A Taste of Desire

by Chloe Blake

  And she sure as hell wasn’t moving.

  * * *

  The feel of her had him reeling, and after the song was over, he grabbed her hand and brought her to the side of the bar. Even now, as she stood at his shoulder waiting for her drink, close but not touching, he could sense her, wanted her tucked in beside him. He rubbed at his beard and fidgeted against the torturous pull.

  Why was it that every time she touched him, he felt that he was going to spontaneously combust?

  A small tasting bar was set up in the corner with some promotional bottles of wine. He plucked a bottle of wine and two glasses from the display then poured them both a glass. With a steadying breath, he turned to Nicole. Her skin was shining, and she had put her hair back up in a loose bun. She stopped fanning herself and reached for her glass.

  His eyes strayed to the transparent, lacy parts of her dress when she took a sip. Taking her hand, he led them through the crowd, then up the stairs to a private lounge behind the DJ booth. Nicole made herself comfortable on the plush couch, crossing her legs in his direction. She caught him staring, but the salacious grin he gave her said he wasn’t ashamed.

  “So, this is what you were hiding,” she said, her gaze running over the crowd below. “Why? So you want to crowdfund to bid on the land, big deal.”

  “This wine,” he held up his glass, “and the batches in the cellar, are technically property of Dechamps France.”

  “I see. And the vines?”

  Destin nodded. “My father could take those, too. I’ve declassified most of the wines you see here, bottling them just a smidge too early, with no label, but he could still legally take what’s in the cask room as his. And I can’t let that happen. My investors are in as long as we can start selling within the next six months.”

  “So you can sell and rebuild at the same time.”

  “Exactly.”

  “And what does Elliot think about this plan? He has a stake in the land, too.”

  “Elliot stands to make money regardless of who owns the land, but our father’s claim to the wines will affect him indirectly. Like I said, I deliberately don’t tell him everything I’m doing, but Anton knows, so I’m sure he knows more than he should.”

  She gave him a pointed look. “Anton! That’s how you knew about my appointments.” Destin smiled, glad she seemed more surprised than angry. “Oh, my God, I thought he was helping me.” She frowned. “That’s not cool.”

  “Maybe you’ve noticed, but Anton and my brother spend a lot of time together.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I have noticed that, actually. When one was in the room, so was the other. And Elliot seemed to have a lot of ‘business meetings’ at the hotel.” Her jaw dropped as realization dawned on her. “Oh, they’re a cute couple.”

  Destin just smiled and sipped his wine. “My brother hasn’t said a word, but it’s obvious. And I think it’s why Anton is helping me. If the land in Brazil is gone, Elliot may have to move back to France.”

  “Is that what you would do?”

  His eyes narrowed. “I’m not losing the land.”

  “Well, I’m not, either.”

  Destin raised one eyebrow. “Does that mean you’re going to tell on me?”

  “No, but I’m drawing a line in the sand. No more sabotage. If you want the land, you outbid everyone else. Deal?”

  “Is this how you treat all your clients?”

  “Only the unruly ones.”

  “Okay, Miss Parks,” he said, leaning closer to run a finger over her cheek. “You have a deal.”

  “That’s what I like to hear.” She moved her body inches from his. “But no more shop talk. This is a party. I’m not always all work, you know.”

  He feigned shock and tipped his wine down his throat. “Oh yeah?” He moved closer. “Prove it.”

  * * *

  Nicole smiled seductively against his lips just as alarm bells sounded and the music stopped. The counter was flashing a little over two hundred thousand dollars. Toni waved at Destin and beckoned him to the DJ booth. Destin leaned in and kissed Nicole full on the mouth. “I’ll be right back.”

  Nicole stood and walked to the railing for a better look. Destin took the microphone and began to speak in Portuguese. The crowd clapped and whistled, and after a few minutes they erupted into a harmonious roar.

  She clapped, too, letting pride well up in her chest. She had always known the winery wasn’t just a vanity project for Destin, but seeing the people’s support below showed her that he would, indeed, be giving something back to this community. A lot more than a casino would.

  “I don’t know what you said, but it sounded awesome,” she said when Destin returned.

  “I just thanked everyone because with their help we are closer to our goal. Just a little more time and I can move forward.”

  “What does moving forward look like?”

  “Like this.” He wrapped her in his arms and brushed a kiss over her lips.

  “Destin, after what I’ve seen here tonight, the strides you’ve made and the support you have—I need you to know that I won’t get in your way.” The statement came out before she’d even thought about it.

  He looked concerned. “What does that mean?”

  “It means,” she said, her heart racing, “I’ll quit. It will take your father a minute to find another broker, and that should give you enough time to make your bid.”

  He blinked. “You’d do that? What about your promotion?”

  She thought of the adoption agency. “Maybe it wasn’t meant to be,” she murmured.

  “No. You’re not quitting. I need you here. I’m ready to talk to my father. That’s why my friends are here. We’re getting investment paperwork ready and making the bid in a few days. I need a broker.”

  Her eyes widened. “I can’t work for your father and you at the same time. I really think I should quit—”

  He cut her off with a kiss. “Don’t do anything yet.” He stared into her eyes. “I mean it, Nicole.”

  “Okay.” She nodded, holding onto Destin. Wondering how she was going to deal with Clay and the offer she’d already forwarded to Elliot.

  The fundraising might have been over, but the party was just beginning. Wine flowed, the DJ spun hard beats and the dancing didn’t stop. She had no idea how many drinks she’d had, but when she stopped moving, the room continued to spin.

  “Nicole, are you okay?” Destin’s concerned voice was close to her ear. He hadn’t left her side since he’d spotted her dancing with Toni.

  “Um... I think I just need some water.”

  “Did you eat?”

  “A little at the hotel.”

  “Come. I’m taking you for food.”

  Leaving the warehouse happened in a blur. Someone hugged her. Destin was saying goodbye to somebody, his hand steady around hers. Where in the world were they going to get food at two in the morning? Moments later, Nicole was seated in the Jeep, thankful for the cool wind in her face. Destin’s hand was on her thigh, holding her in place.

  “You look a little green, chérie.”

  The French endearment made her smile, but her stomach quickly turned. How did she end up having so much to drink? Toni and that damn cachaça.

  They parked at the docks, and Destin helped her out of the Jeep, keeping a steady arm around her as they walked toward the beach. They walked over a little wooden walkway that descended to the sand.

  “I thought we were getting food.”

  “We are.” Destin stopped and leaned them against the wooden railing. “The pescador are out. Fishermen,” he said, giving her a quick kiss before he bent in front of her and held out his hands. “Shoes.”

  With a good grip on the railing, she lifted her right foot. He looked into her eyes and caressed her calf before slipping off her shoe.

  “This
feels familiar,” she said, lifting her other foot. “Those shoes better be intact when I get them back.”

  Destin half smiled. “I’ll guard them with my life.”

  He shucked his own shoes and socks, and rolled up his pants legs. Their shoes in his hands, he held out his elbow for her, and they walked along the darkened shore.

  Fishing boats and their tiny lights bobbed up and down on the black sea, while several fishermen were already unloading their cargo on the beach. Nicole saw a string of lights a short distance away, then noticed the beachside bar they were strung on.

  “Welcome to my favorite place.” Destin held open a skinny door for her, and she stepped in, feeling conscious of her bare feet. She didn’t need to be. Everyone in the dimly lit place was either barefoot or half naked, and most were men. “This is where the real men hang out,” Destin said with a wink.

  Fishermen, farmers and factory workers, some working overnight, some up before dawn, were all digging into plates filled with delicious-smelling food. A busty, middle-aged redhead came out from the kitchen when she saw Destin and kissed him on both cheeks. She pointed toward the back, and they slid next to each other in a corner booth. With a smile, the redhead slapped some menus and a tea light on the table.

  “Mona keeps this place open for the invisibles.”

  “Invisibles?”

  “People who are working while everyone is sleeping. Mona’s husband has been a fisherman for over forty years.”

  “You’re an invisible?”

  “I’ve been here many mornings after harvest.”

  “You’re not invisible. I see you.”

  He took her hand and ran the back of his fingers over her cheek. “I see you, too.”

  “I like this playful mood you’re in. It’s better than your angry lecture mood,” Nicole teased.

  He laughed, leaning closer. “I’m feeling...hopeful. Like anything is possible.”

  Nicole frowned, her thoughts again shifting to Clay’s offer. She had to talk to Elliot.

  “What’s going through your head?” Destin smoothed a lock of hair out of her face.

  “Um, I was just wondering what vin amante meant. It sounds French, but isn’t.”

  “It’s a mash-up. The French vin, meaning wine, and Portuguese amante, meaning lover. Wine lover.”

  “Oh.” She nodded. “It’s you.”

  “It’s us,” he breathed, placing a lingering kiss on her lips.

  Mona brought out a large plate of meats, fresh fish pieces and fried oysters. They dug in with their hands. The simple fare was grilled to perfection and accented with crisp fruits and vegetables.

  Destin ate steadily, popping bites into his mouth and feeding her the morsels he liked best. Nicole’s stomach stopped turning, and she nestled in the crook of his arm when she felt her eyelids droop.

  “Come,” Destin said into her hair. “I’ll take you to your hotel.”

  She shook her head. She was warm and fed, and Destin’s arm around her shoulders felt so good. She relaxed into him, letting her eyelids close for just a second.

  “Nicole?”

  Destin’s kiss in her hair was the last thing she remembered.

  Chapter 18

  With every step back to the Jeep, Destin felt a tug of reluctance. Their night was ending, as was their time together. Soon the land would be his, and she’d be gone.

  Nicole climbed into the front and fastened her seatbelt, resting her head against the leather seat, gazing out at the moonlit ocean. Destin jumped in and started the Jeep. Nicole stifled a yawn.

  “Back to your hotel, young lady. I think you’re done for the night.” He made a mental note to pick her car up from the lot tomorrow.

  “Mmm. It was a good night. Thank you.”

  Destin caught her gaze. Those dark eyes were glassy and a little unfocused. He cupped her cheek and kissed her gently, leaning in more at her passionate response. The clutch of her hand on his shirt brought him closer.

  He pulled back deliberately, fighting his baser instincts to kidnap her, take her back to his château and make love to her until sunrise. But she was tired and a little drunk. He didn’t want this night to be something she regretted.

  Destin started the Jeep and accelerated out into the street, smiling to himself when she shook out her hair in the breeze. He remembered the feel of her grinding against him, the sexy curve of her lower back and the full softness of her lips. They’d moved like lovers. And had they really been lovers, he would take her home and make sure she knew she was his.

  His body heated at the thought of kissing her all over. If only things were different.

  By the end of the week, he’d have the land. He could feel it. But where did that leave Nicole? To draw up paperwork and go back to New York? That sinking feeling washed over him again.

  Destin glanced at Nicole, who was fighting to keep her eyes open. What could he do to make her stay just a little longer?

  That last thought lingered as he rolled to a stop in front of the hotel.

  “Nicole,” he whispered, running the back of his finger over her cheek. Her head lolled toward him, and her eyes fluttered closed. “It’s time to get you to bed.”

  “Mmmmm...” she murmured into her shoulder.

  His gaze shifted to the lobby where a lone attendant was working. He could carry her to her room, but someone would have to let him in, which would involve a lot of explaining he wasn’t interested in doing.

  Nicole jerked awake when they parked in front of Destin’s château. She focused for a second on the house, then her lids dropped and her head relaxed again.

  “Nicole, we’re home.”

  “Okay.” She didn’t move.

  Destin came around to her side of the Jeep, unbuckled her seat belt and slid her forward so he could pick her up. She woke then, putting her hands on his shoulders and sliding out of the car. Destin held onto her waist as she found her footing.

  “Kiss me,” she said in a tiny voice.

  He smiled and did what he was told, then kept a hand on her as she navigated the short distance to the door. Quickly, Destin shoved the key into the lock and slapped on the lights as Nicole shuffled inside, kicking her shoes off in the foyer. Where was her purse?

  Leaving the door open, Destin ran back to the Jeep and found the little clutch on the floor.

  “Magnus, you’re amazing!” He heard Nicole’s squeal of delight as he entered the foyer and closed the door. He placed her purse on the counter and found her in the living room, lying facedown on the couch, her dress askew. Magnus was sniffing rapidly, probably making sure she was still alive.

  Destin hurried to the guest room and turned down the duvet, then he walked back to the couch.

  “Roll over, baby. I’m putting you to bed.”

  She didn’t move. He turned her around and lifted her in his arms, grinning as she murmured unintelligible things under her breath. Her eyes were slits, and he felt an urgency to get her comfortable. She needed to sleep.

  He carried her to the guest room and laid her down, smoothing her hair back from her face. He reached for the bedside lamp, then stopped, unable to look away from her parted lips or her body’s curves on top of the soft sheets.

  He fought the urge to crawl in beside her and pull her into his arms. Instead, he reached for the blanket and gently covered her, then clicked off the little light. Afraid she’d have a killer headache when she woke, he fetched her a glass of water and carefully placed it on the nightstand along with two aspirin.

  The door widened, and Magnus came in and sank down on the rug beside the bed.

  “No, Magnus. Let’s go,” Destin whispered.

  The dog placed his head on his paws and ignored him. Destin nudged him with his foot, but the dog didn’t move. “Magnus.” Destin sighed, speaking a little louder and softly slapping his
thigh. “Magnus.”

  “Destin?” The voice that rose from the bed was soft and sultry.

  “Sorry. It’s just Magnus and me. Go back to sleep.”

  “Come here.” She half rose from the duvet and reached for him. She caught his hand, and with surprising strength she pulled him closer—or was it that he was already moving in her direction? His eyes had yet to adjust, but he could feel her hands on his arms and then her lips on his. His resolve melted with every taste of her mouth and every stroke of her tongue.

  The duvet fell away, and her movements tugged her dress down, revealing more of her tantalizing shoulders. He needed her naked, yet he stopped himself, mentally torn between instinct and his conscience.

  Better judgment said she might still be drunk. Instinct said he should get her out of that stifling dress. Her needy moan broke his thought. She was wine and heat, woman and goddess. He couldn’t resist. But he had to.

  He placed a knee on the bed. His palms found her shoulders, and he broke off their kiss to gently push her back down to the bed. He pulled the duvet up to her chin.

  She let out a frustrated sigh, which mirrored his own feelings.

  “I want you,” she said.

  “I want you, too. But not like this.”

  “Like what? I’m not drunk.”

  “You’re not sober, either. And you can barely keep your eyes open.”

  “Then keep me awake.”

  He’d love to. “Sleep. This,” he leaned over and gave her a lingering kiss, “will still be here in the morning.”

  “But it will be different. Tomorrow is always different.” The last words trailed off into a murmur as her eyes drifted shut.

  Slowly, he slid off the bed. She was right. The saying was “seize the day,” not “seize tomorrow morning.”

  He looked at Magnus, who yawned and stretched, making himself even more comfortable. Fine. One of us might as well sleep with her.

  Destin stalked, angry and frustrated, to his bedroom. He whipped open his bay window, inviting the cool breeze, and cursed the full moon. No wonder, he thought. A full moon made people crazy. When he’d turned down Nicole just now, he’d clearly lost his mind. He shrugged out of his clothes, climbed naked into bed and stared at the glowing orb.