AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The freezing temperatures hit him straight in the face."Want me to bring the car around?"
"No.I'm fine."Steph shivered and rubbed her arms.
He tugged on his wool cap from his back pocket."Did anyone ever tell you that you're one stubborn woman?"
She smiled."Just you.Over and over like a broken record."
He ran a gloved finger down her cheek."You haven't changed much.But you're even more beautiful."
She tilted her head and gazed up at him."What would you have done if the elevator didn't open when it did?"
"Want to find out?"Jason jammed his hands into his pockets to stop himself from reaching for her.If she wanted him, she would have to make the next move.
"No, and that's for the best."Steph adjusted her scarf, the tip of her nose red.
He leaned in closer just to be in her space.“You sure about that?You're not curious?”
She gave him a light push.“Yes, now go!I’ll wait here while you fetch the car.See?Compromise."
Jason half walked, half ran to the parking lot, jumped in his car, and sat there for a minute thinking about Stephanie.What were they doing?Playing games?Or jumping into the fire?
Last night he'd been given hope.Now he wasn't sure where he stood.If only that damn elevator ride could have lasted a few more seconds, they might have closed the deal.She would be in his arms, for good this time.
She had to be the most frustrating woman he'd ever come across.Stubborn.Opinionated.Jealous.Assumed she was right all the time—even when she was wrong.Like telling him what kind of woman he should date...where did she get off doing that?
His jaw hurt from grinding his teeth.But her suggestion might be right on the money.Dating someone in his profession, getting married, living happily with mutual understanding of what mattered most.
He headed out of the parking lot toward the round entrance where she waited near the door.He wasn't worried about her.Stephanie could find all the romance she needed in her books or do whatever the heck she wanted.
He slowed the car and shook his head.He was better than that.And so was she.He knew she'd been trapped and wanted to spread her wings and experience the world around her.But he was selfish too.He couldn't bear to lose her again.
He pulled the BMW into the space where she stood on the sidewalk, cheeks rosy with cold, and waited for her to open her own door.
Neither of them spoke until they hit the road.
"What's this station you're listening to?"Her brows knit together."Sounds like a bunch of old men shouting at each other."
"It's a sports station."
"Do you mind if I put on some holiday music?I'm plotting another Christmas story and it gets me into the spirit, you know?"
"Knock yourself out."He’d only glanced at her once since she’d gotten into the car.She didn't want to kiss him?Fine.He had plenty of women who'd enjoy it for her."Not too loud, I don't want to be distracted.Need to watch the road."It was a two-lane street; giant fir trees with heavy thick branches lined both sides of the road.Deep ditches which were also best to avoid.He had to watch for the icy patches where his wheels had spun on the wooden bridge as he crossed over the creek on his way to the dialysis center.
"Sure."She shot him a look."You're kind of curt all of a sudden.Are you mad because I didn't want to kiss you?"
"No, you're probably right, it's a bad idea."Jason turned his head slightly in her direction."I wasn't thinking about you, surprise, surprise.I was thinking there should be some good fishing down here come spring."
"You fish?That’s new."Steph pressed the radio buttons all the way up, then back again."You don't have many stations here, do you?"
He didn’t outwardly react."Once we get out of the woods and onto the main highway, there'll be better reception."
"Fine."She removed her scarf and gloves and put them in her lap."Guess I'm stuck with this."It was Alvin and the Chipmunks singing about hula hoops.
He gritted his teeth at the annoying sounds they were making."I don't usually listen to music.Had the sports channel on.Sometimes I listen to the talk shows."
"Seriously?Everyone needs a little music in their life."Steph sat back in her seat with a smug smile on her face.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
