Page 60 of Always

I don’t know.

She’s mentioned that she’s continued therapy with a friend of hers from high school who opened a practice in Liberty. They’ve been meeting over Zoom since she’s been home.

If she is honest with me tonight, I need to choose whether I’ll be honest with her.

I will be.

Eventually.

But perhaps not tonight. Though who knows? Perhaps I’ll be inspired by what she shares with me.

I’m on my way to her place when I notice a post on her Instagram that I missed earlier.

Picked up this beautiful bottle of Beaujolais-Villages for a special dinner tonight. There’s something about its bright, fruity notes of cherry and raspberry that feels perfect for a cozy evening in with someone special. The best part? It’s light, smooth, and pairs effortlessly with just about anything—whether it’s a homemade meal or takeout from our favorite spot. Here’s to good wine, great company, and the moments that make life a little sweeter.

#BeaujolaisVillages #WineAndDine #SipAndSavor #GoodWineGoodTimes #SpecialMoments #WineLove

It’s not a sponsored post. She’s been doing just as many regular posts lately, which is something Addie never did. If Addie wasn’t being paid, she was reluctant to post. Skye seems to be looking at this whole thing differently, and better, in my opinion. To be a success, she needs to be a friend to her audience, not just an advertiser. Show them she’s human. The same as they are. She’s becoming excellent at this game.

My PR person takes care of my social media accounts, but she insists that I have them, even though I couldn’t care less. I rarely post myself. And I only scroll through Instagram when I have extra time, which is always at a premium for me.

Until, that is, I met Skye. Now I read all her posts religiously.

This time I even comment with a heart emoji.

I’m supposed to meet her at seven, but I’m early.

I’m never early. I’m unusually precise most of the time. It’s in my nature. Sometimes I keep people waiting if it’s to myadvantage. The only time I ever arrive anywhere early is if I have a chance to see the conference room before a big negotiation. I like to walk the room, get to know it, make it mine.

Own the room.

But meeting a woman?

I’m never early.

Until now.

I knock on the door.

Skye opens the door slowly.

“Skye,” I say. She’s wearing an apron, and her hair is pulled back in a messy ponytail. An adorable smudge of flour decorates her nose.

“You’re early,” she says.

“I know.”

“Well, come on in. I was just going to hop in the shower.”

A shower?

Skye naked? Water dripping over her luscious curves? Early just got a whole lot better.

“That’s a great idea,” I say. “I’ll join you.”

She wrinkles her forehead. “That wasn’t an invitation.”

“I’ve been in meetings nearly twenty-four-seven since I left Kansas,” I say. “I need a shower, too.” A little white lie. I showered when I got back to my place.

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