Sean Powell, a wine distributor in his early forties, is having a terrible day. To top things off, his longtime friend, the sommelier at his favorite restaurant, has been replaced by a hot young sommelier with big ideas. Lucas Spencer is determined to liven up the staid and stodgy wine list, but manages to alienate the distributor during their first meeting. Can the two blend their professional frustration and personal attraction without risking their careers? —- The redhead smiled at him and held out a hand. “I don’t recognize you. You must be new.” “I am,” Lucas admitted, reaching out to shake the other man’s hand. “I haven’t even officially started. I’m just here trying to get a feel for things.” The man’s gaze flicked over him in interest. “I’m Sean Powell, with Metro Wine Distributors. Do you know if Roger is around?” “Uhh,” Lucas said, “he retired.” Sean blinked at him in shock. “He what?” “Retired. A couple weeks ago. Richard has been working with a friend in the meantime, but I just got hired as his replacement.” The other man let out a disbelieving sounding snort. “You? You have to be kidding me.” “Excuse me?” Lucas said, bristling at the man’s reaction. “You don’t look like you’d know the difference between a pinot gris and a pinot noir,” Sean scoffed. “Come on. You’re a new bartender, maybe. But I have a hard time believing they’d hire you to take Roger’s place. Lucas folded his arms across his chest and stared at him. His voice was cold. “Well they did. My name is Lucas Spencer and I’ve been hired as sommelier for Bistro Argent.” “Fucking great,” he heard Sean mutter under his breath as he dug through the leather satchel he had over his shoulder. “They hired a pretty boy who won’t know shit about wine. That’s the last thing I need to deal with today.”

Despite sizzling chemistry when they first met, Sean Powell can't quite believe that the gorgeous young sommelier at Bistro Argent wants him. Anxious about risking his job, Lucas Spencer must decide if the handsome, red-headed wine distributor is worth the risk. Balancing a professional relationship with a more personal one is tricky, but it just might be worth the effort. \—- “Look, I’m sorry about the way I acted last week. Hearing you talk about wine today … I know I was completely off base. You have a good nose for this and it’s clear you’re an accomplished sommelier. I had a shitty day and I took it out on you. You didn’t deserve it.” Lucas nodded and licked his lips. “Thank you. I’m sorry I was so out of line with the way I acted as well.” Sean raised an eyebrow at him. “If you’re referring to things getting … physical between us, I can’t say I’m sorry. Although, I don’t want you to feel awkward with Richard about it.” Lucas splashed a bit more of one of the wines in his glass, swirling it around the bowl as he stared down at it. “Obviously, on one level I enjoyed it, but acting like that isn’t me.” “And you think it’s me?” Sean laughed softly. Lucas smiled into his wine glass. “I don’t know if it’s the arguing or what, but I’ve never been like that with anyone.” “Well, I can assure you, I don’t usually get blowjobs from all of the sommeliers at the restaurants I distribute to.” “That’s good to know.” Lucas raised an eyebrow at Sean. “Although, you said not all of them but does that mean …” his voice trailed off. “I should have said none of them. Trust me, Lucas, it’s been a long time since I’ve been … involved with anyone, and never someone from work.” “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.” Lucas’ cheeks flushed faintly pink, and he rubbed at the back of his neck as he muttered under his breath. “Christ, I think I’m drunk. I wouldn’t be this frank otherwise.” “I kind of like it,” Sean said, feeling bold and then realizing it was the wine talking. “Ugh, you know, maybe I’m drunk, too.” They laughed, and Sean felt a warm sensation in his belly that had nothing at all to do with the wine.

Originally published as the "Wine Tasting Series". "Corked" is an expanded re-release with new editing and over 8,000 words of additional content! Sean Powell is having a terrible day. When he walks into Bistro Argent, ready to unwind over a glass of wine with the sommelier, he’s stunned to discover his friend has been replaced by a hot young guy with big ideas. Lucas Spencer is determined to liven up the staid and stodgy wine list, but his brash approach alienates the wine distributor during their first meeting. There’s no avoiding each other though and the more they butt heads, the hotter the tension between them gets. As they work together and their relationship progresses, they have to figure out how to blend their professional frustration and personal attraction without risking their careers. Lucas is eleven years younger than Sean, and despite their sizzling chemistry and compatibility, Sean can’t quite believe the feelings are mutual. A wine tasting trip to Traverse City, Michigan threatens their fledgling relationship. Sean’s insecurities rise to the surface as Lucas’s fears of losing Sean lead to jealousy. Does the relationship have legs or will they find out it’s corked?