Page 77 of Kiss Me Forever

“How come you didn't go into the wine business with Tate?”

"I've always liked building things, and I never shared my brother's passion for wine. I like my occasional glass, but I wouldn't go into producing it."

"And did you ever think about getting involved in your parents' company, or did they sell it before you were out of school?"

"I was young when they sold it, but I remember growing up, I had this fire inside me. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something myself and not just take care of what my family had created. Now I see that continuing a legacy and building upon it is a good thing. But my parents sold it, so we never had to make that decision. We all forged our way: my brothers, Reese, and Kimberly. We're all proud of our accomplishments."

"As you should be," I said. "I mean, your company is one of the best in the country. It’s not easy to get to that level. There’s a lot of competition. Your reputation precedes you. I wasn't even sure if I should believe it at first, but then I saw you in action and knew you earned every bit of your success."

He came closer, towering over me. "And have I lived up to it?"

"Hmm, I would say you've exceeded in more than one department. You are an excellent lover."

I chuckled. He palmed my ass, and I shimmied against his hands. The skin on my arms was getting goose bumpy. Oh yeah, ladies and gentlemen, Luke Maxwell made me putty in his hands without even trying, and I wasn't even sorry.

"So how come Travis says you’re the one with the craziest ideas? I’ve always meant to ask you."

He stepped back, looking proud. "Because I am. Declan was always focused on keeping us all in line. I made that job hard for him."

"Goodness, you’re something."

He cleared his throat, leaning against the counter and folding his arms across his chest. Oh, he looked good like this. “He had to take the role of the responsible older brother. Every family needs yin and yang, right?"

I couldn’t believe he was saying this with a straight face.

“And Sam, the brother I met the first day, is much younger than you?”

“Yes, he’s the youngest. We're all proud that he became a doctor. I'd say he's a mix between me, Tate, and Declan. Sometimes he's serious, sometimes he's up to no good. It just depends on how he's feeling. We all miss him a lot."

I found it endearing that he spoke openly about how much he missed his brother. "How long do you think he'll be gone?" I leaned my elbows on the counter, propping my chin in one palm.

"Who knows? He's evasive about it. I don’t think he’s figured it out himself."

"And your cousins, do they have plans to return soon?"

“Reese and Gran are back already. Kimberly is still in Paris. I think something’s up with her, but she won’t say what.”

We both walked to the couch and sat down. I wasn't feeling sleepy in the slightest. I wanted to stay up all night and chat.

"For now, I'm just happy Gran and Reese had a good time in London," he said.

"Your grandmother had a chance to reconnect with your uncle?”

"Yes. Not that they had a falling-out, really. They just grew apart.”

“That can happen even within family." I relaxed on the couch, touching the smooth leather, and then I curled onto one side, looking at him happily. "So, you’ve had your way with me. Then you fed me. Any other plans I should know about?"

He slipped closer, grinning. "Maybe. For now, start telling me about yourself."

I blinked, pushing myself just a bit farther up on the armrest. The leather felt cool against my skin. That was not what I'd been expecting.

"I'm an open book," I said. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything. Anything you want to tell me."

"You already know that I like waffles and good orgasms. My secret dream is to eat at Phil's Cottage. It’s one of the top restaurants in Chicago. They’re only open in the evening, and you have to book a table five years in advance or something."

“I want more. What are your plans after your internship ends?”

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