AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, so lovely to meet you, and thank you for creating this amazing place. It’s gorgeous,” Adrienne replies.
“Hey, are you at all related to the Blanc wineries on the West Coast?” I ask, and she instantly lights up.
“I am, yes. That’s my family’s winery business. I’m working on expanding us from California and the Pacific Northwest. This is kind of my launching pad. I decided a small tasting room would be a great way to get a feel for the market here before really diving in and expanding.”
“That’s so great to hear. We’re actually—well, those two are Slades, as in Slade Brewery,” I say, pointing to Adrienne and Milly, who both smile, “and I’m the director of social media at Slade Brewing International.”
“What a small world!”
We invite her to take a seat with us for a moment, and she fills us in on how her family got started in the wine business and how they still have their original family winery back in France. She’s extremely knowledgeable and tells us all about the different offerings on the menu and how they pair best.
I glance at the clock. We’ve been here for a few hours already, and while I’m having a good time, I haven’t had a chance to pick the ladies’ brains about something that’s been weighing heavily on my mind.
Amelia tells us to enjoy the rest of our night and excuses herself to greet other patrons.
“You okay, Brook? You’ve barely touched your wine,” Dolly says, motioning toward my still-full glass.
“Yeah, I just have such a headache today. I haven’t been sleeping great. I think I’m stressed and probably overworking myself. But I wanted to ask you three something.”
All of them turn their heads turn toward me like they’re on a swivel.
“When we were going to my parents’ for Christmas, Tyler showed me his family ring. He had it with him and said he was going to ask my dad for my hand.”
“Oh my God!” Adrienne claps. “How did you not tell us this?”
I smile. “Well here’s the thing . . . that was three months ago now, and he still hasn’t proposed. And I know,” I say, holding up my finger, “that my dad gave his blessing, because Tyler, my brother Silas, and my dad are all besties now that they’re in this group chat.” I roll my eyes. “I hear Tyler laughing all the time looking at his phone, and when I ask what he’s laughing at, he’ll show me some football meme or whatever that Silas or my dad sent him.”
“Aww, that’s adorable, though,” Dolly says with a smile.
“I know. Honestly, it makes me incredibly happy that they’re so close, but where’s the damn ring already?”
“Maybe he’s planning something really specific, ya know? Like he’s waiting until it’s warmer out or a specific date or event?” Milly asks.
“Maybe,” I say, trying to think if we have anything on the horizon, but I can’t come up with anything. “I dunno. I’m sure it’s nothing; I’m just impatient is all.”
We thank Amelia again before heading out, and I give her my card so we can get in contact about possibly doing some cross-promotion someday.
As she drops me off at home, Dolly grabs my cheeks in her hands and gives me a tipsy pep talk. “Remember, you’re a boss-ass bitch, and you are going to march in that house, put on some sexy-ass lingerie, climb that man like a tree, and tell him that he better propose or else!”
I giggle. “Thank you, Dolly. I’m going to do just that. Good night, ladies. Thanks so much for today. I needed it!”
I head into the house and most of the lights are already out. It’s just past 9 p.m., but I figure I know where Tyler will be. I walk to the back porch, and sure enough, he has a fire going and a glass of whiskey in one hand, his feet kicked up on an ottoman.
He doesn’t seem to hear me come in, so I quickly tiptoe upstairs to our bedroom to change into something sexy. I root around in my drawer and find what I’m looking for: a red lace teddy. I strip quickly and shimmy myself into the lingerie.
“Dammit,” I suck in as I pull it over my hips and up my torso, “guess I need to start working out again.” I hold my breath as I zip it up and give myself a once-over in the mirror. It’s tight—tighter than usual—but it doesn’t look bad. Just makes my tits look like they’re about spill out of the top, but he’ll love that. I grab my matching red silk robe and make my way back downstairs to Tyler.
“Hey, baby—oh, fuck, hi,” he says as I walk around his chair and climb right into his lap to straddle him. “Someone come home horny again?” He runs his hands up my thighs to my waist and then straight to my breasts as his mouth trails hot kisses over my bare skin.
I run my hands over his chest and then into his hair. I tug it so his head falls back and I can kiss him. Within a few minutes, Tyler is already trying to take control, but I don’t let him.
“No,” I say, removing his hands from my wrists and placing them back on my waist. “I’m in control tonight.”
His eyes darken. “Is that right?”
“Mm-hmm, and I’ve been doing some thinking,” I keep my brave face on, “I’m going to call some shots around here.”
He gives me a wicked grin. “And what kind of shots are you going to call, darlin’?”
