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“You’re finished yelling at her now.” Hallie couldn’t see his face, but based on the clipped delivery of his words, she imagined his features were tense. “Don’t ever do it again.” He turned and glanced at her over his shoulder. Indeed, with his Very Serious eyebrows and jawline, he resembled a gallant duke come to rescue a damsel in distress. Well, call her Princess Peach Toadstool, because she welcomed his services. “Hallie, please go outside where this man can’t shout at you anymore.”
“You’re still not going to yell at her anymore. If she’s upset, I’m upset. I don’t think you want that.”
“If I regret one thing about not having a direct hand in making wine at this vineyard . . .” He leaned in, letting out a long, heavy breath into her hair. “It’s that I can’t watch you drink a glass of Vos wine and know my efforts are sitting on that tongue.”
His breath stirred her hair. “I want to feel you forgive me. I want to taste it in your mouth.”
“I had to put this on my schedule. Right there on my notepad. Beating off to Hallie.” His tongue traced her bottom lip. “I’ve already done it once today.” “You wrote those words down?” she said, gasping when he nipped at her jaw. “No, I just wrote your name. My cock knew what it meant.”
“It’s just that when she’s in trouble or experiencing any kind of distress, I feel somewhat . . . upset about it.” Natalie stared. “That is to say, I feel as if I’m going to explode if the situation isn’t fixed for her. When she isn’t smiling, the world becomes a terrible place.” Several seconds passed. “Do you think what you’re saying is normal?”
He watched Hallie slowly notice them, too, her gaze bouncing around to all the green-and-white cards. Then over at him. That’s right, sweetheart. I deliver for you. I can’t help it.
But I can’t do that with you anymore, because you’re worth burning for. You’re worth turning and driving straight into the fire.”
“If the clutter is yours, I want it,” he whispered against her mouth. “If you’re late, I don’t care. Just fucking show up.”
“All time is not created equal. I know that now. Time with you is the most substantial of all. I’ll probably never be able to stop counting the minutes that we’re apart, but the ones when we’re together, I’m leaving room for anything. Whatever happens. Gopher holes, rainstorms . . .”
