Page 39 of Love Among Vines

Her only choice was to get through this week with as much of her dignity left as possible. She would repay her debt to him, paint the mural, and go back to the city. That was the only solution. There was no future here. Was there?

She did her business, then headed back up to the rooftop.

The projector was on, and a movie was paused.

“Is this?—”

“ Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ? Maybe,” Rett said from the floor.

“That’s my favorite movie.”

“I know.”

“How did you know that?”

“I read an interview you did with Artist’s Weekly a few years ago. I planned to seduce you during the movie. But apparently I couldn’t wait.” He held out his arms.

She dropped to her knees and crawled across the blankets to settle on his chest. His hand curled around her waist. Warmth surrounded her like a cocoon.

“Do you always do a deep dive like this on your dates?” She yawned and snuggled in closer.

“No,” he said quietly.

What the hell was she supposed to do with that information?

An ear-shattering pop split the air.

Jade leapt out of the tangle of blankets, heart hammering in her chest. A flock of birds took flight, frantically fleeing as the sound echoed off the hills behind them.

The sun had just risen, sending streaks of pink and gold into the sky. Had she not been in the midst of fearing for her life, the view would have been unparalleled.

“What the hell was that? A gun? Are we being attacked?”

She scanned the horizon, but nothing was amiss.

Rett rolled over and cracked one eye open. “Bird cannon.”

“A what?” She clasped a hand over her staggering heart. An image of a soldier loading sparrows into a Civil War-era cannon filled her mind.

He sighed and sat up. The blankets fell around his waist, exposing his defined pecs and abs. Desire stirred in her despite the threat of danger.

“A bird cannon. They get shot off at periodic intervals during harvest time. Keeps the birds from eating the grapes.”

“Oh.” She collapsed back onto the blanket. “Well, now I feel like an idiot.”

Rett joined her on the blanket. His eyes were already closed. “Don’t. Can’t imagine you have many of those in the city.”

“Hey.” Jade nudged him. “Don’t we have to get ready for a 5k?”

He sat up again. “Shit. You’re right. And Penny.”

“I’ll make you breakfast. Come on.” She reached down and pulled him up.

“Wait,” she said as he bent down to grab his abandoned pants. “Can I just?—”

His eyes snapped up to meet hers. “No, you’re not taking a picture of me naked on the roof of my business.”

“What if I let you put pants on? Please?”

He sighed and turned to her. “Will this help with a painting?”

“Maybe,” she said. And if not, it would definitely give her something to remember him by.

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes and put his pants on.

“Okay, now just turn halfway towards me. Too far. Just enough to get the sun on those abs.”

He raised an eyebrow as he followed her directions.

“Perfect. Now stare out over the land. Remember, this is your kingdom.” She lifted her phone and took in as many details as she could. The crisp feel of the air, the glimmer of dew that lay on everything.

Lust engulfed her again. God, he was beautiful. Those thick, dark eyelashes that were always wasted on men. The strength rippling in his triceps as he gripped the railing.

Not now, vagina. There was a 5k to run and a booth to manage.

She captured several pictures from different angles. Hopefully there would be enough to translate this into a painting later.

“Can we go now?”

“Fine, fine.”

Leaving the blankets and remnants of dessert behind, Rett grabbed her hand and tugged her down the stairs.

“We’ll have to get you a T-shirt,” he said, still shirtless. “There’s some in the gift shop.”

They opened the door to the tasting room, and there was a scream followed by a crash. Rett leapt in front of Jade, shielding her with his body.

She peered around him. “Elaine?”

“Oh, no. I’m so sorry.” Rett bent down and helped the woman up. She looked shaken.

“No, no. I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t realize you were here. I just came in early to grab some inventory so the booth was ready for you after the race.”

“Thank you so much,” he said earnestly. “Oh, I have something for you to take home.”

He disappeared into the storeroom, leaving Jade and Elaine staring awkwardly at each other.

“Beautiful morning,” Jade said.

“Absolutely. Great day for a festival.” Elaine smiled warmly. She glanced at the door to the storeroom, which had swung shut behind Rett. She dropped her voice. “You know, I’m really glad you came here. I haven’t seen Rett like this in years.”

Heat crept into Jade’s cheeks again. Elaine needed to believe this was real. Getting caught was actually probably best-case scenario for the ruse.

“I’m glad too,” she said, just as Rett nudged his way back through the door.

“Glad about what?” he asked, carrying another unmarked bottle.

“Nothing,” both women said.

“Is that what I think it is?” Elaine peered at the bottle.

“It is. And it’s good.”

“It’s amazing, actually,” Jade interjected.

Elaine danced on the spot and flung her arms around Rett. “Oh, Rett. She would be so proud of you. Not just because of this. But because of the man you turned out to be. It’s so good to see you moving forward, capturing your dreams. Opening your heart again.”

He cleared his throat. “Yes, well. Enjoy the wine. We had better get going.”

He strode over to a stand with T-shirts in different sizes and plucked out two matching ones. He tossed one to Jade.

She caught it with one hand. “So nice to see you again, Elaine. Hey, what day are we starting setup for the party?”

“Decorations are coming on Thursday.”

“Perfect. I’ll be here to help with setup and prep work.”

Elaine squeezed her hand.

Rett shook his head. “Come on,” he said to Jade.

“Bye,” she said over her shoulder.

“You don’t need to help with the party,” he said as soon as the door shut behind them. “I don’t want to interfere with your mural time.”

Jade laughed. “Margie kicks me out of the café every day at two. What else am I supposed to do?”

“Study for your driver’s test? Find a new place to live? Practice with your paints?” he suggested.

“None of that will help you convince your parents you’re seeing someone,” she reminded him. “If I clock face time with your employees, friends, and the townspeople, they’ll be more likely to have a favorable impression of me. It’s not enough for them to know I exist. They should like me.”

She paused to gauge his reaction. Did he still feel the same way about their initial plan?

“You have a point,” he said as they crossed the parking lot to the truck. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with your studies.”

“Yes, Father,” she said mockingly. “If only they would allow women into the university instead of forcing me into a lifetime of feminine hobbies of needlepoint and embroidery.”

“Get in the truck,” he ordered, but he was smiling.