Free Running Wilde (The Winnie Wilde Series Book 1) by Sue Ann Jaffarian, Meg Chambers Page A

were going to tell me to mind my own damn business.”
    Winnie gave her a genuine smile. In spite of the woman’s nosiness, she was liking Alice Thompson. “Believe me, Alice, it was the first thing that crossed my mind, but I’m a mother too and my son is close to Ben’s age. You were being nosy out of love and I recognize and respect that. Ben and I are friends. Real friends. Long after we stop dating, I have no doubt at all that we will remain good friends.”
    Alice turned in her chair to face Winnie. “Well, well, Winnie Wilde,” she said slowly, “Bennie has dated quite a few older women, but you are the first real surprise.”
    “You two look like you’re getting into trouble,” Ben said, returning to the table with their drinks.
    “We’re plotting the takeover of the free world,” Alice quipped. She accepted the drink he handed her and raised it in a toast. “To the success of this event and to friendship.” Ben and Winnie raise their glasses with her.
    “I like the Thompsons,” Winnie said in Ben’s ear while they danced to a slow song a while later. “And they clearly love you.”
    “Yeah,” he said, “Gordon and I were on many sports teams together as kids. For a short while in high school, he even dated my younger sister.” He pulled slightly back so he could look at her. “Did Alice pump you for information about our relationship?”
    “A little, but not too bad. I don’t think she approves, but I also don’t think she hates me.” Winnie laughed.
    “No one could hate you, Winnie.” He drew her close and pressed his face against hers while they danced.
    Winnie was having a marvelous time. The music, the food and drink, and the company were all enjoyable, especially the company. The Thompson table became their home base throughout the night, returning to it after dancing or mingling. Hunter McDermott even returned and finally coaxed Alice out of her seat for a few dances. When he was introduced to Ben, he cast a look back and forth between Ben and Winnie with open curiosity, but said nothing.
    “Don’t you just love this place?” a woman asked Winnie while they stood in front of a large mirror in a beautiful bathroom. “Gotta love a man who designs his home with commercial size men’s and ladies’ rooms to accommodate party guests.” She applied fresh lipstick to her full lips. Next to her, Winnie was washing her hands.
    “Yes,” Winnie said with a small chuckle, “fancy stalls and fixtures just like in a 5-star hotel. No waiting in long lines for a single facility.” She picked up a linen towel from a small stack and dried her hands.
    “You’re Ben Church’s date, aren’t you?” the woman asked as she stashed her lipstick into her jeweled designer evening bag.
    “Yes,” Winnie answered, “I came here with Ben.” She turned and studied the woman. She had long golden hair and large blue eyes enhanced by perfect makeup. Her killer figure was barely concealed by a form-fitting silk cocktail dress in teal with a very low neckline. Winnie guessed them to be close in age, even though the other woman’s face did not have the same fine lines as Winnie’s. The woman was stunning and from the way she held herself, she knew it.
    “So you’re his current MILF?” she asked Winnie.
    “His what?” Winnie tilted her head in confusion.
    The woman laughed. “I’m Trudie Levins,” she announced. “Ben’s last MILF.” She looked Winnie up and down in a predatory manner.
    “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”
    “Of course you don’t, dear,” Trudie said with a feline smirk. “But you will.”
    When Winnie returned to the Thompson table, Ben was not there. “Where’s Ben,” she asked Alice, who was alone. She sat next down next to her.
    “He just got pulled onto the dance floor by that Jezebel.” Alice pointed to the crowded dance floor and Winnie spotted Ben with Trudie Levins. They were dancing to a slow dance, but not cheek-to-cheek. Ben was holding her in a