by K. C. Crowne
“Oh, boo,” she said, playfully slapping me on the chest. “We’ll just have to make up for it this Saturday.”
“You know we will. Want to plan on the afternoon so we can get your dress situation sorted out?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I moved in and we kissed slowly and deeply, and I felt myself being lost in it just like I always was.
She pulled away gently, smiling. “You taste like salsa.”
I grinned. One more kiss and I was off, giving her a wave over my shoulder as I got into my car, waiting for her to go inside before I took off.
Annie
Friday, the night before the big Christmas party, and I was at Apres Ski with Bethany. Mom and Dad were taking care of Parker for the night so she and I could have some fun.
The sun was setting behind the western mountains, great beams of light rising up from behind them as the sun sank. We were seated near the window, and the place was bustling. Rather than looking at the amazing view, however, I kept glancing out of the corners of my eyes.
“Come on,” Bethany said with an understanding smile. “If he was here, we would’ve seen him by now.”
I shook my head as I glanced down into my coffee, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “I’m being paranoid, but I can’t help it. After what Gia said about Andrew being here the other day, I’m not taking any chances.”
“Makes sense,” Bethany agreed after taking a long sip of her own drink, one of those Frappuccino slushy things. “But it’s not like he’s going to pop up from behind a table and surprise you.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him,” I replied snidely. “I mean, it’d be just my luck, right? I move to another city to get away from him and he shows up in my coffee shop. White Pines was supposed to be my refuge, you know?”
“And what if he did see you?” she asked. “Would it be that bad? I’m sure it’d be awkward, but you could handle it.”
“I just don’t ever want to see him again, not after what he did,” I confided. “Andrew sliced me out of his life, and that’s how we’re going to leave it. White Pines is all about starting fresh. Running into your ex is the exact opposite of that.”
“Maybe it’s better to get it out of the way, you know? Rip the Band-Aid off, not have to worry about it again.” After saying this, she popped the dome lid off the top of her drink and used the straw to scoop up some whipped cream. After eating a bit, she scooped more and stuck the straw in front of my face. I sighed before eating it off. “There,” she said with a grin. “Whipped cream makes everything better.”
I couldn’t help but grin. “It’s just so frustrating. I’ve got this great thing going with a new guy and I’m thinking about Andrew.”
“You don’t need to think about Andrew,” she advised, leaning forward. “That part of your life is done. It’s this new guy you ought to be focused on.” With that, she leaned forward, her eyes flashing with excitement. “Speaking of which…”
I smirked. “You want to hear about the date, huh?”
“Of course I want to hear about the date. You have no idea how fun this stuff is when you’re married and mommed-out. So, how did it go?”
She was asking for juicy details, but there was something else from the other night that had been more on my mind. “He told me something, actually,” I said. “Something that was kind of personal.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Is that right? What’d he say?”
“Not hesitating in the slightest to pry for details, huh?” I asked with a grin.
“As if you wouldn’t do the same in my position.” She winked.
“He told me he’s adopted,” I said.
“When did it happen?”
“When he was a baby. His Mom gave him up because the dad didn’t stick around and she couldn’t take care of him on her own.”
“Sad story,” she mused. “But he’s successful as hell now, right? Maybe it was the right call.”
“Maybe. But it got me thinking about Andrew.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because he had the whole thing with his adoptive brother. But you remember how he was about it, right?”
“Yeah – totally secretive.”
“Even when I helped him with it. And when he finally found his brother, he didn’t tell me anything about him. Like there was this part of his life that had just opened up and he wanted it all to himself.” I checked myself at hearing the words come out of my mouth. “Is that totally selfish? I mean, maybe he had a right to keep that part of his life hidden from me.”
Bethany emphatically shook her head. “No way. Maybe when he first found out and needed time to process it, sure. But he should’ve let you in. Can you imagine having family out there and not letting someone you’re in love with know about them?”
“Yeah, you’re right. He was always so…compartmentalized when it came to his life. It was like I was some separate part he accessed when he felt like it.”
“Right,” Bethany agreed. “You can’t really be in love with someone unless they know all about you, even the stuff you’re not big on sharing. Hell, especially the stuff you’re not big on sharing. Which is why it’s so cool Duncan wanted you to know about this. It’s a big part of his life, and he’s letting you in. That’s a really good sign.”
I sipped my coffee, reflecting on her words. “There’s more,” I said after taking a moment.
She arched an eyebrow. “More?”
“More. He said his brother wants to meet me.”
“Damn, he’s really getting to it, huh? Did he say when?”
I shook my head. “Nothing specific.”
“Well, that means he’s talking about you with his family. Guys don’t do that unless they’re serious. Especially guys like him – those Type A dudes.”
“So you think I can start getting excited about this?”
“Are you kidding? Of course you can start getting excited about this. You’ve got a smart, handsome guy who’s crazy about you. And as much as I’m trying to find red flags, I’m not seeing them – only green lights.”
I grinned, a thrill running through me. And as I sipped my coffee, my phone buzzed in my purse. “Sorry,” I said, digging through my purse and taking out my phone. “Might be work. God, I love saying that.”
Bethany gave me a thumbs-up as I checked the screen.
I looked up at her curious glance. “It’s him.”
“Like, him him?”
“Him him.”
“Then what are you doing? Answer it!”
“I don’t want to be rude.”
“No, I insist – be rude. Be very rude.”
“I’ll go to the bathroom – I hate it when people take calls in the middle of the coffee shop.”
Bethany made an excited squeal as I hurried off to the restroom, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. “What’s up?” I asked, leaning back against the door.
“Not much. Just seeing what you were up to.”
“Out getting coffee with my sister.”
“Having a girl’s night out?”
“Something like that.”
It was so good to hear his voice. I could listen to him talk in that deep, resonant voice for hours.
“You two have any big plans for the night?”
“First step was coffee, and now we’re planning the rest of the night.”
“Perfect. Because I’ve got an idea for you.”
“What’s that?”
“So, I know I promised to take you out for some dress-shopping tomorrow before the party, but something came up,” he said. “One of my doctors wants me to swing by his clinic and chat with him for a bit.”
“Oh, that’s no problem. I can find something on my own.”
“That’s what I’m thinking. But I still want it to be on me.”
“No, it’s totally fine. I’m working now, remember?”
“I insist. If you and your sister are looking for something to do, why don’t you head into
Denver and do some shopping? There’re some great boutiques in town, and you two can grab some dinner after.”
“Duncan, that’s too much.”
“It’s my treat. I don’t like to break promises, especially if I can’t make up for them in some way. So consider this my way of making up for it.”
Not only was Duncan generous, he was also insistent. There was no point in trying to talk him out of it. Then again, he didn’t really have to twist my arm. More that I felt a little overwhelmed by such an offer.
“OK, how about this,” I countered. “You have to let me do something nice for you.”
“You’re already doing something nice for me – you’re letting me have the most beautiful woman in Colorado on my arm.”
I blushed and giggled. “Something else, smooth-talker. Let me make dinner for you some night soon. I’m not the best chef in the world, but I can make a mean chicken parm when I want.”
“Deal. Now, my name’s pretty well-known around Denver. Just go wherever you like and tell them to bill my office. No one should give you any trouble, but if they do you have my cell.”
There was something appealing about the idea of name-dropping a man like him and having it serve as the keys to the kingdom.
“Thanks so much,” I gushed. “My sister’s crazy-busy with her family, so this’ll be just what the doctor ordered.”
“Literally.”
I laughed. “OK, pun not intended. But thanks again.”
“It’s my pleasure. Have fun, and the only rule is that you don’t even look at prices,” he insisted. “And let’s plan on me picking you up around five tomorrow. We can have a drink at my place before we head out.”
“Perfect.”
“And I wouldn’t be upset in the slightest if you sent me some pictures of some of the choices tonight. In whatever state of dress you happen to be in.” He chuckled and added, “Please.”
I grinned as a shiver of desire ran through my body. “You got it.”
We hung up and I hurried back to the table. Bethany was practically jumping off her seat with eagerness. “Well?” she asked. “What’d Dr. McStud have to say?”
“Change of plans for tonight,” I announced. “We’re going to Denver.”
“What?”
I filled her in on all the details, letting her know we were about to have a hell of a night out, courtesy of Duncan. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Are you serious?” she asked, wide-eyed. “Then what the heck are we doing still in town? Let’s go!”
After getting a to-go cup for my coffee, we were off. We left White Pines, driving into Denver and heading downtown. We stopped in one boutique after another, and it took me some major effort to internalize Duncan’s rule of not looking at price tags.
“What about this one?” I asked, holding up a so-so dress that was reasonably priced.
“Annie, it’s on him, remember? And didn’t he tell you not to think about prices?”
“I know, I know. But I can’t help it.”
“Look at it this way,” she suggested. “You’re going to a fancy party tomorrow, right? And if you’re going to show up to a party like that with a guy like Duncan, then you can’t wear any old thing. You’ve got to find something special, for his sake and reputation.”
I grinned. “OK, that makes a certain amount of sense.”
Bethany plucked the dress out of my hands and put it back, turning her attention to some of the much nicer options the boutique offered.
“These are more your speed,” she said. “Like…ooh my God.” She took a dress off the rack, a gorgeous, powder blue one with shimmering lining and a plunging neckline. “This is it,” she insisted. “This is all you.”
I spotted the tag dangling off the arm, and my first instinct was to look. Bethany quickly grabbed it before I could and gave it a quick yank, taking it off.
“You’ll never know,” she said with a sly grin. “Now, go try it on.”
She handed me the dress along with a few other choices, and one of the clerks led me to the dressing room. Once the door was shut, some naughty ideas appeared in my mind. I slipped out of my clothes until I was down to nothing but my bra and panties. Then I took my phone out of the pocket of my jeans, snapped a few shots, and sent them to Duncan.
Getting started…got a lot to pick from.
The response came moments later.
Can’t wait to see your decision-making process in action.
The next hour or so was a flurry of dresses and sexy selfies. Duncan was clearly happy about each one, if his emojis and responses were anything to judge by.
After several, I realized the powder blue dress was the clear winner.
Got my dress, I texted him. But you’re going to have to wait for tomorrow for that reveal.
Wouldn’t have it any other way.
We paid for the dress, charging it to Duncan’s account, like he asked.
“And don’t tell her the price,” Bethany said to the clerk. “It’s a treat.”
The clerk smiled and nodded in assent as she packed the gown. After that, we did a little shoe and accessory shopping. By the time we were finished, we were both starving – shopping worked up a hell of an appetite.
Duncan
I hadn’t been as excited for a night in as long as I could remember. So of course, as I finished getting ready, taking one last look at myself in my full-length mirror to make sure my tux was on-point, I received a call from Andrew.
“What’s up?” I asked, setting the phone on the nightstand and putting it on speaker, a glass of cabernet in my hand.
“Big night tonight, huh?”
“Christmas party,” I said. “The night where we all pretend we’re having fun, but deep down we’re all trying to make sure we don’t have one too many and say something we shouldn’t.”
He chuckled. “Right. And the night at least one couple gets walked in on in the supply closet.” Andrew had his own party to worry about that night.
“Did you find a date?” I asked. I hoped the answer was yes. The situation with Annie was messy enough already. Andrew had broken up with her, but if there was a chance he still had feelings, it wouldn’t be pretty when they eventually met.
“Nope. Going stag for this one. And so much the better. I’m not high enough on the totem pole to relax and enjoy myself like you. Maybe when my name’s on the side of the building, I can actually have fun at these things instead of worrying about how I come off.”
“Something to shoot for,” I said as I stood near the floor-to-ceiling window of the bedroom, watching as a few flakes of snow drifted down from the dark, cloudy sky above.
“And what about you?” he asked. “You taking that girl you’ve been dating?”
“The very same.”
“Taking her to the Christmas party,” he mused, as if processing it. “So, your coworkers get to meet her before your brother?”
“Didn’t plan it that way,” I said. “I want you guys to meet soon. Just a crazy week with the holidays and the new business plans.”
“I’m just busting your balls,” he joked, though it didn’t sound like it. “But we should meet soon. Got to make sure she’s good enough for you.”
“How about next week?” I asked. “Should be a little bit of a lull before the holidays.”
“That should work,” he said. “I’ve got some downtime, believe it or not. And I’d be happy to meet her.”
“Perfect,” I said before throwing back the rest of my glass of wine.
“And something else I wanted to ask,” he said, uneasiness in his voice. “Speaking of the subject of meeting people.”
“No.” I knew precisely what he was referring to, and I had no doubt as to the answer.
“Duncan, it’d be good for you. It’s your mother we’re talking about here.”
“I have a mother, Andrew,” I reminded him, my good mood dampening slightly. “She raised me and nurtured me my whole life. I’m not ready to
meet her. And we’re leaving it at that.”
“Fine, fine,” he said. “I’m not going to push my luck anymore tonight.”
“I should get on with the evening,” I said. “About time to pick up my date.”
When I hung up, I navigated to the conversation with Annie, flipping through the shots she’d sent me last night while she was out shopping. The photos were of her in her bra and panties in the dressing room, playful smiles on her face in every one. A few of the photos showed me a little more than just her in her underwear. It was enough to make my cock hard where I stood. My prick strained against my slacks. She’d been all I could think about, and after the simple kiss that had finished our last date, I wanted her like mad.
And I’d have her that night. No doubt in my mind.
A new message appeared as I was scrolling through the pictures of her.
Hey! Finishing up right now – I should be ready to go by the time you get here.
I was just thinking of you. I’ll leave now, should be there soon.
I slipped my phone into my pocket and checked the time on my Patek-Phillipe watch. I was ready.
As I stepped into the garage, I decided on the BMW for the evening ahead. Not the most practical choice given the weather, but it sent a little more of a message than the Land Rover.
The snow began to pick up as I drove into town toward Annie’s place. Part of me hoped a blizzard would set in, some weather that would cancel the party and give me a reason to call the night off, change our plans from a night out to just us, snowed in at my house.
But I was eager to show her off, to have her meet some of the most influential people in the city. And I was more than excited to take her to the downtown hotel I’d booked.
I pulled up to her building, getting out to greet her as usual. However, she sent me a text before I could.
Hey! Almost ready. I left the door open if you want to just come in.
The front door was open, so I stepped into her building, the floor groaning underneath me. Up the stairs her apartment door was slightly ajar, and I knocked before stepping in.