Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) Read Online Free PDF

railing,
the waves rolling into the sand. “This is the best time of day to be at the
beach. When the heat is gone and the sky is so colorful. I could stay here
forever.”
    “Open invitation—as long as you want, whenever you want.”
Shivers trail her spine at the huskiness of his voice, making her turn around.
His Adam’s apple bobs up and down as he swallows hard. “Would you like a glass
of wine?”
    “Yes, please.”
    After he goes back into the house, she sits on the chaise and
takes a deep breath, inhaling the salty taste of the ocean air. Tilting her
face upward, she welcomes the delicate breeze on her skin. As luxurious as his
home is, it doesn’t bring her the same peace as being outside in the burgeoning
moonlight.
    At the creak of the French doors, she turns to him, accepting
the wine glass from his outstretched hand. “Thank you.” Her heart skips a beat
when he sits down next to her holding a small tumbler of dark brown liquid. She
takes a small sip. With a tendency to drink reds, the crisp, fruity white is an
unexpected pleasure. Kind of like this entire evening.
    “Do you like your wine?”
    “It’s wonderful. You have good taste.” Nodding toward his glass,
she wrinkles her nose. “I don’t know how you drink that stuff.”
    “Whiskey is an acquired taste. But it has a nice, calming effect
after a long day.” He clinks his glass against hers and takes a drink, his eyes
never leaving hers. Heat rises up her cheeks at his intensity, forcing her to
look away. “So, you aren’t offended I didn’t know who you were until you told
me?”
    His subtle frown greets her as she turns back to him. She can’t
let him off the hook just yet. “No, not at all. I’m just going to have to fire
my publicist. She told me if I hired her, everyone in America would know who I
am.” Pressing her lips together, she tries to maintain her poker face. But his
growing smile overwhelms her, and she can't hold back.
    “You should cut her some slack. I’m sure I’m the only one who
doesn’t know who you are. I work so much, I’m out of the loop, remember?”
    “What is your family
business, exactly? You can’t own a beautiful home like this walking dogs.”
    His deep, belly laugh is contagious, making her chuckle too.
"I’m an investor. My partners and I acquire struggling businesses with
strong potential, turn them around, and cash out when they’re successful.”
    “So, how do you have time to bake cookies if you're always
working?”
    “Ah, the infamous sweet tooth rears its ugly head.” Goose bumps
rise on her skin from him leaning closer, his arm brushing against her wrist.
“Marta, my housekeeper, made them. She's always tempting us with her goodies.”
    Her stomach gives a little lurch. Maybe she let down her guard
too soon. “Us?”
    Raising an eyebrow at her, he winks. “Some of my staff like
sweets too.”
    “Good. I was worried you might be hiding a girlfriend or wife
from me.”
    “No, I’m single. For now, anyway.”
    She should be offended by his arrogance, but can’t bring herself
to be. As much as she hates to admit it, she’s falling under his spell. Hard
and fast, if she’s honest with herself.
    “Tell me what it’s like to be a rock star. I’ve lived in L.A.
all my life and never met one before.”
    She shakes her head and holds up a finger. It’s not right for
him to think she’s more than she really is. “Not a rock star. A pop star.
There’s a difference.”
    “Which is?”
    “I don’t play an instrument or write my own music. I’m just
lucky to have been blessed with a good voice and happened to be at the right
place at the right time.”
    Her skin tingles where he strokes her finger before gently
pushing it down. “You don’t have to be modest. You wouldn’t be famous if you
didn’t have something special.”
    “Only luck. Otherwise, I’d be walking the dogs.”
    Before he can respond, his phone buzzes. Unlike at the
restaurant, he ignores it, focusing all