Page 23 of Wintertime Heat (Holiday 1)

I move around the room, my movements jerky as I stuff the remaining papers in my bag.

My date with Travis was in two days.

My face turns red at the idea that I was just seeing the man to sleep with him. I march to my car and start the engine.

It splutters and dies.

Scowling, I try again.

This time it starts, and I breathe a sigh of relief. However, Steven’s words come roaring back and I grumble under my breath.

There is nothing wrong with my car.

I had first purchased Gertha at a used car sales lot when I was eighteen, and I have maintained her ever since.

The sky was dark again, I note peering outside. I wondered what the weather was going to throw at us today.

However, no matter how much I try to distract myself, I could still remember the feel of Steven’s lips on my mouth, and the way they had trailed over my jaw, one wet kiss after another.

Stopping at the red traffic light, I rest my head against my hands on the steering wheel.

What did he want from me, I think, my blood still heated.

“I’m not done with you yet, Abby.”

His words circle in my head.

By the time I reach home, my mind is a jumble of confusing thoughts and I cannot wait to meet Travis and get rid of this burning need inside my body.

The minute I step into the apartment, Scarlett darts out, holding a scrap of red cloth in her hands, all excited, “Well, what do you think?”

“I am not wearing that!” I scowl at her. “I might as well go naked.”

Scarlett, however, isn’t paying attention, her eyes fixed on my neck, “What the hell is that?”

Defensively, my hand creeps up to my neck and I whirl around to see what she is staring at, in the foyer mirror.

My eyes widen in horror, dawning realization at what that smug look in Steven’s eyes had been.

“That’s a hickey!” My best friend declares, “Let me see!”

I dodge her as she leaps toward me, but she is quicker, and a brief struggle ensues till she wins.

“Where’d you get a hickey from?” She demands from on top of me where she was sitting.

I look guilty, and her eyes widen, “No!”

I wince.

She grabs my face, forcing me to look at her, “Steven Tanner gave you a hickey?! You made out with Steven Tanner?”

I push her off me, glaring, “Don’t make it sound like some kind of honour.”

Scarlett’s eyes narrows, and her voice chilled, “Tell me he didn’t force himself on-“

“No!” I blush. “He – It was – I kissed him back.”

The last part was a mumble, but Scarlett heard me.

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