Warning: This is my first angst kind of fic and it is A/U. It will be a happy one eventually and it is rated M for reasons.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Please feel free to comment, good or bad. I like the constructive criticism.

A/N: Remember live life to the fullest and never sweat the small stuff. Also, many thanks and lots of love to loyal reviewers and readers like you. Thank you all. :-)

P.S.

Remember to tip your writers and beta's. (Sorry, I really couldn't help myself…lol.)

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She spotted him from the patio, out by her father's garden; his left hand held the notebook open while his pencil moving rapidly. He has been working for her family for two years now; her family owned a vineyard close to Napa Valley. She had lusted after him almost the moment she had met him; she wouldn't dare call it love.

He was very well built. Thick curly brown hair, broad shoulders, wide chest, big hands, his legs were muscular, his voice always brought warmth and goose bumps broke out over all over her body. But his eyes, oh hell his eyes, were memorizing by themselves. So many emotions were shown in those eyes whether he knew it or not. She decided today would be the day that she received her first kiss and it would be from him. She walked quietly towards him.

He felt a pair of arms wrap around him and lips on his before he knew what was happening. His hands went to her hips as she stood in front of him. Her lips were soft and warm. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, asking for entrance to the moist cavern. She automatically responded and opened for him.

Their kiss was soft and slow. Tongues tangoed and battled for dominance. His taste was unique, so unlike what she had heard from other girls. He tasted like peppermints and one of her grandfather's cigars. He pulled her close enough to straddle his lap and that's when she felt his erection. Warmth spread through her body and she knew it was almost automatic for a man to respond this way. But it did give her a sense of pride, knowing that she was the one to create it.

A crash from the house startled the two and he drew back, as if coming to the realization of who she was and with a tad too much power, he pushed her away from him. It was too late though. Sara had felt his arms around her, the warmth his body produced, and his erection pressing against her. He stared at her for a few seconds; almost as if he couldn't believe it was her. Sara tried for a second kiss only to be rebuffed by him.

"It's you."

Sara wondered who he thought he was out here kissing.

"Sara you shouldn't just go around kissing men without being asked." His voice was cold and firm.

"I only wanted to kiss you." Sara's voice held confusion and sadness.

"Well, I don't want to kiss you."

"But Gil…"

"No, Sara. I don't want any sort of intimacy from you." His words cut her to the core as his eyes were taking in her full form from top to bottom sliced her even deeper. "You are a child. Why don't you go away and grow up."

"But, Gil..." He laughed.

"Sara, do you really think I'd be attracted to a girl like you. You're still a child and I only date ladies." She could feel her eyes begin to sting but refused to shed a tear.

"A child you say?" She scoffed and folded her arms under her breast; only to make them seem fuller. "I am eighteen now. I am a woman."

"Just go away." He waved his hand in a dismissal and turned back to his work. How rude.

"No, I deserve an answer from you." Sara knew it would only humiliate her more by staying to hear his answer. Her pride got the better and her feet refused to let her run away.

"I am a man who is looking for a woman who knows how to fulfill a man's needs, not a girl with no concept of how to be with a man. I haven't got the time to teach what should already be known." His harsh words stung, but she still stood firm staring at him.

"Sara, with time you'll mature. Learn how to act in a public setting and around the opposite sex." His voice sounded smug to her. She still stood firm, refusing to acknowledge his revolting attitude towards her. This was not the man she had grown to be fond of.

"Both your father and grandfather would string me up by my toes if I touched you. I don't want to have to marry a girl like you for heaven's sake."

"Marry me? I only wanted a kiss from you." Sara couldn't believe her ears. Why would they have to marry over a simple kiss?

"You've got your whole life ahead of you, Sara." Gil shifted uncomfortably. "You get to travel, see the sights in Italy, Rome and Spain. My life is here, finishing school, working at your family's vineyard and settling down with a woman." He raked his hand through his curly hair. "This isn't a good idea being seen together alone under any circumstances."

"Are you sure that's all it is? Or could it possibly be that I'm nothing like your Miss Kessler?" Sara could no longer keep the bitterness or hurt out of her voice. "She is only a year older than I am, Gil."

"Perhaps in years, Sara, but physically…" Gil shut his eyes and a small smile formed on his lips by the image of her.

Sara knew she didn't fit his image of the woman he wanted to court or marry. She could feel herself grow hot with embarrassment but still refused to move. He opened his eyes and saw her cheeks were already stained with red.

"Sara," He controlled his voice, "You have an opportunity of a life time. Take advantage of it and see what the world has to offer. I am already spoken for, my future is here working for the vineyard. It would be impossible to gain any respect in this business if I were to court you. They would always question how I got the position. I will not have it!" He stood with his back to her. "Someday a young man will catch your eyes and you'll forget I ever existed."

Sara's tears finally fell down her cheeks and she didn't bother to wipe them.

"I don't think I'll ever forget you Gil." She turned away, so they were now back to back. "I am sorry that I ever bothered you." She took a deep breath. "Now if you'll excuse me." Sara tugged on her skirt as she tried to move away with what little dignity she had left. As luck would have it; she stepped on the hem of her skirt and fell at his feet.

Gil's strong arms reached for her, his touch burned against the skin he touched.

"Don't!" She jerked away from him and left him in the garden, not stopping until she was inside the house and safely in her room. Sara decided it would be better if she stayed locked in her room, that way she did not see him or his precious Miss Kessler before she left. How could she still lust after a man who rejected her and insulted her time and time again was a very confusing and annoying concept.

Two weeks later, she left for her adventure. She first started to learn the wine business at her family's home in Italy and met many wonderful people in her first couple weeks away.

In all the years she was away, he never left her mind. His words still stung and ate away at her. He'd dismissed her because of his ego and her looks. That's what is all boiled down to, but all in all she did need to grow up in many ways, both physically and emotionally. He'd pushed her to change her appearance and better educate herself in more ways than most women would even think about really.

Sara was determined that the lanky, scrawny teen who had left California would return more of a woman and in control of her future. She finished school in Rome and spent time enjoying her time. Soon it would be time to go home.

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Thank you all for your support and wonderful reviews. No need to worry, I will be continuing Wild Differences, but it is slow going. My mind doesn't seem to follow my train of thought and goes off on its own. (Just like Carnival). For that I am truly sorry but I will reclaim my rightful train of thought. I hope you will enjoy this story, just the same. It will be a happy one but it has its ups and downs.