Page 30 of Wintertime Heat (Holiday 1)

I hand over the muffin basket to him, to keep it next to him in the backseat. As I lean back to adjust the seat, my back brushes with Steven’s front and I couldn’t contain my shiver.

* * *

He must have felt it, too, because I saw the pleased smile on his lips when he closes the door after me.

* * *

He slides smoothly into the driver’s seat and I fastened my seatbelt.

* * *

“Aaron. Seatbelt.”

* * *

The boy grumbles, but when I eye him in the rear-view mirror, he quickly snaps it shut around himself.

* * *

“That’s impressive,” Steven tells me, and I realize how compact this car was, as his shoulder brush against mine. “I didn’t even have to threaten him.”

* * *

I didn’t get a chance to respond to that because Aaron chimes, “Dad, can we have something to eat first? I’m starving!”

* * *

I eye the crumbs around his mouth, and the half-eaten muffin in his pocket, and wonder what he was up to.

* * *

Steven glances at me, a question in his eyes, and I shrug, “I could eat.”

* * *

As the car roars away, I meet Aaron’s eyes in the rear-view mirror and see a calculating look in them.

* * *

Just what was this child planning?

Chapter 10

The restaurant was a fancy place, one I would never have dreamed about setting a foot in.

Glancing down at my clothes, I feel a little underdressed.

I had a pair of jeans on, and a white blouse which was covered by my long black jacket.

When I stare at the entrance, hesitating, Steven glances at me, “Is something wrong?”

My voice comes out smaller than I had intended, “I thought we were going to some fast food place. Isn’t this a little –?”

When I feel a small hand curling around mine, I look down at Aaron who is beaming at me, missing tooth and all, “I like their chicken nuggets. I’ll share mine with you.”

I felt a tug at my heart strings and when Steven slips my other hand around his elbow, I feel surrounded by all sides and I give up.

The Maître d’ was a middle-aged man in a black suit and his hair slicked back.

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