My Ex’s Dad is Coming to Town (Bringing Home Trouble)

2. Winter

CHAPTER 2

WINTER

Though I’d spent a fair amount of time around my ex’s dad, we’d never been alone together. Sitting next to him in the cozy booth, I realized that was probably a good thing. He’d always seemed distracted and grumpy when Ryan and I had visited his huge house in LA. Maybe I was a little under the influence of the vodka in my second martini, but tonight Cole was downright charming.

“Tell me more about this Christmas bazaar.” He lifted his glass to his lips, and I watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. Unlike his son, who needed constant reassurance, Cole oozed confidence. Was there anything sexier than a man who was sure of himself? At that moment, I couldn’t think of a single thing.

I pulled the miniature candy cane from where it hooked over the rim of my glass. “It’s a typical small-town celebration. They have a cookie decorating booth and lots of games like pin the nose on Rudolph. You grew up in a small town, too, right? ”

He nodded. “I’m surprised you remember. Broken Bend isn’t too far from where you’re headed, but I haven’t been back in a long time.”

Ryan told me how his dad had grown up in foster care. That made it even more impressive that he’d built such a huge business empire for himself. “When’s the last time you were there?”

Cole tilted his head like he had to think about it. “It’s probably been at least ten years. Mama Mae keeps trying to get me to come back, but it’s hard to find the time.”

“If it’s important to you, you’ll make the time.” The words left my mouth before I realized what I was saying. It wasn’t my place to chastise a grown-ass man like Cole. “Sorry, that was out of line.”

His eyes met mine and his mouth curved up on one side. “Don’t apologize. You’re right. I’m not sure what’s been keeping me away.”

It was refreshing to be able to speak my mind and not worry about hurting his feelings. I hadn’t been too excited about heading home either. Maybe we actually had something in common. “I’m not really looking forward to going home this time.”

“Why not?” A line appeared between his brows, and he leaned forward. “I’m sure your family will be happy to see you.”

“Yeah.” It would be nice to see my parents, though I wasn’t looking forward to telling them I would be moving back to Texas for good. Since Ryan and I broke up, I’d moved out of his condo and hadn’t been able to find a place I could afford on my salary as a massage therapist.

“What’s the issue?” Cole asked.

I shook my head. “Nothing I need to burden you with.”

“Listening to your troubles would never be a burden.” He reached across the table and set his hand on mine.

Heat exploded up my arm. My mouth went dry and my breath snagged in my chest. I’d always thought of Ryan’s dad as a catch. I wasn’t sure exactly how old he was, but he appeared to be in better shape than most guys around my age. He might be gray, but the salt-and-pepper coloring of his thick hair and beard only added to his appeal.

“Thanks, but it’s not a big deal.” Surely, he had much more important things to think about than helping me solve my own crisis.

“If you change your mind, I’m a great listener.” The look in his eyes conveyed sincerity. But simmering underneath, I sensed the kind of heat that had the power to ignite places deep down inside me.

Gently sliding my hand out from under his, I offered a shy smile. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

He leaned back and his expression changed. His eyes stayed warm and kind, but the fire I’d seen burning in their depths had been extinguished. I was equal parts relieved and disappointed as an invisible wall slipped between us. Within seconds, I felt like maybe I’d imagined the whole thing. He couldn’t possibly be attracted to me.

I was grateful for the body I’d been given, but the extra pounds I packed around my hips and waist kept me far from being considered mainstream attractive. My butt jiggled when I walked, and I’d never had a thigh gap in my entire life. When Ryan and I met, he said he liked my curves, but after a few months, he’d hinted that I might want to watch what I ate. A year into our relationship, he started making comments about working out more and even bought us a joint membership to the local gym.

The woman he cheated on me with was half my size and looked like she’d never let a carb touch her lips. Whatever. I was okay with who I was, and I was done making excuses for the way I was built.

“Winter?” Cole’s deep voice pulled me out of my pity party for one.

“Sorry.” I shook my head and refocused my attention on him. “Did you ask me something?”

“What time is your flight? I don’t want you to miss it.” Humor danced in his gorgeous blue eyes.

I reached for my phone to check the app for the latest update on my flight. While I’d been sipping vodka and daydreaming about my ex’s dad, I’d missed three alerts from the airline. I skimmed over the messages, my eyes catching on a word that made my heart stop beating.

Canceled.

What the hell? There had to be a mistake. I pulled up the app. Due to the storm settling over the greater Chicago area, the budget airline I’d book on had canceled their one flight out. I could try rebooking, but flights were full because of the holidays. The blood drained from my face, and my cheeks went ice cold. That meant I was… holy hell… pretty much stranded.

Cole set his phone down on the table. While I’d been flipping from the internet to the airline app, he’d been swiping around on his screen.

I cleared my throat and looked over at him. “My flight’s been canceled.”

“Sounds like they shut down the runways. I just booked a room at a hotel not far away. Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?” His brows arched, waiting for my reply.

Somewhere to stay? In Chicago? The only time I’d ever been to the city was on a road trip with my grandparents when I was just a kid. We’d ridden the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, then driven up the shores of Lake Michigan to spend a week with my great aunt.

“No. I don’t know anyone in Chicago.” Before I could figure out what to do next, three long beeps sounded through the airport speakers, followed by an announcement that there would be no flights in or out of O’Hare for the rest of the day.

Cole shifted in his seat. “I’m going to grab a ride to my hotel before it’s impossible to get out of the airport. If you don’t have somewhere to stay tonight, you’re welcome to catch a ride with me.”

The thought of going anywhere with him sent heat zinging straight to my core. Talk about a bad idea. Horrible, really.

He scooted out of the booth and held out his hand to help me. “With the weather the way it is, any reasonable hotel in the area will be booked in the next hour. Do you want me to see if I can get you a room where I’m staying? It’ll be better than having to spend the night at the airport.”

I’d flown home once or twice on my own, but was far from what anyone would consider a seasoned traveler. “Won’t the airline get me a room? I mean, they canceled my flight.”

Cole shook his head. “Not when it’s due to weather.”

I hesitated. No telling how much an unexpected hotel stay would cost me. It’s not like I didn’t have any cash in my savings, but I was sinking everything I had into rent in Seattle and would need money to move back home. “I’ll just find a spot here. Hopefully, they’ll get me on a flight in the morning.”

“Are you sure?” Cole cocked his head, studying me like he knew I was holding something back.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” I looked around the plush interior of the airline lounge. “Will they kick me out if I try to stay here for a bit?”

He grabbed my bag in his other hand. “You’re not spending the night at the airport. Come with me, and I’ll get you set up where I’m staying.”

“That’s really not necessary.” I reached for my bag, but he was already moving toward the door. “Cole, I’ll be fine here.”

We reached the frosted doors leading back out into the terminal. Cole turned to face me, his jaw tight. “I’m not leaving you here on your own, sweetheart. We’ll grab a ride to the hotel, and I’ll get you a room. My treat.”

“But…”

He cut my words off by pressing his finger to my lips. “There are way too many other things you can use those lips for. Stop arguing with me, Winter. This is happening.”

My eyes went wide as my mind went blank. Any protest I was about to make faded away. The sliding glass doors opened to reveal the hustle and bustle of a busy terminal full of disgruntled passengers. Cole laced his fingers with mine and gave me a gentle tug as he pulled our bags with his free hand and led me toward the airport exit.