AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They don’t listen. She’s told them time and time again she didn’t want all the fuss, but here they are anyway, doing what they want, not paying any attention to her.
“You tell me what I need to do. Money isn’t an object. Whatever you want for this girl will happen.” Tristan responded.
Stacey looked at him. “No. No, you don’t. I told you. I don’t want a guy to buy things for me.”
He stopped her. “I know, and you don’t want to feel like you need anyone, and you don’t want a relationship. But I do. I want all of those things.”
Stacey’s eyes got wide. What the hell? Him, too? “Does no one listen to me? Tristan, I..”
“No. I want you to listen to me. Like I said. I want all those things, but I want them with you. Your friends want to give you a party, and I want to help.” He grabbed her arms. “We care about you, Stacey. Get used to it.”
Stacey was speechless. He cared about her. He admitted to it in front of all her friends. How did she feel about that? What could she say to that? How can she tell him no? He is the sweetest and kindest guy ever. He really is amazing.
“Yeah, Stace. We care about you, get used to it.” Jessica agreed, and everyone else piped in.
Stacey looked around and took a deep breath. “Okay, okay. Have a party for me. Fine. I only hold at twenty-nine for the first time once. Make sure it’s a big one, and there’s plenty to drink. I’m going to need it.” She rolled her eyes at her friends. “Now, all of you need to get your asses off my property.” She turned to Kristen and Jacob. “That includes you two. I have a bet to cash in on.” She placed her hands on Tristan’s face. “And I can’t do that with all of you here.”
They all left, promising to see her Friday night, and Jacob said he’d be back tomorrow.
Tristan watched them go. “Good job getting them gone. Now it’s time for me to pay up.”
Stacey grabbed his hand and pulled him into the house. “Let’s take a shower, and maybe I’ll give you a tip.”
A couple of hot showers later, they were in Stacey’s bed cuddled together, her head on his chest and her eyes were closed. She was enjoying the feel of his fingers as they traveled up and down her back.
“Stace?”
“Hmm?” she mumbled. She had no strength left to talk. He wore her out and paid his lost bet well.
“I haven’t asked you yet, but my aunt and uncle are having a fundraiser picnic Saturday at the property. I’d love it if you came with me.”
Fear engulfed her, and her breathing stopped. “Will I be meeting your family?”
He sat up, and she followed. “Yes. My uncle and aunt are the sponsors, so of course you’ll meet them. My aunt’s like my mom, so she’ll love you. You already know Adler, sort of. He’ll be there. The only other one is my cousin, but he’s in Texas. That’s all my family. The rest will be employees of our company and some from one of the hospitals my aunt works at and their families. It’ll be a lot of fun. Horseback riding, food, swimming.”
“Swimming in February?” Stacey interrupted.
“The pool’s heated.”
She pulled away.
“What’s wrong?”
She stood up, wrapped her silk robe around her, and sat on her bed.This is crazy. He’s so out of my league.
“Stacey? What?” His hand touched her back.
“Pickleball at the club. Horseback riding and a heated pool at the property.” She turned to face him. “How rich are you?”
“Me? I’m not.”
She stood up and walked away. “Come on, Tristan. You know what I mean.”
He followed her. “Why? What’s it matter?” He lowered his head so he could make eye contact with her better.
Her heart skipped a beat. He was amazing. He didn’t flaunt money. But it’s just the concept. She looked away.
“Stacey. My uncle has money. And the property is where we live. Yes, we have horses, a heated pool, and a membership at a club. He owns hundreds of acres here and even more in Texas. It doesn’t matter. It’s not mine.” He threw his hands in the air, palms up.
