Page 25 of Frozen Flames

“It doesn’t matter. Youshouldn’tbe here.”

I don’t know if I’m responsible for his mood or if Gemma is, as he often seems angry in her presence. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s going out for drinks after work? I don’t know. But he’s pissed off.

“You’re right. What am I even doing?” I shake my head, heading to the sink to clean my hands and give my beatingheart a break. “Honestly, every time things aren’t going well with Gemma, you take out your frustration on me.”

“That’s not true,” he says, eyes wide.

“Well, it sure seems like it,” I reply, drying my hands with a towel. “Whatever issues you have, work them out with her because I don’t deserve your wrath. And don’t worry, I got your message loud and clear. I won’t stay late again.”

“No, Claire.” He looks at me in a panic.

I head to the dining table to fetch the baking bowl. “We can bake these another time.” I lift the bowl, knowing it’s a lie, as it’s Friday and I won’t see him for a few days.

He shakes his head. “It takes, what, twenty minutes? It’s fine.” He seems close to losing it, so close to the edge. I feel like it’s my cue to leave. “Claire, you can bake your cookies. I want some too.”

“No, Harvey…” I want him to want me to stay and not out of pity.

“Please,” he begs softly.

“Oh, alright,” I tell him before putting the cookies on the baking sheet and then in the oven. I clear my throat when I turn around, crossing my arms, not knowing what else to say. “You’re right though. She didn’t seem happy… I shouldn’t have stayed.”

He shakes his head, pulling a chunk of his blond hair. “Don’t say that. I was just mad. Besides, you’re…doing your job.”

“Am I really?” I fire back.

His eyes dart straight to mine as if he wants to know my every waking thought, as if he wants to know that I enjoy being around him.

“You tell me,” he mutters.

I swallow, not knowing how to answer him. “I…enjoy your company, Harvey.”

“Call me Harv,” he says, looking away, making my night with his comment.

A few weeks ago, Harvey wasn’t in my life, and now I can’t imagine how I would feel if Gemma ensured I got fired and couldn’t see him anymore.

Despite his moody self, little by little, the pieces of him are coming together, and I’m liking them.

Even I know how ridiculous this is.

I barely know him.

Yet he’s hot and witty and outspoken, and his smile is…argh.

When the cookies are finally ready, we don’t hesitate to dig in.

“I take it back… These are really good, maybe even the best I’ve ever tasted.” Harvey dips his cookie into a glass of milk.

I simply smile. And as I receive five more texts from Audrey, I know it’s time to go home. Time to leave this man behind with his own girlfriend. The thought hurts, but it’s reality.

The time to face the music always comes.

I tell him that I’ll head out, and he nods, coaxing me to take most of the cookies with me.

I do so gladly, knowing that Audrey will devour them.

When I get home, Audrey jumps for the bag of cookies. By the time I remove my boots and coat, she’s already eating her second one.

“You were out late,” my sister states with zero care.

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