Free Heaven in Hedonism (The Sinful Series Book 3) by Emma Nichols

did as I suggested. He didn’t speak, just glanced at me from time to time. Though I was only looking at him from the corner of my eye, I could have sworn I saw a smirk on his face. Finally, we came to a stop just up a tall hill above the vineyard. He put the car in park, set the brake and opened his door to get out. Somehow, this was scarier for me than the idea of staying in the vehicle alone with him.
    “What are we doing here?” I asked, trying to hide the fear in my voice.
    All he did was point. Following his movement, I saw a water tower to the side, a rustic old fashioned wooden one. It was rather charming…and tall.
    “You didn’t answer the question,” I noted. “What the hell?”
    Laughing, he reminded me. “You said to shut up!”
    Shaking my head in frustration, I pointed out a thing or two. “Yeah, and I also told you to drive. The car is stopped. What gives?”
    Instead of responding, he stepped out of the Cooper and walked around to my side. Opening the door, he offered me a hand. When I took it, he gently helped me out, tugging me slightly at the end so that I stumbled into his arms. It was intentional and I couldn’t help but blush. Thank God for the dark.
    “You really are incredibly difficult to surprise. You ask too many questions.” He shook his head at me while making a ‘tsk’ sound. “Relax, Jolie. I’d never do anything to hurt or humiliate you.” He steered me over to the ladder. “You go up first.”
    Crossing my arms over my chest, I turned to confront him. “You trying to peek up my skirt?”
    My question must have shocked him because he started choking before he could respond. When he finally did, I was a bit humbled. “Actually, I was trying to keep you safe. I was afraid you might catch a foot on all that dress and tumble down. I planned to save you.” He looked rather proud of himself and puffed out his chest for emphasis.
    Without considering, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “How chivalrous,” I said with a sigh. “I guess that’s okay.” Without another word, I headed up the ladder. I was nearly halfway up before he had even started the climb. “Care to join me?” I called down.
    My words must have shocked him into action because he suddenly grabbed the first wrung and laughed. “Coming, not just Jolie.”
    I hated that nickname, but I let it slide at the moment. Soon, I was on the walkway surrounding the enormous barrel. By the time I had walked all the way around, he had made it to the landing. “Now what?” I asked.
    “Impatient much?” He chuckled as he considered his response. “So, I had a conversation with Ben. He told me about this place.”
    Looking about, I said, “Huh. Sin’s never mentioned it.”
    “Well, they have their own special place here. This is ours.”
    I stiffened. Why would we need a special place? He was my boss. “So now we stare off at the sky and watch for shooting stars or some crap?”
    Smiling, he said, “Close.” He felt around and must have found what he sought because I could hear the metallic sound of a latch. Mac continued around the platform and performed the same act several more times. “Now, hot shot, I need you to help me slide this off.”
    “But Ben!” I protested.
    “He’s the one who suggested it.” Then he reached above his head again to push on the huge conical lid. It gave some.
    I added my efforts and soon it had slid until it was resting against the railing on the far side of the platform. Just as I was about to ask again what we were doing, Mac started taking off his shoes, then his shirt, tie, and pants. All I could do was stare. He looked so much different than I expected. There was a lot of muscle definition there for a stuffy British computer geek. He had a nice medium build, a trim waist, and only a hint of a happy trail that disappeared below his boxer briefs. Yum. Boxer briefs.
    “Stop staring.” He teased.
    Turning away, I considered my next move. He was