Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(29)

I hear loud laughter breaking out in the hotel. I follow it with my eyes and see Jimmy and his musicians surrounded by a horde of girls. They flurry in our direction with hearty giggles, swaying and singing with half-empty whiskey bottles in their hands.

To say the least, I’m not pleased. “Have you been drinking already?”

“Just a bit backstage with my boys. Let’s go celebrate!” Everyone cheers, excited to go upstairs. He smooches my lips quickly, but long enough for me to catch a blast of Jack Daniel’s. Alex rolls his eyes, looking away. “Bro! How are you?” greets Jimmy. “Can’t believe you came! So, did you enjoy my songs?”

“Very much.”

“You lie so badly! They are too cheap for you, huh? You know, Petra, my bro thinks he’s some sort of aristocratic playboy.” He bursts into laughter, but no one else does. “Alex, the aristocratic playboy.” I shake my head. Jimmy’s just embarrassing himself right in the middle of the lobby.

“C’mon, let’s go.” I grab his hand and drag him into the elevator. We go to the Fifty-First floor. Once we arrive in front of his suite, he taps his keycard on the reader and opens the door into a gigantic living room. The atmosphere is dark and playful, with way too many people already inside, from friends and acquaintances to models and crew members. Everyone’s already partying, drinking and dancing to the DJ. They raise their glasses and cheer at the sight of him. Jimmy does some quick dance moves and dives into the crowd for a cheering, kissing, and hugging crusade.

I’m frightened. I hate this kind of party more than anything else. But I take a deep breath and step in. Oh! I see at terrace in the distance. “Let’s go outside!” And I drag Alex with me.





The party is a raging success. Everyone seems to be having fun. Alex and I are standing on the terrace, enjoying the fresh breeze, the softer music, and talking to three gorgeous blonde models, or wait… maybe that’s just Alex. Indeed, I feel totally left out. I decide to look around for Jimmy, but he’s neither on the terrace, nor in the living room.

Suddenly, I receive a text message: Are you free?

It’s from him. Finally!

Yep, where are you? I reply.

You’ll see a waiter standing in front of my room. Tell him your name, and he’ll let you in.

I leave the living room, walk down the hallway, and see a young man in a white suit with a bow tie standing in front of a door. Must be him.

“Hi, I’m Petra Van Gatt.”

He nods and lets me in.

The bedroom is empty. I don’t see anyone. But I do hear water falling from the en suite bathroom. Is he in the shower? I don’t want to disturb him.

“Hey, how are you? I’m sorry, I really needed a shower.” Jimmy walks into the room with a white towel wrapped around his hips.

I cover my eyes immediately and turn around. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know… Please take your time.”

“Do you mind if I wear only boxers?”

What? I gasp instantly. I’ve never seen anyone in boxers! Even James had only taken his shirt off. “Would you mind wearing some jeans too?” I dare to ask.

“Alright, then…”

I can hear him walking toward the closet. I sit on the edge of his bed and wait.

“You can look now.” I dare to do so and see he’s at least half dressed. His body’s dry and fit, but strangely, not enough for my taste. Don’t ask me why, but I’ve always had a penchant for athletic and lean guys. “I’m sorry, it’s just I… I’m not used to seeing guys in boxers…”

He sits beside me. “No worries.”

I smile timidly at him in a failed attempt to cover the palpable tension. Jimmy starts to caress my jawline, tucks some hair behind my ear, and kisses my lips before laying me down, his body slightly inclined on mine. My pulse pounds nervously faster and faster with every kiss. He nibbles my bottom lip, then my chin, going further down to my neck, smooching it hurriedly between panting breaths. His hands slide under my T-shirt, trying briefly to take it off, but he probably senses that I’m uncomfortable and stops.

“Do you want some?” he asks, reaching for a tray with white powder lines from the nightstand.

Why does everyone do cocaine? God! “No, thank you.” I smile, shaking my head.

Despite the shower, he still looks quite unsteady, maybe half drunk. He takes a rolled up dollar bill and sniffs a line. “You should. It’s great to relax. Not even a tiny bit? Just to try.”

I decline again.

Jimmy puts the tray on the nightstand and then reaches again for me, devouring my mouth. Hungry for more, he discreetly pulls my skirt up, and I feel his fingers fondling my inner thigh. I shiver at his touch and I instinctively stop him from getting closer to my crotch. “I’m sorry, I’m—”

“I know,” he cuts me off with a sly smile. “You’ve never done it, right?”

I frown at the question. Is it written on my face or what? “And how do you know that?” I ask, confused.

“I felt it,” he replies plainly.

I narrow my eyes, Alex’s voice suddenly resonating in my mind. I don’t think he cares about you, but rather about what you are. Did he mean a virgin? Jimmy’s about to reach my lips, but I’ve got more to say. “Is this the reason why you brought me here?”