Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1)

by Nikki Belaire

  She squeezes Marta’s shoulder. “Yes, I will. I promise.”

  “He good boy. Like mother in here.” She taps her chest, nodding in confidence. “Not father.”

  “I know. Like you too.”

  Shrugging out of the embrace, Marta returns to her baking. Shae lets her arm fall away, respecting the woman’s stoicism. After years of living only with men, it must be difficult for her to share her emotions, especially ones triggered by such painful memories. Marta hands her a pastry brush and points to the raw dough. “I put in pan. You spread.”

  The ache in her chest eases a bit. Nick had Marta. Without her, he may have vanished just like his mother. Lost to the abuse of his father with no one to protect him or mourn his loss. No one able to stand up to his father’s unlimited power. Her presence saved him.

  The soft peal of bells echoes throughout the first floor. Her hand stops mid-stroke. “Is that the doorbell?”

  Marta wrinkles her nose. “I not know. Never heard before.”

  She shakes her head. They live in a surreal world, hiding behind thick curtains of security, never having to wonder who’s at the door. No running around in a frenzy trying to clean up a messy house for unexpected visitors. “I guess I’ll see who it is.”

  She jogs into the foyer and peeks around the burnished wood. Nick’s sexy smile lights up his face as he holds a huge bouquet behind his back. His enthusiasm envelops her, and she can’t stop herself from returning the sentiment. “What are you doing?”

  “A gentleman always picks up a lady at her front door.” He bows before handing the flowers to her. “These are for you.”

  The light, sweet scent engulfs her as she breathes deeply. “They’re beautiful.”

  “The florist helped me pick them out. The light pink roses signify sweetness, and the dark pink are passion.” He wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her against him, making her shiver at their bodies pressed together. “Purple means love at first sight.”

  A lump forms in her throat at the eagerness on his face. Desperate to keep his promise from the night Juan kidnapped her, he wants to please her with a romantic date just like regular people. She swallows hard, forcing the emotions away. This is their day. Forget Spencer and Nick’s father and her mom. She refuses to let any of them ruin what he’s working so hard to create for her. “I love them. Thank you.”

  “I love you.” His lips brush against her cheek before he releases her and taps on his watch. “Are you ready to go?”

  Her stomach twirls as she shakes her head. “No, I didn’t know we were leaving so early.”

  “Just like a woman not to be ready.” He laughs and jumps back before she can smack his arm. “Well, hurry up. We have a plane to catch.”

  Her heart flip flops. He’s going all out to make everything perfect, to ensure her happiness. Just like always. “Where are we going?”

  He winks before shaking his head. “Uh-uh, it’s a surprise.”

  “Then how do I know what to wear?”

  “If it was up to me, it’d be nothing. Since I know you won’t agree to that, anything is fine. It’s casual.”

  His lack of detail is both adorable and exasperating. Men don’t know how lucky they are to throw on a shirt and jeans and be ready. “You’re so mysterious.”

  He shrugs his shoulders and smiles.

  “Fine. I’ll be down in twenty minutes.”

  She pauses on the first step. It’s already wonderful, and they haven’t even left yet. She’ll keep her promise too, taking care of him and making him feel special. His face scrunches in confusion as she runs back to him and kisses his cheek. “Thank you.”

  “For what? You don’t even know if you’ll like it.”

  “For everything. Being with you is all I need to be happy.”

  “You’d better go.” He swallows hard although it doesn’t diminish the huskiness of his voice. “Or I’m going to follow you up there, and we’ll never get out of here.”

  With a goofy smile curling on her lips, she jogs upstairs. “I’ll be back.”

  * * * *

  When the jet begins its descent, Shae turns from the window and looks at him. “Now are you going to tell me where we are?”

  Nick holds up his finger. “Patience. I said when we land.”

  His breath catches as she rolls her eyes and laughs, soft and silky, warming him in the cool cabin. He didn’t think it was possible for her to be more beautiful than she already is. Her face flushes and eyes sparkle with excitement, matching the hint of glitter across her bare shoulders, completely exposed with her hair in loose curls behind her head. He would take a beating just to taste the soft, sweet skin at the base of her neck.

  At the bump of the landing gear rolling across the runway she looks back at him again. “We’ve landed. Tell me!”

  “We’re slightly northeast of wine country. I read an article in one of the business journals about a man from Indiana re-opening his grandfather’s winery. I thought we could check it out before he launches.”

  “Oh, I love it. I can’t wait.”

  Once the pilots open the door and disembark, Max and the two security men accompanying them file out. She starts to stand up, but he puts his hand on her arm. Loath to rouse any uncertainty, he attempts a casual tone. “Just a minute, sweetness. Let Max take care of things first.”

  Two black SUVs sit on the tarmac with a young woman wearing a navy blazer standing next to them. Max talks to her as the other two men open the doors and inspect the interiors. A slight frown darkens Shae’s angelic face, and his stomach clenches at her anxiety.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “It’s just a precaution. I don’t want anything to ruin our day.”

  Her lips curl into a smile and she squeezes his hand, releasing some of his tension. “Nothing will.”

  After the inspection is complete, Max signs the woman’s clipboard and takes the keys from her. Nick pulls Shae up from her seat and leads her down the steps. “Let’s go.”

  They drive along the countryside with Max and his team following behind. Tall trees border farm fields, separating them by owner or crop. A few stray clouds float above the distant mountains, no barrier to the abundant sunshine.

  Resting her head against the seat, she turns to him. “How did you arrange for us to have such beautiful weather?”

  “I’m good at charming angels.”

  She laughs and shakes her head. “You’re still as slick as the day I met you.”

  He brings her hand to his mouth and kisses each knuckle. Somehow, she saw past his arrogance and gave him a chance. And somehow, he’s lucky to earn more even when he fucks up. “You’re still as beautiful.”

  “What am I going to do with you?”

  “Love me.”

  The fresh smell of cedar welcomes them as they enter the winery. Reminiscent of a ski chalet, the exposed wood beams and stone fireplace create a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

  A barrel-chested man with salt-and-pepper hair and goatee strides toward them, hand extended. “Mr. DeMarco, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “It’s Nick, and this is my girlfriend, Shae.”

  “Nice to meet you too. I’m Erik Altmeyer. Please have a seat.”

  He gestures toward two high back, brown stools facing a large picture window overlooking endless rows of grapes. As they sit, Erik tells them about the winery. “My grandfather started this place about sixty years ago. After he died, no one was left to run it. I flew out here and fell in love with the place. I’ve been restoring it for three years, and I’m almost ready to open. You’re my first customers.”

  Shae gives Erik a small smile. “Thank you for having us. Did you know anything about wine making before you came here?”

  Nick wraps his hand around hers as it rests on his leg. She leans in to the proprietor, enjoying their conversation, laughing at his stories. No smoothing of her dress or picking at her fingernail polish. She’s utterly content.

  Her fingertip traces t
he lettering branded into the wooden countertop. “How did you pick the name Heaven’s Devil?”

  “Wine tastes like heaven when you drink it, but can make you feel like the devil got ahold of you the next day.”

  She laughs and squeezes Nick’s thigh, making every nerve in his body flare from her happy touch. “I love that.”

  “Okay, Miss Shae, what kind of wine do you like?”

  Erik’s easy-going, friendly personality matches the persona he conveyed on the phone, cementing Nick’s decision to select this winery from all the others. Rather than fawn over her or attempt to impress, he allows her to simply enjoy the experience.

  “Someone once told me drink what you like, so that’s what I do. It doesn’t matter to me where it’s from or how much it costs.”

  “Smart lady. Some snobs think good wine only comes from a few places.” He eases the cork out of an open bottle and pours wine into two glasses. “You can get some wonderful wines from Australia, Chile, even the Midwest. Did you know Illinois and Indiana have the same topography as France? Grapes grow wonderfully there, and they produce some excellent wines.” He slides a glass to each of them. “Like this one. Try it and let me know what you think.”

  She tips her nose in the glass, smelling the bouquet before taking a long drink. “Definitely heaven.”

  Erik’s round belly shakes the counter as he laughs. “Good! When you finish that one, I have another one I think you’ll really like.”

  Over the next hour, Erik gives them tastes of several wines, pairing them with cold and hot hors d’oeuvres to help bring out the flavors. When Shae sets her glass down, he pours another and places squares of dark chocolate on the tiny, white plates in front of them.

  She snatches the candy before pushing her goblet back toward him and raising her hand. “I’m sorry, but I think I’ve reached my limit. I’m getting tipsy.”

  Of course, she keeps the sweets.

  Nick rubs over her thumb as Erik smiles and nods his head. “Better to quit while you’re ahead. Keep the devil away.”

  Her eyes light up, and she reaches over the bar and gives him a hug. “Thank you for everything. It was wonderful.”

  “You’re welcome, but you’re not finished yet. Your boyfriend has plans for you.”

  “Thank you, Erik.” Nick stands up and shakes his hand before turning to her. “Come on.”

  With his hand caressing the small of her back, he guides her out the back door and into the vineyard. They walk through about ten rows of vines trailing over wire and wooden trellises. Her eyes widen at the oversized red blanket covering the ground adorned with a wicker picnic basket and ice bucket chilling sparkling water.

  “What’s all this?”

  “Wine and outdoors…two of your favorite things.”

  Pressing her hands against his chest, she looks up at him. The alcohol in her body is unable to diminish the love flaming in her eyes. “You’re my most favorite.”

  “Me too.” He takes a deep breath, restraining the fire she ignites in him too. “Have a seat, madam.” He flips open the lid and pulls out a plate of cheese and sliced fruit. As she slips off the wrapping, he pours her a glass of water and drops in an orange slice. “Did you like the wine tasting?”

  “I loved it. You know me too well.”

  He clinks his glass against hers and takes a long drink. “Then tell me something I don’t know.”

  Her nose crinkles in confusion. “What?”

  “You know, like regular people on first dates. We have to tell each other things the other person doesn’t know.”

  Her bubbly laugh echoes across the grape rows. “Are you tipsy too?”

  “No, I’m serious.”

  “Okay.” She tilts her head, his groin twitching at her tongue grazing her top lip as she thinks. “I can’t roller skate.”

  “How’s that possible? You’re a great dancer.”

  “I don’t know. I just can’t find my balance on wheels for some reason.” She pops a mango slice into her mouth. “Okay, your turn.”

  “I can’t whistle.”

  Her eyes grow as bright as her smile. “Everyone can whistle.”

  “Nope. Never been able to.”

  “Maybe you’re not holding your mouth correctly. Here let me see.”

  She leans forward and presses her silky lips against his, trying to coax them apart with her tongue. A deep moan radiates in his throat before he forces himself to pull away. “You’d better stop, or I won’t be able to.” He laughs as she pretends to pout, thrusting out her lower lip. “Are you ready for dessert?”

  Her face lights up in a huge smile again. “Yes!”

  “Why am I always second choice to sweets?” He reaches into the picnic basket and lifts out a silver and pink box.

  “What’s this?”

  “Open it and see.”

  He slides his hand around her waist and rests his head on her shoulder as she unties the white bow. Her back snuggles against his chest, warming him at her desire to draw him closer. A chocolate masterpiece lays nestled inside pink tissue paper. “It looks amazing.”

  “It’s from the bakery Max told you about. The last day we were there it had one of those wooden chalkboard signs out front that read ‘Give your wife a chocolate orgasm.’ I ordered one for you and had it delivered today.”

  Chocolate lava trickles out from her fork slicing a small piece from the center. A gasp leaves her mouth as soon as the bite touches her tongue. “It works on girlfriends too.”

  Squeezing her left ring finger, he whispers in her ear. “I thought it might make you say yes.”

  Her cocoa covered fingertip rubs across his lips. “Shhhhh.”

  He tries to catch her, but she laughs and pulls away too quickly. They lock eyes as she puts her finger in her mouth and sucks off the syrup. He’s never seen her as sexy as she is in this moment. “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to distract you.”

  “Not this time.”

  Her shoulders slump down as she sighs. “Nick…”

  Before her, he never planned for a future, not ever thinking there could be something more than his solitary existence. Now, he wants it all. Everything she gives him. “You asked me the other night what my fantasy is. It’s you. Wearing nothing but my ring. I want you to be my wife.”

  She leans forward, pressing his hand between hers. “It’s too soon.”

  “Says who?”

  “We’ve talked about this…”

  Before she moved in with him, before she proved what he always knew. In just one week of coming home to her, floating in her peace, holding her as they drift asleep, she already gives him the perfect life. “You have to know you’re the one. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”

  “Is that enough reason to get married?”

  He squeezes her fingers, always amazed how delicate they are lying against his. “Yes. It doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow. I don’t care when. Just say you’ll marry me.”

  She takes a deep breath, tucking her dress around her legs. “I know you love me, but why is it so important to you?”

  “It makes what we have real. I know you won’t disappear.”

  “But, then you’ll be stuck with me forever. What about when I’m old and wrinkly and blue haired?”

  His heart drops. He’s messed up, failed to let her know this is so much more than sex. What she gives him beyond the physical. What he needs every day for as long as he survives this world. He strokes her cheek, the soft skin flushing under his fingertips. “I’ll look at you and know I’ve had the best sixty years imaginable.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Love will do that to you.”

  “I guess I’ve lost my mind then too.” Her whisper makes his heart race. “Okay, I’ll marry you.”

  “God, I love you.” He cups her face before placing a gentle kiss on her lips, a warm ache radiating out from his groin at her pink cheeks and sparkling eyes. “I promise I’ll never make you
regret saying yes.”

  Laying back on the blanket, she clutches his despised curls as he delves into her mouth tasting the sweet combination of chocolate and fruit. His fingertips trail up her thigh and under her dress, until she giggles and pushes his hand down. “Not here. We’ll offend Mr. Altmeyer.”

  He growls in her ear before rolling next to her. “I need you.”

  She stands up and smiles, holding out her small hand to him. “Come on then. Let’s go home. I’m ready to make your fantasy come true.” Licking her lips, she winks. “Oh, and don’t forget the cake.”

  A cold sweat engulfs his body at the rustle of leaves behind her. The glint of metal in the bright sunlight burns his eyes before gunfire pierces the air, and she crashes to the ground.

  Chapter Twelve

  Every nerve in Nick’s body screams under his skin from Shae slumped at his feet and the rifle pointed at his chest. He keeps his Glock aimed at the guy’s forehead. A shot to the head, one to the heart, just like always. Once he knows she’s safe.

  Their eyes bore into each other, neither man willing to lower his gun. The rider nudges his horse forward and sunlight glints off the silver star pinned to his jacket. A badge. A god damn fucking cop. Nick hangs his head, and his arm falls to his side. “Fuck!”

  “The first shot was a warning. The next one won’t be. Drop your weapon and step away from the girl. Now!”

  Nick tosses the gun a few feet in front of him and kneels down, his gut rolling at her motionless body, knocked out from the force of him tackling her to the ground. Missing the fact, in his panic, the man on horseback is a county sheriff rather than a hired hit man. A sleeping angel, curly hair frames her beautiful face, hurt once again from her relationship with the devil. He strokes her cheek, the soft skin warm under his fingertips. “Sweetness? Please open your eyes.”

  The rider’s boots smack against the hard packed ground as he dismounts, his gun trained on Nick. “Stand up and put your hands behind your head.”

  Hooves clip-clop on the gravel path behind him before another officer reaches for his arm. “If you don’t stand up right now, I’m charging you with resisting arrest.”