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Get a sneak peek at Guillorys new, Napa Valley-set novel in this exclusive excerpt.
Margot let out a small sigh as they approached the door.
She was sad that the night was ending.
They hadnt talked about work as a matter of fact, they hadnt talked about wine at all.
She couldnt remember the last time shed had a conversation withanyonethat didnt touch on wine.
God, that felt great.
It wasnt that she didnt love her job she did love her job but it was all-consuming sometimes.
Most of the time.
One guy got in Margots way, and she almost stumbled as she pushed past him.
Luke put a hand on her back to steady her and then stepped in front of her.
The tourists were now halfway down the street, still complaining.
Thanks for that, she said.
He shook his head and smiled at her.
Okay, that was obviously her cue to say good night and walk home.
Just as she opened her mouth to do that, Luke looked up at the sky.
I always forget that.
You do, she said.
She looked up, too.
Can I ask you a question?
She looked at him.
She liked that look in his eyes.
Sure, she said.
He took another step closer to her.
He leaned down, his lips close to her ear.
Can I kiss you?
His voice was low, warm, clear.
He asked the question politely, but there was a rough edge to his voice.
She liked both of those things, too.
But he stopped, a hairbreadth away from her, and waited for her answer.
She turned toward him, so they were face-to-face, eye to eye.
Absolutely, she said.
His lips were on hers immediately.
His lips were soft, firm, demanding.
He kissed her exactly how she wanted it.
She wanted more than just this kiss.
She wanted it all.
Thats when she forced herself to pull away.
We cant do this here, she said.
Too many people know me around here.
He dropped his hand and took a step back.
She was gratified to see how fast he was breathing.
Okay, he said.
I got carried away.
Then he smiled slowly.
I thought you were an unusually good listener.
She stayed close to him.
You said you lived around here how close?
Im four blocks that way.
She gestured down the street.
He put his hand on her back and turned her in the opposite direction.
Im two blocks this way.
They didnt talk as they walked those two blocks.
What was there to say?
Theyd made all of the necessary small talk and more at the bar.
They werent going back to his place for more conversation they both knew that.
But the air between them almost crackled.
And God, she was aware of his body.
When they were at the bar, shed noticed a little hair peeking out from under his shirt.
She wanted to see more.
From DRUNK ON LOVE published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Copyright 2022 by Jasmine Guillory.
