Page 33 of Wintertime Heat (Holiday 1)

When he opens his mouth, I raise a finger, interrupting him, “Excluding the muffins.”

Steven gives me a smile that makes me narrow my eyes, “You are obsessed with your car, that you probably bought years ago, and you hold a lot of sentimental attachment to. I know you like reading murder mysteries, because there were three worn out paper backs in your dashboard. I know you like children, because I’ve seen you interact with Aaron, and there isn’t any patience in your interactions, but respect and affection. His opinion is important to you. I know you have a habit of tying your hair up because you’re trying to cover up your looks by adopting some serious librarian vibes. Unfortunately for you, you just make a man want to strip away that guise.”

My jaw hangs open, and he gives me a smug smile, “How was that?”

I struggle with my words, “So, you’re observant.”

Steven settles back in his seat, “You’re like a kitten who’s hissing at me because I’ve backed you into a corner. You’re scared of trying to let anything develop between us, because you are terrified of taking risks.”

His words echo the same words Scarlett had thrown at me this morning over breakfast, and I try to shrug them off, “Since when is watching out for myself a crime?”

He studies me, his tone wry, “Is that really what you’re doing? Because the farther you run, the more determined I am to have you. And I didn’t get where I am by giving up, Abby.”

My jaw grows taut, “And what exactly is it, that you want from me?”

His lips curve and just then Aaron heads back to the table, his hands still wet. He uses his napkin to dry his hands, and complains, “When will the food come? I’m hungry!”

I can feel Steven’s eyes on me, and I wonder how deeply entangled I was already in him. And how I would survive the climb back out.

Chapter 11

“Abby. Abby?”

I jolt out of my thoughts and force a smile for my date’s benefit.

Travis was dressed up in a clean button-up shirt and a pair of faded jeans. I find myself thinking that he could look so much better in a suit and tie.

Feeling my lower abdomen clench at the thought of someone I knew who looked so delicious in his suit, I take a sip of the water to calm myself down.

“You okay?” Travis looks a little concerned. “You look a little flushed.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just a little overworked.”

He reaches over to put his hand over mine, and grins, “Well, you can unwind all you want, today.”

I stare at his hand on mine and it annoys me that I felt nothing.

No spark, no lust.

The dress that Scarlett had put on me was a gorgeous red number that reached my knees and highlighted all my curves. It was a strapless thing and right now, as I felt Travis’s eyes on my generous boobs which were slightly upli

fted by the dress, I just wanted to cover up.

Five minutes into the dinner and I already knew this was a stupid idea.

I just wasn’t interested in Travis.

I idly watch him finish his glass of wine and pour himself another.

I know this whole thing had been my idea, but I should have realized this was never going to work.

“So, how’s your new job?” There was a slight slur in Travis’s words and I remembered too late that Scarlett had warned me that he was a lightweight.

“It’s going good. My students are all teenagers.”

My words trail-off as I see his eyes transfixed on my chest again.

“Travis, my eyes are up here,” I say, tightly.

---