Page 48 of Wanting You

“Already thought of it, and I think everything here will meet with your approval. Check out the teal blue bra and panties. The color is amazing and would look great on you.” She walked into the bathroom. “Ugh, you have no real counter space in here! It’s going to be a little hard to work my magic…”

She let her sister ramble on while she picked out a hot pink silk nightie, the teal set, a black matching set, and…

“You know what, Ash? I’m taking it all! I can’t decide!”

“I know! That’s only a portion of what I bought for myself. There’s enough variety there to fit whatever you’re feeling and Tanner’s going to love it no matter what.” She popped her head back into the room. “Now come in here and let’s get your hair dried and styled.”

Running in, she sat down and let her sister do her thing. “Am I crazy for agreeing to this? It’s kind of soon, isn’t it? Like…should I have said no or waited another week?”

“Do you want to wait another week?”

“No, but…”

“Then it’s not too soon. You need to stop thinking so much and enjoy yourself. You seem to really be into this guy and you’re not the impulsive one in the family. So if you said yes to him, then I’d have to say that it’s something you really want.”

And the thing is, she really wanted Tanner—probably more than she had ever wanted a man before, but…

“But…he’s like…he’s not the type of guy I thought I’d fall for. We have so much in common and I love just sitting and talking to him, but…he’s kind of famous. He’s lived a very different life than me, and he’s probably been with, like…dozens of women. What if he loses interest because I’m not like one of those…you know…ski bunnies?”

Ashlynn snickered. “Sometimes the things that come out of your mouth are completely adorable. But you’re wrong about this. It doesn’t matter how many women he’s been with before—and I’ll bet you it’s not nearly as many as you’d think. Remember that he wants to be with you. You didn’t chase after him like a ski bunny, okay? He was the one who wanted to pursue you. So relax and don’t get stuck in your own head, okay?”

Chloe nodded, but she wasn’t there yet.

Still, Ash made her hair and her makeup look fabulous, and when they walked back into the bedroom, her sister even started putting her things in her weekender bag so she could get dressed.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Chloe told her as she grabbed the black bra and panties and shimmied into them. “I planned on wearing the black dress hanging on the door to dinner, but should I wear it now or wear something else and change when we get to the hotel?”

“Change when you get there, but let’s find you something fetching to wear now.” In the closet, Ashlynn pulled out a pair of black skinny jeans, a copper-colored chunky sweater, and black ankle boots. “This way, it all works with the black undies. You know, in case you skip dinner and get right to the good stuff when you get to the suite.” She pulled out a few more things and tossed them on the bed. “A hoodie, a flannel, I already packed you a couple of pairs of leggings, this hunter green wrap dress is perfect for another dinner…these shoes are perfect…” And five minutes later, she was completely packed.

“Damn, Ash. That was impressive.”

“I know, right?” her sister preened. “And just in time, because I think Tanner just pulled up.”

“Oh my God! Already? How do I look?” she rambled as she finished getting dressed.

Ashlynn walked over and quickly fixed Chloe’s hair. “Perfect. Now go and have fun. I’ll lock up.” She gave her a fierce hug. “Walk out there with confidence and rock his world tonight!”

“Oh God…”

“Or…simply cuddle with him and have a totally pleasant evening,” Ash said as she hooked the strap of the weekender over Chloe’s shoulder and ushered her out the door. “Take your purse and keys and have fun. I love you and you better call me when you get home on Sunday night! Or text me at some point this weekend!”

“I will, I will. Thank you for everything!” And then she was walking out the door and hoping she looked confident.

Because I certainly don’t feel it…

But when Tanner climbed out of his SUV and smiled with appreciation, she suddenly felt it.

Confident.

Beautiful.

Desired.

And it was a heady feeling.

“Your room is on the tenth floor, concierge level,” the desk clerk said as he handed over their key cards. “And on behalf of Summit Ridge, we hope you have a wonderful stay. Would you like help with your luggage?”

“Thank you,” Tanner replied, “we would.”

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