“Tonight I am,” I say and realize that’s exactly how being with Winnie makes me feel.
* * *
I forgotto close the blinds, so I wake up early. As my eyes flutter open, I remember all of the events of last night. I must’ve slept like a rock next to the gorgeous blonde I brought home last night, but I broke a cardinal rule. I normally don’t let women sleepover. When I roll over, expecting to find a dozing Winnie, she’s nowhere to be found.
I stumble into the kitchen, rubbing my eyes. On the counter, I find a note:
Dear Jase,
Last night was fun and exactly what I needed.
See you around, maybe.
XoXo,
Winnie
I runmy hand through my hair, slightly embarrassed that I’ve been ghosted by the biggest princess in town.
Chapter Five
Winnie
I makea break for it at dawn. As soon as I hear Jase’s subtle, rhythmic snores, I grab my clothes and scoot. Outside I call a car, which takes fifteen minutes to arrive, in which time I text Abbie to make sure she got home okay—she did, but she’s not happy with me for leaving her. I let out a little sigh of relief and promise to make it up to her somehow.
Once I’m home, I hop in the shower and then crawl into bed. Sleep doesn’t come easily, though. I can’t stop thinking about the way Jase made me feel last night. I’m not just talking about our all-night banging session, either. The man was surprisingly tender and sweet, a great balance to his big, burly roughness.
I press my head against my pillow and suppress the tingling sensation growing between my legs. The least I can do right now is get some beauty rest. For the first time in a long time, I feel independent. Making a decision so out of character from what’s expected of me seems to be good for my soul. Maybe I’ll do it again?
No, you will not. Jase was a one-night thing. Stay away!
I squeeze my eyes tight and will my heart to stop racing. I have a few hours before I’m supposed to have lunch with my father. With a deep breath, I make myself relax so I can get a little bit of sleep.
When I wake up a few hours later, I’m pushing it for time. Thank God I already showered. I tie my hair into a low ponytail and throw on my oversized, plaid blazer and my nicest pair of dark jeans with my favorite patent leather loafers. Thunder Mountain Country Club is only a few miles away, so I’m able to arrive right on time—which according to my father, is fifteen minutes late.
“Hello, father,” I say and allow him to kiss my cheek.
“Jeans, Winifred?” He scoffs, and I suppress an eye roll as we both sit. I grab the menu and quickly decide on a salmon salad. The quicker we order, the quicker the lunch ends. “You seem flushed. Are you alright?”
“Me?” A vivid flash of last night crashes into my brain. Jase’s sculpted body on top of me, pumping away until my insides quake and shiver. “I just took a hot shower,” I lie.
“Good, you’ll need your wits about you this afternoon.” My father picks up his menu, and for the first time I notice the table is set for three.
“Is someone joining us?”
The words are barely out of my mouth when we’re interrupted by another male voice. “Hello, Mr. Fairmont.” My eyes trail upward to find a skinny, blonde man with a receding hairline. His beady eyes meet mine, and instantly I know I’m fucked.
“Cane, my boy.” My father rises, takes his hand, and slaps him on the back. “So glad you could join us.”
“Cane Danson?” I say, unable to believe I’ve been ambushed like this. I knew this was my father’s plan, but damn the man works fast.
“You must be Winifred.” Cane’s glance sticks to my chest. I almost snap at him.My eyes are up here, buddy.
“I go by Winnie,” I say, a scowl painted on my face. Even if he were a dreamboat, I’m not into being setup by my father. The fact that he looks like a puny little possum makes it all the worse. “How old are you?”
“I turn thirty next week,” he says. “Why?”
“You look older.”