Lover Boy: All American Boy

"Oh my God, I am so embarrassed," Avery blurts out as she covers her cheeks with her hands, a blush hastily broadening across her skin, causing her cheeks to match her shirt.

"Don't be embarrassed," he says with a quick laugh. Removing her hand, he leans in closer, lips next to her ear and whispers, "You weren't drooling, yet."

And then he kisses her cheek as he chuckles.

"You're a big meanie!" Avery exclaims as she jokingly slaps his arm.

"Wow, I haven't been called that since elementary school. How old are you again?"

"Hardy har har. I am twenty-four and way more mature than you. I just need to grab my bag. You can come in if you want."

"Thanks.”

Turning around, Avery walks toward the kitchen to grab her purse. He must have followed her into the kitchen because when Avery spins around, having grabbed her bag off the counter, she smacks into his muscular frame. Without hesitation, he wraps one strong hand around the end of her braid and yanks her closer.

A sincere and compassionate expression crosses his face.

"You look beautiful, Avery."

His voice sounds like velvet floating across her skin, the melody sending goose bumps in their wake.

Not waiting for a response, Logan tilts his muscular frame, bringing his lips closer to hers. Avery’s breathing becomes erratic and she closes her eyes in anticipation of his kiss.

"Avery, kiss me," he growls, his hands clenching part of her sweater at her hips, as he waits for her to reciprocate.

Her eyes fly open and he stares into her - lust and desire penetrating her all the way to the core, but also something else, something she is far too weary to comprehend.

Dropping her bag, Avery’s hands slither up his arms, slowly sliding across his shoulders, weaving into his hair. Waiting barely a second, Avery stands on her toes, bringing her closer to his mouth, and she seals her lips over his. Her tongue licks at his upper lip, begging for entrance, and he eagerly obliges.

Before long, Logan's strong arms completely wrap around her waist and lift her in the air as he straightens. Turning, he places her on the countertop next to them and tugs her to the edge, aligning their hips. Avery rocks against him twice before she hears a low groan echo around the room and she can't be sure if it came from him or herself. Suddenly Logan pulls away from her and gazes into her eyes. Avery can't help the disappointment that skitters across her face at his withdrawal.

Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear Logan assures, "If we don't stop now we won't at all and you deserve better than that."

That darn blush creeps up her chest and neck before residing on her cheeks.

"You're right."

He helps her off the counter and grabs the purse that Avery had haphazardly dropped onto the floor.

"Come on, pretty girl. Let's go have some fun."

Chapter Six

LOGAN TRULY HAD TO refrain himself from tugging Avery’s braid and hauling her away to her bedroom like he was some sort of caveman. For so many years, he forced away any feelings that were more than lust for a woman. He thought he knew that all women were conniving, sneaky, and untrustworthy. That was his gospel. But boy was he wrong; at least, he was hoping to be. Something about Avery was different; they were kindred spirits, both hurt in their pasts and in need of something more.

After helping Avery into his car, he headed east, further into the

mountain range and toward the lake. There was a wine he had picked up at the store recently and saw it was local, so he was eager to check out the winery. After viewing their website this morning, it looked like a perfect place to relax with a bite to eat and a bottle of wine.

With the sunroof open and the windows down, Logan let the warmth of the sun wash over him. He releases a contented sigh and glanced over to find Avery’s head resting against the seat, her arm draped casually along her open window. As the sun beamed down on her porcelain face and rich chocolate hair, Logan can feel his heart lurch in his chest. He’s never felt the need to fight so hard for something. To conquer an invisible enemy that lurked deep within her soul.

An urgent need to hold her overwhelms him and he removes a hand from the steering wheel and grasps her free hand tightly. She doesn’t turn her head to acknowledge his action, but she twists her fingers so that they rest between his, and a small smile dances across her lips.

The winery slowly comes into view as they creep into the valley of the mountain range. A sigh expels from Avery’s lips and he feels a sense of nervousness and excitement at bringing her here.

After parking, Logan offers Avery his hand as they walk up the steps to the large wooden and stone structure that houses the winery’s tasting room. Sneaking a glance toward the side area facing the lake, Logan sees that the band is setting up. Perfect timing. They acquire their glasses for the tasting and join a party that’s about to begin.

Avery and Logan relax into a conversation as they let the subtle taste and aroma of the wine loosen their nerves. He makes a point to bring home a few of the wines she took the most pleasure in, while also grabbing a bottle of white wine to enjoy on the terrace.