She looks up at me as if she feels the need to explain. “I caught Elliot having sex with another woman. I was angry. I guess I wanted to prove something to myself… that I was still attractive or whatever. I know how dumb that sounds. I don’t expect you to understand. It was reckless and completely unprofessional. It won’t happen again.”
Her words only toss lighter fluid on the situation. I’m pissed she’s labeling our night as revenge sex. We were better than that. I’m pissed she sneaked out without letting me drive her home, like some kind of cheap hooker. I’m pissed she thinks she can decide it won’t happen again.
If I want her, I’ll have her.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.” That’s as far as I’ll go. “Friday night, we scratched an itch. It’s done, and we can put it behind us now.”
“Behind us.”
“You made the point we don’t know each other very well. If we did, you’d know I’m not interested in a relationship. You’re quite safe, Miss Winthrop. I have no intention of holding it against you or expecting a repeat performance.”
Unless, perhaps, if you get on your knees and beg me…
She blinks several times, pressing her lips together, and I wonder if I’ve gone too far.
If she starts crying…
Pressure builds in my chest, but she pushes her hair behind her shoulder. “Thank you for that. I’m lucky you’re such an understanding guy.”
“I’m not a guy.” I swear to God. “I look forward to seeing your art. In the meantime, I’ve got work to do.”
With a quick turn, she stalks out the door, leaving behind the scent of creamy magnolia, mimosa, and memories.
* * *
“Now you own the place.” I’m in Fireside, one of the smallest towns in South Carolina, standing in the kitchen of a century-old, red-brick colonial house on the only main street in town. “How long has it been since we renovated it?”
“We?” Daisy cries, then winks. “Let’s see… I had just finished college, so five years?”
“I’ve lost track.”
We’re all in Oceanside to prep the ballroom and get ready for Saturday night. Joselyn is staying with her mother here in town, and Miles will join us on Saturday.
Some masochistic part of me relishes the idea of spending the next three days with her, even if it’s to work, and when Daisy said they needed help or we’d miss our deadline, I found myself agreeing to come here. Miles has been good to all of us, and I try to support him, even if I think it’s unnecessary.
Daisy crosses her arms, growing wistful. “Isn’t it funny how things come around?”
“I still don’t care for grand millennial or country.” Walking through the floral-wallpapered space, I lift a red and white checked table cloth. “I’m glad you rethought this blunder.”
“Miles said my interior design was inspired.”
“Miles thinks you’re an angel descended from design heaven, poor man.”
She laughs, as we stroll through her living room to the front door. It’s decorated in gingham pillows, large churns of dried lavender, and lace doilies. “Don’t try to fool me with that icy exterior. I’ve seen behind the curtain, Mr. Freeze.”
“Will I ever shake that nickname?” I don’t even know how it got started.
“You could try being a little nicer.”
“I value honesty above all.”
“I didn’t say be dishonest. Remember when you gave Ms. Nelly your prized Fenton art glass to complete her collection? That was very thawed of you.”
“It was a loan. You said I’d get it back when she dies.” Lifting a photo of a handsome man holding a golden-haired little girl, I pause. “Where are they?”
“Football practice.”
“Of course.” I lift my chin. Pituitary case.