Page 25 of Running Winter

"Yeah. Well, Sam didn’t like your cousin much. Or you."

"We have that effect on people," I chuckled as she peered at me. "What?"

"I don't know; I just think you look older than you are. Nineteen, right?"

"Yeah. Older than average."

"I'm twenty-two."

"I do like older women,” I teased as she rolled her eyes. "Nah, you're fucking stunning. But you know that."

"How are you the complete package? How are you single?" Heather demanded, slamming her hand on the table as I laughed.

"How do you know I am?" I teased, arching my brow at her. She blushed then before throwing her hair over her shoulders.

"You don't strike me as the type to be taking random girls out if you were in a relationship," she pointed out, and I shrugged.

"True. But you're not random."

"Ha, but I am. You met me at a fair."

"Technically, I met you at the party," I corrected her, enjoying the banter.

"I'm so glad it was you on those stairs," she mumbled, dropping her eyes down.

"So am I," I admitted, as she gave me a delicious smile. "But I'll ask you the same question. How are you single?"

"Because most guys I meet are dickheads, or my brother scares them off. Even when I am away at college."

"Jared, right?" I asked, draining my drink and signaling for another.

The waiter scurried off, and I turned my attention back to Heather.

"Yeah. I mean, I'm the big sister; he shouldn't affect my life, right? But he is just so involved." She sighed. "And annoyingly, right about the wrong guys."

I decided not to press the issue, instead allowing her to continue talking.

"But now I'm back and going to college here for the foreseeable. I had no plans of meeting any guys, especially with Jared and Sam around more. Then I met you."

Heather lifted her eyes to mine, and I felt that connection, the one I'd heard so much about. Pops told Rafe and me non-stop when you knew, you knew. Well, considering my body was screaming to be closer to hers and the way I felt when she gazed at me, I felt like I knew, alright. But, it could be lust.

"Then you met me."

We were silent then until Heather cringed slightly.

"I didn't think you'd kiss me back at the party. Your cousin had tried hitting on me earlier, but I have to be honest, I just wasn't interested. Guys like that are the kind I've experienced enough in my life."

I nodded slowly, understanding where she was coming from entirely.

"I hear you. But Rafe is a good guy beneath it all," I said defensively.

"I'm sure he is. But you…" Heather’s voice faded slightly, and the waiter dropped our fresh drinks down between us. "I don't know. You just intrigue me."

"Ha. I'm not that intriguing."

"Chase, do me a favor," Heather said, clearing her throat as she leaned forward across the table. "Let me be the judge of that?"

I wasn't entirely sure what she was implying, but I nodded, wondering what it was about this girl that made me feel so...strange. She made me want to drag her into my arms and kiss her, but I knew it wouldn't end there. I didn't do casual sex, and it was an awkward conversation to have with girls. They assumed you were a player, and it wasn't the case with me.

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