Read Online Autumn Getaway (Seasons of Love) by Jennifer Gracen - Free Book Online

obvious exception of Chelsea, and then the few other women you got serious with after her—whose names I can’t even remember right now, holy crap—you always seem to hit on blondes. Whenever we’ve gone out, to a bar or whatever, that’s who you seem to look at, and to pick up.” Alec rubbed his temples. “Dammit, this is bugging me now. What were their names? There was the one you dated first, lasted like six months, I wanna say? And then, there was the one you moved in with for a while, you were with her for like two years?”
    “First one was Emily. Second one was Maria,” Sam murmured, his voice flat. He hadn’t thought of either of them in a long time. He was honestly surprised that Alec had even remembered both women, much less brought them up in the correct order and context. He took a hard swallow of his scotch and welcomed the burn down his throat.
    “Right! Yes. Thank you. They were both brunettes, like Chelsea. But you don’t hook up with darker haired women, unless there’s something more to them that interests you beyond just having a fling. Like, you realize they have a brain, or a decent personality, and then it’s different.” Alec smirked knowingly. “To sum up, Sammy: you play with blondes, you get real with brunettes. So I’m surprised you’d give a red haired woman a second look, that’s new. Although technically, she could almost be a brunette; her hair isn’t, like, flaming red. More like auburn, I guess you'd call it? I don’t know colors, you’re the artist.” His smirk widened into a salacious smile. “So? How’m I doin’? On the money?”
    Sam said nothing in response to his brother’s observations, which were unnerving in their accuracy. Taken aback, his jaw set in displeasure for a moment before he knocked back the rest of his drink in one hard gulp.
    Alec laughed mockingly, victoriously. He gave Sam’s shoulder a good-natured squeeze and pressed ahead. “I know you well, little brother. Better than you think. Don’t ever forget that. So? What’s Lydia’s story? Where’s she from?”
    “Jesus. Where the hell did Paige take the kids to pee?” Sam wondered aloud. “Siberia?”
    * * *
    Dinner was served, a few toasts were made, and conversation and laughter flowed as easily as the drinks. Towards the end of the meal, Melanie whispered into Lydia’s ear that there was a pub and lounge on the fourth floor of the hotel, and a few of them were going there after the dinner to hang out. “Please, please come. Just for a little while.”
    Lydia sighed. She was tired, and the third glass of wine in front of her was half empty already. She had a perfect buzz going, and had been looking forward to just going back to her room and passing out in a comfortable bed. But she couldn’t say no to her old friend. “I’m really tired, Mel. I’m only gonna stay for a little while. Deal?”
    “Deal. I’ll take what I can get.” Melanie smiled, obviously pleased.
    After some deliciously decadent desserts, the guests all began to disperse. Melanie’s parents both hugged Lydia, repeating how glad they were to have her there. People headed for the door, going to get a good night’s sleep for the following day’s big event. Lydia smiled and shook hands with all the relatives she’d met that evening.
    She tried to be discreet as she glanced over to where Sam was, at his end of the table, wondering if he'd be joining the troupe headed to the lounge. The younger of the little girls was up in his arms; she watched him kiss her little pink cheek. It looked like Sam, Alec, and Paige were saying good night to the kids, and Lydia continued to observe as Sam and Alec's parents eventually led their grandchildren out of the room. Once they were gone, Alec turned to Ryan and called out boisterously across the length of the room, “Alright, Selby. The kids are off to bed, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. Paige and I get to hang out with the grownups. Let’s go, my brother!”
    Melanie