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

6. Winter

CHAPTER 6

WINTER

He was fire and ice all at once. In the past few hours I’d gone from being so turned on to second guessing myself and wondering if I was reading way too much into the situation. Right before the knock on the door, it seemed like he wanted more from me. I wasn’t sure how much of myself I was willing to give him.

Cole came back bearing a huge pizza box and a bottle of wine with two glasses. He set everything down on the small dining table, then headed back to the kitchenette to grab plates and silverware.

“It smells delicious.” The scent of cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and spicy sausage made my mouth water. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the food arrived.

“Would you like some wine?” At my nod, Cole expertly uncorked the bottle and poured each of us a glass.

While the fire blazed across the room, we sat down and I got my first bite of authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza .

“What do you think?” Cole waited, fork poised in front of his mouth.

I talked around the big bite I’d just taken. “So good.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“Me too.” Though maybe I was enjoying myself a little too much. Spending the night in a swanky hotel room with my ex’s dad shouldn’t feel so comfortable, so natural, so exhilarating, right? I watched Cole slide his fork into his mouth. Heat pooled in my core as his tongue swept out to catch a bit of cheese. The man was sexy without even trying. I bet a woman didn’t need to fake anything with him, especially not when that tongue was involved.

I squeezed my thighs together, suddenly too hot to be wearing my thick cardigan. The combination of red wine, a blazing fire, and the company of Cole Calvin had me burning up. I shrugged out of my sweater and took another sip of wine.

It might have been the alcohol talking, but maybe this Christmas, a night with Cole was just what I needed. It would serve Ryan right if I had a one-night stand with his dad. Not that I’d ever tell him. It could be our little secret… just between me and Cole.

The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to throw caution to the blizzard outside and find out if Cole had the moves to back up the smoldering looks he’d been sending my way all evening. I’d never even considered a no-strings hook-up before and could count the number of men I’d been with on one hand. Even then, I had to be deeply emotionally invested to take that step .

A night with Cole would go against every rule I’d ever set for myself. It would be like the perfect Christmas present just for me.

Cole lifted another piece of pizza onto his plate. “What are you smiling about over there?”

My heart froze. What if he could read my mind? Would he laugh at the idea of the two of us together? Or would he lean over the table and kiss me?

“Just enjoying this pizza,” I said. “And the company.” My toes curled as I added that last part. I was testing the waters. How he responded would let me know if it was time to excuse myself to take a cold shower or… My heart raced at the idea of him taking things further.

“What are you enjoying most?” He arched a brow as he took a sip of wine.

I watched him swallow, wishing I could press my mouth to his and taste the wine on his lips. “You mean between the pizza and the company?”

He nodded. “Sure. Or you could just tell me what you like best about the company.”

Forcing the bite I’d just taken past the lump in my throat, I sucked in a deep breath. This was it. I could follow through and insure he was reading my signals correctly, or back off and spend the rest of my days wondering if I’d missed out on the best night of my life.

Summoning every bit of courage I could, I lifted my gaze to meet his. I wasn’t imagining the heat in his eyes. It was there, along with something else. Something deep and dark and needy .

“I like having the chance to get to know you better. We’ve spent time together, but never really one on one. You’re kind and generous and,”—I dug my nails into my palm and forced myself to continue—“and incredibly attractive.”

The corner of his lips lifted on one side. “I’m incredibly attracted to you, Winter. And can I just say, my son is a complete idiot for letting you go?”

Ugh. Ryan. Even after being cast away by him, I still couldn’t break free. “That’s nice of you to say so, but I don’t want to talk about Ryan tonight.”

“What do you want to talk about?” He leaned back in his chair and swirled his wine around in his glass like he had all the patience in the world. Fine. If he wanted me to come right out and say it, I would.

I looked him right in the eye and held his gaze. This was my one shot, and I was ready to line it up and fire away. “I want you to fuck me.”

He wasn’t expecting that. I could tell by the way his brows lifted, and a muscle ticked along his jaw. While I waited for him to say something—anything—my palms went clammy and ice spread through my veins. Had I just made a massive mistake?

“Are you sure about that, Baby Girl?” His voice took on a dark and dangerous tone that promised everything I’d been craving.

“Yes,” I whispered. It was too late to second guess myself. For one night, I wanted to revel in the attention of a real man. To be reminded that I was desirable. To feel something besides the numbness of rejection.

He crooked his finger and motioned to me. “Come here.”

I set down my fork and slowly rose from my chair. On trembling legs, I walked around the table and stopped next to him. My heart beat so fast it made it impossible to take in a full breath. Anticipation twisted through me as I waited to see what he’d do next.

He stood and set his hands on my waist. His touch sent a shiver through me. Goosebumps pebbled my skin. I’d never felt so self conscious as I did in the few moments it took for him to run his gaze up and down my frame.

“One night.” His gaze lifted to meet mine. I saw it all in the depths of his eyes. His guilt… his indecision… then his need. “Just between us. No one else can know.”

I nodded, sealing my fate.

His hands slid up my sides and cupped my cheeks. Then he lowered his head and finally claimed my mouth with his.