Page 21 of Boyfriend Material
“Yup, tons better, actually. They didn’t harp on med school, or babies. Georgie wasn’t kidding when he said that about my mom. I’m sure they’ve heard worse, too. Trust me, going to the winery will be much better than hanging out here with nothing to do.”
Theo didn’t like it. He hated leaving her to the wolves, because that’s what it felt like to him. That they were a rabidpack preying on the weakest link. What they didn’t understand is Livie was far from weak, or she would have caved years ago and given up on her dream. He wasn’t sure if Livie realized how strong she was, either.
“Okay, but if it gets bad text me, and I’ll make your father bring us back.” He needed to touch her, to reassure himself she’d be okay.
He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. She looked up in surprise, and a strand of hair fell across her cheek. He tucked it behind her ear, then cupped her cheek so she couldn’t turn away.
Theo leaned close, his lips almost touching hers. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, kind, and stronger than you give yourself credit for. If your mom gets to you, remember that, okay?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
He hadn’t intended to kiss her, but having her close, feeling her warm breath, he couldn’t resist. He smiled as her cheeks turned the peachy pink he loved.
“I’m going to kiss you. Say no if you don’t want me to.”
Livie’s lips parted as she sucked in a surprised breath, but she didn’t say no. It was the answer he’d hoped for and the only one he’d wanted.
He pulled her closer, and one hand slid beneath her ponytail and tilted her head. His lips slanted over hers, nibbling, before sliding his tongue inside her mouth to caress hers. She tasted like coffee and maple syrup, and her jasmine scent enveloped him.
She moaned into his mouth as he deepened the kiss. tasting all of her, breathing her deep. Livie’s hands slid up his chest and over his shoulders. He never wanted to let her go, but he had to.
They pulled apart and tried to catch their breath. Livie’s cornflower blue eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed, and her lipswere swollen from his kisses. She’d never looked more lovely—perfection.
“Are you going to help me or not?” Helen’s shrill voice fractured their tender moment.
“Yes, Mom. Sorry.” Livie rolled her eyes. “She won’t stop until I get in there. My list will be long since I won’t have kids to watch.”
“Try not to let her run all over you, baby. You deserve so much better. Oh, and make sure we’re sitting next to each for dinner. If not, I’ll be updating the seating arrangements.”
Livie laughed. “Yes, sir. You’ll be right next to me where you belong.” Her eyes widened when she realized what she’d said.
He chuckled. He wanted her to claim him and not just for the weekend. “Wish me luck with your father and brother. It’s going to take a lot of restraint not to deck him if he starts any shit.”
“Don’t hold off on my account. Actually, no, please don’t hit him. It would make everything worse. It would be nice to see him get what he deserves.”
“Livie!” Helen called from the kitchen.
“Damn. Go. I’ll see you later. Try to have fun.” She picked up the stack of dishes and hurried off to the kitchen.
Theo sighed and wondered what the senior and junior George had in store for him. At least there’d be wine. He never promised not to come back tipsy.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Theo
John didn’t even try to hide his resentment at being left behind, but neither of the Georges seemed to care. Theo doubted he’d help much with his daughters. He didn’t look like the hands-on type. Betsy dealt with them at breakfast while he puffed out his chest and explained he’d been revamping the social media for the winery.
The three men climbed into Geo’s Range Rover. George climbed into the back, leaving Theo to ride shotgun with Livie’s brother.
Tension permeated the air in the SUV. Theo waited for one of them to continue the interrogation Helen had started at breakfast, but they remained silent. It was odd. The more Theo was around these people, the less he liked them, and they didn’t seem to like each other. Maybe they were all miserable. It wouldn’t surprise him with Helen running the family.
“Livie told me that her great-grandparents started the winery. She works there every summer, right?”
“That’s right,” George said from the back seat. “Each of the kids started as soon as they were old enough to work with the grapes. We kept them away from the wine until they were older, though. It’s how we all learn the business—from tending the vines, to bottling the wine.”
“What type of grapes do you grow?” Theo asked. He was far from a wine connoisseur, but he knew enough to be dangerous, as his mom always said.
“We grow several varieties of muscadine grapes,” Geo said.
