Page 27 of No Love Lost

Heath huffed out a breath and took a step back. “You’re still fire, Addison. I’ll see you tomorrow. Get inside the car where it’s warmer.”

She pressed the remote start, but Wabi ignored her. Hopefully, she’d find the other set of keys soon. That fob was far more reliable. Despite the malfunction, she was grinning as she climbed in. Nina was playing on her phone and didn’t appear to have noticed the kiss.

Addison tried to ignore the sparks floating through her blood and act normally. She stuck in the key and cranked the engine. Nothing. She and Nina sighed in unison.

Addison patted the dashboard. “You can do it, Wabi. It’s not that cold out there today. Remember how strong you were yesterday in that bitter wind? Today is a piece of cake compared to that.”

Nina rolled her eyes with a smile but didn’t comment. She knew Wabi worked better with praise.

Addison turned the key. Still nothing.

A knock on her window had her jumping with a squeal. Nina was laughing when Addison realized it was Heath.

She opened the door while he smiled at them. “Fancy meeting you ladies here. Can I help?”

“You know anything about cars?”

He shook his head. “Not a single thing, but I’m good at calling for mechanical help when needed.”

Another reminder that Heath wasn’t one of those guys who pretended to be an expert on everything. He’d never had a problem with admitting he didn’t know things.

Nina leaned over to look up at him. “It’s really late to bother anyone. Would you mind driving us home, and we can deal with Wabi in the morning?”

Addison would have waited for an offer, but it thrilled her that Nina was comfortable enough with Heath to ask for his help. Another good sign.

He nodded. “Of course.” After she’d tried starting Wabi a few more times, she gave up. Heath offered his hand to her as she climbed from the car.

Nina bounced around Wabi, and soon, they were back in Heath’s vehicle heading home. The night made it feel intimate, like heading home after a family outing.

She wanted that for herself and for the three of them. Once again, she swallowed the emotion. It was too soon to be thinking of a future for her and Heath. Wasn’t it?

It felt completely natural to be imagining it.

Heath pulled right up to the house and moved around to open her door, frowning slightly when she beat him to it. When she pulled out her keys, he held out his hand. “May I? I know the door sticks sometimes.”

He grinned enough that she knew he wasn’t calling her weak, just wanting to help. He was a natural gentleman, and she wanted him to show that off for Nina, so she handed over the keys.

The door did stick, but he pushed it open and motioned with a flourish for them to enter. Grinning, Nina dropped a curtsy and then moved inside. A few seconds later, she groaned. “Heat’s out again, Mom. You’re not fully recovered yet. You get a blanket, and I’ll go flip the fuse.”

Addison sighed and called back. “It’ll take two seconds. I’ll get it.”

She motioned for the keys from Heath, but he simply gestured at her to lead the way. She did, feeling the heat of embarrassment on her cheeks. “I promise I’m not incompetent, and I promise that we generally have a warm and cozy house. Not everything breaks all the time.”

His chuckle followed her. “You’re probably the most competent person I know. You’ve provided an amazing home for Nina. You’re both pretty incredible. Breakdowns are not your fault.”

They reached the small utility room, and Heath opened it. She pulled out her phone and flipped on the flashlight app. Sure enough, the breakers for the heaters had flipped. She was going to have to dive into her savings account and find an electrician to help her. Maybe she could hire Graham Buchanan from Midnight Lake. He wasn’t currently working as an electrician, but he was qualified.

She flipped the breakers and closed the box. Heath moved into her space. “Need someone to help you warm up?”

She was laughing when their lips crashed together.

This kiss wasn’t soft or sweet. It lit up her blood and her heart. Heath’s big hands pulled her into his warmth, coasting up and down her back while his lips teased hers.

Every part of her reacted to his touch. When she opened her mouth, he dove in. Their tongues danced, and it felt like coming home. Really home.

Nina’s voice shattered the moment. “Everything’s working again.”

Heath’s chuckle rumbled through her. “I love our daughter, but her timing stinks. She’s right, though. Everything’s definitely working again. All systems go.”

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