Risking the Vine (Romancing the Vine Book 1) Read online

  Hoping it was Jules with more wine, she called out, “Come in.”

  Luke walked into the room. Yep, the afternoon’s prospects were certainly getting better. He must have showered because his dark hair was damp and curling softly. A forest green button down shirt replaced the crisp white one he’d worn earlier. Cuffs rolled up to his elbows, the color transformed his eyes to a mesmerizing azure. Instead of jeans, he wore black trousers.

  Letting his gaze rove over her body, a simmering grin spread across his face. “Looks like you managed to get all the paint out.”

  “Yep.” She grinned and gestured to the dresser holding the snacks. “Help yourself to a glass of wine. Jules wasn’t kidding when she said it was special.”

  Luke moved to the dresser and lifted the wine bottle. Only a small amount remained in the bottle, barely enough for a serving. “You didn’t leave me much.”

  “Shame on me. Sorry, I didn’t realize I’d drank so much.” She mock-frowned, then giggled like a schoolgirl. Covering her mouth with her hand, she stifled another silly laugh. “Guess what? I’m quitting my job.”

  “Decision made?” Luke pulled a bottle of water from the mini-fridge next to the dresser, twisting the cap off as he crossed to her.

  “Yep. And it feels like a hundred-pound, no, a two-hundred-pound boulder has lifted from my chest.” She patted a hand to the skin bared by the gaping fabric, drawing his eye. Even slightly inebriated, Jac realized the emotion darkening his eyes was desire.

  A quick glance down her torso confirmed her suspicion the robe revealed more than it hid. She tugged one side closer to the other, unsure why she felt suddenly shy. When he attempted to take the glass from her other hand, she jerked it away protectively. She held his eye as she drained the dregs, her lips curving as she handed him the now empty goblet.

  Luke swapped her empty for the bottle of water he held. “You’re going to need this.”

  “You take such good care of me.” She slurred slightly. “I was so angry about my boss’ phone call, I didn’t realize how much I was drinking.”

  She tipped her head back and drank deeply of the cool, refreshing liquid, her eyes on Luke as the temperature of his regard heated. He smiled and her world reeled.

  Twirling a finger, he gestured for her to continue drinking. She ran her tongue around dry lips, his lusty gaze tracking the motion, dipping to her chest, lowering to her exposed thigh. His bold perusal felt like a tender caress.

  Jac gulped more water, hoping to cool the sudden burn in her belly. He was so sexy, standing there with hunger written all over his face. The late afternoon sunlight slipped in through the open window, bathing his features with an otherworldly glow. The ends of his long, curling eyelashes were tipped in gold, and the ring of white flecks surrounding his pupils gleamed in the bright light.

  God, she had to kiss him. Had to feel his arms around her, his lips consuming her. She ached to plaster her body against the length of his incredibly muscular frame. Still clutching the water bottle, she rose. And wavered in place as the wine she’d consumed made an impact.

  Luke reached for her. The warmth of his hand seeped through the fleece as he steadied her. Her head spun. Or shit, maybe it was the room. “Whoa, I guess I really did drink too much.”

  “Bet it seemed a good idea at the time.” Luke’s laugh swirled around her brain, working its take-me-now magic on her self-restraint. He pried the bottle from her grasp. “Think you want to lie down?”

  “Maybe. You want to lay down with me?” She tilted her gaze up, focusing on his face. His lips quirked in a way that seemed to promise, ‘I’m gonna sex you up.’ It stole her breath.

  He paused briefly, before setting the bottle on the desk. His quick grin had faded. “As much as I’d love to, I don’t want to take advantage of you in this condition.”

  Good God, nice men really did still exist. “I’m not that drunk. We can start slow. Maybe you could just kiss me again.”

  She didn’t wait for a response. Going up on her toes, she cupped his cheeks, pulling his face to hers. He didn’t resist, but he didn’t pursue either.

  Okay, then.

  Touching the tip of her tongue to his lips, she traced their seam, prodding her way past the barrier. She teased his mouth open, dipping into its warmth. And sweet mother of God, he kissed her back. The intensity in his lips curled her toes. A rush of liquid lust surged between her thighs.

  Luke’s hands tightened around her upper arms, slipped lower, rested on her hips. He flexed his fingers into her muscles, creating delicious pressure as he rubbed his thumbs over her pelvic bones. Stretching even further along his body, the light friction of his shirt against the exposed skin of her upper chest sent shards of need whipping along her spine.

  The belt of her robe loosened and the front gaped open. Heat rolled in waves from his body to hers. As his fingers connected with the bare skin of her midriff, she almost purred. He settled his palms on the small of her back and pulled her close. The hard ridge of his desire nudged against her abdomen.

  His tongue quested, seeking the deep recesses of her mouth. Moving one hand to the curve of her buttocks, he trailed the other along the ridges of her ribs until he reached the center of her shoulder blades. With the slightest urging, she nestled into the nook created by his encircling arms. His heavy cotton shirt grazed her sensitive nipples, drawing them to points. Everywhere he touched branded her with fire. Without conscious thought, she ground her hips against his groin. He inhaled sharply and pulled her closer, dipping his fingers along the line of her thong. With ease, he lifted her against his chest to carry her toward the bed.

  Colors dazzled behind her closed eyelids. Pink and purple and orange, a glorious sunset in her brain that began an endless pirouette; swooping, whirling like a ballet dancer. The colors and motion collided in a spectacular display. Tipsy sensation followed, rolling like a coaster at a theme park, dragging her under.

  She jerked her lips from his. Oh, God, she’d had too much to drink. Now she was going to embarrass herself. Thank heavens she was already breathless. It made it easier to inhale shallowly through the nausea rising from her gut.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t . . . Put me down, Luke.” Panic resonated in her voice.

  It was enough to get his attention. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m really dizzy.”

  “Here, sit down.” He helped her onto the bed, gently pushing on her head until her forehead rested on her knees. “You okay?”

  “Don’t feel good,” she mumbled against her thighs.

  “I’ll be right back. Stay put.” His footsteps receded toward the bath. Water ran in the background.

  Wheezing through clenched teeth, Jac tried to shake off the fuzz in her brain. She heard him approach the bed, then his fingers caressed her shoulders as he shifted her hair to the side. Shivers ran along her spine when he draped a cool, wet cloth around her neck. The chilly rag, combined with slow, deep breathing, seemed to help.

  The temperature of the compress competed with the embarrassed heat rising in her cheeks. She hid her face in her hands. God, she’d been an idiot to keep splashing wine into her glass to combat the anger she harbored for her boss.

  Luke dropped to his knees before her and continued to feather his fingers through her hair. He was close enough for her to smell his clean scent and the hint of sage from the shampoo he’d used.

  “Feeling better?” His breath tickled her ear in a murmur.

  Her forehead knocked against her knees as she nodded. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Hey, now. Don’t worry. Today was a rough day for you. I don’t mind that you let loose a little.”

  She groaned and squeezed her eyes tight. “Oh my God! I threw myself at you.”

  “I wasn’t complaining. And I’ve been a little polluted myself a time or two.
Who hasn’t?” His deep chuckle resonated in the quiet room.

  He laid his hand on her thigh and flexed his fingers, the touch sending a blazing flash of electricity to her center. Jac tamped it down, knowing he wouldn’t make a move on her in this condition. Grasping the edges of her robe, she pulled them together as she straightened. The wet washcloth plopped onto the bed next to her. She fumbled for the belt to tie the garment together, her fingers less than nimble.

  Luke caught the two ends and made short work of cinching them together. He pushed the tangled mass of her hair out of her eyes and studied her. “Maybe you should grab a nap.”

  “You mean I should sleep it off.” She mentally inventoried her body. The nausea had faded, but dizziness lingered. “Probably not a bad idea.”

  Luke helped her rise from the bed. Keeping one hand on her arm, he swept the comforter and sheet down. “Here you go.” Hands on her shoulders, he urged her back to the bed.

  Jac snuggled into the soft down pillows. The mattress cradled her like a cloud as she closed her eyes. Thankfully, the world had stopped spinning.

  The mattress dipped as Luke sat. Peering over her shoulder, she caught sight of him tugging off a shoe. “What are you doing?”

  He dropped it with a thud. Slipped the other off. He hadn’t worn socks with his Sperry’s. Oh Lord, he had sexy feet. “I thought I’d stay, just to make sure you’re all right. I can use a nap too. Do you mind?” He stood, pulled his phone and keys from his pocket, and laid them on the bedside table.

  His motions seemed casual, comfortable; familiar. Jac loved his easy nature. Loved how right his personal effects looked on her bedside table. Scooting over a little, she made room for him on the bed. “Not at all. Can you wake me in time to get dressed for dinner?” She yawned and without waiting for his answer, rolled to her side and laid her head back on the pillow.

  The bed shifted when Luke stretched out next to her. She tensed, waiting to see how this would go. Would he just be a friend, lying on his back, napping next to her, or would he be more lover-like and spoon behind her?

  She voted for spooning.

  Luke stilled on the bed but drew a deep breath. She heard it sigh out of his mouth as he laid his hand on the curve of her hip, the gesture landing somewhere between friend and lover. The weight and warmth of his palm soothed any lingering embarrassment from Jac, lulling her to sleep.

  Chapter 9

  Waning daylight cast a glow in the room as Jac awoke. A trace of the setting sun painted the wall by the bed a smoky cream color when she cracked an eye. She didn’t battle to keep her sticky lids open. It was easier to leave them closed. She lay on her side, drifting, enjoying the warmth of the bed covers, the cushion of the pillow-like mattress, the hard muscular arm across her midsection and the rock solid chest pressed against her back.

  Luke had turned at some point and slid into lover territory, cradling her. His easy breathing told her he was still asleep. Each exhalation caressed her nape, stirring the short hairs. She swallowed hard, past the cotton in her mouth. She might never drink wine again. Or at least not anytime soon. Too much never amounted to a good thing. Although, Luke snuggled behind her could be considered a great thing.

  She shifted carefully, trying not to wake him, and peered through slitted eyes at the bedside clock. She’d slept for at least ninety minutes. Early still . . . barely cocktail hour. The mandatory team building dinner wouldn’t be served for another two hours. Her lids drooped shut, the calm, flickering pink behind them so much better than the dizzy kaleidoscope she’d experienced earlier.

  She adjusted her head on the pillow, causing Luke to tighten his arm around her, cuddling her closer. A change in his breathing pattern confirmed that she’d awoken him.

  He nuzzled her neck. “How are you feeling?”

  “Rested.” She couldn’t stop the chuckle from escaping her mouth. “And significantly more sober than I was when I laid down.”

  “Hmmm, good. No headache?” He drew his long legs up behind hers.

  Any lingering pain evaporated at his touch. He slipped one foot between hers and pulled her even closer to his body. Jac brought her arm from under the sheet and rested it over his, folded around her waist. When had they pulled the covers up? She didn’t remember.

  A thrill went through her at the feel of Luke lacing their fingers together and drawing their locked hands up until they nestled against her chest. He nibbled her earlobe, sending a thrill of sensation coursing along the curve of her breasts.

  She answered softly, “Nope, not anymore.”

  “What time is it?”

  Time to get rid of some of these clothes. Time to discover how miraculous it would feel to have Luke’s full weight on top of her. Time to see how well they fit together. “Almost five.”

  She sighed at the stroke of his tongue over the tender flesh at the hollow under her ear. Shivers ran down her spine when he opened his lips and kissed the artery along the side of her throat. Her breath shortened when he released her hand and slipped his fingers under the flap of her robe to possess her breast.

  He shifted behind her, rained kisses along her cheek, as the hard ridge behind the placket of his trousers nudged her. As she rolled toward him, the edges of her robe opened, exposing her to his gaze. The heat in Luke’s eyes matched the scorch of his fingers as they toyed with her nipple, rubbing, rolling; plucking until it peaked.

  His expression turned grave, questioning, as he spoke into the quiet room. “I still don’t want to take advantage of you, if you aren’t ready.”

  Jac laid a hand on his shirt, flirting with the buttons, counting her way toward where the fabric tucked into his pants. “It’s not really taking advantage if I want it as much as you do.” She slid her hand along his waistband, curving it over his hips. The muscles there bunched beneath her fingers and she couldn’t resist digging in.

  He lowered his mouth and claimed hers, hungry, insatiable . . . bringing her to the edge of desire before he flexed his fingers on her breast and pushed her over the thin line of restraint. He kissed with a rare kind of intensity, demanding her attention and response. Dipping his tongue between her lips, he sought the innermost recesses of her mouth.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she stroked his tongue with hers, chased as he retreated, thrusting into his mouth. He eased from her and plucked at the belt at her waist, pulling on her robe. The muscles in her abdomen jumped at the trail of his fingers there, nudging the soft fleece open and away from her body. He skimmed his hand up her ribcage to cup and knead the sensitive skin of her breast.

  Releasing her mouth, he continued to caress her, and whispered against her lips, “You are stunning.” He scooted down until his tongue could dart out for a taste of each nipple, his easy breath fanning across the wet surface, pebbling them into tight, hard buds. Delicious pressure built within her.

  He closed his mouth around one tip and the forceful, sucking kiss made her back arch. He glided his hand down her torso, stopping for a quick dip into her navel, swirled his fingertip around the edge, mimicking the path of his tongue around her areola.

  Blood pounded between her legs, tingling and surging as he coasted over her mound. Her thighs trembled when she lifted her knees, planted her feet on the bed, and tilted her hips toward the ceiling. His middle finger found her sweet spot and pressed into it through her damp panties. Her insides twisted erotically.

  “So wet for me,” he murmured against her breast.

  “Mmm.” Lost in his caresses, she couldn’t get words to form.

  He nibbled, then swirled his tongue around the tip. The seal between her aching flesh and his mouth popped softly when he pulled away. “Open your eyes, Jac. I want to see you. I want you to see me.”

  Raising her lids, she locked her gaze on him. Heat and passion shimmered in his eyes. He smiled, watching her rea
ction when he pulled her lacy thong to the side. Her breath caught as he rubbed his finger along her folds. When he toyed with her clit, sensation skyrocketed, arching her hips off the bed.

  She whimpered at the feel of his finger slipping inside her channel. “More. Give me more.”

  Concentration etched itself on Luke’s features. Brow lowered, gold tipped dark lashes framed his half-closed eyes. A bead of sweat trailed down his temple and his mouth went slack as he dipped a second finger into her opening. He thumbed her clit and slid his fingers in and out; a slow, sensual rhythm. Pressure built within her, flaring from where his hand worked between her legs, up her spine to her brain. She let her eyes drift closed as she floated on a sea of erotic longing. The kaleidoscope was back with reds and purples soaring through bursts of light.

  “Oh, God. I’m so close, Luke.” Sweet pain arose, nearly making it difficult to speak. “Not this way. Please, I want you in me.”

  “Yes this way. This time.” He captured the tip of her breast between his lips and sped up the motion of the hand nestled between her thighs.

  Jac squirmed under him, reveling in each tease of his mouth, tongue, fingers. Her hips moved in time with his rhythm, rising to meet each thrust. Her back bowed off the bed as his teeth closed over her nipple. A scream built in her throat as he swirled his thumb around her clit, his fingers reaching toward her center.

  The scream burst forth as she exploded under him. Part of her—soul, consciousness—rose on a cloud of lust and longing. Sultry satisfaction flowed over her, a bubbling spring as her insides clenched.

  He continued to work his fingers within her, the motion sensual torture. He pressed up against her to claim her mouth. The delicious taste of his lips on hers, the movement of his tongue in her mouth, swallowed her small gasps as she tumbled. The world spiraled away from her in a whirl of color and sensation.