Page 28 of A Sip of Sherry
“You do that.”
“Okay.I need to make a list.Several lists.Oh God, I sound like Chardonnay.”
“There’s a reason she’s so efficient.”
“Exactly.Lists it is.Oh, and maybe a vision board.”
“I don’t see Chardonnay making a vision board.”
“Oh, definitely not her thing.That’s more of Rose’s thing.Both approaches are effective.”
“Go plan the wedding of the century.”
She bit her lip, eyes that were full of sin and unspoken words meeting mine.A smile spread wide across her pretty face.Just like that, she was gone, leaving the scent of fresh-cut flowers, and the undeniable desire of wanting more than just another night of sex.When it came to Sherry, I wanted it all.
Unfortunately, I’d never be able to have it all… not if Sherry wanted a drama-free life and to protect the family legacy.
Giovanni Grasso, Sherry’s grandfather, was a good man, so I understood her convictions.I knew that even as an eleven-year-old kid who had lunch with him during one of my father’s many family lunches that turned into business meetings.
It had been the first time an adult had looked at me without expectation, without disappointment, without regret in their eyes.It was the moment that made me want to make my dad as proud of me as Mr.Grasso was of his grandkids.I’d been striving for that moment ever since.
I thought I had finally gotten there.Thought I’d done something that made the old man proud to call me his son, but like everything else, it crashed and burned.No matter how hard I tried, I always proved him right.I was a disappointment who constantly messed up.
It was the very reason I was here.I needed to prove to my old man I wasn’t the fuck up he always said I was.That I could succeed at something and not ruin every damn thing I touched.
Though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to prove it to him or myself.
After meeting Sherry, I realized I didn’t just want a job or a second chance.I wanted a life that didn’t feel like another mistake my father could add to his list.
But falling for Sherry, wanting her as much as I did?It was the biggest mistake of all.
Chapter 10
Sherry
With a strand of fairy lights in hand, I stood in the middle of the wine cellar, surveying the area.I already hung one strand along the wall of bottles, but it wasn’t giving off the vibe I had envisioned.
“I want charming and rustic not exposed wiring,” I muttered.
“Most people just turn the lights off and call it ambiance.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin.The cellar, as rustic and charming as it was, made it all the more likely to be the perfect habitat for ghosts.
I turned toward Ben.His arms were crossed, shoulder propped casually against the stone wall like he had all the time in the world.The dim light caught on the angles of the sharp cut of his jaw, and amusement danced across his features.“I can’t turn the lights off on people who are trying to make the perfect spring floral centerpiece.”
He stepped forward, the cool barrel air settling between us, and his unmistakable scent of man oak, crushed grapes, and spice overpowered my senses.I swallowed as memories of the last time we were down here together flashed in my mind.
“What’s the name of the event again?”he asked, his eyes boring in on me as if they refused to look away.
“Sip and Spark.It’s wine tasting meets DIY chic.Drink some wine and get that creative spark of inspiration to make something beautiful.This month, it’s floral arrangements.Next month, it’ll be a wooden welcome front door hanger.”
“Arts and crafts for adults.”
“Exactly.”
He took the lights from my hand, his finger brushing against mine ever so slightly, but enough to send a ribbon of heat up my arm.“Where do you want these?”
“I can do it myself.Besides, don’t you have work to do?”
