Page 53 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

Gia nodded. “That makes sense, but I’m sure glad you’re here in Wisconsin wine country now.”

He pulled her closer. “So am I. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Gosh, but that smile of hers was contagious.

Gia had another taster-sized sip of her red wine left. She drank it and sat forward then took his hands in hers. “Seth, I have to tell you, this week has been…well, I never thought…”

He sat forward, stroking the back of her hand softly as she went on. “I just didn’t think you’d ever feel this way about me after we had that misunderstanding. And as surprised as I was about it that night at the bonfire, I’m really glad you told me about your ex-girlfriend. I’m also really glad that you handled things the way you did with her, because it shows me how honest and trustworthy you are. Those are the things I value the most when I’m seeing someone.”

He liked that she could be so forward and honest about her needs. It showed a sense of maturity that he hadn’t seen in a woman he was dating—well, in a long time. Again, how lucky was he?

Seth gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “So do I. I want you to trust me, Gia.”

He was glad he’d kept his emotional distance from Gia until he’d broken up with Stacey. He had no regrets. And he had a clean conscience. That felt good.

“I do trust you.” Gia reached out and ran her hand along his cheek. He raised his head and she looked him in the eye. “I wouldn’t normally talk about something like this with someone I’ve only been dating for a week…” She stopped and smiled. “But since we were friends first, I feel like I know you better than, well, just a week’s worth.”

He nodded. “I know what you mean.” He did know. Even though everything felt so new and exciting between them, they also felt comfortable and familiar, like they were old friends.

“Anyway, I just want to say that, in the past, I’ve been burned by guys I’ve trusted, too many times, and I don’t ever want to get into that kind of a situation again.”

Seth nodded.

“So if anything ever comes up, I just want you to feel like you can tell me about it. Tell me everything—I can handle it. Okay?”

He gazed back at her again. “I will. And I want you to do the same for me.”

“I will.” She smiled.

“Look, Gia, I’m all in. I really want this.” He wrapped his hands around both of hers. “I really wantyou.” He meant it. He was falling hard for this woman.

“Me, too,” she said, and he knew she meant it.

* * *

A few hourslater they’d stopped for a quick bite and a walk through a few shops in a tiny coastal village north of Anderson Cove. Gia took a few pictures of them before they continued on to the second winery. One, in front of the lake, and another, standing next to a fifty-year-old ship’s anchor that had been set in stone as a memorial on the town’s square. The day felt fresh and magical, full of exploration and new experiences.

This second winery’s estate sat inland on the northwestern side of the peninsula and boasted lush grounds full of leafy trees and shade plants. Flowers provided bursts of color and a soft breeze blew, easing the humidity of the late afternoon.

Seth and Gia had sampled a few wines in the tasting room, talking and laughing, and now they strolled the property, checking out the view. His arm felt comfortable wrapped around her shoulders.

The main building was a modern take on an Italianesque design and featured a cozy restaurant with stone-fired pizza where they’d have a casual-but-romantic dinner later.

The birds chirped and the breeze blew softly. Gia stopped in front of a fountain. “Let’s take another photo here.”

Seth pulled her close and smiled as she aimed the phone at them. “That’s a great shot. Will you send it to me later?”

She nodded.

They strolled further, away from the other guests to a more private spot in front of a small pond. Gia stopped to take a look around. “This is really nice. You ought to create some sort of walking path through the orchard for your winery guests.”

“That’s a great idea.” Seth scratched the back of his head. “Right now, I mean—strolling the orchard is an option, but without any designated or obvious direction, I don’t think many guests bother to try it.” He nodded, thinking. “But it’d be easy enough to set up an actual path.”

“And the orchard’s every bit as lovely as these grounds, just with a whole different feel—the all-American farm.”

“Thanks.” He nodded. “That’s what my dad was going for with the red barn when he remodeled it—the all-American farm.” Seth smiled and looked at her. “Beautiful, smart, and full of great ideas. How did I get so lucky?”

She laughed. “Handsome, charming, talented. How didIget so lucky?”

He chuckled. “Touché.” Seth stopped and wrapped his arms around her neck. “Honestly, Gia, I can’t get enough of you.” He brushed the blonde hair from her cheek and teased her lips with his.

She kissed him back softly. This might just be the most perfect day she’d ever imagined.

The evening sky closed in as they sat across the table from each other, sharing a pizza by candlelight and making plans for the things they wanted to see and do before the summer was out. Gia was over the moon, not sure if she’d ever come down.

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