Kiss and Don't Tell(93)

“Make sure he takes care of you,” Hornsby says, giving Winnie a hug.

The boys are lined up in the driveway—including Holmes—and they’re all saying bye to me and Winnie—but mainly Winnie, who they seem to care more about.

“I’ll be sure to give him just as much shit as you would if he doesn’t.”

Hornsby laughs and squeezes her tight. “We’ve taught her well.”

Posey steps up and opens his arms. Winnie gives him a hug and he says, “You were a welcome surprise to our little dick den. Next time, bring friends.”

Winnie laughs hard, and so do I.

She pats him on the chest. “Katherine is available. I can hook you up.”

“Is that the paranoid one?” Posey winces.

“Yes.”

He shakes his head. “I have enough paranoia on my own, I don’t need to feed into someone else’s. But if you happen to have any other single friends, let me know. I think I’m ready to settle down.”

“Lawes’s sister is still single,” Hornsby says with a wink.

I point my finger at him. “Off-fucking-limits and you know that.”

Holmes keeps his distance and offers Winnie a wave. “Thanks for the book, really enjoying it.”

It’s awkward and uncomfortable watching him say goodbye, but Winnie handles it well. “You’re welcome. I have some others you might like. I’ll pull a list together for you.”

“Sounds great.” He steps back and then Taters takes a step forward.

He pulls Winnie into a hug and says, “Sorry I was such a dick to you at first. You’re pretty cool.”

Winnie squeezes him back. “Thank you for being the Hostess with the Mostest . . . attitude, Potato.”

Taters laughs. “Someone had to put some challenge into the fairy tale you walked into. I don’t mind being the villain.”

She pats his cheek. “A gracious villain. But now that I know we can be friends, be prepared to be annoyed with me.”

“Already am annoyed with you.” He smirks. “Good luck, and give this guy hell.”

“Oh, I will.” She winks and then walks around to the driver’s side of her car. Four days ago, I don’t think Winnie would’ve felt that level of comfort around the boys. She’d seen us all as overgrown, potentially dangerous men when she first arrived. And yet, she’s treating them like—like brothers now. I like that. A lot.

“Thank you for everything, guys. You really did save me. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to stumble across.” Her eyes well up. “My mom would’ve been so jealous of me.” They all laugh and then she waves to them. “Bye.”

“Bye,” the boys say in unison.

I exchange fist bumps with all of them. Taters reminds me to text them updates. Hornsby reminds me to stay hydrated—God knows for what reason. Posey gives me a bro hug and asks to be updated, as well. And Holmes—well, he gives me a nod and that’s about it, but I know it’s the best he can give right now. We had our talk; we know where we stand.

I open Winnie’s car door and climb into the passenger side, only to fold up like an accordion, knees to my chest. The boys let out a roar of laughter as I struggle to find the lever to send the seat back. As I look back to give them the bird, I notice that every one of them has their phones out—probably videoing my humiliation. Assholes.

“Oh dear,” Winnie says, laughing as well once she’s sitting comfortably in her seat.

“Little help,” I say.

Still laughing, she says, “The button is on the side of the seat. It’s electronic.”

My hand reaches to the side and I find it. I push back, and the seat slowly slides backward and then stops. My legs are still cramped. I glance at Winnie. “Is that how far it goes back?”

“Must be.” Her hand covers her mouth as she laughs. “I didn’t think about how big you are when we planned this out.”

“We’re taking my car.” I start to get out, but Winnie grips my arm.

“How are we going to get Minnie back?”

I turn to the boys, who are all shaking their head. “None of you want to drive this back to Vancouver?”

“Hmm.” Hornsby taps his chin. “Drive a comfortable Tesla back to Vancouver or a cramped Mini Cooper. Wow, what a tough decision.” He waves at me. “Have a good trip.”

I clutch my head. “You know, this cramped space is really hurting my head, I don’t think it’s good for me.”

“Fuck off,” Taters says while laughing. “Your head is fine, but nice try.”

They all turn and go inside the house, leaving me with Winnie and her Mini Cooper.

Sighing, I say, “You’re going to need to rethink your car choices.” I shift and my shoulders bump into her. “And I hope you’re okay with breaking the speed limit, because we’re going to need to get to Vancouver fast.”

She chuckles and puts her car in drive.





Chapter Twenty





WINNIE





“This is stupid, right? Like . . . this is a really stupid idea?” I ask, wringing my hands together. We’re parked just around the corner from my uncle’s house.