Free Crave by Violet Vaughn Page A

thoughts for a few minutes. By the end of the chair ride, we joke around as if nothing happened. I’m grateful.
    Jason says, “You know what we need? A good burger and a beer. Have dinner with me?”
    “Sure, but I need to try to call Blaine first.” I pull out my phone and look at him. “I’m sorry.”
    He shakes his head. “No, no. It’s good. I didn’t expect you to not get another boyfriend. I’m cool with it. Besides, I’m seeing someone too.”
    Wait, what? Blaine’s phone rings to voice mail, and I know he won’t answer my calls. I leave a message. Just as well, I’m not up for drama. I decide to take Jason to the Cowboy Cafe. It’s loud, full of locals, and has the best burgers around.
    Jason has four beer samples in front of him and tries to figure out which microbrew works best with beef. I find it quite amusing since I think most beer tastes the same.
    He takes a sip of the first glass again and holds it over his tongue before swallowing. “It’s a fine palate that can determine these things. I’ve developed it over time.”
    “Right. So why is it when we were together you ordered a Moosehead every time?”
    He winks at me. “That, my dear, is because Canadian beers go with everything.”
    I shake my head and laugh. The waitress comes over, and he orders his choice. He leans forward and touches her arm as he asks what burger on the menu is best. A twinge of jealousy niggles at me. Jason has a girlfriend?
    “So tell me about this girl.” Bubbles form as I twirl the straw in my soda.
    “Her name is Cassie. She works at a horse farm. Teaching lessons, taking care of the horses, stuff like that.”
    Cassie? She’d better not look like me, too. I twirl a strand of hair around my finger. “Does she ski?”
    “Yes,” he says, almost as a question.
    “Yes?” I’m amused.
    “She skis. It’s just she’s not that good.” He leans his elbows on the table.
    “Oh, that’s hard. I hope she’s not one of those girls who don’t get the powder-day rule.”
    He gives me a guilty look.
    I lean forward. “No! You haven’t told her? She hasn’t seen your bumper sticker that says, “There are no friends on powder days?”
    “I…” He sits up and raises open palms in the air. “Well, we haven’t had a powder day since we started dating.”
    I snort. “So what you’re saying is so far you’ve dodged that bullet.” I take a sip of my soda.
    He gives me a sheepish grin. “Yup.”
    I chuckle. “What’s going to happen when you move here next winter?”
    “Winter? I’m coming in June.” His stool creaks as he sits back.
    “Okay. What happens when you come here in June?” June? Like in just a couple of months, June?
    “I don’t know. Maybe she’ll come with me.” He crosses his arms as if he dares me to object.
    “Cool.” No, not cool.
    Our burgers arrive. Red explodes as he squirts huge amounts of ketchup then mustard and mayonnaise on the bun. He smashes down the roll onto the meat.
    I scowl. “You know that’ll come dripping out with the first bite?”
    “Yes, and then you’re going to dip your fries in it.” He looks at me with a sly smile.
    “Will not.” Will I?
    “Will too.” He opens his mouth and takes a huge bite. The condiment mixture oozes out and lands on his plate with a splat. His cheeks are puffed out like a squirrel. I pick up a fry and see my hand move toward his plate. I hesitate midair. I can’t fight the urge. I want to drag my fry through it. I smear the muddy-colored mixture.
    Jason’s mouth is so full he can’t speak. His eyebrows rise at me. “Okay, okay, I do. Have you tried this? It’s soooo good.” I stick the fry in my mouth and close my eyes while I savor the salty flavor on my tongue. I let out a tiny moan.
    When I open my eyes again, he stares at me. He gulps down his mouthful of food. I know that look. My breasts tingle in response. I bite my lower lip, and the heat of a flush rises into my face. My stool rocks as I shift my weight. He