I nod. “Something like that.”
She reaches out and brushes snowflakes from my jaw, her gloved hand resting against my skin as she peers up at me. “Thank you.”
“Anytime, G.”
She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “I should get going.”
“The roads are still a mess, so take it slow.”
“I only have a five-minute drive.”
“That’s plenty of time to slide into a ditch,” I remind her.
“Aww, are you worried about me?”
“Maybe.”
“That’s really sweet, and I promise I’ll be careful.”
I pull her into my arms and squeeze her tightly. Her arms slip around my waist, holding me close. As I draw back, I press a kiss to her forehead, then to her nose, and finally to her lips. I pick up her arm. “I can’t get to your elbow right now.”
She laughs. “I never knew a nose kiss could be so hot.”
“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” I say, waggling my eyebrows.
“You’re such a tease.” She taps her glove against my arm and takes a step back. With the snow falling around us, she looks ethereal. Like a winter angel come to life. “You really didn’t have to do this.”
“You already said that.”
“I know, but I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
“And I appreciateyou.”
She opens her door, slides into the seat, and starts her car. “You'd better go home and get some sleep.”
“That’s the plan.”If I can stop thinking about you.“I hope you have a great day.”
“You too.” She smiles and closes her door.
As she backs down the driveway, I walk toward my truck. She gives me a quick wave before she drives off into the quiet morning. I watch her taillights glow red until they disappear, then climb into my truck. I drop the brush on the passenger seat, snow scattering across the leather. As I start the engine, I realize I don’t know when I’ll see her again, and I’m kicking myself for not making plans with her.
I don’t want to distract her while she’s driving, so I wait until I’m back at my house.
Me: Would you like to come over tonight? I’ll feed you, and I have an idea for something fun we can do.
It takes her a few minutes to reply. When I hear my phone finally beep, and I look at the screen, I feel a massive sense of relief.
G: Yes. What time?
G: And FYI, it’s too soon for sex.
I let out a laugh when I read the second text.
Me: Does six work? And sex never even crossed my mind.
G: Yes, it does. And I don’t believe you.
Me: Dammit. Dating a friend has its downfalls.
