Blush, Book 3 the Crescent Lake Winery

by Lucinda Race

  “I’ll take a look at the step.”

  She enjoyed the view of his backside as he tugged up and pushed down on the step.

  “There’s the problem.” He tapped the lower board. “It’s split near the ends. I’ll get it fixed before I go back out.” He flashed her a wide smile complete with dimples. “I got your voicemail. Rather than call you back, I thought I’d come in.” He turned to face her and gave her a heart-skipping smile. “This is so much nicer than an impersonal phone call, don’t you think?”

  Her insides quivered. It was time to ask him out on a date She could do this. Jack wouldn’t ever hurt her. “There are certain advantages.” She licked her lips. “I was wondering, if you didn’t have any plans like working on the house or something, but if you do, that’s okay too…”

  “Sweetheart, just ask me.” Mischief hovered in his eyes. “I might say yes.”

  “Would you like to take the boat out for the night. Just you and me?”

  “Why, Ms. Brien, are you asking me out on a date?”

  She relaxed and laughed. “I am. Are you interested in spending an evening with me? Alone?”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice. Tonight?”

  “Are you free on such short notice?”

  He cocked his head and pretended to think. “Let me see… I could have dinner with a beautiful woman on the lake or I could hang drywall.” He tapped his index finger to his chin. “I wonder…which one I should choose.”

  She gave him a playful push. “Maybe I should have put a time limit on your response.”

  He grinned. “So it wouldn’t sit well if I said I needed to get back to you?”

  “Jack Price. Do you want to go out with me or not?”

  With a hearty chuckle, he said, “Yes, and I’ll pick you up at four thirty.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Now that my plans for the evening have changed, I need to take off.” He pulled her to a standing position and looked at her ankle. “Good, you’re bearing weight.”

  She placed a lingering kiss on his mouth. “Told you I was fine. Now take off—I have work to do to. And I’ve got a hot date tonight with this guy I kinda like.”

  “See you later.” With one final quick kiss, he jogged down the hall and out the back door.

  That wasn’t too awkward. She picked up her clipboard and got back to work. She needed to finish so she could figure out what she was going to wear and pack their picnic supper.

  Before she could get started again, her cell phone pinged with a text message.

  Stay off the step until I can get it fixed, please! XO

  There were few vehicles parked at the marina and most of the boats were docked when Peyton and Jack arrived. It would be quiet until the weekend, when the marina would become like a zoo. She was happy they had come midweek—it was as if they had the lake to themselves.

  She could feel her cheeks go pink as she imagined what they might be doing in a small cove somewhere. She was ready to take their relationship to the next level. She had even talked to her therapist about it and how she was ready to be intimate with Jack. Her therapist had suggested Peyton tell Jack that he was the first man she had been close with since the night she was assaulted, just in case there were any residual emotions that unexpectedly bubbled up.

  After giving that conversation a lot of thought, she decided she would talk to Jack over dinner. Hopefully it wouldn’t make things uncomfortable and put a damper on the night. But he needed to know, and they had agreed to always be open and honest with each other.

  The late afternoon mid-June weather was the perfect way to start their date. She grabbed the tote bag and Jack took the cooler. They strolled hand in hand down the wooden dock to the boat. The breeze was still warm as it caressed her skin, the sun still high in the deep blue sky, broken only by an occasional puffy cloud drifting by. She drank in the fresh air if for no other reason than to calm her nerves.

  The water gently lapped the sides of the boat. She tossed the bag on board and Jack held out his hand to help her step up. A loud splash and a fish jumping out of the water caused Peyton to look and lose her footing. With a laugh, she fell into Jack’s waiting arms.

  He took the opportunity to plant a kiss that was so mind-bending, she felt it to the tips of her toes. She swore they curled inside her sneakers. She sighed and, placing both hands on either side of his face, she kissed him back with all she had.

  His voice was low and smooth. “As much as I’d like to keep you here in my arms, maybe we should cast off and find a more secluded place.”

  He set her back on the steps and she took the cooler from the dock. “Do you need help with the boat?”

  “No, I’ve got it. If you want to set up dinner, we can eat as soon as we get farther out.”

  Things were going to get intense in a good way. It was all going to be okay.

  As they puttered away from the dock, Peyton set two plastic wineglasses on the small round table next to the sofa behind Jack. She uncorked a bottle of something new and took the tops off the covered bowls that contained cheese, crackers, and various finger foods.

  The boat slowed and Peyton crossed the deck and ran her fingers down Jack’s back and across his shoulders. “This is really nice.”

  “It is.” He glanced at her and then pointed to a small island in the middle of the lake. “We’ll pull up over there.” He expertly maneuvered the boat into a cove and dropped the anchor. “Did you bring wine?” He cocked an eyebrow “Or a beer, by chance?”

  “I brought a bottle of Anna’s still-to-be named blend.” She flipped open the cooler. “And yes, I packed beer and water too.”

  “The perfect woman.”

  She handed him a bottle of pale ale and poured herself a glass of wine. She sat on the bench seat and took a sip. “This is amazing. Do you want to try it?”

  He flashed her a smile. “I’m good with the beer, but thanks.”

  She thought of Anna taking off to work in France for a year to create new wines. She could certainly get through a tough conversation; after all, this was Jack. “Can we talk?”

  He was relaxed, his arm around the back of the cushions, his hand twirling a lock of her hair. “Sure.” The gentle tone in his voice encouraged her to continue.

  She lifted her eyes and dove in. “Jack, I haven’t been with anyone since you, before that night at the lake.”

  His gaze never left her face. The kindness in his eyes gave her the courage to continue. “You’ve dated but never wanted to…”

  “No. It never felt right and when I talked to my therapist about us, she encouraged me to be up front. It’s best if all my cards are on the table just in case I get sort of emotional.”

  “Peyton.” He reached out and ran a finger tenderly down her cheek and kissed her lips. “We don’t have to do anything until you’re ready.”

  “That’s just it; I am ready, but in some ways, I feel like this is the first time ever. Well, you know you were my first, but other than you, I’ve never made love to a man.” She could feel the heat flush her cheeks. She wanted to look away, but his eyes held her hypnotized.

  “Do you know what I admire about you?”

  She shook her head.

  “Your strength, your courage, and your unflinching honesty.” He pulled her close and spoke softly. “You’re in control.” His lips trailed down her neck and back up to her mouth. “If you want me to stop, I will.” He kissed his way down the other side of her face. “I respect you and will never ask you to do anything you’re not ready to do.”

  Peyton laid her finger across his lips. “Less talking. More kissing.”

  * * *

  Jack pulled Peyton deeper into his arms and his kiss. She tasted like sweet wine and smelled like raspberry. He savored the softness of her body as he held her close. He covered her face with featherlight kisses. His fingers trailed over her contours as he remembered every inch of her face.

  She moaned softly as he teased her with light nibbles down her neck. Her head fell
back, giving him full access. His blood was humming and his heart pounded in his chest like he had run a marathon. She fit perfectly against him, just as he remembered.

  Her hands slid down his back. She tugged his shirttails free and slipped her cool hands underneath. Her nails lightly slid over his skin and made his nerve endings explode. He longed to touch her everywhere.

  He paused in his exploration with his lips, teeth, and tongue. He didn’t want to break the spell that had woven around them, but he pulled back. “Should we get more comfortable?”

  She looked up through passion-filled eyes. Desire hovered there. With a single word, yes, she stood and took his hand. “I brought a blanket we can lay on the deck.”

  He wanted to slow things down, give her time to relax and enjoy their evening together. He said, “As much as I want this to continue, let’s have supper, and then we can pick up from here.” He nuzzled behind her ear.

  She laughed, low and sexy. “Will you forget?”

  “No.” He claimed her lips again and she molded to him. When he released her, he smiled. “A picnic is very romantic.”

  “You know me; I love all things romance.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “You like to project a tough exterior, but I know there’s a tender side too.”

  He looked into her eyes. “When it comes to you, I do.” He placed a finger across her lips. “But don’t tell anyone.”

  She gave him a sweet smile. “Your secret is safe with me.”

  She passed him a plate and he filled it, but he didn’t taste what he was eating. All he wanted to do was get back to where they were all those years ago, but slowing things down was the right thing to do for her. So much wasted time. He wanted this to be a night they would both remember for years to come.

  He longed to feel the beat of her heart in sync with his and her skin against his. To be one with the woman he loved.

  He stopped midbite. He hadn’t told her he had fallen in love with her, or maybe he had never stopped. But he didn’t want her to think he was saying it because they were about to make love.

  “Peyton, everything is delicious.” Hell, that sounded lame. It was like pleasant dinner conversation with an acquaintance.

  “The deli has great picnic packages.” She gave him a quizzical look. “What’s gotten into you?” She touched his hand. “Are you nervous?”

  “Ha, not on your life. But there is something I wanted to tell you… I’m not sure how to say it.”

  She sipped her wine. Over the rim of the glass, she said, “Now you’re having trouble talking.”

  “I’ve missed you. I’ve missed what we had together and I’ve wanted this for a long time. Longer than probably you realize.”

  She dropped her eyes. “I have a confession. When I drive into the winery, I look around, wondering if I’ll see your truck.”

  Hope soared. Could it be possible she was in love with him too? Even just a little bit? He grinned. “That’s good to know.”

  She scooched across the blanket to his side and slipped her arms around his neck. “I’m happy that you’re an important part of my life again.” She kissed his lips and dinner was forgotten.

  He eased her back onto the blanket as shadows were lengthening across the boat. Candles cast a small glow, just enough light so he could see her face. He slipped his hand under her blouse. Her skin was soft. Running his hand over her ribs and the underside of her bra, he let his finger trace the outline of the silky lace. He had to see it. He pushed her top up and over her head in one fluid motion.

  His heart hammered in his throat—she was still stunning. The white lace was more of a turn-on than he imagined, ultra-feminine and silky soft at the same time. Peyton sucked in an audible breath. He paused. Pure pleasure washed over her face. But he had to ask. “Is this okay?”

  She breathed, “Yes.”

  He continued his exploration, sliding his hand across her midsection, and stopped at the button on her shorts.

  Peyton took that opportunity to pull his shirt off. She was taking control of the exploration. For the moment, he was in a holding pattern. But it felt good. He lay back and let her tease and tantalize his torso inch by inch. Her lips followed her fingers. He groaned.

  He heard a phone ping. Peyton was oblivious. She continued her trail of kisses. It pinged again. And again. Whoever it was, they were persistent.

  “Pey, we should see who that is.”

  She groaned and reached into her tote bag. “It’s mine.” She punched in the security code and said, “It’s Mom. Let me just check her messages.”

  He toyed with her hair while she listened. She bolted up, her face draining of color. She punched a few numbers and while she waited, she cried, “Owen is sick!” She held up a finger. “Mom, what’s going on?”

  Jack wished he could hear the entire conversation but had to wait while Peyton said, “All right. We’ll meet you there.” She bit her lip. “We’ll be there as soon as possible.” She paused. “Tell Owen I love him very much and we’re on our way.” She disconnected and clutched the phone in her hand, holding it so tight, her knuckles turned white.

  “We have to go. Mom and Dad are rushing Owen to the emergency room. They don’t know what’s wrong with him, but he’s running a fever and is sick to his stomach and crying in agony.” She jumped up, pulled her blouse on, and began to throw things in her bag and cooler.

  She cried, “Jack, nothing can happen to him! He’s my whole life!”

  He took her in his arms and held her tight. “I’ll haul in the anchor and we’ll be there as fast as humanly possible.”

  “Thanks.” She turned and finished cleaning up before he could start the engine. She tossed his shirt across the deck and he pushed the throttle forward while he shrugged it on. He reached for her hand. “Don’t worry, love. We’ll be there soon.”

  Peyton nodded. There were no words.

  17

  Jack’s truck skidded to a stop at the emergency room door. Peyton pushed the truck door open and leaped down, at a dead run before Jack turned off the engine. She burst through the emergency room entrance and saw her father sitting alone on a wooden bench, his face drawn and pinched.

  Breathless, she cried, “Dad! Where’s Owen?”

  He got up and hugged her tight. “It’s okay, honey. He’s with the doctor and Mom is with him. I wanted to wait for you.”

  “Does the doctor know what’s wrong with him?”

  “They think it’s appendicitis. They’re waiting for a few tests to come back, and if it is, they have a surgeon standing by, ready to operate before it bursts.”

  “I need to see him!”

  Dad said, “Yes. Come with me.”

  Jack rushed in. She took a few steps but then turned to him. “Thanks, but you don’t need to stay.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you get back.”

  Peyton held out her hand. “Come with me?”

  He opened the door to the exam room for her and the smell of antiseptic assaulted her senses. The sounds of beeping machines grated on her raw nerves. It had been almost an hour since Mom had called and she needed to put her eyes on Owen. She had to see him for herself.

  As she reached the curtain, a hand flicked it back. An older man with salt-and-pepper hair and a dark mustache and beard, dressed in dark-blue scrubs that failed to conceal rounded shoulders asked, “Ms. Brien?”

  She withdrew her hand. “Yes?”

  “I’m Dr. Johnson. I’ve been looking after Owen since your parents brought him in.”

  “How is he?”

  His voice was monotone. “It’s appendicitis. The surgeon will be ready for him in less than thirty minutes. But I wanted to ask you a few questions and you need to sign a consent form for surgery. Can you come with me for just a moment?”

  Her eyes slid to the curtain.

  Dad said, “Peyton, talk to the doctor and I’ll keep Mom and Owen company. You can see your son after you’ve spoken with the doctor.”


  “You’re right, Dad.” She looked at Jack. “Will you…” Her voice trailed off. “Come too?”

  “Yes.”

  The doctor looked at Jack. “Are you Owen’s father?”

  “No, sir. A family friend.”

  “What papers do I need to sign?” Her voice was strained.

  “First, is there anything we should be aware of? Any bleeding issues, allergies to any medications, anything at all?”

  Her eyes never left the doctor. “No, not that I’m aware of. Now can I see my boy?”

  He took the clipboard he had been holding and slid it to her. “If you’d sign the consent to treat form, and the next page is our ability to bill your insurance.”

  She scrawled her name on both lines. The doctor’s chair scraped across the floor and he gestured to the closed door. “Thank you. Come with me.”

  In a few long strides, Peyton burst around the curtain. “Owen!”

  He looked up and burst into tears. “Mommy!”

  She drew him into her arms, crushing him to her chest while murmuring, “I’m here, baby.” She smoothed his hair off his forehead and laid her lips on his warm cheek. “I’m here.”

  In the hours since Owen had come up from surgery recovery, Peyton’s parents and Jack had gone home. In her pocket, her cell phone vibrated. She sat up in the chair and glanced at the screen. A text from Jack. Hope you got a little sleep. How are you and how’s our patient?

  She responded, I’m fine and he’s still sleeping. Thanks again for staying a while last night.

  No need for thanks. Keep me posted?

  She wrote, Sure thing. Bye. She slipped the phone back into her pocket. After unfolding herself from the unforgiving hospital chair, Peyton tiptoed over to her son’s bedside. She rested a hand on his forehead. No fever. Adjusting his blankets, she crossed the darkened room and stood next to the window overlooking the dark and empty street below. She wrapped her arms around her body and shuddered. There wasn’t any way she could completely protect Owen from everything bad in life. She glanced at him over her shoulder. Sound asleep, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.