By Denise Wyant
Nicca fretted all day over what to wear. Clothes were strewn haphazardly across her bed and on the floor. The only clue Channing had given her about the date was a casual dinner outdoors. When she pestered him for more information, he just smiled.
Finally, the perfect dress. “It’s about time,” Nicca muttered before allowing a wicked smile to grace her lips. The crinkly pale green sundress accentuated her full breasts and fell to just above the knee. It was a flirty yet conservative piece – perfect for a summer dinner al fresco.
The chime of the doorbell interrupted her last minute preening. She grabbed her sweater and purse, took a deep breath, and then headed down the stairs to greet her date.
Nicca opened the door to see a sexy man grinning at her. Her lips parted but no sound escaped. After a moment she remembered her manners, “Hey, how are you?” She was distracted by his white linen shirt unbuttoned just a bit too far revealing a smooth, tanned chest. Her eyes got stuck, wondering if the rest of him was as sexy.
Channing cleared his throat to bring her back to earth. Her eyes darted back to his, noting the smug expression on his face.
“I’m well, thanks. Are you all set?” Channing’s smile charmed her as his eyes glided over her body. She noticed that they lingered on her breasts longer than necessary before returning to her eyes. Now who’s the one with the smug look, huh?
“Yep. Sure am. Let me grab my keys, and we can be off.” Nicca turned to the antique armoire in her foyer and fished around in the basket for her house keys. Taking a deep breath, she tucked them into her purse. She turned back to Channing, all the while nibbling on her bottom lip. It should be illegal for a man to look that gorgeous in regular clothes. Lord, don’t let me screw this up.
Channing grabbed her hand in his, threading his fingers through hers, and led them down the front stairs to his car. Nicca froze when she caught sight of his black Shelby Mustang convertible.
“Is something wrong?” Channing shot her a concerned glance over his shoulder. “Did you forget something?”
Her free hand covered the “o” that her mouth now formed. “Is that an original Shelby?” she whispered reverently.
A deep masculine laugh left his lips. “Sure is. My friends and I restored her one summer when I was in college. I’ve always had a fascination with the early Mustangs. My dad found this one rusted out and barely running.”
“She sure is a beauty. I’ve always had a secret crush on the Shelby.” Nicca neglected to add that the favorite picture of her parents was the one taken along the Pacific Coast Highway when they were just dating. Her father had surprised her mother with the road trip, which they had taken in a borrowed red Shelby Mustang. Her father proposed to her mother at a special stop in Caramel-by-the-Sea. Nicca had never been able to imagine anything more romantic.
He opened the passenger side door for her. “Her name is Belle, and she’d be honored for you to have a seat.”
The interior was meticulous. Everything looked original and was polished to a glossy shine. She ran her hand over the dash as the throaty engine roared to life.
Channing looked over at her and winked. “Don’t let me interrupt your worship, but in case you’re curious, she’s a 1968 Cobra GT-500.”
Blushing, Nicca ducked her head. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be drooling over your car.”
A hearty laugh filled the interior of the car. Channing’s warm hand reached over and gave her knee a squeeze, sending a jolt of electricity up her leg and ending at her heart, which was now thrumming in her chest. “No worries. I’m happy that you are getting as much enjoyment out of her as I have.”
***
The drive was relaxing; Channing took every opportunity to tease Nicca. She thoroughly enjoyed the attention and managed some playful retorts of her own. The scenery along the winding back roads was gorgeous; it was nice to be away from the congestion and stagnant air of the city. Nicca shot Channing a questioning look as he slowed to turn onto a narrow, tree-lined lane. It was then she noticed the sign for Winthrop Vineyards. If the polished wood and stone sign, complete with elegant brass lettering, was any indication, this was going to be a fancy dinner.
“We’re having dinner here or just a tasting?” The curiosity was killing Nicca.
“No, we’re having dinner. One of my college friends bought the business a couple of years ago when it was failing. He’s turned it around quite nicely and has just hired a new chef. I figured we could give him an unbiased review.”
“So, what, do you know everybody?” Nicca had never met someone before who was so well-connected.
“Not really, I’ve kept in touch with a lot of my friends from school. We tend to barter and help each other out. I mediated a dispute for Evan, the owner, when he started revamping the business.”
Channing pulled the car into a parking place right up front. Nicca scanned the empty lot, wondering if they were going to have the place to themselves. Channing hurried around and opened her door, helping her out of the car. He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked to the main entrance.
“Hey, Channing! Glad you guys could make it.” A thin, dark-haired male stepped out to greet them.
“Evan, it’s good to see you again.” Channing gave Nicca a squeeze. “I’d like you to meet Nicca Morelli.”
“It’s nice to meet such a lovely lady.” Evan gave her a broad smile. “Of course, Channing always did have good taste in women.” Evan held his hand out for a fist bump, which was denied.
“Behave yourself, Evan. Don’t make me tell her about your equally good taste in men.” Channing returned Evan’s broad grin.
“Ok, ok, you win! Don’t worry, though, I’ll be sure to tell Stefan what you said.” Evan held his hands up in mock surrender. He didn’t appear to be offended by Channing’s comment. “Please come in. Your table is ready on the terrace.”
Evan held the door for the couple. He led them through a posh, open tasting room complete with slate flooring and exposed wood beams. A set of French doors led to the terrace.
“Wow, Evan, this view is excellent. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.” Nicca noted that the building sat atop a hill, allowing them to overlook the rolling fields of grapes. Tonight’s sunset was magnificent. All hues of pinks and purples were spreading across the western sky.
“Thanks, Nicca. We remodeled and added the terrace to take advantage of the views. We’ve hosted several weddings out here.” Nicca could easily visualize a bride and groom exchanging vowels on the polished stone patio, which was sheltered by the overhead arbor and surrounded by Boston ferns in ornate planters.
Channing pulled out Nicca’s chair and helped her to get situated. He slid into his own seat right next to her. Evan had set the round table so that they could be close to each other and still enjoy the view of the stars rising as the sky darkened into deeper shades of purples and blues. Nicca enjoyed the twinkling white lights that were threaded through the arbor. This is going to be one romantic dinner!
“I’ll be right back with a bottle of our Summer White. I think you’ll find it light, but not too sweet. It should complement your meal nicely.” Evan slipped away, giving the pair a chance to indulge in each other.
Taking advantage of the moment, Channing grasped Nicca’s hand and laid it to rest on his thigh. He covered it with his hand before leaning over to press a kiss to her temple. “What do you think so far?” he murmured, his warm breath caressing her face.
“This is beautiful – more than I could have imagined.” Nicca brushed a kiss over his lips in return. “I love the intimacy and of course, the view.” Nipping his bottom lip, she continued in a husky voice, “The company’s not so bad either.”
“Huh, is that so?” Channing responded before taking her mouth in a sensuous kiss. His hand left hers and skated up her side, brushing her breast. Nicca’s gasp at the sensation had her opening, allowing his tongue to delve in and explore her mouth. She groaned as goose bumps covered her skin and as desire pooled deep inside her.
The sound of the patio door opening had them parting. “Don’t let me interrupt.” Evan teased as he filled their wine glasses. “I’ll be right back with your salads.”
“Guess we’re busted, huh?” Nicca giggled, her eyes drawn to the lust which shone in Channing’s eyes like a moth drawn to a flame.
“Nah, don’t worry about Evan.” Channing’s voice was deeper than normal as he leaned in and ran his thumb over her swollen bottom lip.
Lifting his glass, he said, “Let’s have a toast.” He paused to organize his thoughts. “To stars and sparks, music and dance, and to a beautiful woman who loves classic cars. Cheers.”
***
Nicca was so focused on Channing, their conversation, and their stolen kisses that she never noticed the jazz quartet setting up at the far end of the terrace.
Sitting back in her chair, she sighed and rested her hands on her overstuffed belly. “That was so good. Evan has himself a keeper of a chef.” Glancing at Channing she teased, “You may have to roll me out of here, though.”
“Don’t worry, I have plans for some of those calories.” His soft voice sent shivers up her spine. She could only imagine what he had in store for the rest of the evening.
The lilting notes of a trumpet caught her ear. “What the –” she looked around for the source of the sound.
“Rick Braun, right?” Channing asked Nicca.
“Oh my gosh, yes. I love his music. How did you know?” Nicca’s eyes were wide as she sat forward in her chair to get a better view of the trumpeter. The guy was young and very talented. If she hadn’t seen him, she would have guessed Rick was there in the flesh.
Channing actually looked sheepish. “I confess, I cornered Ellie and had her help me plan the date. She told me of your love of wineries and smooth jazz music.”
“You sneaky…” Nicca didn’t bother to finish the sentence as her lips took possession of Channing’s lips – a passionate kiss to express her thanks for the effort he put into making the perfect night. She hoped the kiss would more adequately convey what words couldn’t.
As he opened under her demands, she lost herself, moaning at the thought someone could care so much about making her happy. This man actually took the time to learn about her, even if it was through conspiring with Ellie. If that didn’t show his dedication to her, she didn’t know what would. Nicca nibbled and sampled, loving the taste of the wine on his tongue. She was forced to stop when she realized she needed air. Panting, she pulled away just enough to catching the matching look of desire in his eyes.
Not letting the moment fade, Channing grabbed her hand and led her out to the middle of the terrace. “Let’s dance.” The quartet struck up Kisses in the Rain as she stepped into Channing's arms.
This was definitely not the tango, but it was no less sensuous. Channing caressed her neck with the barest of his fingertips while his left hand rested at the small of her back. He pulled her closer when she started to tremble with desire. She wrapped her arms around his waist, enjoying the hard, muscular feel of his body. Her soft curves melded to him as though they were two puzzle pieces meant to fit together. Her breasts pushed against his chiseled chest. Her soft belly cradled his sizeable steel erection. She nuzzled her face closer to him, burying herself in the warmth of his scent. She didn’t know how the evening could get any better.
When the song ended, she opened her eyes and noticed a bright star rising in the western sky. He was dead-on when he toasted to stars and sparks, she mused to herself. The feelings and desire that had smoldered between them the night of the tango had caught and spread like a wildfire in the heat of a rainless summer.
Channing must have been reading her mind. As Corazon de Fuego started, Channing used a finger to lift her chin. His lips were on hers before she realized what was happening – plunging, devouring, tasting. The music and the wine took over where rational thought would normally prevail.
A throaty groan escaped Channing. “Good Lord, woman, we’ve got to stop. We’re putting on too much of a show!”
The puppy dog eyes Nicca gave Channing didn’t sway him. “I suppose I understand.” Her actions, however, were in contradiction to her words. She proceeded to devil him, skating her hands under his shirt. She nuzzled his neck placing a line of open-mouthed kisses down to his breastbone. Her hands attempted to undo the remainder of his shirt buttons.
“Bad girl.” Channing teased while stilling her hands. “Don’t make me take you over my knee.”
She couldn’t resist the comeback. “You never know, I might just like that.”
“You are terrible!” Channing laughed, his eyes twinkling like the stars now shining above them. Pressing a quick kiss to her lips, he said, “Let’s get out of here. Evan’s got more than enough ammunition to devil me with.”
His warm hand encompassed hers. As they walked through the tasting room, Channing shouted a good-bye to Evan. “If I know him, he’s lurking in the shadows.”
Evan’s laugh echoed through the empty room. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
***
What to say, what to say. Nicca was never very good with this part. They had spent the ride home in companionable silence, listening to more jazz on the radio. Do I invite him in for coffee and maybe a little somethin’ somethin’ extra?
Channing interrupted her internal debate when he leaned over and began massaging her neck. “I had a wonderful time tonight, Nicca. Thank you for the date.”
His eyes conveyed nothing but genuine enjoyment and a hint of desire. “Sit tight. I’ll be around to get your door.”
What a gentlemen! I could get spoiled very quickly, Nicca allowed herself a small smile. They walked hand-in-hand up to her front door. Channing pulled her close for what she guessed would be a dazzling good night kiss. She wasn’t disappointed. This one started gentle and slow, but quickly built to a resounding crescendo. Before either one realized what their bodies were doing, Channing wrapped Nicca around him like a flag wrapped around the flagpole on a windy day.
“Goodness, stop! If Mrs. Masterson next door sees us, she’ll have a heart attack on the spot.” Nicca pushed against Channing’s defined chest while frowning at her return to reality. Channing rested his forehead against hers as he apologized.
“I don’t know what got into me.” On a lighter note he teased, “Your body is like my own personal addiction.”
Channing didn’t step back from her body. Nicca felt the warmth radiating off of him. She couldn’t resist rubbing up against him like a cat in heat.
His lips captured hers again, not sweetly but aggressively. Nicca felt like she was being claimed. Channing was putting his stamp on her. As much as that should bother me, I like it.
“Ah, Nicca. You have the most exquisite lips.” Channing’s words were whispered. It was as though he hated to part with them.
“Would you…” Nicca hesitated. “Would you like to come in?” She crossed her fingers as she awaited his answer.
“I would love to, but I made a promise to myself that I would do this right.” His fingers stroked her cheek.
Did he really say that? No man is that perfect. Nicca couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She realized he was still speaking even though her mind had taken a brief detour.
“I look forward to finding out all there is to know about you. In time, our bodies will have the same opportunity. I’m sure.” He concluded his declaration with a playful kiss to the tip of her nose.
“Now, if you promise to be good, one more decadent kiss to make sure you won’t forget about me until next time.”
“Like that –” Her words were cut off by his invading lips and tongue.
Nicca sighed and melted into the warmth of his body and the taste of his mouth. This was the best date she ever had. She only hoped that there were many, many more to come.
- - -
Denise Wyant makes her home in Maryland with her Himalayan cat, Willow. She is a fan of caramel lattes and lazy Saturday mornings. When not crafting works of fiction, she enjoys ballroom dancing and a variety of outdoor pursuits.
