Page 55 of For the Win
I’m just having fun
On the stage in my heels
It’s where I belong
“Down at the Pink—Holy shit!”
I fling the spoon across the room because there are two creatures wrapped up like snow-caked mummies staring at me through the kitchen window.
When one of them waves, I sag against the island, my heart pounding. Did Connor really get here that fast? “Jesus. Try knocking on the door next time, you idiot.”
Yesterday, the snow was too high for anyone to be where they’re standing. But last night when it stopped, Michael dug out a small track around the cabin for the dogs to play in. After days of being cooped up inside, they were thrilled to have an adventure.
And now we have company.
The thinner mound of clothing pulls down his scarf to reveal a broad, attractive grin. When he pulls up his goggles, I realize it’s not Connor or Seamus. It’s Michael’s nephew.
“Jake Finn, what the hell,” I murmur.
The man beside him does the same, though he isn’t grinning, which is unusual for him. Whenever I’ve seen Bellamy Demir from a distance, he was always the happiest man in the room. Apparently, he isn’t as amused by my performance as his son is.
I’m even less amused, because their intrusion means my time with Michael is over.
I’m not ready for it to be over.
Ignoring that blip of a thought, I lower the flame on the stove and lightly limp over to the door. Just before I reach it, I glance up to the top of the stairs. Should I call for him? Wait for him to answer the door?
Why bother? I’m probably the reason they’re here this early in the morning.
I grab Michael’s sheepskin jacket and step out onto the porch, closing the door behind me so the dogs can’t escape. “Good morning.”
Jake speaks first, his smile crinkling his eyes. He’s incredibly handsome, though he doesn’t look that much like the rest of the Finns. “Hey, Bex’s friend the singing, and apparently dancing, teacher. I like your moves. I’m Jake and this is Bellamy.”
“I’m Win, and I’ve heard a lot about you, Jake. All good things, including the fact that you’re smart enough to consider taking over the world.”
“That’s not on the schedule for a few more years,” he jokes. “Is my uncle around?”
I see Bellamy’s barely noticeable flinch and frown at him. “He’s upstairs getting dressed.”
Bellamy offers me a tight grin. “I heard you had a rough time of it. I imagine you’re ready to head back right away, but if it’s okay, I need to talk to Michael for a few minutes before we go.”
I steel myself and glance over at Jake. “I made breakfast. A leftover scramble. Why don’t you go inside and visit with thedogs while I talk to your dad for a minute, then I can make you a plate.”
Jake lifts his eyebrows curiously, but nods and disappears into the cabin.
Bellamy pats his arms with his glove-covered hands. A little dramatically, if you ask me. “You don’t want to have this talk in the cabin? It’s not that far by snowmobile, but it’s still damn cold out here. This kind of weather can’t be good for your voice either,” he wheedles.
It’s none of your business, Win. You and Michael aren’t even dating. Stay out of it.
I know that. And yet I don’t want Bellamy coming in and busting through my perfect daydream with his weird flinches and tight smiles. “Your brother saved my life and has been taking care of me all weekend.”
He meets my gaze. “I heard.”
“He’s also making the dessert for the party at your children’s request, and showing up for a crowd of people he doesn’t know because your husband asked him to. And unlike the two of us, he isn’t that comfortable in crowds.”
A hard and somewhat obstinate expression crosses Bellamy’s face. “You know that after less than two days with him?”
“I know him better than you do.”
