Romancing the Wine: A Boxed Set of 9 Newest Novellas from Award-Winning Authors

by Jan Moran

  He cleared his throat before gulping down half his glass of wine. “Thank you for your honesty, I’m relieved to hear that.” He cleared his throat again. “It would be a shame for you to get pregnant just when you’re still working out what you want to do in life.”

  Salty tears welled in her eyes. Here she was thinking he didn’t want a pregnancy and he was thinking about her. A wedge of emotion clogged her throat. It made her love him even more. She shook her head, banishing her silly tears.

  “Eat, please.” She gestured toward the plates of food already laid out.

  Why did she have to fall in love with him? Someone so unattainable? There must be plenty of nice men in Melbourne. Why couldn’t she fall in love with one of them?

  She watched him eat. “Are you still angry with me?”

  “Of course not. I was angry at myself, not you. Never you.” He lowered his cutlery, placing them on the side of his plate. He took one of her hands in his. “Lily, the other night, I lost control. I was disgusted at myself for not protecting you.” He paused before continuing. “I’ve never had unprotected sex. Forgetting a condom is something that never happens to me.”

  She rubbed a finger over his knuckles. “What we shared was wild, uninhibited. I’ve never done anything like it and I came so hard and strong, I blanked for a second or so.”

  “I thought I’d hurt you, that I was too rough.”

  “You weren’t.”

  “I believe you.” He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed the underside of her wrist.

  He turned his attention to the dinner. “This is delicious.”

  “Thank you.”

  They ate the rest of their meal chatting about the news, the weather, goings-on at the wine bars. When they’d finished, she cleared the plates then brought out the dessert together with espresso.

  “Ta-da.” She lowered the plate to the table.

  “What is it?” He examined it closely.

  “Guess?” She bit back an excited grin.

  “It looks like Torta de chocolinas with dulce de leche.”

  “It is,” she said with a flourish.

  “How did—”

  “I wanted to make you something special. I found the recipe online and the deli near me had all the ingredients,” she said, serving the cake and handing him his coffee.

  He cut a piece and chewed. “Fantastico. Absolutely delicious.” He ate more. “You’ve managed to get the consistence right with the caramel, chocolate, and biscuit.” He gobbled another large mouthful. “My mother would kill me if she heard me say, but this is as good as hers. It’s excellent.”

  A warm flush heated her skin. The cake wasn’t an easy one to make, however, she’d found a cheat’s guide online that had helped.

  He served himself another portion, eating it quickly. A surge of pride warmed her heart, in her ability to create a dessert he really liked. She’d made it for him and she’d been delighted seeing his enjoyment of it.

  Watching him finish his cake she said, “I have news.”

  He raised his eyebrow questioningly.

  “I’ve booked my ticket to America. I leave in just under two weeks.” Her voice was high pitched with excitement, like her former teenage-self.

  His raised hand, which was holding his espresso, stilled. He said nothing.

  Breaking the silence as she always did, with chatter, she continued. “I’ve booked my flight to LA except the return one. I’m hoping to be away for at least three months and see how I go after that.”

  “That’s good news.” He toasted her with his coffee cup. Although he was smiling, it seemed forced.

  “And,” she stressed the word ‘and’. “When I get back I’m going to study music. I’ve found a campus that offers part-time courses. I’ve spoken with the course co-ordinator who confirmed availability.”

  A genuine smile tugged at his lips. “So you are finally following your dreams. Well done, Lily.” He leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms over his chest as his gaze focussed on her.

  She leaned over her plate to look at him. “It’s thanks to you. Being on stage gave me the confidence I needed to take my career forward. Yes, I could start studying now but I really need to travel. I’ve waited for so long—”

  His finger trailed down the side of her face. “You’ve made the right decision. Go out in the world and I hope you find the happiness you deserve.”

  Her lungs emptied in response to his beautiful words. “That’s so nice of you to say.”

  He sat back in his chair and drained his coffee. Placing his cup on the saucer he said, “I have to go to Sydney for work, why don’t you join me?”

  “Really?”

  “It’ll be for a couple of days only—”

  “I’d love to. I’ve never been.” She paused. “Will I take you from your work?”

  “Not at all. I’m expanding my wine bars there. I have meetings with the manager in charge but apart from that, we can spend time together before you leave.”

  “Sounds perfect,” she said. Because it was.

  Diego and Lily were at the first-class lounge at Tullamarine airport waiting for their flight. He watched Lily take time in selecting a magazine from the racks, enjoying every moment, beaming with excitement, even indulging in a glass of champagne from the bar.

  He was seeing the everyday humdrum that he took for granted when working, through new eyes. The premium check-in, personalised service, complimentary food. Lily loved it all.

  Sitting, she toasted him with her glass of bubbly. “This is so luxurious. Shame I can’t travel like this when I go to America.”

  “These are the perks of travelling a lot for business,” he said, no longer interested in his emails. “I’ve organised a surprise for tomorrow.”

  “Really.” Her eyes widened with anticipation. “What is it?”

  He gave her an all-knowing grin. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

  “How about a hint?”

  Leaning back in his chair, he held up three fingers. “I’ll give you three questions.”

  “Animal, vegetable, mineral?”

  “Neither.”

  Her brow crinkled as she pondered her next question. “Are we doing something, like playing croquet?”

  “You’re getting warmer,” he added in a drawl.

  She snapped her fingers. “We’re playing croquet!”

  “Wrong. You’ve had your questions so you’ll have to wait.”

  “But the last one was a statement.” She pretended to pout.

  He played along, shrugging his shoulders as though dismissing her concerns.

  Leaning over him, she whispered in his ear, “You know cheaters never prosper.” Then she suckled the fleshy part of his ear before returning to her seat.

  The warmth of her tongue curling around his ear made his body stiffen and he was ready to make love to her despite them being in a public place. “You’re playing with fire.”

  She blew him a kiss. “You bring out my seductive, sensual side, it’s your fault. It’s all because of you,” she said, stressing the word ‘you’. She lowered her voice and said, “I have never been this naughty with anyone but you.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he answered in a deep drawl. “And just so you know, I love the naughty side of you.”

  She fanned herself with her hand and grinned back. “I can’t wait till you next bring out that side of me again.”

  That morning they rose early to do the Sydney Harbour bridge dawn climb. There, they were given instructions on the climb and all the dos/don’ts. Then in overalls, with all loose items securely attached, they started to climb to the spot where they would be 134 metres high.

  Watching the sun rise, its rays extending across the dark sky like fingers, Lily took in the stunning colours of the morning. “This is stunning, Diego, thank you.” They held hands, watching the beauty of nature and the awakening of the vibrant city before their eyes.

  Their climbing ins
tructor took group photos and then one of the two of them. Lily knew she would treasure the photo as well as the moment it captured. She was totally in love with Diego, loved his caring nature extended to her and his family. His brilliant inquisitive mind and the pleasure of their time together, in bed and out.

  It was going to take time for her to recover from not seeing him every day, talking to him, and having fun together. It was going to hurt. And how could she date again when she’d always be comparing them to Diego. It wasn’t fair really. But she was thankful for their time together. It’d been the highlight of her ordinary life. Now that she’d seen what could be done by taking leadership, she was going to apply that to herself. The first step was to study music. She was finally doing things for her, all thanks to him.

  Much later, they sat at one of the many busy cafés along the foreshore with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as a spectacular backdrop. The day was warm and sunny, making a perfect start to the day, even more perfect.

  “That climb was brilliant, thanks for organising it,” she said before sipping her latté. “I have to confess my legs are now a little wobbly.”

  “There were a lot of stairs up—”

  “And a lot coming down,” she said with a flourish. “The two and a half hours went by so quick.”

  Pointing to her food he said, “Eat up.” He checked his watch. “We have meetings today and then tonight I’m taking you out for dinner.”

  Later that night as they walked to their hotel room she confessed, “Today was one of the best days of my life. I have to tell you that I’ve never been so terrified yet excited. It was hard work climbing up in the dark, but to be at the top of the bridge, so high up and watching dawn break was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. It was spectacular.”

  In their room, he shut the door with a click before he tugged her close and brushed his lips against hers. “I enjoyed spending the day with you today.”

  Her arms came up around his neck and he lifted her, carrying her to the bed. Housekeeping had made up the bed, curtains drawn, and lamps strategically left on creating a cosy, romantic moment. But Lily didn’t see it. Her focus was on Diego, the man she loved. She may not be able to tell him how she felt, but tonight she was going to show him.

  “Even though our time together was limited, I wanted to spoil you and bring you here,” he whispered, laying her down on the plush softness of their king-sized bed. “From this day I want it to be the start of the new you. Where you do things for you, not just your brothers or for others.”

  He removed her shoes then carefully peeled back her dress before laying it out on a chaise. On the bed, she lay waiting in anticipation, wearing only stockings and tiny G-string panties.

  “You’re so sexy wearing stockings for me, you know how much I love seeing you wear them.” He trailed his lips up her thigh and pressed his mouth at the junction of her thighs.

  They trembled at his touch and in need. “I want you so much.” She reached out to him and he lay next to her, kissing her with a thoroughness that left her gasping.

  In between kisses and nibbles, she undressed him till he was naked and she cast an appreciative look over his strong arms and abs.

  She sat on his lap, he lay before her like a delectable smorgasbord of toned muscle, a smattering of chest hair and sun-kissed skin. And he was hers, for now.

  “I want to taste you,” she said before she leaned and licked his nipples.

  His hands cupped her small breasts while his fingers gently massaged her nipples into small buds.

  She positioned herself in such a way, she was able to make love to him with her mouth while he could do the same to her at the same time. They touched and gave each other pleasure till they were both panting, each needing completion.

  Moving her body around, she unrolled a condom over his hard length then slid down watching the tightness around his jaw.

  Clad still in her stockings, she moved herself up and down, setting the slow pace of their lovemaking. She wanted to relish every second because soon all she would have would be the memories of their time together.

  They changed positions a few times, keeping the pace slow and sensual till Lily begged for completion. “Diego, I need, I need…”

  “I know, mi hermosa, for me too.” A few long strokes had her clinging to him and when she shuddered from an orgasm that was so intense, she cried out. “I love, I love you, I love you.” She sobbed.

  There was no hiding it. She hadn’t said it once, but thrice. He now knew how she felt.

  He drove into her a few more times before he finished. She watched him under hooded eyes, how the skin on his neck tightened and how he often bit his lips at that point of fulfilment.

  He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily. “I’m hoping you said that by accident.”

  She bit her lip, feeling the thumpity-thump of his beating heart against her chest.

  Eventually, he stood, disposed of the condom, and tugged on his boxer briefs. His eyes were dark and unfathomable.

  She tugged the sheet over her nakedness, like a protective shield.

  He threw her an accusing stare. “Tell me you don’t mean it.” The muscles in his neck were taut and tight.

  She could lie, but she didn’t want to. Could her love be strong enough for the two of them? Perhaps he needed the right woman to show him that love leading into marriage was possible. “I can’t.” She chewed her lip. “I am in love with you.”

  “But we agreed—”

  She scowled at him. “I know.”

  He stood over her. “What we have between us is great sex. I do like you—”

  “So it’s more than just sex?”

  “I brought you to Sydney—”

  “And you’ve done so much for me, the singing, helping me develop into the woman I want to be.”

  His hand sliced through the air to stop her from saying more. “I do like you, Lily. It is more than sex, but it’s not love.” He paused, crossing his arms. “We’ve been together less than three weeks, not enough time to fall in love. You’re confusing intimacy for more than what it is.”

  “I know how I feel.”

  “Lily, you gave up on your dreams all those years ago. You’ve devoted yourself to your brothers. You’ve had little time to date, how can you be so sure it’s love?”

  “I know how I feel when I’m around you. We do more than just have sex. We do have fun together and we like the same things.”

  “No.” He shook his head, his pallor visibly whiter. “We made a deal,” he said, narrowing his eyes and giving her an accusing stare.

  “I know.” She let out an exasperated breath. The man was as unmoving as Uluru, the large rock in the middle of Australia. He wasn’t budging. “I went into this as a fling with full expectations. I didn’t expect to fall in love.” She paused. “But I have.” Her voice was low, almost a whisper.

  He put his hands up, keeping a barrier between them. “I told you I don’t believe in love. This is not what I want. You knew that. I was clear about it.”

  “But—”

  He raised his hand to silence her. Looking at his watch, he then said, “Get dressed and pack your things. We’re returning to Melbourne, now.”

  Chapter 10

  Five weeks later

  The heavily lipsticked mouth was moving but despite his concentration, he didn’t hear anything. The date should have been everything he ever wanted. Candela, Eduardo’s sister’s best friend, and he were dining in one of Melbourne’s most happening restaurants. Despite the outstanding food, excellent service, and a formidable dinner date, he was bored. Nothing held his attention. Not even the immaculately groomed Candela.

  “The dessert menu, sir.” A leather bound folder was opened and placed in front of him.

  Dessert. Immediately, images of Lily’s dulce de leche sprang to mind and he shook his head to clear the images away.

  The waiter removed their menus interpreting that he didn’t want to see it.

/>   “Oh.” Candela sighed with disappointment.

  He’d forgotten about her. He took another gulp of wine but it did little to settle the angst and frustration swirling in his belly.

  She was perfect. Why was he behaving so badly?

  “I’m sorry, Candela, I have an early start tomorrow. I’ll take you home.” He stood, walked over, and helped her to her feet.

  “Dinner was lovely, thank you,” she cooed.

  He’d perfunctorily eaten the lamb cutlets for dinner but the melt-in-the mouth meat had tasted of cardboard.

  He had to get out of here. The idea of sharing dessert with Candela was too intimate. He needed space and to get out of this claustrophobic room. Que estupido.

  He hated himself for being so rude. Candela was perfect for him and he was tossing a chance with her away because he couldn’t get a vision of red hair and blazing emerald-coloured eyes out of his head. He was acting like a lovesick fool. Lovesick? What a joke. His brain must have permanently migrated and lodged in his pants because of late all he could think about was Lily.

  “Diego?” Candela interrupted his thoughts.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You’re very distracted, is something wrong?” she asked in Spanish.

  “Just work. I’m sorry.” He was sorry for thinking about another woman while he was dating her. He brushed his lips against her cheek. “Let’s go.”

  Diego’s lungs burned as he completed the second lap around Albert Park Lake. Over ten kilometres of hard running and he was still wired and anxious.

  Beads of sweat ran down his face in rivulets. He tugged his top, exposing his belly, to wipe his face dry. A nearby jogger wolf-whistled, then laughed as he ran by. He caught the man’s smug look and Diego had an uncontrollable urge to punch him. What was the matter with him? He couldn’t take a joke?

  Day and night, thoughts swirled around his brain. This afternoon, unable to work, he’d barked at his PA, Emily, to cancel his afternoon meetings. He’d changed and come out to jog. A run should have cleared his head. It should have brought focus. It hadn’t. The realisation hit him hard in the solar plexus. He didn’t want to admit it, not even to himself, but he was missing Lily.