My phone buzzes as I reach my car.
Justin: Dinner. My place. Seven.
Me: Is that a question or an order?
Justin: Both.
Me: What if I have plans?
Justin: Do you?
Me: ...no.
Justin: Then I'll see you at seven. Text me when you're on your way.
Me: So bossy.
Justin: The correct answer is, Yes Daddy.
Me: Yes, Daddy.
Justin: Good girl. And Holly, you like it when I’m bossy.
And, he's right. I do.
CHAPTER 9
Chapter Nine
Istop at the gas station at the bottom of the mountain and fill up my tank before driving home with a smile on my face, windows down despite the cold, Christmas music on the radio. When I get to my apartment, I shower, change, and actually put effort into my appearance.
This is different from the lodge. This is his space. His home. Another piece of him I'm about to see.
At six-forty-five, I text him.
Me: On my way.
His response is immediate.
Justin: Drive safe. Text when you're here.
The address he sent leads me to a neighborhood I've passed but never explored, upscale but not ostentatious, houses set back from the road with mountain views. His driveway is plowed, lined with subtle landscape lighting.
The house itself is beautiful. Modern mountain architecture, all wood and glass.
I text him from the driveway.
Me: I'm here.
The front door opens before I can knock. Justin fills the doorway, jeans and a soft sweater, bare feet, hair slightly mussed like he's been running his hands through it.
"Hi," I breathe.
"Hi." He steps aside, lets me in. "How was work?"
"Good. Busy. Glittery."
"Did you eat lunch?"
