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“You might be right, but I’ve taken up enough of your time. I’m sure Hart is ready for a formal tasting and to talk numbers.”

Colin looked at me as if it had just dawned on him that I was still there. “Of course. Please follow me to the tasting room.”

I nodded and followed them to a set of stairs. I climbed after Vera and doubled over laughing when she shook her ass in my face. It was so random and unexpected that I couldn’t help myself. Colin glanced back and eyed me cautiously.

“You good, Hart?” Vera asked, as if she weren’t to blame for my current state.

“I’m sorry,” I said, catching my breath. “I’m good.”

Colin didn’t look convinced but proceeded to lead us to the tasting room. Moments later, we arrived at a brightly lit glass-walled tasting space overlooking the vineyard. A long table was already set with white linens, polished stemware, and tasting mats printed with the vineyard’s logo. Three bottles waited in the center.

“This is our trade tasting setup,” Colin said, pulling out two chairs. “We’ll go through the portfolio you’d likely feature at the restaurant.”

“That would be the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and your reserve Syrah, correct?” I asked, taking a seat after Vera sat.

“Correct, Mr. Myers,” he agreed, uncorking the first bottle. “We’ll start with the Chardonnay,” he said, pouring a small amount into each glass. “This Chardonnay underwent a native-yeast fermentation, French oak, ten months on lees.”

I lifted my glass and swirled it. Vera didn’t swirl immediately; instead, choosing to inhale it.

“What are you picking up, Miss Vera?” Colin asked.

“Pear, and maybe a little—” She paused to inhale again. “Lemon?”

Colin grinned. “You’re good.”

I tasted it, letting it sit on my tongue. “This would work with the halibut dish,” I commented.

“Excellent,” Colin remarked, pouring the next wine. “The Pinot Noir is the one your sommelier was most excited about.”

I took a sip, and I knew I had to sign on Bellamy. It was balanced and elegant, the kind of wine that made you want to build a menu around it.

“Hart, I’m thinking the duck with this,” Vera said.

I smirked and took another sip. “I couldn’t agree with you more. I’d add the mushroom risotto to match the earthiness.”

Colin poured the final wine. “This one is bold with a little smokiness and dark fruit. Thoughts?”

Vera and I looked at each other after our sample. “That’s damn good wine,” I confirmed. Vera nodded and polished off her glass.

Colin cleared his throat. “So, Mr. Myers… should we talk numbers?”

“I’ll need a moment to confer with Vera.”

“Of course.”

Colin left and closed the door behind him.

Vera fixed me with an unimpressed look. “You’re playing hard to get.”

I smiled and poured us another glass. “Always.”

“This is why you get your head busted on the ice.”

I snorted and replaced the bottle on the table before getting serious. “You were impressive today, Sugar.”

She peeked at me bashfully, then sipped her wine. I moved her braids off her shoulder and smoothed a hand down her back.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’m glad you brought me.”