Plating up our food, he turned off the stove, then cut the sandwiches in half. Turning toward me, he walked to where I was sitting. “Let’s eat at the bar. Bring the wine.”
Preston carried both plates on his extended arm like a waiter and his wineglass in the other. I picked up my glass and the bottle, then followed him out into the dining room. He sat our plates down, then walked over to dim the lights. Making a stop behind the bar, he turned on some slow jazz.
The ambient lighting was intimate and relaxing, and the food smelled delicious. He slid onto the bar stool next to me, then picked up the bottle to top off our glasses.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?”
He chuckled. “No. I hope you don’t get smashed on two glasses of wine. I didn’t think you’d guzzle it while I cooked for you, but whatever.”
I bumped my shoulder into his, making him chuckle. “I didn’t guzzle it.”
“I know. I’m topping it off for the pairing. The flavor of the three cheeses is enhanced by the wine. When you combine them, it creates an incredible burst of flavor on the tongue. Taste the sandwich without the wine.”
Reaching for it, I took a bite as he watched for my reaction. The combination of warm, melted cheeses and tomato exploded over my tongue, making me moan.
Preston smiled and pushed the wineglass to me, then nodded toward it. “Now,” he purred, “take another bite, then a sip of wine.”
I did as he asked, and he was right. It was incredible. So much so that my eyes rolled back in my head as I let out a gravelly groan. I put the sandwich down and wiped my mouth.
“That might be the best thing I’ve ever had.”
“I’m happy you like it.” He took a bite of his sandwich and groaned. I watched intently as his Adam’s Apple bobbed when he swallowed. And that confirmed I was not going to make it through this.
“Is this on your menu?” I took another bite and quickly finished the first half.
He shook his head, then took a sip of his wine. Preston shifted his body toward me, bringing his knees next to my thigh. His warmth radiated to my skin and made me want more. I turned my head to look at him.
“Not yet. But it’s going to be if we can find a way to streamline everything I want to do. It’s just an example of how extraordinary simple foods can be if they’re prepared with high-quality ingredients. The hint of sweetness from the wine balances the sharpness of the cheese and the acidity of the tomato jam. This kind of experience is what I want to showcase in a separate wine bar.”
I swallowed as my heart hammered in my chest. Being part of this vision, whatever it was, was going to change my life. I could just feel it.
“This is an incredible opportunity.”
Preston grinned. “I knew you were the perfect one for it.”
Then he kissed me.
And I was lost.
CHAPTER10
PRESTON
I’d never been so enthralledwith someone like I was with Nick.
There was something about him that drew me in the first time I walked into the bar. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
Early on, I thought there had to be something wrong with me. I was forty-five, and totally gone for him. Who falls head over heels for someone in such a short amount of time?
The only thing I could do was go to ‘Doctor’Googlefor some answers. Turns out my subconscious knew way before I did that Nick was perfect for me. It was absolutely possible to know you’ve foundthe oneafter only 3 minutes. It went beyond pheromones and attraction, to a connection between us that I marveled at. I felt every exhilarating second of it and it showed.
Leaning in closer, I looked into his blue eyes with a smile on my face.
“Just so you know, for the record, I was right again.”
Nick looked confused. “Right? What about this time?”
I smirked. “Us. If kissing you feels like this, imagine what it’s gonna be like in bed.”
