I eyed her. A week ago, I would’ve told her I lived in Charleston. My stepfather had moved to Los Angeles to be near his family. And there was no reason to stay there anymore. I’d considered moving to Atlanta or New York. But everything was in limbo right now. Still, I told her, “South Carolina.”
Her face lit up. “I love the Carolinas. We travel to the Outer Banks every year for Thanksgiving.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Maybe I’ll run into you next time I visit.”
I couldn’t resist, so I asked, “Will you have dinner with me then?”
She laughed. “You’re too much.” She stood. “I should probably go, though. Your twenty minutes are up.”
I leaned back in my chair. “Should I count it as a win that you gave me forty minutes?”
“Absolutely.” She placed her hand on top of mine. “I had a good time today. Thanks for the wine.” She started to walk away but stopped. Turning to me, she said. “If I say yes to dinner today, I’d probably cancel tomorrow.”
I grabbed a business card and set it in her palm. “I’m going to leave the ball in your court, then. Call me when you’re ready to accept the invitation.”
Her gaze fell to my lips, and I wanted to lean in and kiss her. But I waited. If this was going anywhere past the wine kiosk, she would have to make the move. “I’ll think about it.” She brushed her mouth over mine. “That’s for knocking me off my square the other night.”
I gripped her wrist. “Feel free to return the favor anytime.”
She smirked. “I’ll think about it,” she repeated. “Bye, Maddox.”
Sloane disappeared into Macy’s a few minutes later, and I knew one thing for certain. While we’d only spent a short time together, it was clear that wine tasting would never be enough for me. I wanted more.
