Page 62 of Drop Pass

“Hartman?” He lives like a mile away. “Did he drive?”

“No, he walked over.”

I shook my head. “He’s insane.”

“That’s what we’ve been telling him.” He chuckled.

I reveled in the sound. I hadn’t heard him laugh in a few days. Not since we found about Yula. I was glad he was at least distracted right now.

“How are things looking? Do you think the roads will clear up?”

“The freeways and major roads are done. It will take time for the neighborhoods to get plowed though.”

“Do you think stores will be open?”

“If staff can get in, I’m sure they will.”

There was a pause and I hit the crosswalk button.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

The light changed and I walked across the street, careful to avoid any ice patches. “I’m free for the rest of the weekend.”

“Would you mind going shopping with me later?”

I smiled. “Not at all. Hopefully the mall with be open.”

We lived above an outdoor mall, which would be perfect as long as people were able to get to work.

“I’ll be home in about an hour then we can go.”

I hurried into our building and sighed at the warmth. “Sounds good. Just text me when you’re ready.”

“Thanks.”

I put my phone in my purse and rubbed my gloved hands together trying to regain feeling in my fingers. If only Nikolay wanted to online shop. I’d be all for that, but there were only three days left until Christmas so we didn’t have time.

As soon as I walked in, I hurried to change into something warmer, and more comfortable. I grabbed jeans and an oversized sweater before sliding on green and red fuzzy socks.

I made myself a cup of hot chocolate then curled up on the couch with a blanket. I pulled out my phone and checked for updates about Yula. We were waiting on approval for her visa, and I thought with it being a medical emergency we’d hear back faster.

I sent John an email asking for an update so I could tell Nikolay, and then sent his mom a text asking how things were on her end.

With everything going on I felt a bit guilty about thinking about Nikolay. His family needed help and I should be focusing on that, but I just wanted to cuddle in and remember how his kisses made my heart race.

Now that I knew what it was like to have his softer side, I was never letting him go back. I wouldn’t let those walls rebuild. I was going to keep him.

20

Nikolay

I showered and changed at the arena so when I got back to my apartment all I had to do was drop off my bag before knocking on Elena’s door. She opened it while pulling on her coat.

“You made it back.” Her smile was bright as she looked up to me.

“Yeah and there’s more people out so the roads must be getting cleared.”

She closed her door and we took the elevator down to the main floor.