“I would, but I like to date guys who are actually interested in me and not my best friend.” She threw her hands up in surrender. “Unfortunately, that narrows down my choices.”

“So selfish.” I shook my head in mock disappointment.

“I know.” She played along. “It’s a super-rude requirement of mine.”

We both laughed.

It wasn’t that there was anything really wrong with Todd. I just felt nothing for him. There was no attraction or chemistry. He was a good-looking guy, if you were into blond hair and the clean-cut type, which I wasn’t.

I cast a quick glance over toward James, who was staring at me, and my heart jumped into my throat before I looked away just as quickly. Apparently, I was into the more forbidden type with dark hair and a perfectly trimmed beard. The kind of guy who made my heart feel like it was going to break out of my chest with just a look. My inner bad girl liked guys who could ruin my life and make my parents disown me with just one kiss.

“They’re about to announce the winners,” Jeanine said.

We both focused our attention toward the stage as the mic clicked on, and the speakers crackled to life. Nerves flooded my entire body as I waited for them to read through their long-winded script and get to the good stuff.

“And the winner of this year’s Limited Production Wine is”—the announcer sucked in a long, deep breath and paused for what felt like half an hour—“La Bella with their fantastic Chianti cinnamon blend. Honorable mention goes to Russo Wines with their delicious orange-flavored cab. We hope you had a chance to try both of them this afternoon. Congratulations.”

The tiredness I’d felt only moments ago immediately disappeared as energy zipped in to replace it. A huge smile spread across my face that I couldn’t wipe away if I tried. But then again, why would I? Winning wasn’t something I took for granted or assumed would be handed to me even though it might have looked that way from the outside. I’d worked hard to create this blend, just like I had every year, but I had to admit that I was getting sort of used to coming in first place.

What would happen when the time came and I eventually lost out to someone? And what if I lost to James?

Shuddering at the thought, I shook my head, refusing to think about that sort of thing as people swarmed the booth and doled out their congratulations. I gracefully accepted them all, and when I was presented with the award-winning medal, blue ribbon, official certificate, and emblem, I found myself anxious.