Page 111 of Flirty Fall Fling

Winter

We will survive. Stop being stubborn. Josie and I can handle the shop. It’s for your protection.

I read her last text twice.

Blaire

You’re right. Ugh. I hate it when you’re right. How does Autumn deal with you?

Winter

She only calls or texts when she can handle a voice of reason.

“I guess I’m going to take off until Monday,” I say.

“Let’s get out of here,” he whispers, leaning over to steal a kiss.

I laugh. “Really?”

“I’ve never been more serious.”

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“Vermont.”

I blink at him. “In October?”

“I might be the Fling King, but I’m also a fall king. Love seeing the leaves change. I own a place twenty minutes outside of Woodstock. The cell service is shit, and the internet is nonexistent. There’s a cool covered bridge, a cider mill, and complete anonymity.”

It sounds like a postcard. I want to say yes so badly, but I feel something deep inside my body that says I shouldn’t.

“I can’t,” I say, the daydream drifting away.

He turns his head. “I don’t think anyone has ever told me no.”

“Happy to be the first.” I sigh. “I would love to. Vermont in the fall is a fantasy. But if I get on a plane and leave, they win.” I shift in the seat to face him. “That’s not hiding, Jameson. My problems will still be here when I return, ya know?”

“Blaire.”

“Let’s escape to my cabin in the woods.”

He goes still with his hand on the gearshift. “You want me to join you?”

That makes me smile. “Of course I do. We only have weeks left. I’m not going to let some cameras affect that.”

He laughs. It’s the first real one out of him since Patterson arrived.

“Okay,” he says. “I’d love to.”

“We need food.”

“Give me a few hours. I’ll shop and grab some clothes, then pick you up.”

“Yay! I’m excited.”

I lean over and slide my lips across his. Fingers thread through my hair, and he deepens the kiss.

“Thank you,” he whispers.