“Well, that’s a great attitude.” His stomach grumbled, and they both laughed. “How about I make some dinner, and you’ll tell me all about that dream trip?”
“Perfect.”
As her dad headed into the kitchen, he called out, “There’s a box for you. Since when did you know Adam Winslow?”
Damn her heart for racing at the mention of his name. Her love for him was one thing that had only grown stronger during her last week of vacation. While she appreciated being alone, and knew she needed it, she found herself wishing Adam was there just as often.
“We met on the road. What did he leave for me?”
“Dunno. I don’t make it a habit of opening my daughter’s mail.” He winked.
She picked up the box, sat down on the couch, and opened the lid. A brand-new iPhone lay inside. She rolled her eyes and smiled. A bit of an upgrade from her old phone that now rested at the bottom of the ocean.
A note was stuck to the top of the phone.
I owe you a phone. My number is already in it. Send me a message when you get home.
As she typed the first text ever on her new phone, butterflies multiplied in her stomach. Once she was ready to send it, her finger hovered over the button for what seemed like minutes until she had the courage. She knew how she felt about him, but she wasn’t sure how he felt about her now. Sure he’d acted totally in love while they were on the trip, but vacation romances sometimes came with rose colored glasses and she was nervous he wouldn’t want her now.
Thanks for the phone. You didn’t have to do that. Also, I’m not keeping the car. That’s too much.
She held the phone in her hand, waiting for a reply, which was stupid. Adam was probably getting ready for the next social event. Suddenly Liz had a huge urge to download Instagram and see what Adam had been up to in the past week.
Hopefully he hadn’t been hanging out with other girls or something.
Stop that, she scolded herself. It’s not like Liz had a claim to him. He had feelings for her, sure, but he also thought she’d chosen to stay with Tanner. From his point of view, it was best for him to move on.
But Liz hoped he hadn’t.
The phone buzzed in her hand, and Liz almost dropped it. She clutched her chest and read the text.
You’re back. How was the rest of your trip?
This was good. He was interested in talking a bit. Couldn’t be in too much of a rush for some important meeting.
Or date.
Just what I needed. Though it would have been nice if you were there. At least to put up the tent and stuff.
Liz watched the little gray dots on the bottom of the screen until the next text popped up.
Ha. Glad to see I was appreciated. I’m assuming Tanner put the tent up though.
No, he went back to Honduras. I finished the trip on my own.
When will he be back?
Liz didn’t want to explain everything that had happened between them over text.
I’m not sure.
Well, I’m sorry he wasn’t able to finish the trip with you.
There were still gray dots at the bottom of the screen so she decided to wait and see what Adam would say next. Those little dots seemed to be there forever. The room was getting hotter, her heart beating faster.
Since Tanner is still gone a bit, you wanna do dinner? You can tell me about what I missed.
Liz shot her fist into the air. Maybe he hadn’t been hanging out with beautiful women this past week. Maybe she’d have the chance to say “where’s my ring?”
“You okay in here?” her dad asked with a laugh. He must have seen her reaction to Adam’s text.
Liz smiled. “Yes, everything is great. Just catching up with a friend.”
“I see,” her dad said, knowingly. He glanced down at the phone. “Wow. New phone?”
“Yeah,” Liz said. She focused back on her conversation with Adam, and this time before sending the text, she didn’t even hesitate.
I’d love to do dinner.
Tonight?
She looked over her shoulder as her dad disappeared back outside.
Can’t. Dinner with Dad. Tomorrow?
That works. I’ll pick you up at 7pm.
Liz doubted Adam would actually take her to a casual restaurant. Not the Adam Winslow.
What should I wear?
His reply was quick.
Whatever you want.
Yeah… that wasn’t helpful.
I mean casual or dressy?
Casual.
Liz stood from the couch. She had about ten minutes before the spaghetti would be ready and had no idea if she had something “casual” that would still be acceptable for hanging out in public with Adam Winslow.
She shot him a quick text back and then ran up the stairs to her room.
See you tomorrow then.
Can’t wait.
Chapter 25
The next evening, she dug through her closet, glad Adam had said casual. She had nothing dressy. She managed to find a nice pair of jeans and a blouse that would probably work. She tried them on and applied her usual lipstick. Maybe it would work. She shook her head and tore her eyes away from the mirror.
They had been thrown together on a trip along the coast. It was spontaneous, and she hadn’t put any thought into the clothes she wore or how she looked. She’d gone days without showering when he was around. Why did she care so much now?
Because they were back in the real world. Where she was a mechanic who lived in a tiny house, and he was a businessman who lived in the penthouse.
Now that they were back to reality, would they both start seeing each other differently? When she was across from him at dinner, would she even know what to say?
Liz waited outside for Adam. She didn’t want to explain stuff to her dad, at least not until she understood how things stood between her and Adam. She felt a little foolish for even considering a relationship with him.
She put Jenny’s number into the phone and messaged her.
I’m back.
Who the hell is this?
Liz laughed as she texted back.
Guess?
As she waited for a reply, she found a silly GIF of some person doing a weird dance.
Oh geez. Liz.
You got it! This is my new number.
Obviously. She sent another quick text. I’m not speaking to you. How dare you go offline.
Actually you are speaking to me. I threw my phone in the ocean. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
You’re crazy. You know that?
I know.
Fine. You can buy me dinner tonight and tell me all about your trip.
Maybe tomorrow. I have plans.
With who??????
Liz thought about whether to tell her, but then decided why not. She needed to tell someone.
Adam.
Shut up. Didn’t you spend an entire trip with him?
He left a week early. Long story.
But you’re going to dinner with him...
Yeah.
I see where I stand.
A Ferrari pulled up, and Liz rolled her eyes. Of course he’d have another sexy car. She was a little excited to tease him about it.
He’s here. Gotta go.
Come over with a bottle a wine when you are done. I want details. I don’t care if it’s six in the morning. You owe me.
I’m going to dinner, not spending the night. I’ll call you when I’m done. Though a part of her hoped to fall asleep in his arms once again. Maybe she wouldn’t see Jenny until lunch the next day.
She shoved her phone into her purse. Time seemed to slow as Adam got out of his car and walked toward her. He looked amazing in his designer jeans and nicely pressed shirt. Before Liz had time to contemplate how to greet him, Adam pulled her into a tight hug. She inhaled his cologne. Man did he smell good. Everything about him felt wonderful. She knew the minute he wrapped his arms around her that she’d made the right choice. Whether she got
the chance to actually be with Adam or not, Tanner was not the guy for her.
He let go and she backed up. “Another new car?”
“Old one. I have a few cars. Plus a Harley. I figured you’d appreciate this more than the bike though.”
“Yeah. You’re right.” She eyed the beautiful ride and dared to ask. “Can I drive?”
“Sure. You drive like a grandma anyway so…”
She clocked him on the shoulder before snatching the keys from him and sliding into the driver seat. She’d show him how a grandma could really drive.
“Where to?” she asked.
“The strip.”
They took off, and she eased the car onto the freeway.
He rested his hand on her head rest. “You look sexy behind the wheel.” Her insides buzzed. She couldn’t wait to see his face when she told him about Tanner.
“Like a sexy grandma?” she asked, giving him a cheeky grin.
“Exactly.” He laughed, and then they floated into a comfortable silence. “I probably shouldn’t say things like that to an engaged woman, though. How long did you say you have before the wedding? Two weeks?”
She opened her mouth to tell him, but she wanted to see his reaction. She couldn’t do that while she was driving.
“Yeah, about that.” The quiet became a little less comfortable. She should just come right out and say it. That her and Tanner were over.
“I have news,” Adam said before she could continue.
“Really? What?”
“I cut ties with my father’s business. For now, at least.”
Liz looked down at the beauty she was driving. “But you’re still driving this.”
He laughed. “I have my own money. It just isn’t quite as much as what my father is worth.”
She nodded. “Must be nice.”
“It is. I have the freedom to do what I want now.”
She remembered all the conversations they’d had on their trip about how he hadn’t known what that was. “Are you going to stay in Vegas?”
“I’ll maintain a residence here, but I think I’m going to buy a house on the coast as well.”
Liz smiled. “It was fun, wasn’t it?” The best month of her life, if she was being honest.
“I really am sorry I bailed. I regret that.” He took in a deep breath. “But, at the time, I had to. And I guess I figured Tanner was going to stick around, and as they say, three is a crowd.”
“No, I understand. I would’ve done the same thing. I’m proud of you for standing up to your dad though.” They were nearing the strip now. No matter how often she came here, she still found the lights and excitement to be mesmerizing.
“Where should I park?”
“Valet at Planet Hollywood. I thought we’d walk a little and pick a place.”
“Oh, man, I’m dying for a burger.”
“Really?”
“What, did you think I’d go for a salad?” Just thinking of ordering a $20 pile of vegetables made her laugh.
“No. We’ve just been eating camping food which included a ton of burgers. I don’t know what you eat normally.”
She parked the car and handed the keys to a very happy looking valet.
“When Tanner showed up, he told me he’d gone vegan before we went to dinner. I was so disappointed. I wanted the Irish pub.”
Adam laughed. “I ate there. It was good.”
“Don’t rub it in.”
“Really, best sausage I’ve ever had.” He smirked. “And I do know where we can find the best burgers in the world.”
Now would be a good time to tell him.
“About Tanner.”
“You don’t have to explain. I understand. Really. You guys have been together a long time. All relationships have their rough spots, and I’m glad you were able to work through it. You deserve that. A few weeks isn’t worth throwing all of it away. You changed my life and I’m glad you’re happy.”
She had second thoughts now. If he was letting go that easily, maybe he didn’t really want to be with her. They entered the casino, and the noise cut off the conversation.
Adam led her to Gordon Ramsey Burger.
“Oh, I’ve heard this is good. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.”
They were seated at a small table across from each other. It was too far away for her taste.
The waiter swooped in immediately, and they ordered their burgers. Then Adam sat back and said, “I need to ask you something.”
“Sure.”
“Are you still opening up your shop?”
“Yep. I plan to start putting things together.”
He smiled. “You’re not wasting any time, are you? I’m glad Tanner came to his senses and is letting you follow your dream.”
“Well, yes, but—”
“Would you be interested in a financial partner?”
“Maybe,” she hedged. She had enough to open up on her own, but more money always helped. But she wanted to make it her shop. It made her nervous to invite other people into the business before she’d ever started.
“I need places to invest in. Your business plan is solid. I’d like to work with you.”
“Adam, that sounds amazing, but I’m not going to be up for much negotiation in regards to how it is run, or what the business plan looks like, or anything like that.”
“I’ll be a silent investor. Whatever you think is fair. I’m just looking for a place to dump some cash and make money. You’re not going to fail.” She sat up a little taller. It made her feel good that he had so much faith in her.
With his money she could potentially open up more than one shop. She had planned on starting small, but she could grow the business even quicker with a well thought out and funded marketing plan.
“You know, I think I might like that. I need to think it through though.” She was so much closer to achieving her dreams with his help, but what if that’s all he wanted? To talk business. Had this week given him so much space that he didn’t want her anymore?
She had so much more she wanted to say to him. Like how Tanner was no longer a part of her life.
“Of course. Let’s get together on Monday and talk about plans. Then we can see how much money you need,” he said.
“Okay.” It was all so official. So different than their relationship had been when they were roasting s’mores over a campfire. It was exciting and yet kind of sad. She wanted things to be relaxed. Was it a mistake to allow him to be a business partner?
The server brought their burgers, and Liz dived in embarrassingly quick. It was so easy to forget that Adam was, in fact, Adam Winslow. She found herself searching the restaurant to see if others were staring at them or taking pictures. Had word got out that Adam was taking a break from the family business? Would a picture of her wind up on social media in an hour?
Did she really care?
Adam took a large bite of his burger, which left a small amount of ketchup on his cheek. Liz wanted to reach across the table and kiss it off, but he wiped it away. “Tell me about the rest of the trip. I want to hear what I missed.”
“Yeah, of course.” She spent the rest of the meal talking about her trip. He seemed genuinely interested, and there were only a few fleeting moments where he looked a bit sad, mostly when she said things like “You would have loved it.”
Chapter 26
After dinner, they walked down the strip and looked up at all the lights. Dinner with Snow had been everything he’d hoped for. Except that she was engaged to another man. He needed to stay her friend, but he hadn’t been prepared for the pain.
Snow put her hand on his forearm.
“Adam, I need to tell you something.”
He stopped walking and Snow faced him.
“What?”
“I’m not engaged.” She stared deep into his eyes. Her words confused him. For a flash he envisioned himself pulling her into his arms and kissing her silly, but he had to make sure he understood what she was saying.
> “What? Yes, you are. I saw you kiss him.”
She wrung her hands. “I said no. I kissed him because I felt like I owed him that. He’d waited five years for a kiss, and I did love him.”
He felt like an idiot. If he’d stuck around for another thirty minutes, he would’ve learned the truth. Why did she wait so long to tell him? Maybe she wasn’t interested in him, she just didn’t want to marry Tanner. If she’d wanted Adam, she would’ve told him right away. Even now, she seemed apprehensive to tell him anything.
Adam ran his hand through his hair. “You mean to tell me that you were never engaged in the first place?”
“Yeah.”
He continued walking. He couldn’t talk to her or even look at her. She obviously wanted to remain only friends but now that he knew she wasn’t engaged, he had trouble controlling himself.
Before he knew it, they were back at the valet. He handed the ticket to the valet. Adam drove, and they spent the drive back to her house staring out their respective windows. Adam’s mind was all over the place. He should say something, anything. But he didn’t know what this all meant. Why didn’t she tell him right away?
“Adam?”
“Just—” It came out a bit harsh. He took a deep breath and made his tone more even. “Let me think.”
“Sure.”
He turned the radio up and shut her out. He didn’t know what else to do. This rejection of hers stung worse since she didn’t have any excuse not to be with him.
He pulled up to her house. “I’ll pick you up on Monday, and we’ll deal with that business stuff.”
“Sure.”
Adam sped away from her house. He had to. The second she told him she was a free woman, he’d barely been able to control himself. Hell, even when he thought she was engaged, it was all he could do to keep his hands off of her.
He had to think about this. She hadn’t indicated she wanted anything romantic, just that they weren’t engaged. If she’d wanted more, she would’ve told him the second she returned. Right? She knew how he felt about her, but she made no move to go beyond that.
He’d almost kissed her in the middle of the strip. He’d wanted to. But she’d been very clear about what she’d loved about Tanner. The number one thing was that he never pushed her. If Adam was to pursue her, he’d need to have the same respect. That is, if she even wanted him to pursue her.
Roadtrips and Romance (Omega Mu Alpha Brothers Book 5) Page 15