Page 7 of Wanting the Winger

My bags are already inside the walk-in closet.

This room has its own bathroom, and I peek into the doorway, making sure the gorgeous bathtub is still there.

“I’ve always wanted to take a bath in that tub.”

I never had time for it the two times I stayed here.We got to Bash’s house really late after his games, usually after midnight, and we were up early the next morning for breakfast.

“Go for it.I’m making roasted chicken and veggies for dinner tonight.Figured we’d stay in.”

Here comes the dopamine rush.I’m over my crush on Bash—really—but him cooking dinner and talking about us having a night in is doing things to me.

Unexpected things.

“That sounds great,” I say.“I need to call Shane and I think I’ll unpack.”

“I’ll leave you to it.”

He leaves the room, pulling the door closed softly behind him.

I sit down on the edge of the bed and look at my ring.My engagement ring.I’m marrying Shane in five months, and I’m happy about it.

I am.Standing up, I go over to the closet to unpack, typing out a quick text to let my fiancé know I made it.I told Bash I was going to call him just so I could escape from the unexpected rush I was getting over him.

Shane wouldn’t pick up right now because of his video game tournament.And I’m still mad at him, anyway.I definitely won’t be telling Bash that, though.He doesn’t need any more reasons to dislike Shane.

ChapterThree

Bash

The next morning,my hand freezes in midair when Lainey walks into the kitchen, my mug of green tea in limbo.

“Good morning,” she says breezily.

“Morning.”

She’s wearing fitted black pants and a sleeveless, vibrant green shirt with a scoop neckline, the outfit hugging her curves.Her thick hair is sleek and straight, the ends just brushing over her shoulders.She has makeup on today, her eyes rimmed in dark shades and the light pink of her lips matching her cheeks.

The only time I’ve seen her like this was at her engagement party to Shitty Shane in June.She had on a blue dress that night and her hair was swept into a neat knot at the nape of her neck.Shitty Shane wore jeans and an ugly polo.Who’s surprised?

It’s a shock to my system to see Lainey looking sexy, and it’s even more of one to see her looking that wayin my kitchen.When she came to my games a couple of years ago, she was wearing a Crush hoodie and jeans.

“There’s apple kale and carrot ginger juice,” I say as she opens the fridge.

She looks over her shoulder at me and smiles.“I’m not taking your juice.I’m just grabbing my water bottle.”

“No, take it.Seriously.I had the chef make extra since I knew you were coming.”

She furrows her brow.“I don’t want to spoil my midmorning breakfast of frosted cherry Pop-Tarts.”

“Jesus.With a Dr Pepper, I’m sure.Don’t you study this stuff and know better?How are Pop-Tarts for gut health?”

“Not great, Mom.Sugar thins the mucus lining of the gut and it can actually make my IBS worse.I have no idea when I’ll be home, but I’ll grab dinner on my way.”

I cup my hands around my mouth as she heads for the door.“Eat some protein today.”

She looks back at me.“Is there protein in Twix bars?”

I set my mug on the counter and glare at her.“Are you fucking kidding me?”

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