“I’m on call. As long as I stick around here, I’m good. So no taking me to Canada.”
“We’re not going to Canada, are we?” Jacob’s eyes widen. “Dad never wanted to go there. He said it’s too cold and dreary.”
I scan the quaint little restaurant like Jacob just yelled our most intimate secrets.
How do I respond? Did it bother Dax?
“No, we’re not going to Canada, honey.” There, plain and simple. But my body is still tense.
After a short pause, Dax hesitantly speaks up, “It is cold up there, but there are nice spots too. I haven’t been in a very long time, though.”
Jacob shrugs, and I silently thank Dax with a nod.
On our way to the winery, there are no more mentions of Mitch or other hiccups. We sing along to songs on the radio, and Jacob’s feet tap with excitement.
We climb hill after hill until we pass the winery’s welcome sign. Soon, the ceramic tile roof comes into view, and we park the car off to the side in an open spot. Jacob leads the way to the front door. “Grandma!”
“There he is.” My mom bends down for a hug like she hasn’t seen him in ages. It’s the same way I felt picking him up this morning.
“Careful,” I warn. “He’s getting too big for hugs, apparently.”
“Nonsense.” She scoffs.
Dax squeezes my hand behind my back, making me relax against his chest. It’s comforting yet thrilling. It’s our little secret.
We jump apart when my mom speaks up. “How was breakfast? Are you stuffed, or should we whip up some brunch?”
“We are definitely stuffed.” I hold my hands up, eyeing Dax in my periphery. I step away from him like anyone around us would know we were together last night.
Naked and in the same bed.
Dax’s hands on my bare body.
The scorching details assault my mind, and I fight the urge to fan my face.
“Want to go for a walk through the vineyard?” Dax whispers.
“Hmm?” I idly trace the necklace around my neck, lost in my thoughts of last night.
He chuckles under his breath as his thumb works small circles on my lower back, causing shivers up and down my spine.
“You kids go walk around. Jacob will help me with the lunch prep.”
“I get to learn how to make wine?” Jacob asks.
“No, no. Not for another few years, anyway.” She winks over her shoulder at us, then takes Jacob by the hand to go inside.
As we follow several feet behind them, another couple goes inside too. My mom greets them with a warm smile and points to the corner, where a young woman sits. “If you head to the counter, Lucy will set you up with a tasting.”
They turn to thank her, and I get a better look at the guy.
“Grady?” I stop them. “Not sure if you remember me, but I’m Clara. Dax and I went to school with Grayson.”
“Of course.” He flashes a smile that could set fire to the vineyard around us. “It’s been a while, but how could I forget your sweet brown eyes?”
“Ah, ever the flirt, this one.” The woman next to him rolls her eyes and extends her hand to me. “I’m his wife, Dylan. It’s great to meet you.”
Dax introduces himself as my mom and Jacob disappear down the hall to the kitchen. We briefly catch up on our high school days, which makes me wonder what Grady’s thinking, seeing Dax and me together after all these years.
What would I say now if asked about our relationship? I wouldn’t be able to tell him we’re just friends, not after last night.
Thankfully, I’m being silly and worried for no reason. Grady and Dylan don’t peer at us suspiciously. On the contrary, the conversation is light and fun. I’m just in my own head.
Dylan tugs on Grady’s arm. “We have about two hours before we have to relieve our babysitter, so I guess we should get this little hike over with.”
“Oh, you’re hiking?” I ask.
“Yep.” She shifts so we can see her backpack. “Going to fill this thing with a few snacks from the restaurant, but first, wine. And Grady’s promise not to off me.”
Dax and I glance at each other in confusion.
“The first time we went hiking around a winery, I was sure Grady wanted to get me drunk on his looks and wine before pushing me off a cliff.” Dylan giggles, hearts in her eyes for her husband.
Grady smirks. “Too late for that. I’m too into you now.”
He pulls her to him and kisses her forehead in the most loving way. I instinctively place my hand over my chest and peer at Dax.
His wavy hair is tamed, and his light stubble gives him a sexy edge.
My friend.
But here, now, it’s not as simple. He’s… special. Sensual.
More.
Grady and Dylan walk off toward the front desk, and when the coast is clear, Dax pulls me by my waist and whispers, “Just us then.”
His eyes dance with mischief. He’s calm and enjoying himself, even. Hasn’t seemed nervous or anything about last night or what this means for our friendship.
“Someone’s in a good mood.” I nudge his shoulder with mine.
“Why wouldn’t I be? The sun’s shining. All-we-can-drink wine surrounds us.” He peers at me and grins. “I’m with you.”
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, sure that my blush is evident.
As we walk toward the vineyard, our hands barely touch each other by our sides. Normally, I wouldn’t notice how close he is. How his cologne wafts in my direction with the light breeze. How his bicep flexes when he runs his hand through his hair.
But after last night, it takes all my energy not to launch myself at him.
“I’m in a good mood because I had the most amazing time with this girl last night.”
“Oh? Pray, do tell. What’s she like?” I bat my eyelashes.
He swipes at the corners of his lips, a smile tugging at them, an innocent yet dangerous charm about him. “She’s stubborn,
