When he wasn’t.

But her voice was composed when she answered; she’d met more than her share of notable, handsome men. “No, of course not,” she said. “Forgive me if I gave that impression. ”

Her restraint was palpable. “Not a problem.” He smiled. “Tell me about your wines. Chaz says they’re excellent.” Something beyond his male predatory instincts made him want to put her at ease.

He didn’t know why it mattered that he see her smile.

He knew less why he was making the effort.

Maybe he was overtired and not thinking straight after leaving L.A. at five that morning. Or maybe he was in a good mood about his new restaurant and wanted company. Bottom line though-libido or not-there wasn’t a man alive who wouldn’t be interested in meeting darling Livvi’s criteria-picky or not.

She was one gorgeous woman and not in a beautiful blonde from Hollywood or Vegas way. She exuded a fresh wholesomeness, like say-she worked in a sunny vineyard. Her skin glowed, her eyes were a clear aquamarine, her pale hair was bleached by the sun, and that hint of cleavage just barely visible above the scooped neck of her dress was- let’s face it-damned enticing.

“Care to give me a taste?” Understanding her startled look required further explanation on his part, he gestured at the case of wine on the counter.

Had he known her startled look had to do with something else entirely-something warm and tingly revving up in her pleasure centers, something wholly sexual-he would have been gratified.

It must have been too long between men, Liv thought, trying to remember when last she’d had sex, when she’d last felt that delicious jolt of desire.

Shit. Not that long ago.

So much for abstinence as an excuse.

But regardless, it felt like it must have been too long, she decided as a lustful heat shimmered through her body and settled between her legs as her body opened in welcome. Like wow-she’d never felt the urge to jump a guy on first sight before.