Page 23 of Mine For The Winter

Stepping outside and turning to lock the big oak door behind her, the quietness of the town square overwhelmed her. It had snowed again, the soft layer of white glistening in the moonlight. Everybody was asleep, all the lights in the surrounding businesses were out. She fished into her purse to find her phone to turn the flashlight on when she heard a voice that made her jump.

“You ready?”

“Dear God.” She put her hand on her heart. “You scared the heck out of me.” When she turned to look at him, Kris was biting down a smile.

Damn, that man knew how to smirk. It made her heart twist a little. Like it was yearning for things it used to have.

“You don’t need to do this. I can walk home.”

“I just happened to be driving past. Saw you standing here.” He shrugged.

“Liar.”

His smile widened. A breeze danced through his thick hair.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked him.

“Doing what?” He looked genuinely confused.

“Being nice to me. I don’t understand.”

“You don’t understand people being nice to you?” His eyes scanned her face and she felt her body warm up at his scrutiny. “It’s just a ride, Kelly. Nothing else. I want to make sure you get home safely. I don’t want your thanks or your undying affection. Just a good night’s sleep knowing you’re safe.”

She swallowed. “You won’t talk to me?”

“What?” He looked amused at her question, his eyes crinkling. Or maybe more bemused than amused. She wasn’t sure.

“Last week when I saw you in the square you said you wanted to talk to me. I said I didn’t want to talk. Is this a ruse to corner me so I can’t escape?”

This time he laughed. “No, but I wish I’d thought of it.” His expression turned serious. “I’ll drive you home and I won’t say a word. Scout’s honor.”

“Okay then.” She nodded. “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

She followed him to his car and he held the passenger door open for her as she climbed in. The seat was still warm, as though he’d had the heater on just for her a few minutes ago. He walked around and got into the driver’s seat.

For the next five minutes he did as he promised and didn’t say a word. And it felt weird. A couple of times she went to break the silence but stopped herself because this was what she wanted.

Wasn’t it?

She was so confused. He was being so nice after years of complete radio silence. And the way he’d left. The pain she’d felt. It was too much. She’d spent years forgetting about him, but now that he was back it was like everything had come up to the surface. Her memories, her feelings. The way she’d loved him so much.

From the corner of her eye she took in the dark shadow of his jaw, the razor sharp shape of it, the way his nose was perfectly straight and strong in profile against the light of the street lamps as he drove her home. He held the wheel gently, his thick hands curled around the sleek leather.

And now she was remembering the way they curled around her for the last time that night.

He pulled up outside of her house.

“How did you know where I live?” she asked, suddenly realizing she hadn’t told him.

“North told me.”

Of course he did. People around here loved to talk.

She unclasped her seatbelt and reached for the handle, emotions spilling over her like a rainstorm. He was too close, close enough for her to smell the familiar masculine scent of him. Enough for her to be overwhelmed.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

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