Page 136 of Flirty Fall Fling

“I do like him,” I say. It’s the first time I’ve admitted it out loud to anyone.

Winter stops counting the money in the drawer. “Have you shared that with him?”

“I’m sure he knows.”

“Blaire Wardwell.”

“Actions speak louder than words ever could.”

I glance out the window as more people arrive. The line is now wrapped around the block. I turn my back on them in case there are any of those celebrity lip readers out there.

“It’s a fling, Winter. Nothing else.”

“Is that his rule or yours?” she asks.

“Mine,” I say. “One I will keep.”

She gives me her signature look.

“Oh, no, no, no. Please don’t start analyzing me,” I say.

“We’re waaaaaay past that.” She smiles, but it’s not her sweet one. It’s the evil one. She and Autumn have the same mannerisms. “I want to share with you something that I’ve shared with my past clients.”

“Please. Go ahead,” I say, curious.

“Couples were my specialty in California.”

“I don’t think I knew that.”

“Most people don’t. Relationship guidance was my absolute favorite.” She continues the conversation while she works. “People sat down and told me their dirty little secrets and let me analyze them. Most were married or engaged or going through a separation. Love is complicated.”

“I agree,” I say, fascinated.

“Stipulations and rules on relationships don’t work, Blaire. You can’t just snap your fingers and turn a feeling on or off, unless you’re a psycho.” She raises a brow. “And I don’t think you are.”

“Thanks. I appreciate the advice, but things have to end. He has a life in New York. I have my life here. I don’t do long distance or date men who travel for work. It’s my boundary,” I explain. “It’s possible to have sex and let that be it.”

“Yeah, it absolutely is. But after seeing you two together, I can tell it’s more than just sex.”

I roll my eyes.

“Do you talk about real things? Life? Your thoughts? Or is it just surface-level fucking, and that’s it?”

“I can’t have this conversation right now,” I whisper, feeling my cheeks heat.

“Exactly what I thought,” she says. “I know you’re the woo queen, but don’t be delusional with your heart. That’s how it gets broken.”

“Thanks.” I want to change the subject as fast as possible. “Do you miss practicing?” The question is out before I can stop it.

I’ve known Winter as long as I’ve known Autumn, and I don’t think I’ve ever discussed her past with her.

She’s quiet for a second. “I miss helping people on a deep level, but everything else? Pass.”

“Really?”

“Had I not been pressured, I would have become a relationship counselor or a matchmaker. My mother pushed for med school before I ever asked myself if that was what I wanted. There are photos of me in a white lab coat, playing doctor at four years old. I was brainwashed, and that, combined with my need to make my parents proud, became my financial downfall. Waking up and leaving California and my boyfriend behind was the best thing I ever did. My only regrets are my student loans.” She swallows hard. “I have close to a million dollars in debt.”

My eyes widen, and I have to brace myself on the counter. “Winter.”