Page 15 of Snowbound with the Vineyard Owner
Alone.
I swallow hard, but the heat he left behind still simmers low, deep, coiled tight like a fuse waiting to burn.
Chapter 4
I’m left standing outside,the wind clawing at my jacket, every nerve ending still buzzing from Dominic’s words.
The door swings in the breeze behind him, wide open, daring me to step inside.
When I finally cross the threshold, the heat from the fire hits first. The scent of cedar and something darker—earth, smoke, him—wraps around me like a net.
Dominic is in the kitchen, sleeves shoved up, stacking slices of bread. He doesn’t look up right away. Doesn’t even acknowledge me.
For one breathless second, I think he might pretend nothing happened.
But then?—
His eyes lift.
And when they meet mine, the heat banked behind them is unmistakable.
There’s no apology in hisgaze. No retreat.
Just a silent question:
Are you going to run, Ms. Santiago? Or are you going to stand your ground?
I square my shoulders.
I didn’t climb a mountain in a blizzard to fall apart because a man looked at me like he was ready to devour me.
Without a word, I cross to the counter and grab a knife, helping him slice. Our hands brush once, briefly, electric—and we both pretend not to notice.
The silence between us hums, not tense exactly…but volatile.
Like a wire pulled too tight.
When we finally sit down—simple sandwiches, mugs of steaming tea—Dominic leans back in his chair, studying me.
Waiting.
Testing.
I clear my throat, the sound too loud in the charged silence.
“Thanks,” I say, a little too brightly. “For showing me the vineyard. Even buried under snow, it’s…impressive.”
His mouth twitches, like he’s fighting a smile. But he says nothing.
“And for what it’s worth,” I add, wrapping my hands around the warm mug to ground myself, “Hunter Morgan doesn’t chase mediocre wines. The fact that he’s interested says a lot.”
Still nothing. Just that steady, unblinking stare that makes my heart skitter.
Fine.
Two can play the cool, detached game.
I sit a little straighter, forcing my voice into something brisk and professional.
