Exposed: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 5)

by Violet Vaughn

  “I’d like that. You’re really into this, and it makes me proud.”

  “Proud? How so?” While I drew a lot in high school, I never expected to major in fashion design in college. I had more practical aspirations, like being a teacher. Amazing how a life-altering event can change a person.

  He shrugs. “I get to say I knew you when you were just sketching your boyfriend as he slept on your lap during bad movies.”

  I smile, remembering that wasn’t all we did while watching bad movies. We spent a lot of time trying to touch each other without taking off clothes in case my mother walked in.

  I suspect Trevor is remembering something similar when his hand covers mine. When I glance down he speaks in a low voice. “Just making sure you’re real. For a while I thought I might never see you again.”

  I lift my hand and lace my fingers through his. “I know the feeling.” His hand warms mine, and I long to have him hold me.

  “Do you think about her and wonder if she’s happy?”

  I nod as my throat tightens. “She is. The kind of people that adopt want a child so badly they treat them like gold. She’s probably got a better life than I… than we could have ever given her.”

  Trevor shakes his head and squeezes my hand a little. “That’s not true. We would have been amazing parents, I’m sure of it.”

  I smile at him but don’t share my fears. The idea that Trevor and I would have lived happily ever after with a child is a fantasy. We weren’t ready to act like adults, and in my heart I know I did the right thing by giving our child up for adoption.

  A tear slips down my check, and I let go of Trevor to wipe it away. He says, “I’m sorry. I don’t want to make you sad.”

  “No, that’s okay. I’ve had years to come to terms with this. You’ve only known for a few days. You can ask me anything.”

  “Anything?”

  “Sure.” I push my dessert away, and Trevor picks up my fork.

  “Were you scared to have a baby? I mean, the giving birth part.” He stabs the cake to get a bite.

  I nod. “My mother was awesome, though. She demanded I get all the drugs possible and she—” My voice cracks, and I stop to will the tears not to fall.

  “Did they let you hold her?”

  I remember holding my tiny girl and telling her good-bye before the nurse took her from me. I whisper, “Yeah.” Hot moisture rolls down my cheeks.

  “It was hard to give her away, wasn’t it?”

  I nod again, and Trevor’s chair scrapes against the floor as he moves to the one next to me so he can pull me against his chest. “I’m so sorry, baby. I know your mom is amazing, but I should have been there.”

  I pull away and reach for a napkin. I blow my nose gently so I don’t call attention to us. “What else do you want to know?”

  “Am I still allowed to ask anything?”

  I joke. “I’m not going to tell you how fat I got.”

  Trevor’s smile falls, and he asks, “Have you fallen in love again?”

  “What? I—” How pathetic is it that I haven’t? I can’t tell him that. “That’s not a fair question, unless you’re going to tell me.” I shake my head. “No, wait. I don’t want to know.” I huff. I think he’s teasing me again to take my mind off my pain. “Damn it, Trevor.”

  He reaches both hands across the table for mine. “I’m being serious. I asked because I haven’t. You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved.”

  “Oh.” Oh, God, what am I supposed to do with that?

  “Same for you?”

  I sigh. I suppose telling the truth is what I need to do from here on out with him. “Yeah.”

  Trevor strokes my cheek with his finger. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the other day.”

  Each time his finger moves over my skin the sensation melts my icy heart a little bit more. “You’ve been on my mind, too.”

  “Do you think we could try again? Remember how good we were, baby?”

  So many nights I lay awake, hoping for this. For Trevor to ask for me back. But now that he does, is it really what I want? “We’ve both changed. I’m not the girl you were in love with anymore.”

  He twists a loose strand of my hair around his finger and tugs me toward him gently. I place a palm against his chest, and he says, “I’m not the same guy. I like to think I’m better. Smarter. We’ll go slow.”

  I wanted this for so long. A second chance. My heart soars while my head is telling me to be careful. “I can try slow.”

  I pull away from him to break contact so I can focus instead of letting myself turn into a puddle. “It’s going to have to be slow. I’ve got a store to open in a few weeks, and I’m working all the time right now.”

  “How can I help? I don’t get many lessons now as a rookie, and things won’t pick up until Christmas break. I’m all yours, and I’ll do anything you want.”

  “I’m not sure. Let me think about it.” My mind is racing. Do I really want Trevor and Neal in the same room?

  Trevor breaks off cake with the fork and lifts it to my mouth. I let him feed me a bite, and after I swallow, he leans over and kisses me gently. His tongue darts into my mouth quickly before he pulls back. “Still sweet as ever. We’ll do it right this time, Ruby. I promise.”

  There we go again with promises. Pale blue eyes gaze at me with so much love. How can I not believe in his promises? Maybe this time, we’ll both be able to keep them.

  Chapter 14

  I get back to my apartment late in the afternoon, and guilt is heavy on my mind when I see three cars in the driveway. Music is so loud that my tiny house is practically vibrating as I approach the door.

  I open it to Garret singing at the top of his lungs as he sews. Lisa is dancing around a dress form as she pins, and I’m not sure what Elaina was doing because she’s staring at me with her mouth wide open. She breaks free from her trance and hops up to turn down the music.

  Garret’s voice continues for another word before he stops. “Hey, boss, just jamming out to keep the momentum going.”

  I grin. “I can see that. Carry on.” I walk over to the music and crank it back up. I’m one for quiet. Because I set the pace when I’m here, the music is never loud, if I remember to turn it on at all.

  I want to slap my forehead, realizing that once again the introvert wasn’t sensitive to the extroverted population around me. I guess that productivity went up a notch for them and decide I need to cater to my employees instead of myself.

  I wander over to the rack of completed clothing and grab the clipboard that has the list of items to be completed and the tally of what’s been done. I’m days ahead of schedule, and the shame of not working this afternoon fades. I decide since I can’t sew with three people on machines, I can do my best to keep them moving.

  I grab water bottles and fill them up. I clean up the scraps on the floor by each workstation and organize the cutting table. There’s nothing left for me to cut until the silks arrive, so I refill the iron with water. When I’ve neatened everything up I turn down the music to speak.

  “Does everyone like pizza?”

  I get three forms of yes, and we determine the toppings. I leave them to their noise and drive to downtown Frisco. Neal has texted me to call him, and I do so after I park outside the pizza place.

  “Ruby, thanks for calling back.”

  “Sure. What’s up?” I watch a couple walk hand in hand on the sidewalk in front of my car.

  “You ran off on me today, and I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

  Oh my gosh, he thinks I took off because of our kiss. “I’m fine. I lost track of time and was fifteen minutes late to meet an old friend. I’m sorry.”

  “No need to apologize. I was making sure I didn’t scare you off.”

  “You didn’t.” I should tell him I wanted the kiss. But it’s better I don’t, considering I’ve agreed to try again with Trevor.

  “I shouldn’t have lost control like that. You’re my business par
tner, and I won’t compromise our relationship by putting you in an awkward position again.”

  “It’s fine, really. I got carried away too. We’re good.” A family walks by, and I smile at the two boys shoving each other to see who can knock the other off the sidewalk.

  “Okay, what are you doing right now?”

  “I’m in Frisco, getting pizza for my ninja sewing team. They’re kicking butt, and I’m days ahead of schedule.”

  “All of them?”

  “Yes, why?” He knows I only have three sewing machines, and I’ve complained about how there isn’t much for me to do when they’re all working.

  “Since you can’t work, you should come have dinner at Stone Soup tonight, my treat. You’ve never been here, have you?”

  “No, but—I don’t know.”

  “All work and no play makes Ruby a dull girl. Besides, if you don’t, I’m going to think you aren’t impressed with my restaurant.”

  I flash to the music blaring when I got home and realize he’s right. “Okay, let me get food back to my employees and change my clothes. I can be there by seven.”

  “Perfect, we’ll eat together, and we can talk business. I hope you’re hungry.”

  I try to recall what I ate today. A piece of toast, coffee, and cake. “I’m starving, and rumor has it, I won’t be disappointed in what you’re offering.”

  Neal chuckles over the phone and says, “I sure hope not.”

  His sexual undertone isn’t lost on me, but I ignore it. “See you soon.”

  ***

  I arrive at Stone Soup five minutes before seven. Wearing one of the sample outfits I swiped from the rolling rack, I’m billowing material and big hair, Ruby style. I don’t possess classic beauty, and I learned long ago to embrace my unique look. I’m about flowing curls, pixie features, and textures instead of clingy clothes and sex appeal.

  In my mind I imagine I’m a bit like a fairy princess as I stroll into Stone Soup. Two guys kissed me today, and my confidence is through the roof. Garlic and spice greets me as I enter the dimly lit restaurant. The small hallway leads to a hostess stand, and Neal is behind it.

  His grin covers his face as he comes out to greet me in dress slacks, a silk shirt, and tie. I notice his clothes are tailored, and I wonder why he never used me. I guess he uses Anna, the woman I worked for when I was pregnant. He says, “Welcome.”

  He helps me remove my coat and gives me the onceover. “You’re a vision.”

  Heat rises to my cheeks, and I remember to accept the compliment. “Thank you.”

  Candles flicker on white linen tables, and I notice a gas fire burning on a far wall. Subdued conversations hum amidst the soft clash of silverware.

  “Right this way.” Neal takes me around a half wall to a table that’s tucked away. The bar is in sight, but most of the other tables are not. It’s cozy, and I imagine it’s a favorite for an intimate dinner. I might even be uncomfortable if it weren’t for the laptop that’s open on it.

  I ask, “Working dinner?”

  “This is where I hide when it’s not busy. Tonight is slow, and the wait staff can take care of seating people while I enjoy myself with you.” He pulls a chair out for me, and I sit on a cushion that is luxurious compared to what I’ve been sitting on for hours behind my sewing machine.

  Ice clinks in glasses as a waiter fills our water and asks Neal, “Ready for the wine?”

  “Yes, thank you, Scott.” Neal turns his gaze to me. “I have a dinner picked out so you can sample all the best things. I hope that’s okay.”

  “That’s wonderful. I would have asked you what to order anyway.”

  The waiter has returned and opens the bottle as he describes the wine to me. He hands me a goblet to sample the dark red liquid. While the flavor is heavy, it ends smoothly. “That’s wonderful, thank you.”

  Neal says, “We’re having elk, and it begs for this Zinfandel.”

  A basket of bread arrives, and when I open the napkin I find an array of interesting choices. I’m not sure what they are and pick the one on the top. I smear soft butter on it and say, “This place is lovely. I’m going to have to bring my mother here when she visits. This is her kind of restaurant.”

  “Your mother lives nearby? I don’t think you’ve told me about her.”

  “Yeah, she lives in Vail now, but Breck is where we came my senior year of high school.” I’m dangerously close to having to explain things, but my story is well rehearsed.

  “That’s a tough time to move. Was it hard for you to be in a new school for only one year?”

  I take a moment to finish chewing what I think is olive bread and swallow down the savory flavor. “I didn’t go. I was homeschooled and then took off to college before we had been here a year.”

  “Interesting.” Neal doesn’t ask any questions and takes a bite of bread. I guess he’s waiting for me to elaborate.

  I don’t. “Did you grow up in Breck?”

  “I did. I’m the son of two ski bums that moved to Florida a few years ago.”

  The way he adds a touch of emphasis to the word “bums” makes me think he didn’t come from financially motivated parents. “Do you have sisters and brothers?”

  “I do, one sister that lives in California with her husband and three kids. They visit for a ski vacation once a year, and I go see them for my beach time in the summer. What about you?”

  Wine sits on my tongue melding nicely with lingering olive bread before I swallow it down. “It’s just me and my mom. Has been all my life.” The urge to test Neal hits me, and I add, “I don’t know who my father is. I was the product of a teenage pregnancy.”

  His eyebrows rise up. “Impressive.” He lifts his wine goblet. “To the amazing person your mother is, because she brought up a wonderful woman.”

  Wow, I couldn’t have asked for a better response. I smile and touch my glass to his making it clink. “To my mom.” And to small surprises. Neal’s reaction just endeared him to me a little bit more.

  Chapter 15

  Neal launches into a story about his niece and nephews. As he finishes the waiter approaches us with small salads. Ruffled greens I don’t recognize are topped with caramelized onion, cheese, and pistachios, and placed before me. I grab my fork, and it hovers over the plate as I decide what I should put in my mouth first.

  Neal chuckles. “It’s kale. Put a little bit of everything on your fork and try it that way.”

  I grin at him and gather a small collection of ingredients. “Between you and Christian, you’re going to make sure I try every food known to man, aren’t you.”

  “Nope, just the good ones.”

  I roll my eyes as I take a bite. The leaves are rough in texture and stiffer than regular lettuce, but the taste isn’t bad. I probably won’t crave this any more than I crave broccoli, but the combination of salty nuts and sweet onions take over, making it more than tolerable.

  “It’s not bad. For a vegetable.”

  Neal smiles at me while he chews. When he’s swallowed, he says, “You’re going to like the elk. It’s very meat and potatoes.”

  I take another sip of my wine. It’s delicious, and I’m going to have to be careful I don’t have too much to drive home. “I’m sure I will.”

  “Where did you move here from?” Neal sets his elbow on the table to lean his chin on his hand.

  “Maine. My mother worked for Sugarloaf Mountain, and I went to the CVA, a school for competitive skiers there. I was a racer.”

  Neal’s eyes light up. “Me, too. We’ll have to ski together sometime.”

  “That would be fun.” I wink at him. “I bet you can keep up with me.”

  He snorts. “A tiny thing like you? No problem.”

  The wine is making me a little freer with my words, and I reply, “Well, you’re kind of old.”

  Neal has just taken a sip from his goblet and almost sputters. When he’s recovered he says, “I really like you when you’ve had wine.”

  “I like you
all the time. This is fun.”

  Neal’s smile fades as he gazes at me, and his tone is serious when he says, “I really like you too.”

  Uh-oh. Uncomfortable with the direction he seems to be heading, I ask, “Can I have a little more wine, please?”

  Burgundy liquid climbs the sides of my glass to fall quickly as he splashes it in. My attention is drawn to a girl who has come around the corner. Her eyes go right to our table, making it clear she’s looking for someone.

  “Neal, I thought I might find you here.”

  The girl is beautiful and working everything she’s got. Her hair is salon blond and in a smooth angle-cut bob that plays up her big brown eyes. While her dress isn’t skin tight, it leaves little to the imagination and shows off a killer figure. Green clouds my vision because this is the kind of woman who makes me feel dowdy.

  Neal places his napkin on the table and stands. “Jess, how can I help you?” He places a hand on her arm as if to steer her away, but she turns to me.

  Extending her hand she leans down, sharing her cleavage with me, and says, “I’m Jess.”

  I grasp cool fingers. “Ruby.”

  She stands and glances at Neal. “New girlfriend?”

  I decide to spare him discomfort and answer. “No, we’re business partners.”

  I can’t decide whether the look on Neal’s face is discomfort or relief as Jess slips her arm through his and says to me, “I need to steal him for a moment.”

  I wave her off and grab my wine glass. I’m not sure what my problem is, but jealousy is stripping me of all my confidence, and I take a big swallow of alcohol. And what does it matter if he’s into her, anyway? I’m not interested in a relationship with Neal.

  I notice I’m just about done with my second glass of wine and am decidedly tipsy right now. I guzzle half my glass of water and get up to go to the ladies’ room.

  When I turn the corner to return to the hallway where the bathrooms are located, I’m met with Jess pressed up against Neal with her fingers threaded through his hair. She seems to be purring something to him, and the angle at which they stand makes it so I can’t see his face. But judging by the way his arm is snaked around her waist I’m assured it’s intimate.