Page 19 of Tinsel and Teasing

She glances at me from under her lashes. “Thank you.”

“I want to see you again, Sweetheart.”

Clyde is done putting his stuff away and heads over. “She won four hours, and we already did a lot more than that. Let her go.”

Pain oozes from his words. If there’s any chance of calming everyone down, he needs time away from her. Once his bruised ego lets go of her being a fan, he’ll come around. We all knew it was a risk.

I bridge the divide, giving everyone space. “The auction gave us a starting point with you. We all want more.”

She clasps her hands. “I’m sorry if I misled you. I just wanted to lose my virginity.”

Ouch.

Clyde steps toward the door. “Done. I’ll get the keys and drive you back. You’ve got a busy life. Might as well admit what this was.”

Despite him offering what she asked for, she seems taken aback by his statement.

“Thanks. I still have my Santa’s helper job. I’m just really busy, and I know you guys have to work, so that was sweet of you to take off for me, Luke, but look at the bright side, you’re going to have the whole rest of the day to work.” She tries to sound optimistic, but every word out of her mouth is a blow to my heart.

Why couldn’t she just leave the possibility open?

Knox follows Clyde, and I’m last to go inside. Knox says, “I can do my job anytime. I also planned to take off today, so I’m not missing anything if you want to hang out longer, and I’d love to meet your dogs. What are their names?”

Nervousness flashes over her face as she shakes her head.

“If we get involved in each other’s lives, it’ll be too hard.”

Hard? This was perfect. Something isn’t adding up.

Clyde continues with his irritation. “Look guys, she fit us into her busy schedule. We’re grateful for what we got, right?”

Knox and I stare at him dumbfounded.

“Fine. I’m grateful even if they aren’t. Thanks for the fun.” Clyde is uncannily callous.

Isadora wiggles and Knox puts her down. She grabs her clothes and rushes to the bathroom.

“I’ll grab the keys.” Clyde heads to the bedroom.

“What the fuck is happening?” I ask Knox.

“I think Clyde’s losing his shit.

“I hate to say this, but we need to talk.”

“We can’t let Clyde drive her home if he’s going to pout the whole time.”

“Right. I also think there’s something big going on with her. She says she wanted us for sex, but part of her wants more. We have to figure out how to help her find that part.”

Clyde and my sweetheart return, so I address him, “We’re going with you.”

“I’ve got this,” Clyde says.

“Not if you’re going to be a jackass.”

“It’s okay,” Isadora says. “Clyde and I need some time alone.”

My blood pressure rises, but if that’s what she wants, it might be our only chance for the two of them to sort out their bullshit.

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