Chapter 3
SOSIE STANSBURY
The party wasn’t really for me, but duty called, digging its claws into me as I watched the party from outside through the windows. With no other choice, I made an appearance as required, keeping my end of the bargain as my parents had for the past four months.
It’s all for everyone else, just a dog and pony show I was expected to perform like I hadn’t been threatened to be there.
But I played my part to perfection, even garnering a “well done” and a kiss to the top of my head from my dad.
My mom beamed like I was being crowned Miss Texas, like she once was.
Pursuing my dreams was exchanged for doing as they wished if I failed.
I failed. I returned home to shame, I told you so, and an itinerary for the week, including this party.
I agreed to parade around like the good girl they require to keep their reputation intact.
I’ll be admired and then forced back into a box I foolishly thought I had escaped, with no exits or other options.
I push my head above water before I drown in my own life.
If I’m not careful, the riptide could pull me under at any moment.
The wee hours are always the worst. My brain kicks into overdrive every night to put a better plan in place.
I just need more time to figure that out before leaving for good next time.
At least I was rewarded with a necklace, even though they bought me the same one last year, and a credit card with a higher spending limit.
I should be grateful, but if I were given the choice, I would have picked my parents over anything superficial.
They can’t say the same and prove it every year without fail.
I fasten the diamond tennis necklace around my neck, then toss the red velvet box on the bed when I pass it on my trek to the window.
When I peek out, yesterday’s snow is now slush, shoved off the curb to melt.
No guests linger on the sidewalk waiting for their cars or for a ride.
I breathe easier knowing the house is empty again, or will be soon enough, and I’ll be able to get back to normal, which the holidays interrupt.
The crews hired to work the party continue to fill the space out front, and I find myself staying here a minute longer in hopes of catching a glimpse of a certain someone.
Keats is cute with his natural good looks—strong jaw, straight nose, and sharper chin.
I could get lost in his eyes, and I want to run my fingers through his hair even though I can tell he doesn’t give a damn about it.
And every time I look into his eyes, I just know he’ll keep all my secrets.
There’s a reassurance built into the warmth of his browns, which tends lighter toward the caramel center rings.
I shouldn’t hype him too much, but I just got that vibe from him.
Tucking myself behind the heavy pink drapery, I peek out, searching the small crowd gathered around the back of the truck and loading an SUV parked next to it.
He might have already gone home. I haven’t seen him in the past few hours.
Of course, I wouldn’t have since I got my piece of cake, a bottle of champagne, and came upstairs to celebrate with someone who actually cares. Myself.
“Oh shit.” I tug the drape around me, hiding in the material like a serial killer.
I laugh since he can’t see me anyway. I peek again, having already memorized his body to recognize anywhere—his broad shoulders anchoring his athletic build—when he comes down the drive with a crate in his hands.
He’s too attractive to hide in a crowd, even if I can’t see his face, and a coat covers half his body.
The man could be a model. Wonder if he ever has, like every other guy in this city.
I should have turned my light off so I could stand here and ogle him in peace. But I’m not moving an inch until he’s out of sight again. I don’t want him to think I’m a creeper. I roll my eyes, still not daring to look down at him again.
The cargo door slamming closed drags my attention back to the truck, but the employees have already disappeared. I look down the street to see if I can find him, but they’re all gone, loaded into the truck or the SUV.
Disappointment strikes fast, and more than it should, since I barely know him.
I should let things take their natural course.
My phone vibrates on my bed, and I dive for it.
The number is unfamiliar, but I take a chance and answer it, “Hello?” My voice is breathy despite simply losing it by moving too fast for my own good.
“Are you coming or what?”
I pause, holding the phone out from my ear to look at the number again. Unknown caller. “Listen, pervert, that’s none of your business—”
“Sosie, it’s Keats.”
My head jerks back on my neck. “Keats?”
“The server you met tonight?”
I hate that he thinks I don’t remember him, but I’m too busy grinning like an idiot because he called me. “Hi.” I don’t even mind that my response came out more as a purr. “What are you doing?”
“Freezing my ass off. You want to go do something together?”
Rolling across the bed, I land on my feet and scurry to the window. “I thought you just left?” When I look out the window, there he is. He waves, and even from here, I can see him smirking.
“I stayed.”
I bite my lip. The possibility of spending time with him has my heart racing as I wave back. “Why did you do that?”
With a shrug, he replies, “Wishful thinking.”
As much as I love this game, I cut to the chase. “What were you wishing for?”
“More time with you.” He’s good, very good, and already has me eating out of the palm of his hand with those sweet romantic words.
“I’ll be right down.”