“I will make some calls while you grab a shower, in case you have another cramp.” He said snidely.
Winter decided to ignore it. “Thanks, I won’t be long. I was lucky he was there. He is a really nice guy. You know? You can tell he is lonely with his relatives being in Texas.” She kept a running monologue as she gathered her clothes. Finally she went into the restroom. Viper heard the shower running, his hands clenched as he heard her singing in the shower. She had treated him like her fucking BFF, talking about a guy she was crushing on. Viper had recognized the look on Conner’s face when he had walked into the hot tub room. The man was only biding his time to make his move. Viper had every intention of preempting his strike. Winter was about to find out how he got his nickname.
Chapter 6
The kitchen was crowded with those wanting to cook. Winter sat at the table with a cup of coffee, sipping it with enjoyment as she watched Rider and Evie argue over the best way to make sweet potatoes. When Evie made gagging noises after Rider mentioned marshmallows, Winter couldn’t hold back her giggles.
“They are like this every holiday.” Bliss said, taking a sip of her own coffee.
She watched the perky blonde take a bite of her toast and smiled. The woman was sweet and quirky. At first Winter had talked to her less than the other women but they had continually ran into each other in the gym or hot tub room. They had slowly gotten to know each other and Winter had developed a friendship with her.
It was midafternoon before they were ready to eat. Razer and Beth were the last to show, coming in just as everyone sat down at the table. Beth slid into a chair at the table next to her.
“I thought you would have dinner with Lily?” Winter couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice.
Beth smiled. “This is the first Thanksgiving we have spent apart, but a friend from college invited her to spend the holiday with them and she accepted.”
Winter raised a brow. “As overprotective as you are, I am surprised you let her go.”
Beth laughed turning red. “Lily is old enough to make her own decisions now, that was the whole point of her going away to college, but I did ask Razer to check them out for me. He assured me it was safe.” Beth confessed.
Beth was facing Winter so she saw the unguarded look on Razer’s face as he stared at Shade across the table. Shade kept his face expressionless, aware Winter was watching.
“How long has she known this girl?” Winter questioned Beth.
“They met at the first of the school year. Next year they are thinking about being roommates. It’s great for Lily, I was about to break and let her come home but I didn’t want her driving back and forth to the nearest college. This girl has made college life bearable for her. We’ll have to invite her one weekend.”
Winter had her confirmation when she saw Razer’s face at Beth’s words. Shade stayed expressionless as usual, continuing to eat his meal.
“I would wait awhile. Finals will be coming up, then Christmas. You have a wedding to plan after Christmas. I am sure Lily can explain that it will be several months before you can return the favor.”
“Perhaps you’re right. I’m going dress shopping in Lexington after Christmas; we could make a weekend of it, just us girls.”
“That sounds like a good plan.” Winter agreed, seeing the relief on both of the male’s faces.
The food was delicious. Both the turkey and ham were demolished. Winter made sure she tried both Rider’s and Evie’s sweet potatoes, gushing over both of them. Viper, sitting across from her, admired her as she deftly stroked each of his club member’s egos.
Everyone helped with the cleanup. The men voluntarily cleaned the table as the women loaded the dishwasher. Beers were opened and the men crowded into the room off the kitchen to watch the game. The women sat at the kitchen table planning Beth’s bachelorette party.
“I think we should have it at the Pink Slipper.” Beth said.
“That won’t work.” Evie said in response.
“Why not?”
“Because they won’t let us in the door.” Evie explained.
“Oh.” Beth said unhappily.
“How about Rosie’s?” Evie suggested instead.
“That sounds good.” Beth agreed.
“I’ll talk to Mick about us renting the bar for the night.”
“Hell yeah.” Natasha and Jewell high fived each other.
The men were yelling at the game. Bliss and Natasha got up to give everyone refills on their beer before sitting back down.
“That’s settled then.” Beth leaned back taking a drink of her beer. “Winter, I bought an outfit for you to wear to tomorrow’s party. I hung it in your closet before coming downstairs.”
“That was sweet of you but I’m sure I had something that would have been fine.”
Beth stared at her a minute before replying. “I seriously doubt that. I want to explain about the parties Winter, the first one was a shock for me.”