10. Roman

The dinner celebrating Leaf's reopening of his maple syrup business is a success. A delicious one too. The foodie scene here is on point and I can't wait to discover it all when the weather is warmer.

People from the small town of Maple truly support Leaf, and it's wonderful to witness how they've also taken Sasha in. This town loves them both and they keep giving back in amazing ways.

When Sasha gifted Leaf maple trees to plant in Connor's memorial park downtown, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Even Perry wiped a tear when he bothered to look my way.

It shouldn't bother me that Perry's avoiding me. I'm the one who said mean things and implied he was the lodge slut. Which was wrong, I know that. But the thing is, Perry is different. The kind of different that makes me want what Sasha has. But so far all we've done is ignite each other's tempers. Especially his comment to me last night while I was with Bruce.

If he wants to think I'm sleeping my way through the guests, fine. Go ahead. Nothing happened, but if it keeps him away from me and out of my business, then perhaps it's a good thing. Yes, Bruce knocked on my door with an invitation to join him and his partner for some no-strings-attached fun. They have an open relationship and I have no problem with that, but it's not my style. I thanked him for being forward. When he saw the mannequin and lace in my room, he told me he was a buyer for a major clothing chain. We went to the common area for drinks and to talk business after that.

Our conversation eventually turned to Perry, and that's when things took a turn.

Bruce has it in his head that Perry wants me, and the only reason he's behaving like an ass is because I scare him. Which is funny because it's the other way around.

Perry himself doesn't scare me. Not all his manliness and sometimes scowly face. Not his barbed words or caustic comments. But it's his almost casual declarations for me to protect myself, to negotiate for a damn car, and even his quick apology for eating my food and bringing me a coffee without asking. Those are the things that terrify me because he wants nothing in return. Underneath all that attitude is a kind man. A man who wants the best for those in his life.

It's just the way he is. Even with my best friend. He dotes on him like a little brother and understands Sasha in ways others don't. When he caught me in my lace panties, it wasn't just a desire for my body he projected. That would be too easy to deal with. Perry was like a neon sign flashing, ‘I will worship you until the end of your days and you shall want for nothing.'

So yeah, I'm scared of Perry. Because he has the power to undo me.

The couples I joined after dinner have amped up their drinking and shot glasses litter the table. I excuse myself and wander the room for a place to people-watch and perhaps just give myself space to think. Finding a semi-private space in the corner, I lean against the wall with a sigh.

"That sounds like a troubled sigh."

My hand jerks, sloshing my drink over the side of the cup.

"I'm so sorry. I thought I was alone."

The man points to the floor. "I was tying my shoe and I probably blend into the scenery down there."

He's attractive in a clean-cut way. Very boy next door vibe and he offers his hand.

"I'm Brad."

I accept his hand with a smile.

"Roman. Nice to meet you."

He blushes and I bite back a laugh.

"I'm not good at meeting people or saying things, but um…would you like to dance?"

It"s not what I left the table for, but it might be fun.

"I'd love to."

Downing my drink, I place the glass on a table as we walk by. Brad holds me like I'm made of glass and the faint aroma of hotel soap lingers on his skin. His hands hold me away from him with exactly enough room for another body to squeeze between us, and I feel like I'm back in grade school with too many chaperones.

"Did you go to Catholic school, Brad?"

His eyes open wide.

"Y-yes. How did you know?"

"Call it a hunch."

He blushes some more, and he's a nice guy. Possibly a bit too plain for me, but he's nice. He's safe. He tells me how this is his first trip away from home and I'm trying really hard to listen, but I keep searching for Perry. And when I finally find him, he's watching me. His icy gaze meets mine as he sips from his glass. Perched on a stool at the bar, with one elbow leaning behind him, he appears calm. But there's a flicker, a small one, as he watches me. Is he actually jealous?

And I'm not proud of what I do next, but I have a theory to test.

"Brad. I need to visit the men's room. Would you like to follow me?"

"Oh, I don't need to go, but thank you."

With a sigh, I lean in closer to his ear. "You don't have to go. But I need you to follow me. Please?"

He nods then, eager to do as I ask.

"Of course. Yeah."

"Give me a head start and come find me in there."

Leaving Brad on the dance floor, I head to the men's room and Perry tracks my movements like a hawk.

Once in the bathroom, my nerves kick up and I regret using Brad the moment he comes through the door.

"Is everything okay?"

His kind brown eyes spread more guilt over me.

"Listen, I'm sorry, but I only asked you here to make someone…think I'm into hooking up with people in bathroom stalls." I cringe at how shitty that sounds. "Which is fine if it's your thing, but it's not mine. I prefer less public places."

He nods along, taking it in stride better than I hoped.

"Oh. Okay. I was hoping you'd let me suck your dick, but I get it."

His response makes me choke on my saliva, and he pats me on the back. It's always the quiet ones, isn't it?

"Brad! I didn't think you even knew what I wanted."

This time, his grin is downright sinful.

"Don't let the ‘aw shucks' act fool you. Just because it's my first trip away from home doesn't mean I'm na?ve. Just means I don't have to be as careful about seeing someone I know."

My heart aches for him to be in that position. God, when did I turn into such an ass?

"Hey, I'm sorry. Maybe I'll just go. I shouldn't have asked you here."

"Oh no. I'm all in if you need me to pretend." He bounces on his toes, more excited about the prospect of pretending now. "What do you need?"

"Um…well, could you maybe let me muss up your hair and come out looking like you just had the best orgasm of your life?"

He chuckles and reaches for my arm.

"Sure, on one condition."

"Okay?"

"Kiss me once, for real." He taps his cheek. "Just right here is fine."

I press my lips to his cheek with a short laugh. He smiles and runs his hands through his hair until we're happy with the sexed-up look.

"Thanks, Brad. I'm…I'm sorry if I led you on or was rude, but I appreciate this. You're a good guy."

He cocks his head as his warm gaze assesses me.

"It's the big dude near the bar, isn't it? Plaid shirt, kind of menacing with beautiful blue eyes?"

My mouth gapes open as I stare at Brad.

"Yeah. How did you know that?"

"He's been staring at you since we started dancing. I got the feeling if I tried anything more than that, he might rush over and punch me in the face. So make sure he doesn't come after me." He laughs a little. "Although what a story that would be when I get home."

"God, this is a horrible mess. I'm really not an asshole and he won't hurt you."

As I walk to the door, Brad stops me.

"He won't hurt you, will he?"

"Not the way you think. I'm probably hurting myself more by doing this."

With a nod to Brad, I exit the bathroom and march up to Perry at the bar.