Page 52 of Santa Maybe
And she liked it. A lot.
Even if her work life was busier than ever, being around Drew didn’t add to her stress. Unlike her ex, he helped her get through it. When she needed to vent about her boss or the demanding guests from the Duke, he listened to her. When she was tense, he gave her deep, soothing massages that relaxed her muscles. In bed, he was a generous and thoughtful lover.
In just about every way, he was behaving as a real boyfriend should. But back when he’d cooked up this scheme, that wasn’t what he’d intended.
So what did this mean for them?
For now, it was best not to think about it. Instead, Rosie planned to enjoy her night at the Grand Duke. She had to give the hotel credit—both the appetizers and the plated dinner had been delicious. And the open bar was a delight. By now, she was slightly light-headed from the three cocktails she’d imbibed, but she wasn’t ready to switch to water. As she went over to the bar to order another Moscow Mule, she ran into Bones, the manager of Northlife. He towered over her, bald and muscular, like a Canadian version of the Rock.
“Hey, Rosie,” he said. “Enjoying yourself?”
“I am. Even if I’m betraying the Duchess by spending the evening here, I’m having a marvelous time.”
He laughed. “I didn’t think of that. Personally, I’m Team Duchess. It’s been great working with your hotel.”
“Thanks. The guests really appreciate getting to use your gym. Instead of crowding into a tiny, on-site workout room with a few treadmills, they get the run of your entire facility.”
“It’s been beneficial on our end, too. I also have to thank you for encouraging Drew to step up into management.” Bones glanced over at Rosie’s table, where Drew was chatting with two other trainers. “It’s the right move for him.”
Rosie basked in the older man’s praise. “I didn’t do that much—just listened and tried to support him. But I think he’ll enjoy playing a bigger role in the gym’s personal training program.”
“I agree. He’s so much happier now. Not to disparage Evelyn, but she wasn’t a good match for him. With you, he’s in a better place than he’s been in months.”
“Um…thanks.” She felt awkward, knowing she was selling a lie. What would Bones think when she and Drew “broke up” in January? What excuse would Drew give? Would he blame her? Or would he just tell everyone they weren’t compatible?
All of a sudden, the idea of creating a breakup story filled her with dread. She didn’t want to make up some bullshit where she blamed herselforDrew.
Bones put his hand on her arm. “Everything all right? You look a little uncomfortable.”
She forced a laugh. “I’m okay. I think I had too much to eat at dinner.”
After getting her cocktail, she returned to the table and joined the conversation. She’d intended to sip her drink slowly, but her brief chat with Bones had made her uneasy, so she tossed it back quickly. As the booze rushed through her bloodstream, she crossed the line from tipsy to mildly drunk. But she welcomed the sensation. All her anxiety about the future vanished as the warm, fuzzy feelings took hold of her.
Drew reached over and stroked her cheek. “Want to dance? I’ve been dying to get you on the dance floor.”
She clasped her hand over his, holding it against her cheek, and spoke in a whisper. “And I’ve been dying to get you into bed. Can we go soon?”
“Sure. Just share a few dances with me first. I want to show you off.”
As she got to her feet, she wobbled, unsteady in her pumps, but Drew caught her arm.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah. I should have stopped at three drinks, but it’s too late now. I might need to lean on you a little.” She went with him onto the dance floor and waited as the DJ cued up the next song—a romantic tune by Frank Sinatra called “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Drew placed one hand on her lower back and took her hand in the other, then led her around the room, displaying polished moves worthy ofDancing With the Stars.
“Where did you learn to dance like this?” she asked.
“You like it? As part of my physical fitness training, I had to take a few dance classes. It’s a seriously underrated form of exercise.”
“I love it.” The feel of his hand, pressed just at her waistline, filled her with desire. By this point in the evening, she was eager to get him alone. To shed all their formal clothing, piece by piece, and end up tangled in the sheets. But for now, it felt heavenly to be spun around the room by a partner who knew exactly what he was doing.
When the jaunty tune faded out, the DJ followed it with areallove song. As John Legend’s “All of Me” started, Drew pulled Rosie closer, and she leaned against his chest, moving in time with him. She’d heard the song at other weddings, but it had never hit her like this. The tender verses mirrored her exact feelings for him.
She sighed and looked up at Drew. Maybe it was the cocktails, maybe it was the song, but she couldn’t stop the question from tumbling out. “Does it have to end?”
“What do you mean?”
