Page 10 of Riding with the Bad Boy

“Sure.”

I opened the passenger door and let her exit ahead of me. We walked across the parking lot, and for the first time in a long time, I was tempted to reach for someone’s hand. No, not someone. Danni’s hand. I quickly stuffed mine in my jean pockets and kept going.

I held the door open for Danni to walk through and then stepped inside. The floor was a mix of different colored stones. Some had writing on them and others didn’t. There was a neon sign on the back wall that read ‘get corked,’ which I found hilarious.

Most of the space looked more like a gift shop than a winery, not that I had been to a lot of them. They had t-shirts, magnets, shot glasses, and lots of other things you could buy. The back wall was lined with wines and beers. That part reminded me of our family winery.

“Welcome to Cork Me.” A shorter, red-haired woman with long frizzy curls that were surprisingly cute smiled at us. She had on a t-shirt that said “I’m always in the mood for a cork,” which made me chuckle. “I’m Jess. How can I help you?”

“Hi Jess.” I pulled out my cell. “I reserved a spot for the night.” I opened my app and handed it to her.

She clicked some buttons on her keyboard and then smiled up at me. “Mr. Crane?”

“Rocco is fine.” I smiled back.

“Cool name.” She winked at me.

“Thanks.” I heard a groan from behind me and looked to see Danielle standing there with her arms crossed, staring daggers at me.

Interesting.She didn’t want to be with me, but also didn’t want me talking to anyone else. Not that I wouldn’t be ready to beat the shit out of some asshole that started flirting with her in front of me. I totally would, but for all we knew, Jess wasn’t flirting at all.

“Here is a map, and I circled where you can park.” She handed me three sheets of paper. “I also included a wine list and our appetizer menu. With your app, it would be greatly appreciated if you purchase a bottle.”

“I’m sure we’ll be able to find something,” I told her.

“If you need any help.” She ran her finger down the side of my hand holding the map. Okay, so she was flirting.

“He’s fine,” Danielle spoke up.

“I’m fine,” I repeated. I worked really hard to keep my face neutral. It shouldn’t make me so happy that she was jealous.

“Alright. Well, enjoy your evening.” The disappointment was clear in her eyes.

“I’m sure we will.” I couldn’t resist putting my arm around Danni’s waist and holding her tight. “Come on, baby. Let’s check out our view.”

I led us back out the door, and as soon as we were outside, she pushed me away.

“You’re a little shit sometimes, you know that.” She picked up her pace toward the RV.

“First I was an ass and now I’m a shit.” I didn’t appreciate the name-calling. “It’s not my fault you’re jealous.”

“Really? So you just had to flirt with her right in front of me?” She stopped and turned back to face me. “What? Were you trying to show me what I’m missing? Prove that you don’t need me? Don’t want me?”

I moved faster than I had in years. My body was pressed so tightly to hers that it felt like we were taking the same breath. My face was deadly serious.

“I never said I didn’t want you.” The calm tone of my voice belied the storm that had to be swirling in my eyes. “You broke things off with me. You made the decision to walk away, and you didn’t give me a choice in the matter. Don’t get mad if it turns out that you aren’t happy about it. Cause for the record, neither am I.”

I moved around her and kept going. “And quit throwing out names just because you’re pissed. I’ve never called you anything disrespectful, and I wouldn’t dare. So don’t do it to me.” I opened the door and walked up the few steps inside.

It took a few more minutes before Danni joined me. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was so soft as she sat in the passenger seat. “You’re right. That wasn’t fair of me. I just didn’t expect to feel like this.”

“Like what?” I didn’t look over.

“Sad.” That caught my attention, and I looked at her this time.

“Sad?”

“I miss you.” She admitted.

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