I brush the towel through my hair as I exit the bathroom, tossing it on the wooden bench at the foot of the bed. Going to my dresser, I pull out a pair of leggings and tug down an oversized sweater from the closet. After dressing, I grab up the damp towel and return to the bathroom to brush and blow dry the tangled mess atop my head.
As I enter the living room, Xander smiles from behind the large island that separates the kitchen from the rest of the space. “Hey, you,” he says, motioning to a large wicker basket. “I packed a lunch. Wanna take a ride with me into the vines?”
My feet come to a halt as I glance between him and the stuff he’s gathered together. There’s a cooler, a plaid throw, and the basket all sitting neatly on the island. I purse my lips as I walk over and pass my eyes across the items, pretending as if I’m only considering his offer based on my findings.
My eyes flash to him. “Is this a picnic?”
His grin is crooked and oh so boyish. “Maybe.”
“You should probably decide,” I say, twirling a strand of hair around my finger and looking at him from beneath my lashes. “I may or may not be in the mood for a picnic.”
“I’m gonna go with yes, then,” he snarks, leaning casually against the bar top. “Would you like to go on a picnic with me?”
“I’d love to!” I squeal as I jump at him, nearly taking us both to the ground with my glee. “Why didn’t you tell me you had plans?”
He chuckles, righting us. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“It is.” I pause, licking my lips, his clear blue eyes so close I can see the love shining in them. “An amazing surprise.”
“Damn it, Ivy,” he rasps, his fingers tightening on my waist. “Looking at me like that is going to make me ruin it before it begins.”
“Meaning?”
Our breaths are heavy between us, the air so thick with need that it’s hard to take in enough to form words. He groans instead, slamming his eyes closed to break the simmering spell between us. I find my senses and turn away, taking deep breaths to clear my head.
His husky chuckle nearly does me in, but I fight against it, him, and move to grab the throw from the bar. “Ready?” I ask, keeping my distance. It isn’t too late to get sucked back into those eyes.
“As I’ll ever be.” He also keeps his distance, making sure not to touch me as he follows me out the door.
Once we’re in the sunshine, the bright, crisp day clears my head, and I’m able to be around him without wanting to drag him back to the bedroom. He takes the lead once outside and guides us to the cart he uses to traverse the property on a regular basis.
After stacking the cooler and basket in the back, he turns to me with his hand outstretched. “Blanket.”
As I hand it over, his fingers graze mine and sparks shoot through me. His eyes jump up, and we share a secret smile. Sure, he’s taking me out to explore the property for the first time since I arrived at the vineyard, but other things are on the agenda.
The afternoon is definitely has promise.