Page 33

“You okay?” I ask, turning off the two-lane highway toward the gates of the vineyard. They’re closed this time of night, and I use the built-in garage door button to open them.

She looks over and gives me a small smile. “Just tired.”

I park by her car and shift the transmission into park. “I think it’s your turn to make me come. Want to have dinner at my house tomorrow night?” I ask.

A slow grin crosses her lips. “Yeah, I do.”

“Good, I’ll text you my address and a time.”

“Should I bring anything?”

I gently shake my head. “No,” I pause as I feel the corners of my mouth curve upward. “Just sleep well tonight. You’re gonna need it.”

Chapter Ten

Tilly

I squint as I try to make out the house numbers on Enzo’s street, realizing I’m overdue for a new contact prescription. Fortunately, there’s no missing the distinctive red truck parked in his driveway. I smile when I see it and pull into his driveway next to the beast. My stomach is still full of butterflies that built up as I drove from Dad’s. This is the first time I’ve been to Enzo’s house, and the last time we were alone, he made me hot and bothered in the back of that truck. But he didn’t want our first time to happen there. Respectable, but I’ve had wet panties in anticipation for the last twenty-four hours.

Could tonight be the night?

It hasn’t even been a week since we started dating, but what a whirlwind. I don’t care if he thinks it’s too fast; I need it. Especially after he warned me that once I feel him, no one will ever compare. Then he let me touch his outline. A girl has to find out what’s under his jeans.

Shutting my car door, I study the exterior of Enzo’s house. Framed by various trees and neat bushes, it’s too large for a single man, and I wonder if he bought it to raise a family in. The exterior is stucco, painted a light cream color with red tiles on the roof for a Spanish aesthetic, similar to the buildings at the vineyard. His front door is painted the same cream color, but I think it’d look better in a darker color or a wood tone for contrast.

As I lift my wrist to knock, the door opens, revealing Enzo behind it, looking like too much of a snack in tight jeans and a fitted V-neck T-shirt. His hair is tied up in its usual bun, and the black shirt only makes his tattooed sleeves more prominent.

“Hey, Tills,” he says. “You found it.” He opens the door the rest of the way as an invitation.

“Hi! I did!” I walk inside, catching the scent of something savory, but stop by him before exploring. I go up on my tiptoes and throw my arms around his broad shoulders to press my lips to his. He kisses me back hungrily, and there’s no way he’s not going to fuck me tonight. His large hands find the small of my back and the curve of my ass. He gives it a quick squeeze, and the floodgates between my legs open.

“Fuck, I missed you,” Enzo groans.

I giggle against his lips. “You saw me yesterday.”

“I know, it’s been too long.”

I drop my arms. “You’re telling me. It was cruel to leave me so hot and bothered, mister,” I tease, poking him in the chest with my index finger.

He leans against the closed front door and purses his lips as if he’s holding back a smile. “Had to leave you wanting more,” he says.

“I know you were, too.” I wink at him and bite my lip. “What smells so good?”

“Steaks—they’re ready. You said you liked yours rare, right?”

“Yep, I do.”

I hope it’s not the only raw thing I get tonight.

“Me, too. Follow me. Want wine?” he asks, striding down the hallway.

I gulp. “Always.”

I think my bunched-up stomach or the lingering desire from last night is giving me newfound confidence with him. Or I’m faking it until I make it. Either way, I haven’t had sex since the breakup, and that streak needs to end tonight. But despite it all, I fear I could be in over my head with Enzo. He’s bigger than me, older, more experienced…

The walls leading to the kitchen are painted an earthy, neutral gray with crisp white molding, and the ceilings are vast like him. The kitchen looks recently upgraded, fit for a chef with a commercial-grade range, oversized island, and dark granite countertops. Large windows frame the sink, looking out to the backyard, and it’s always been my dream to have windows like them in a kitchen.

“Do you like cooking?” I ask.