Dates will be December 15-21.
The family expects us to all travel together.
Let me know your thoughts.
Charlotte Whitaker
Marketing Projects Manager
Titan Marketing Group
Formal. Distant. Like we hadn't just had dinner last night together working out how to convince her family we're madly in love.
I type a quick reply:
From: Sebastian Montgomery
Subject: RE: Adrenaline Athletics and Aspen Logistics
Morning, Shortcake. I'm clear for those dates.
Happy to book a flight today.
I'll swing by your office before the meeting to talk travel details.
Looking forward to both.
Bash
My finger hovers over the send button. Too friendly? Too flirty? Fuck it. I hit send and put the phone down.
Coffee in hand, I move to head back to my room and into my closet, deliberating over what to wear. I scan my closet and end up reaching for navy slacks and a crisp white button-down. Simple and classic.
As I dress, I can't help wondering again at what I've gotten myself into. A week back in Colorado. Pretending to be Charlie's boyfriend. Sleeping in the same room with her. Meeting her family. All while navigating whatever this tension is between us.
I check my watch: 6:21 AM. Plenty of time to get to the office early and get a plane ticket booked.
I lace up my brown Oxfords, spritz cologne on my shirt—just enough to notice, not enough to announce my arrival before I step into a room. My keys jangle as I scoop them from the counter, tucking my phone into my back pocket and slinging my laptop bag over my shoulder. I pause to work out a lingering tightness in my knee. Outside, the morning air nips at my face, that unmistakable crispness that whispers winter’s here.
My phone buzzes as I slide into my Explorer.
Did you screw up the dinner?
Ty
I roll my eyes.
No, dinner went fine. Planning our Colorado love story.
Please tell me you kissed her goodnight
Ty
I hesitate, thumb hovering over the keyboard.
Almost. Decided to be a gentleman.
Translation: chickened out
