Page 21 of Daddy's Naughty Bartender
"You forbid it?"
"Absolutely. Boss's orders." She makes shooing motions. "Go make yourself gorgeous. Take a bath. Do that fancy face mask thing. Whatever makes you feel like the goddess you are."
"When did everyone become so invested in my love life?"
"The minute you started glowing like a streetlight whenever his name comes up." Susie's expression softens. "Karen, you've taken care of this whole town for years. Let us take care of you for once. Lethimtake care of you."
Tears prick my eyes. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"
"Because it's true. And because you need to hear it until you believe it." She hugs me tight. "Now go. Make us proud. And for the love of all that's holy, get that man's hands on you before you spontaneously combust."
I laugh despite myself. "You're terrible."
"I'm honest. There's a difference."
As I head home to prepare for the evening, I think about trust. About surrender. About the terrifying, exhilarating possibility of letting someone past my walls.
The Naughty Girls are right. I've been strong for so long, I've forgotten that strength can also mean knowing when to let go. Tonight, in a red dress with a man who makes me feel alive, maybe I'll remember.
Maybe I'm ready to stop surviving and start living.
Maybe I'm ready to trust.
Maybe.
CHAPTER 6
The red dress is a weapon, and I wield it with intent.
Silk wraps around curves I'd forgotten I have, the low back leaving me exposed in ways that have nothing to do with skin. Standing outside the winery's private tasting room, I smooth nervous hands over the fabric and wonder if I've lost my mind.
"Breathe, baby."
I spin to find Jason behind me, and my ability to breathe vanishes entirely. Black shirt, dark jeans that fit him like sin, and eyes that promise I've made the right choice with the dress.
"You're early," I manage.
"So are you." He moves closer, his hand settling on my lower back where silk gives way to skin. "Nervous?"
"Should I be?"
"Never with me." His thumb traces small circles against my spine. "With me, you're always safe. Even when you're falling apart. Especially then."
"Jason…"
"You look stunning." He turns me gently, taking in the full effect. "Red suits you. Power and passion and just a hint of danger."
"Is that what you see?"
"Among other things." His eyes darken. "Things I'll tell you when we're not standing in a parking lot."
He guides me inside, past the public tasting room to a private space I didn't know exists. Candlelit, intimate, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vineyard. A single table set for two, crystal glasses catching the light.
"Dale arranged this?"
"I arranged this." He pulls out my chair. "Dale provided the space. I provided everything else."
"Including instructions on what to wear?"
