Page 113 of Truck You

I shake my head and rub my eyes. She doesn’t look to be over two or three, but her voice suddenly sounds so grown up. When my eyes refocus, she’s no longer alone. Sophia is back and they’re wearing matching frowns.

“Mac? You’re so cold,” Sophia says.

I glance around. My eyes linger on the falling snow before I say, “Yeah, I guess I am. But I can still help you.” I look down at the little girl who’s smiling broadly up at me. “And what’s your name?”

She giggles again and covers her mouth. “Daddy’s being silly.”

I feel my brows furrow as I stare down at her. Does she think I’m her daddy? I don’t have any kids. I don’t even have a girlfriend anymore because I’m too much of an asshole to keep my temper under control.

I glance up at Sophia and the tears in her eyes cause me to stumble. I trip and fall backward onto my back. My entire body jerks when I hit the ground.

“Mac!” My body shakes. “Can you hear me? Please, Mac. Wake up.”

The panic in Sophia’s voice is almost too much to bear. I reach out for her, but she’s no longer there. The brightness fades into darkness and a chill unlike anything I’ve ever felt before causes my entire body to seize.

I blink, and Sophia’s tear cover face looks down at me. When our eyes meet, a sob escapes her. “Mac!”

Lifting my hand, I cup her cheek. She feels warm against my frozen hand.

“Sophia?” My voice croaks and it hurts to speak.

“I’m here. Can you get up? We need to get you warm.”

I shake my head, and my eyes fall close. “I’m fine now that you’re here.”

“Mac, please. I need you to get up.”

When I open my eyes again, there’s a bright light behind her, along with another voice. A familiar man’s voice, but I can’t quite place it. The light behind her makes her hair glow, just like it did when it was snowing.

“You’re so beautiful. So, so beautiful.” I struggle to keep my eyes opened and focused on her. “I’m so tired and cold.” I manage before everything goes black again.

“Mac, look at me.” She demands.

But all I can manage is a small smile. “After I sleep, Red.”

She buries her face in my neck and cries. She cries so hard her tears warm my cold skin.

“Aw, don’t cry,” I say. “Everything will be fine. I promise. I love you, Red.”

Then everything fades into silent darkness.

* * *

Cozy warmth.

That’s what I feel now. No more frigid temperatures or cold air that cuts through me like a knife. Just warm comfort.

Even the air I breathe in warms my insides.

And I’m not alone. There’s an equally warm body curled up next to me. My eyes slowly blink open, and when I look down, Sophia’s head is resting on my chest. Her red hair is spread out behind her and draped over my arm. I instinctively squeeze her closer.

A soft moan comes from her lips, and the warmth of her breath dances across my bare skin. My girl is back where she belongs, and I’ve never felt more content in all my life.

She stirs and glances up at me. “You’re awake.”

I nod. Instead of saying all the words she needs—and deserves—to hear, I roll us over until she’s on her back, and I’m hovering over her.

Our eyes lock and so much passes between us with this one look. No words required.

---