I don’t owe Violet an apology. The setup of that night had clear rules. It wasn’t intentional that I left her before she woke, but I had somewhere important to be. Not to mention, that would have been a slightly awkward morning after considering sex with her was… different. If I’m honest with myself, it was slower and more sensual at times than my usual play. Those parties are a temporary escape, but with Violet? It was like a whole other world.
Not apologizing to her doesn’t exactly feel right either, and I want to rectify that.
Violet is a lethal combination if a man looks close enough. She knows what she wants, and that’s sexy as hell. But she’s also the kind of woman that any grandmother would invite over for tea. This combination of the two are not good for any man’s head.
“Since you’ll be in Lake Spark more often, maybe you’ll set down some roots since hotel life can’t be that fun.”
“This week, I’m staying at the Dizzy Duck Inn here in town, and I’ll probably get a weekend home here. I do want to be a bit hands-on with the team if they train here. At least, I want to be able to observe the players,” I explain.
Ford hisses a sound. “You know that the team hates when the owner is around at practices.”
“That’s because most owners never played the game, but I’m different. Either way, I will make myself hidden if needed.” This team will only be the best in my book, it’s what I want, and I’ll prove to everyone that having me as owner is well worth it.
“Good. I’ll keep my eye out if any interesting real estate becomes available.”
“Like I said, I’m not sure if small-town life is for me, but it’s worth an investment,” I repeat to calm his eagerness.
“Weren’t you dating a real estate agent once?”
I scratch the back of my head. “Many years ago, for like two months, but she got clingy way too fast.” Nor did she understand that I had no intention of sending her flowers and planning future holidays together.
“I can never keep up with your dating life.”
“That’s the point,” I state with a tight smile. For the most part, people know that I have a good time, they’re just not aware of the specifics.
Thank fuck for that. Ford would kill me.
I take a moment to look out across the lake where a line of pines frames the outline of the water. Lake Spark is beautiful, I’ll give it that.
Lake Spark has been a business decision for the team, but maybe a little downtime would be good for me while I’m here. I’ve never given much time to nature, but they say it brings better focus.
Our food arrives a little while later.
“Thank you,” I hear Ford tell the waiter.
I repeat the sentiment and stare down at my BLT sandwich.
“Looks good,” I say while I debate how to attack the sandwich.
In truth, I’m not that hungry.
Probably because I was hoping he would bring up Violet a little more in conversation. It would be my practice to act indifferent around Ford, examine if I would ever feel guilt for betraying a friendship.
Instead, I’m left disappointed that I’m not awarded the opportunity.
“You should stop by our house later. Connor is having friends over, so I’m going to BBQ and have Spencer join.”
I have to grin. “Oh yeah, your street where every homeowner is a professional sports legend, or you.”
“Spencer retired, but come on, join us. We’ll drink a few beers while we ensure my sixteen-year-old and his crew don’t get out of line. Brielle would love it if you stopped by. You haven’t seen her yet since she really started to show.”
“I’ve never been one to turn down a social gathering.” I take a bite of my sandwich. Something clicks in my brain, and I wipe my mouth and suggest, “I should bring something for Brielle. Fruit, flowers?”
Please say flowers.
“Just bring yourself.”
That doesn’t help.
