Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot by Bria Marche Read Free Book Online Page B

scent of Gucci Pour Homme on his shirt, as she snuggled in close. Oh my God, I’ve died and gone to heaven. This man is going to drive me insane, I swear.
    They parked near the Beekman Arms and walked the shopping districts along East Market Street and Montgomery. Each gallery and antique store was more interesting than the one before. Lunch at the Public House was a fun experience all its own.
    Max started the conversation as they waited for their salmon burger and catfish tacos to be served. “So, Vic, other than owning Hair Brained with Tina, what’s your story? I want to know everything about you. You piqued my interest from the minute you came rushing out of Mia’s house yelling at us.” Max let out a full blown laugh, just picturing that image again.
    “I’m sorry your first impression of me was of some wack job ready to attack you both. In hindsight, it’s kind of funny, but then, I was really worried about Mia.”
    “There’s something special about you girls. You love each other and have a bond nobody will ever come between. I like that about all of you… you’re loyal. That says quite a bit about your personalities. It’s an admirable quality.”
    “Do you have a group of close friends, Max?”
    “Naw… not anymore. I used to, back in the day. I don’t ride with those types any longer. I’d much rather ride with a beautiful woman like you.”
    “Thanks, that’s a nice thing to say. As far as myself, I never really found someone that took my breath away. I’ve been perfectly content living my life as it’s been for years. I have a great group of friends, and you saw how huge my family is,” Vic chuckled. “But I’m thirty-three years old. If I am going to do anything different with my life, I guess I should start giving it some thought.”
    “I get what you’re saying. I’m kind of in the same boat. I love kids, but never had any of my own. Haven’t met the right gal. It’s not good to become too settled though. Life can pass you by, and before you know it, you’ve lost the opportunity to get married and have a family.”
    “Do you want that for yourself?”
    “Sure I do. I think I need to start spending more time around adults, of the female gender, I mean. I love the Boy Scouts and camping. It’s a great life being a wilderness guide, but not if I ever plan to have a family of my own.”
    “What would you do for a living if you weren’t a guide?”
    “I’ve always thought of opening my own hiking and camping supply store. I think it would go over well in this neck of the woods.”
    “Wow, that’s ambitious. I think it could be a great success. There’s nothing like that around us, in Tarrytown, I mean.” Vic looked at Max, her face revealing her deepest thoughts.
    “I don’t live in Tarrytown, Vic.”
    “But you could.”
    Vic and Max were connecting with no expectations other than having a wonderful day together. They talked a lot, browsed the shops and walked hand in hand. They learned a lot about each other at lunch. The day was magical and full of possibilities. The ride back to Tarrytown was fun and playful. Along the Hudson River they stopped and took in some of the sights. They walked through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery just because Max had never seen the burial site of Washington Irving.
    They arrived back in Tarrytown at six-thirty, just in time for dinner. Eating at Bottoms Up was a great way to end their perfect day. They sat outside on the patio after dinner, Max with a mug of beer, and Vic, a glass of wine.
    “Max, I want you to know how much I enjoyed today,” she said. Vic sipped Merlot as she studied Max and took in his features. He was gorgeous. She couldn’t find anything remotely wrong with him. “So what’s with all the tattoos? I really like tats, and even have a few myself, but yours don’t seem to fit your personality. I picture them on someone harder with a rougher edge. You’re thoughtful and such a gentleman.”
    Max laughed. “What? The