“Just for now, okay? I’ll be going, then.”
“Oh,” I said. “You don’t have to.”
“Phoebe, if I stay, I’ll forget everything—my honor and my best intentions to do what’s right.”
“Oh.”
He leaned over to grab a glass of water and brushed the side of my boob in the process. I let out a low, guttural sound, and Griffin took in a deep breath, rolling his hand into a fist.
Holy shit, he’d really meant every word. He was hanging on by a thread. The devil on my shoulder wanted me to bring out my inner vixen and push him over the edge. But I hadn’t hadthatmuch wine.
Maybe some distancewoulddo us good—although, if today was any indication, it would do just the opposite. I’d been brimming with tension and need for him.
“Good night, Phoebe.”
“Good night, Griffin.”
After he left, I felt a deep pang in my chest. Damn it, I’d been looking forward to spending the evening with him. I hadn’t evenasked him if he’d already met with Jude. Or how long he was going to be in Napa.
Since I was already on a slippery slope, I poured myself one more glass of his delightful Riesling.
To distract myself, I texted my parents. I really missed them. I’d planned to have my life a bit more on track before inviting them to visit, but who knew when that would happen?
Phoebe: Hey, I really miss you guys. I’d love to have you over.
Mom: YES! Sure. When? Just say the date and we’ll be there.
I smiled big-time. I loved my parents to the moon and back. I scrolled through my calendar app, looking at all the weekends two months from now, and shared one with my mom.
Phoebe: How about this one?
Mom: We’re on it.
Ah, tonight was truly amazing.
I sat down on my couch and thought about starting a new series on Netflix, but that was always a dangerous idea. For some reason, I couldn’t watch a series like a normal person—just a few episodes at a time. Rather, I had to binge-watch every episode that was available. I rarely started a show when they were only one or two seasons deep because I got frustrated if Netflix ended up canceling them. But if I found one with multiple seasons, let’s just say I’d end up having very little sleep over the next few days. Instead, I followed another dangerous impulse—I texted Griffin.
Phoebe: I forgot to ask how it went with Jude. Did you already meet with him?
Then I decided to go all out.
Phoebe: I wish you’d stayed.
Griffin: You have no idea how much it took for me to pry myself away from you. All I wanted was to kiss and touch you.
My entire body lit up like a live wire at his response. The pent-up desire I had for this man was unlike any other.
Griffin: I set up a meeting with Jude. Things are moving forward.
Phoebe: How long are you staying in Napa?
Griffin: Three days. Will you miss me?
I grinned, deciding to tease him.
Phoebe: Hmm… not sure I’ll have time. I have two full days of training for work—we got new software.
Phoebe: But don’t worry, I’ll think about you know what.
