The Heart of Us (Love in Isolation 4)

His voice is deep and raspy. “You choose.”

“That one.” I point at a bottle that’s clear with liquid the color of tea.

“Nice choice. We have a Disznoko Eszencia Tokaj.” He hands me the bottle to look at, and I didn’t expect it to be so heavy.

“Originated from where?”

“Hungary, I think.” Easton uncorks it and adds some to our glasses. He swirls his around and smells it, then I follow his lead.

“Wow, this smells amazing.” I swallow it down, and I nearly gasp at how delicious it is. “Holy shit.”

He chuckles. “I know. What would you say it tastes like?”

“A hint of caramel and honey. I can’t quite place it, but it’s really good. Very rich. I can see why it’s considered a dessert wine.” I swirl the liquid in my glass, then gulp the rest down. I can feel the alcohol moving through my system, and my entire body feels like it’s on fire. Not sure if it’s Easton and the way he looks at me like I’m the most beautiful person in the world or the wine. Either way, I’m not complaining because it feels good to be with him like this without a worry in the world.

“Oh, I almost forgot…” He stands and walks to the fridge, then pulls out a tray. When he comes back, he removes the lid to a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries. “The chocolate really makes it taste different. Take a bite.”

Easton holds the strawberry in his hand for me, and I lean in, meeting his eyes as I bite down on it. Juice runs down my chin. He grabs a napkin and wipes it off as I finish chewing.

“Now take a sip,” he instructs, and I can see the fire behind his eyes. I do exactly what he says, and the flavors are explosive. I close my eyes and let out a moan, enjoying the taste of the dark chocolate mixed with the sweet undertones of the wine.

When my eyes flutter open, Easton is staring at me, the strawberry still in his hand. He swallows hard, then quickly changes the subject. “How about we open one more?”

“That would be great because right now, I want more of these two.”

He chuckles and pushes forward a bottle that looks like it came off a pirate ship. “How old is this?”

“It’s an 1812 J. S. Terrantez Madeira from Portugal,” he says. “Piper said it had a different taste, but it was good in its own way.”

“You’re telling me this bottle of wine is over two hundred years old? Is that safe to drink?”

He snorts. “You’re cute.”

“I won’t be if this wine gives me the shits,” I blurt out.

A roar of laughter escapes him. “Wine can last a long time. But if that happens, we’ll suffer together.”

Easton gives us each some, and I smell it like I did previously, then take a small sip. “Okay, that’s delicious.”

“I’m actually surprised too,” he admits. “It’s got a floral taste.”

“Yeah, it’s hard to place it. There’s something else too. Clove?”

He nods in agreement. “Yeah, and maybe apricots.”

“It’s weird but strangely good. I’ll have another one of those,” I say, plucking a strawberry from the platter. Easton rejoins me at the bar, and he turns his body toward me.

“Which was your favorite?” He lines the bottles up next to one another.

I tap my finger on my lips and reposition myself to face him. Electricity bolts through me when I meet his gaze.

“I’d say the first one. I like how light and sweet it is. It’s not too heavy like the second one or strange like the third one.”

He nods, agreeing. “Same. How much do you think it cost?”

“You said Piper bought these, right?”

“Yep.” He grabs the Riesling and nearly fills out glasses.

“Five hundred dollars?”

As he takes a sip, his eyes are glued to mine. He shakes his head. I hear the unspoken words and wonder if he’s actually reading my mind right now. Sure, the conversation is moving forward, but I can’t concentrate on anything but him.

“More?” I ask, his knees brushing against mine.

“Much, much more,” he says, snatching a strawberry.

“I have no idea. Probably a thousand.” I drink more of it, knowing it wasn’t cheap, and knowing I wouldn’t have gotten this experience any other way. I could barely afford new clothes, and simple luxuries like this weren’t ever in our budget when I was married.

“Twenty thousand,” he says and I nearly choke.

“Oh my God, Easton. We’re drinking something that cost more than the first car I bought. You’re kidding, right?”

“Nope. The second one is fifteen hundred, and the third one costs a little over thirteen grand.”

“That’s too much. I feel terrible. I don’t deserve this.”

Easton grabs my hands. “You’re worth it. Piper actually suggested we open these.”

I sigh. “Then I guess we better drink every last drop, considering we opened nearly thirty-five thousand dollars’ worth of wine.”