Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Sinclair
Last night was headed in a direction I didn’t expect before it took a hard left turn when my brother and his daughter showed up.
At first, I was frustrated to see Stevie and Berk at the door, but that gave way to joy when I witnessed Stevie’s happiness.
This wedding is everything she wants.
She’s ecstatic that her dad is marrying Astrid. I’m thrilled too. Since Berk’s first wife died, I’ve wanted him to find happiness again, and he’s done just that.
I glance at the sun streaming into my bedroom before I shift my gaze to the person in the bed next to me.
I didn’t reconnect with Jameson last night.
I don’t know if we would have after being interrupted, but when Stevie asked if she could spend the night, I answered immediately.
I can’t say for certain if I agreed to it because I love spending time with her or if I wanted to avoid what might have happened between Jameson and me.
I was fully prepared to jump into his bed last night.
Our kiss spurred that on. I felt helpless under his touch. I wanted him more than I’ve ever wanted a man, but a part of me is now questioning whether sleeping with him is the right move for me.
I listen to the soft snores of my niece as I get out of bed.
I opted to sleep in a pair of sweats and a red tank top. Stevie slipped into one of my T-shirts before she slid into bed. She was out within seconds, dreaming of things that nine-year-olds dream of.
I couldn’t sleep, and it wasn’t just because I was overdressed. My mind kept returning to the moment when I felt Jameson’s lips on mine.
I quietly gather a change of clothes. Since Dudley is snuggled against Stevie, I have time for a quick shower before taking him for his morning walk.
That plan comes to an abrupt halt when I hear a soft knock at the door.
Memories of what Stevie interrupted last night flood me.
I trek across the room quietly and swing open the door.
I’m not surprised to see Jameson standing there, but I am shocked by what he’s holding.
Did he buy me flowers?
Is this what he considers a we-almost-fucked-last-night bouquet?
I quietly shut the door behind me, motioning for him to walk toward the living room so we don’t wake Stevie.
He sets off in front of me, and try as I might, I can’t keep my gaze off his ass. He’s wearing jeans and a plain white T-shirt, but it looks anything but simple on him.
He shoves the bouquet at me as soon as we’re near the coffee table. “These are for you.”
I take it, bringing the multi-colored flowers to my nose for a whiff. “They’re beautiful, Jameson.”
His bare foot taps a beat on the floor. “Who is the guy you went out with last night?”
Shocked by the question, I take a full step back. “What?”
“A guy sent those flowers.” He waves a hand toward the bouquet. “There’s a card there, Sinclair. Open it.”
I glance at the small white envelope tucked between a rose and a daisy. My name is scribbled across it in red ink.
“Where did these come from?”
He lets out a heavy exhale. “They were delivered a few minutes ago. The woman who brought them said the man who ordered them wanted you to have them to start your Sunday off right. They’re from your date last night, aren’t they?
He sure as hell was anxious for you to have them since it’s not even nine a.m. yet. ”
I look at my wrist, but my watch isn’t there. I took it off before I showered last night.
“How nice of him.” I smile. “I could tell he was a true gentleman. This proves it.”
“A true gentleman?” Jameson repeats my words. “What the hell is that?”
I laugh since I’m enjoying this a bit more than I should. “It’s a man who holds open the car door, waits for his date to be seated before he sits, and kisses her hand at the end of the night.”
His brow furrows. “I assumed your date was canceled when I came home and you told me that Molly got drunk here.”
My gaze wanders to the coffee table, but the empty wine bottle and glasses are gone. “You know what they say about assuming anything, Jameson.”
“Are you calling me an ass?”
I nod. “Molly came over after my date.”
His arms cross his chest. “So you’re telling me you went on a date with this so-called gentleman, then came back here and tossed back a bottle of wine with Molly before you agreed to fuck me?”
I glance toward the hallway to make sure Stevie is still in my room. “There’s nothing so-called about him being a gentleman, and my agreeing to sleep with you had nothing to do with him.”
“It has everything to do with him,” he argues. “I don’t want you to fuck someone else while I’m fucking you, Sinclair.”
I smell the flowers again, keeping my gaze on them. “Who said anything about a threesome?”
I have to steal a glance because I know the expression on his face will be priceless. I’m not wrong. He looks both perplexed and pissed.
He’d be ashamed of his reaction if he only knew who the man that sent the flowers was.
“Sinclair.” He drags a hand through his hair, leaving it in this messy-but-sexy state that makes me want to crawl up on him again. “I want us to happen, but it can’t if you’re serious about this other guy.”
I shove the flowers back at him, plucking the envelope out while I do.
I skim my fingernail over the seal to break it before I slide the card out. I read it to myself before I do it again out loud. “Miss Morgan. Thank you for an evening to remember. In all my eighty-three years on this earth, I’ve never met a more charming young woman.”
I tap the card against my palm as Jameson swallows hard.
“It’s a book thing, isn’t it?” He asks with a sigh. “It wasn’t a date. It was a work meeting, right?”
I nod. “Something like that.”
“Jesus.” He barks out a laugh. “What the fuck is wrong with me?”
“Plenty,” I shoot back because that’s always been my response when he has asked any variation of that question.
“Jealousy,” he whispers. “I was jealous, Sin.”
Before I can say anything, I hear Dudley barking and soft footsteps heading down the hallway.
I glance to the left to see Stevie racing toward us, wearing the same clothes she was in last night. “Good morning, Auntie and her BFF!”
“Morning,” Jameson mumbles.
“Good morning.” I turn my attention to her. “Are you ready for breakfast?”
She nods. “I’m ready for blueberry pancakes, but first, I want to take Dudley for a walk. When Daddy brought me here yesterday, I saw a smoothie place around the corner. Maybe I can get one?”
“You bet.” Jameson pats the center of my back as he brushes past me. “I’ll take you and Duds for a walk. We’ll pick up three smoothies. It’ll give your Auntie time to get dressed and start breakfast.”
“She doesn’t cook pancakes,” Stevie whisper shouts.
“Yes, she does.” I laugh. “Do you have any other requests, Miss Morgan?”
Stevie smiles. “Please make my pancake in the shape of an owl.”
Shaking my head, I grin. “I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll help as soon as we’re back,” Jameson says. “In the meantime, put the flowers in water, Sin. The gentleman who sent them wouldn’t want them to die.”
Stevie rushes toward me. “Those are beautiful. What gentleman sent them to you? It’s not someone you kissed, is it?”
“No,” I answer quickly. “It’s not like that, Stevie. He’s helping me with a special project.”
“Phew.” She wipes a hand over her forehead. “Jameson is the only gentleman for you, Auntie.”
I open my mouth to argue that point, but Jameson doesn’t give me a chance. “Let’s go, Stevie. Our smoothies await.”
I meet his eyes with mine and when he offers me a soft smile, I can’t help but do the same.
“We’ll be back soon, Sin.” He reaches for Dudley’s leash. “I’ll get you a pineapple mango smoothie. It’s still your favorite, right?”
I nod. “It is. It’s always been my favorite.”