Page 18 of Wrapped in Winter
Drake
The days leading up to Friday dragged by. I knew in this small town all I had to do was ask a couple of questions to find out more about her, but for some reason, I got the idea that this town doesn’t know the woman I met in the bathroom. I think that woman is the real one, the one wanting to experience life, wild and carefree, but she’s gone through some stuff that makes her feel she isn’t allowed to anymore.
I hope she’ll show me that woman again. The one I met at the boutique was stoic and laden down with the world. I could see it; she’s carrying more than just being a mom and business owner.
After a few more texts throughout the week, she finally agreed to let me pick her up at her house. She tried to get me to meet her at the store, and I understood why she didn’t want to give out her address. I assured her I could very easily find her house, mentioning Blossom would give her up in a second, and she relented. I pulled into her driveway, admiring the small ranch dwelling with a red star on the front left. It was rustic and the wraparound porch was large. Before I could turn the engineoff to meet her at the door, she was already walking down the steps.
I let her do it, knowing she needed to be in control. I’m glad she did though. She made the step into my truck; I didn’t have to lead her, and that alone felt like a win. I want to keep tonight light and fun, sexy, but I want to know this other side of her. There are many layers to this woman and I want to know them all.
She climbs in and quickly latches her belt. I watch her until she turns to me. “Hi.”
Her eyes drop from me for a moment before she gives a small smile and says, “Hi.”
“How was your day?”
“It was good. The store was busy so that was a bonus. I think there’s some kind of ski competition this weekend, so the town was full of shoppers.”
I stay parked as she looks out the window. I can see she’s nervous. After we’ve sat in silence for a few moments, she finally looks over at me. “Is our date sitting in the truck all night?”
I huff a laugh. “I know you likecozy spaces,so if you want to sit here, I’m fine with it.”
She shakes her head. “You promised dinner. And I’m hungry.”
“Mm. Me too.”
“Drake!” She laughs and so do I as I put the truck in reverse to back out of her driveway.
“You looked uptight for a minute, babe. I wanted you to relax before we left.”
“Babe.” She mocks me, but then I hear her breathe deep and let it out. “Yes, well, uptight seems to be my middle name.”
“I don't believe that for a second.” We ride along the neighborhood streets before turning onto Winter Way, the main street here in town. “How’s Italian?”
“That sounds great. Sal’s is fantastic. The meatballs are to die for.”
I chuckle. “Like balls, do ya?” I waggle my brows as she groans.
“Are you twelve?”
“Nope, twenty-six. How about you?”
“You’re kidding.”
“What?”
“You’re twenty-six?”
I pull into a space right in front of the restaurant, put the truck in park, and turn to her. “Tell me how old you are,” I say with a grin.
She folds her arms across her chest, and her little tantrum is actually funny. “It’s not polite to ask a woman their age.”
I snicker. “Are you acougar, January?” She turns to me with fire in her eyes, and I put up a finger before she can say another word. “First of all, stop crossing your arms and boxing me out.” She looks down at her arms and slowly unfolds them. “Second, I’m teasing you and you know it. And third,” I wait for her to look at me. “You’re hot as fuck, so I don’t care if you’re twice my age. It means nothing to me.”
She rolls her eyes. “Such a charmer.”
“I try.” I give her a wink. “Come on, let’s eat.”
We enter the restaurant and I finally get a good look at her. She’s gorgeous in an oversized green sweater, jeans, and winter boots that shouldn’t be sexy, but they are. It’s a far cry from the barely there clothes that everyone wears in Florida. At least here something is left to the imagination.