was your brother’s idea?’ She tilted him a questioning look. ‘Does that mean you’ve sorted out some of your . . . differences?’
A tug of emotion made his throat constrict. ‘We’re getting there.’
‘I’m so glad.’ Lyndsey’s smile blossomed. ‘Now, do I get to drink some of this world-famous wine, or did you just bring me here to . . . ?’
‘Will it help if I’m honest enough to admit I’m not sure of my motives?’ Griff shrugged. ‘I do want to talk about Jase and other stuff, though.’
‘Me too. But . . .’ A rare hint of shyness crept into her voice. ‘I made a mistake sending you away. Is there a chance—?’
‘Oh yeah. Definitely.’ His vehemence made her blush. ‘More than anything in the world, I want a chance with you. Ineeda chance with you. We’re both too damn old to play games, and I’m not denigrating your age or mine with that statement.’
‘I know that, you silly man.’ Lyndsey’s breathing was audible. ‘Let’s go and do whatever you’ve got planned. See the sunset. And then . . . perhaps we’ll see the sunrise together?’
‘You won’t here, because they close at nine o’clock. But that doesn’t have to stop us.’ Griff’s hands slid up to surround her face, his fingers stroking her warm skin, and the sight of her smoldering eyes made his body tighten all over. ‘If you listen closely, you’ll hear that the Music in the Vines line-up has started already. There’s a great bluegrass band on tonight, and an up-and-coming country duo. There’s also a gourmet picnic basket with our name on it waiting at the vineyard — The Tuscan Picnic, no less, with all sorts of gourmet Italian goodies. I figure a few Frosés will be the perfect drink with it tonight.’
‘What on earth’s that?’
He flashed a grin. ‘It’s a frozen rosé drink. Perfect for a warm summer evening. Like you.’ The vain attempt to keep the compliment light and casual failed, and she sighed his name and shook her head gently.
‘Oh, Griff, what am I going to do with you?’
‘I can give you a list if you’d like.’ The swift response brought out her brightest smile. ‘Maybe we should leave it there . . . for now.’
‘For now. Mmm, that sounds promising.’
‘Oh, it’s definitely a promise.’ Griff brought her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss over her sun-warmed caramel skin. He no longer cared what the original intention of this evening was, or wasn’t. Wasting this second chance wasn’t happening.
Chapter Nineteen
Lyndsey tried to slip out of the narrow bed without disturbing Griff but a strong hand suddenly clamped around her waist. She smiled over her shoulder into his dancing eyes.
‘Goin’ somewhere?’ His warm breath caressed her neck and delectable shivers ran right through her.
Before she went out last night, Becca slipped the key to Deke’s music studio into her bag with a whispered aside that the sofa turned into a bed. Sometimes her husband slept there rather than disturb his family when working late into the night.
She wriggled around to face him. ‘I need the loo, but don’t worry, there’s one here, so I won’t abandon you for long.’ Unable to resist, she stroked the soft stubble covering his square jaw. Remembering the rub of it all over her skin last night made her body tingle.
‘You’d better not. I’ve got plans for you.’ His playful fingers inched lower until she squealed and pushed them away so she could roll out of bed, even if it was in a somewhat ungainly fashion.
Lyndsey struggled to look serious, which wasn’t easy with Griff splayed out over the bed in all his naked glory. His only tattoo — a stunning kingfisher inked in bright turquoise and gold, whose edges were defined in black like a piece of stained glass — perched on his right bicep and appeared to fly when he flexed his muscles.
‘That’s all very well, but we still need to finish the talk you distracted me from last night.’
‘I don’t remember you objecting.’ A lazy smile creased his face. He frowned when she didn’t respond and sat up, wrapping his arms around his bent knees. ‘Sorry. That’s me being an ass.’
Seeing she’d steered the conversation away from sex, it would be inappropriate to comment on his tight, muscular backside, which she’d admired earlier. That still didn’t stop the thought floating through her head.
