Page 65 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
“I’ve always loved to write. I used to write all kinds of stories when I was a little girl.” Winnie smiled at the memory.
“And me and my Winnie write stories together all the time now,” Melody said. “Sometimes we make up stories when we go on walks. Because life is a big story, right, Winnie?”
“It sure is.” Winnie leaned over and cut Melody’s chicken into smaller bites. She did things like that all the time. As if she just knew what she needed and when she needed it.
“So Winnie, I heard you went on a date with my man Brenner Layton right before Christmas,” Bridger said, glancing over at me, and my hand fisted beneath the table.
“We just went to dinner. He’s a nice guy.”
“Brenner’s the best.” Axel dabbed at his mouth with his napkin. “He’s been great, finding help for my business and screening candidates. He’s a cool dude.”
“He’s not that cool.” The words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them, and everyone gaped at me. Aside from Bridger, who was all smiles. “I just mean that he wears suits when he’s here in town, so he stands out like a sore thumb.”
“I wear suits,” Bridger said.
“And you’re also not cool.” I smirked.
“Hmm… you always liked Brenner. Is this a recent change of heart?” he pressed, and I could tell he was enjoying himself.
“Nope. I’ve never thought he was cool.”
“Brenner? Come on, dude. He’s a fabulous dresser, and he’s like the Ray Donovan of the business world,” Rafe said with a laugh. “Anything Bridger throws at him, he can fix. Hell, if I were a woman, I’d date him. You should give him a chance, Winnie. I mean, if you aren’t interested in anyone else.”
He glanced over at me, as did Easton, Clark, Axel, and that dickhead Bridger, who’d started this.
They were all in on it.
Trying to make me jealous.
I rolled my eyes. “This is like an episode ofThe Bachelor. I don’t think Winnie needs you to fix her up with anyone.”
“I’m actually enjoying being single right now,” she said. “But Brenner and I can definitely be friends. He’s a really nice guy. I’m just not looking for a boyfriend.”
Mic drop.
I shot them all a look.
Suck it, bitches.
“Yeah, play the field, girl. You’re young and beautiful and talented. You don’t need to be strapped down with some guy,” Lulu said, and Rafe gaped at her.
“What?” he grumped.
“Not everyone is like you, baby,” she said, patting his cheek. “Power to the woman.”
I laughed, and Rafe glared at me.
We finished dinner and cleared the table, and Bridger texted in the group chat for us to meet out by the firepit.
Melody and Winnie were helping my aunt Ellie get the s’mores ready, and all the girls were in the kitchen, talking and laughing.
I zipped my coat up and walked out back, where Bridger had started a fire.
“What the hell is wrong with you guys?” I hissed once we were far enough away from the house that I knew no one could hear us. “Why the fuck are you pushing Brenner Layton on my nanny?”
“Because we know you like her,” Rafe snipped, and Clark burst out in laughter.
“I mean, this was Bridger’s strategy to get you to admit it, and personally, I didn’t think it was our best option.” Easton shrugged.
