Sully swallowed. “No, but I watchedMy Girlwhen I was way too young.”
Their eyes met. He couldn’t wait until the end of the day to ask her out. He had to do it now, end his torture one way or another. His tongue felt dry as Death Valley in July.
Alanna walked into the kitchen. He could hear the soft clank of glasses shifting.
“Um… so–”
“Whatever you want to charge, it’s fine,” her voice floated from the kitchen. “In fact, please overcharge me. I insist.”
He laughed. Not going to happen. He’d been happy to help fix up the house knowing that it would make life easier for Alanna and for Dede.
“Actually, it’s not that,” he started again. This was so hard. Running a marathon with bowling balls strapped to his feet felt easier than asking out Alanna Sandoval. His heart felt so achingly vulnerable.
She appeared in the hallway cloaked in sunlight, a bottle of wine in one hand, two glasses in the other.
“Want to sit out back and drink some wine with me?” she asked.
He grinned. Sure, it was only a reprieve, but he’d take it. Maybe a little wine was exactly what Sully needed in order to take what felt like the biggest leap of his life.
Ch. 21 Sully
Movingintothesmallback yard of Dede Sandoval’s house was like stepping through a portal to another, more magical world. Vines of blooming roses—pink, red, and white—crawled up columns and portcullises. Several wind chimes sang a soft harmony. Hummingbirds flitted overhead, dancing in and out of a row of gently rocking feeders.
The most magical creature of all was Alanna herself. She dropped into a wicker chair across from him and set the wine glasses on a matching wicker table. Expertly, she pulled the cork from the wine bottle and filled their glasses.
“The hummingbirds are absolutely fearless,” she said, setting the bottle on the small table. “They know they run the show back here.”
“It’s charming,” Sully said. What he meant wasyou’re charming. She wore less makeup than usual today. The natural look took nothing away from her beauty, but merely softened it. A pattern of light freckles dotted her cheeks, and her eyelashes were a pale fringe.
“To the banister,” she said, holding her glass aloft.
“The banister,” he agreed.
Blood thrummed in his ears as he took a sip and enjoyed the heavy, oaky flavor of the wine.
“I hope a cab is okay with you. I like full-body wines.”
“Absolutely.” Sully couldn’t have cared less what was in his glass.
She stared at him curiously. “Where did you learn to work with your hands?” As she reached for her wine, he watched how the deep-cut neckline of her shirt dipped, showing just a hint of cleavage. Everything about this woman simmered with sexuality and power. Sully felt buzzed, and it had nothing to do with the wine.
“It’s a new hobby,” he answered. “I have a mentor who’s been showing me the ropes. I like fixing things. Keeps me busy.” Sully knew she’d talked to Tess, which meant Alanna understood his situation. No need to brag about his enviable financial state.
“Well, I’d say your mentor did a good job in training you. That banister is beautiful, and I really appreciate you fixing up the rest of the house.”
“He did the carving,” Sully said, “and nothing on the list was much trouble.”
She swirled the ruby liquid in her glass. “You’re too humble. Take your credit when it’s due.”
Sully smiled and took another sip of wine. “Fine. Itisa gorgeous banister. I’m proud of it.’
“That’s the spirit.” She lofted her glass, giving him another toast.
Sully watched her over the rim of his glass. Despite the beautiful setting, something was off with Alanna. She’d been out of sorts all day. The question popped out of him without thought. “What are you nervous about?”
Her glass paused, the rim an inch from her lips. She set the glass down, amusement in her smile. “You think I’m nervous, out here with you?”
He shook his head. “Not right now. But you’ve been nervous all day. What’s happening?”
