Page 37 of SapphicLover69
“As if you didn’t give her enough of one last night,” Selina laughed, prompting R.B.’s cheeks to turn bright red.
“Hush!” Probably wishing to change the subject, R.B. asked, “Did you hear about the fire last night? I heard some hotel guests got stuck in a service room and it caught on fire, but supposedly nobody was hurt.”
The realization struck me that the facts about our brush with death had not yet become public knowledge, and I wished to keep it that way. I grabbed Winter’s wrist and responded, “Yeah, we smelled the smoke and saw the firetruck.”
“Some luck, huh?” Selina shook her head. “First your room gets broken into and then there’s a fire right down the hall from our karaoke. Remind me how unsafe New Orleans is, so I never come back here.”
“We have to hurry,” R.B. said with a glance at the wall clock. “Are you going to make my presentation?”
“We plan to,” I answered honestly. She came to mine; the least I could do would be to return the favor.
The two stepped into an elevator, and I aimed for the sets of double glass doors and outside. I just wanted to be alone with Winter somewhere I couldn’t give in to the impure temptation to satisfy my lust.
“Thanks,” I said and released her wrist. Instantly, I missed the warm energy that came with touching her. “I don’t believe it, butI can’t be sure Selina isn’t involved. And if they don’t know what happened yet, I’m sure everyone will soon enough. Now, back to last night.”
I pushed open the door and was backhanded by a slap of hot air. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea. I spied some seating in the shade along the glass wall of the lobby. It provided a lovely view of manicured shrubs, flower boxes, and ornamental trees, along with the central standing statue guarded by old-timey iron hitching posts and pink azaleas.
Extending a hand, I invited her to sit on a bench with me. “You think Selina tried to kill us?” Winter settled beside me with a fearful aspect and folded her hands in her lap.
“No, I don’t. But there are only four people I can be a hundred percent positive it wasn’t—you, Elaine, Tammy, and Beth. Logistically, it could have been anyone else in the hotel.” I shifted on the seat to face her at an angle. “Winter, I feel so bad that you and Elaine were in danger because of me—that you could have been hurt or killed just because you were with me. I wouldn’t blame you if you want to spend the day with someone else. I mean—”
“No,” she interrupted. “I like hanging out with you. If I didn’t, if I thought it was too dangerous or not worth it, I’d go find someone else. I’m invested in you now, Aspen.”
Invested in me.The idea awakened immense joy in my soul. People only invest in projects they believe will be successful or profitable. They don’t invest in losers.
“Besides, it’s a matter of principle. I have to protect you, or try, anyway. I need to stand up for what’s right. This nutcase could have fixated on any of us, only she picked you. And you have no idea why?”
“At first, I thought it was because of the steamy love scenes in my books. Sometimes, people confuse fiction with reality.”
Winter nodded, a humorous smile forming on her face. “Yeah, likeOnly a TouchChapter Ten. Like anyone could actually do that.”
My eyes shone at her teasingly while I pressed my lips together to suppress a grin.Oh, how I’d love to try that out with you someday soon!“Well,” I said and watched her eyes round and her cheeks blush. “I was out of town and away from my keyboard for the week of Christmas and didn’t answer any messages. When I got back, SapphicLover69 had gone berserk. She made it look like she was furious about being blown off, but that could have just been an excuse. I don’t know.”
I shook my head and glanced away. Near the statue on its tiny island, a few pigeons strutted around the brick paving, their soft coos filling the air as they pecked at seeds and crumbs. A luxury car pulled up to the door, and the valet hopped out to assist a couple with their luggage. The whoosh of cool air from the lobby felt refreshing.
“I used to love reading your posts,” Winter said in a small, shy voice. “I missed them when you went offline.”
For the first time, the realization struck me that this stalker’s harassment had affected others besides me. I turned a surprised gaze to her, noting the sadness in her expressive eyes. “I didn’t think anyone would miss me.”
“Of course we did, Aspen. Your interactions were always positive and uplifting. You didn’t gripe, moan, and complain like a lot of authors,” Winter explained. “Oh, poor me—someone gave me one star. That person was rude to me, boohoo. Even with all the horrible lies SapphicLover69 spread and the hideously inappropriate sexual comments she blasted, you never once behaved like a victim or expected pity. You stood up to her with dignity and grace until it got to be too much. I understand why you did what you did. I might have given up way sooner.But I missed you when you were gone.” She sighed, shaking her head, and added, “I just had to reread all your books.”
At that, I laughed, experiencing some relief. “I want to readyourbooks,” I said. “I was too distracted on Friday at the book fair to pick any up, but—”
“I only have two so far, but you get one of each, for sure,” she bubbled in animated glee. “Oh, my God—Aspen Wolfe reading my silly little stories!”
“Stop that!” I snatched her nearest hand and squeezed it between mine. “You’re interesting, so I’m sure they will be too—although the science part could be way over my head.”
“You think I’m interesting?” She blinked at me. Her thumb rubbed across the back of my hand in a caress that sent shivers through me despite the ninety-degree temperature.
“Would I be spending my weekend with you if I didn’t?”
“I thought you were spending your weekend with Tammy and Beth, and I was just along for the ride,” she said.
“Maybe at first.”
“Oh, what luck!” squealed an enthusiastic voice. Reluctantly, I tore my gaze away from Winter to witness Demi dancing, Nan strutting, and Luna dragging her feet as the three fangirls veered from a path to the lobby doors to zero in on us.
“We hoped we’d run into you again,” Nan said. “And out here in a natural setting—rad.”
