Page 44 of Gin & Sin

“Charmer.” He kisses my cheek. “Talk soon?”

“We will. See you later, beautiful.”

“Bye, Kit.”

Grabbing my coat, I see myself out, stopping on his front porch to inhale the chilly air. I can smell the impending snow. I blow out a breath and pull my coat collar up around my neck to keep the frigid temps at bay, but I’m immediately chilled to the bone.

It’s not a long walk back to the house, but it sure as fuck feels like it in the cold. Makes me wish I could go right back to Stewart’s and snuggle in his cozy bed. Even better if I could drag him in with me.

The thought is more than a little jarring. That’s not like me. Not at all. I’m not a stay overnight or snuggle kind of guy,but Stewart just feels right. Maybe I have a soft spot for semi-virginal men. Who knew?

“I thinkit’s actually gonna happen tonight,” Lowen says, gazing out the window.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Bane adds. “The forecast has been threatening a major storm for a damn week now.”

“It’s not an exact science,” Jerryn says, standing next to Lowen, also peering out at the steady snowfall.

It’s light and fluffy though, and doesn’t seem to be collecting. The bar is plenty full of students unbothered by the weather and ready to blow off some steam after finals week. The Friday before winter break starts is proving to be very profitable.

“How’s your man, Kit Kat?” Ridley asks, wagging his eyebrows at me. “Going over there again tonight?”

“If he wants me to.” I lean against a column, focused on a group of women hustling some guys at the pool tables. Good for them.

“Getting serious?” Salem asks. “We barely see you at the house.”

“It’s not like that, but we’re having a good time.”

Indy searches my face with questions in his eyes that he doesn’t ask.

A part of me wants to tell them it’s just sex, but I don’t want them looking at Stewart like he’s just a fuck toy for me. He’s kind and sweet and I’m having way too much fun to write him off as nothing but a hookup, even if that’s all it is to him.

It’s true I’ve spent every night at his house since the time I slept over almost a week ago, and it’s been nice. Nicer than I maybe want to admit sometimes.

“Hey, handsome.”

I smile as soon as I hear his voice, twisting around to see Stewart, but he looks stressed, with a crease in his brow and a forced smile. Indy drags Salem off and nods for Ridley to follow.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re clearly lying. What’s wrong, Stewart?”

He shakes his head. “I promise it’s fine now. I had a long-ass day of excuses and disappointing exam results. Then I walked into my house to find my hot water heater is out, and with the storm coming, no one will guarantee an appointment until next week. I just need a drink.”

Pulling him into my arms, I nuzzle his cold skin. He looks amazing in a charcoal gray wool coat, his hair covered with quickly melting snowflakes.

“Come stay with me this weekend. We have hot water. You’ll have to deal with six nosy but wonderful jackasses though.”

His face lights up. “Really? I was gonna see if there were any hotel rooms close by.”

“Nah. I live in a damn mansion. I’ve got the room.” I brush my fingers across his cheek. “If you think you could stand it.”

“I think I’ll manage. Thanks, Kit. That takes a huge weight off my shoulders.”

“Glad I can help. Let’s get you that drink.”

Right now I can’t decide whether I hope the storm threats are unfounded or that we’re snowed under for a week.

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