Page 16 of Daddy's Naughty Bartender
Silence for a moment. Then he answers. "My truth? I've been sleepwalking through life for years. Going through the motions. Building a career, maintaining a marriage that died long before the divorce papers were signed. I came here to consult on awinery and found a woman who makes me want things I'd given up on."
"What things?"
"Partnership. Passion. Someone to protect and cherish and push when she needs pushing. Someone who needs what I need. An exchange of power, that unique trust. Someone who looks at me like I'm not just useful but necessary."
"You are necessary." The words escape before I can stop them.
"Careful, baby. I'm trying to be respectful here."
"What if I don't want respectful?"
"Then I'd remind you it's now two AM, you're emotional, have been drinking and I'm not the kind of man who takes advantage."
"And if I said please?"
"Then I'd tell you to be a good girl and go to bed. Save those pleas for when I can do something about them."
Heat floods through me. "Bossy."
"You have no idea." I can hear his smile. "But I'll show you. When you're ready. When you're sure. I'll show you exactly how bossy I can be."
"Promise?"
"I promise." His voice is certain. "Now, will you do something for me?"
"Maybe. Depends on what it is."
"Go to bed. Actually sleep. No more wine, no more journaling, no more worrying about Josh or the bar or whether this is a good idea."
"How did you know I was journaling?"
"Lucky guess. You strike me as the type who processes through writing."
He isn't wrong. "Fine. I'll go to bed."
"Good girl."
Those words again. They shouldn't have such power, but they do.
"Jason?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For tonight. For calling me. For... seeing me."
"Always, baby. Sweet dreams."
I hang up and make my way upstairs, feeling oddly settled. In my bedroom, our bedroom once, mine alone for five years, I change into soft pajamas and slide between cool sheets.
My phone buzzes once more.
Jason: Your office light is off. Good girl for listening. Sleep well, beautiful.
I smile into my pillow. This man and his caretaking. His bossiness. His way of making me feel tethered when I've been drifting for so long.
Across the street, Jason stands at his hotel window, watching Karen's house go dark.
He shouldn't be doing this. Shouldn't be falling for a widow with a teenager and a complicated life in a small town he'll leave in a few weeks. But God help him, he can't stop.
