Winter Heat Read online

  Sarah knowing I was on a date made things awkward. She tensed and looked at Gretchen from head to toe—not in a rude or judgy way, but it’s obvious they are from two different molds. The coffee shop closed at ten, and Gretchen and I chatted until Wilma kicked us out.

  On the way home, the only thing on my mind was Sarah and the way her cinnamon-colored eyes seemed to see straight through me. Damn, I didn’t realize how much I missed her. All my repressed feelings for her came to the forefront, something I never expected to happen.

  It’s been a rough Monday, and I’m happy to finally have the chance to eat. I’m contemplating whether to order two meals for lunch at the Main Street Diner. All I can think about on my way there is how I saw Sarah over the weekend. As much as I want to see her again, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.

  I stop at an intersection and look around when I see people standing with confused expressions on their faces. They’re pointing toward Rose’s house. As I drive forward, Old Man Browning flags me down. Slowing my patrol car to a stop, I roll down my window and immediately hear the smoke detector blaring. It puts me into a panic, and I rush out of my car.

  “It just started going off. I knocked, but no one answered,” he says, following me.

  “Thanks, I’ll take care of it from here.” I cross the street and immediately pound on the door. The beeps continue to blare out, but I continue knocking anyway.

  “Mrs. Rose? Mr. Rose? Sarah?” I shout but get no response. I peek through the window and see Sarah running around the kitchen, frantically waving a towel. I tap on the window to get her attention.

  When she finally turns in my direction, I point at the door. She looks relieved as she rushes and swings open the door. I move around her, allowing my instincts to take over as I quickly assess the situation. As soon as I see the grease fire, I open the fridge, grab the baking soda, and pour it on top. Picking up the lid, I place it over the pan to make sure it’s out. I slide it off the stove, then turn to her with wide eyes.

  “Oh thank God,” she exhales her words in one breath while holding her hand on her chest. The towel she was using to try to beat the flames out with is still tight in her fist. “I tried water, and that was a huge mistake. Then I panicked because I couldn’t find the fire extinguisher, but it’s not like I’d know how to use it anyway.”

  I give her a pointed look. “It would’ve caused a bigger mess than necessary. Guess you didn’t learn how to cook in Chicago.” I chuckle. “Or any basic fire safety.”

  She narrows her eyes and glares. “I’m always working. I can’t even keep a houseplant alive, so trust me when I say learning to cook wasn’t a priority. But my parents are at work, and I was bored, so I thought I’d fry some chicken. How hard can it be if the tutorials on YouTube are only a minute long? I just didn’t realize how hot the oil was or that the chicken was still frozen.”

  Sarah glances at the oven, and I notice her expression change. She quickly pulls out a tray of burnt cookies, then places them on the counter. “Great. These are ruined too. I guess today is not my lucky day.”

  I try, but it’s impossible to stop my laughter. “Damn.”

  “This is what happens when I try new things.” She sighs. “I guess no matter how old I get, I still find trouble somehow.”

  “Or it finds you.” My expression softens when I drink her in. She’s wearing a red sweater and jeans that look as if they were painted onto her petite frame. Our eyes meet, and I take the opportunity to spend more time with her today. “Well you know I’m not gonna let you starve, so how ’bout I take you to lunch?”

  She tilts her head. “I’d like that, Cole. It’ll give us a chance to catch up and save me from eating a crappy sandwich for lunch. I won’t be turning the stove on again, lesson learned.”

  A smile touches my lips. “We should probably open some windows so your dad doesn’t lose his shit when he comes home and takes a whiff of this stench.”

  “That’s a great idea,” she says with a nod. Sarah opens the back door, and I take care of all the windows in the kitchen. Ten minutes later and the smoke is gone. She grabs some air freshener to cover up the burnt smell while I clean up the mess I made with the baking soda. The house almost looks as immaculate as her mother keeps it.

  Sarah leaves the window open above the sink but closes the others.

  “You know they’re probably going to notice something’s not right,” I tease, walking outside with her next to me.

  She snorts and shrugs. “I doubt they’d be surprised. Mom knows I do food delivery every day or eat whatever’s offered at work. I don’t have a lot of time in my schedule to learn new skills,” she admits. Sarah notices my patrol car, then grins. “Can we walk?”

  A layer of powdery snow coats the ground, but the sun provides a bit of warmth. “Sure. Lead the way.”

  We fall into step next to one another, and though I yearn to bring up many things, I don’t want things to get awkward. “I can’t believe you burned the cookies,” I say with a laugh.

  She shakes her head. “I was planning to eat the whole dozen before Mom got home from work. They were the really good sugar cookies with the snowman stamped on top.”

  “You always loved those,” I say, remembering we used to bake those ridiculous cookies every holiday.

  “I did.” She pouts, sticking out her lower lip. When we’re at the diner, I grab the door and pull it open for her.

  “I’m amazed how things are exactly the same way as when I left,” she says once we’re inside.

  I nod as Kellie leads us to one of the oversized booths next to a large window facing the busy street.

  Once we sit, I order a cup of coffee, then a hot cocoa with marshmallows and whipped cream for Sarah. She laughs and nods in agreement, then adds two glasses of water. No matter how many times I’ve eaten here, I still grab the menu and look at the options.

  “Sometimes, I think about the stuffed French toast and wish I could have it shipped to my apartment,” she admits.

  “It’s the best in the state, so not too ridiculous of an idea.” I grin.

  Kellie sets down our drinks and takes our order before scurrying away.

  Sarah sips her hot cocoa and hums. “Yes, Chicago is missing this. It’s just not the same.”

  “Of course not. You know Blanche has a secret recipe for it and will carry it with her to the grave,” I remind her.

  “Oh yeah, it’s probably crack because I never want just one cup.” She takes another drink, then abruptly changes the subject. “So how have you been? Truthfully.”

  I give her a smirk. “I’ve been good. No complaints.”

  Her eyes linger on my lips before she lowers them, then blinks. “Time has been good to you,” she says softly.

  “What was that?” I lean toward her as I rest my arms on the table.

  A blush touches her cheeks, and she meets my gaze. “I didn’t stutter.”

  The underlying current streaming between us is undeniable. It’s as if it never faded in the first place.

  Sarah brushes the hair from her face and tucks it behind her ear. It’s one of her nervous habits. “You just seem very happy and healthy,” she confirms.

  “Well, thanks. I’m pretty content. My parents are doing good. There’s hardly any crime in Snow Port besides Drunk Earl causing a scene every Friday night at the pub. I don’t have any major complaints.”

  I purposely leave out the detail of missing her so damn much. Sarah was my other half, but I refused to selfishly hold her back from her dream job. I just wanted her to be happy, and we both knew after trying so damn hard that a long-distance relationship wouldn’t work. So I let her go because she needed to focus on her career. Time and distance had caused us to drift apart, and I had to accept it when I realized we were over. While not much of my day to day has changed, I can tell hers has.

  I continue, “Tell me how you’ve been. How’s work and living in a big city? Like you expected it to be?”

  “Not quite. Work i
s work. I’m up at the butt crack of dawn every day and in bed by dark. Hence why I lack basic living skills.” She sighs with a small laugh. “And if I’m being honest, I could use some social skills too. It’s easy to read from a script, but hanging out with people when I’m so busy is hard.”

  “But you’re happy?” I ask, wishing I knew if she regrets our breakup as much as I do.

  She sucks in a deep breath and exhales just as our food arrives. Unsurprisingly, the subject swiftly changes to how the French toast is as big as her plate.

  “Has it always been this large?”

  “That’s what she said,” I quip.

  Sarah snorts and nearly chokes on the bite she just put in her mouth. Once she swallows it down and wipes her mouth, she looks at me. “I’ve missed your quick comebacks.”

  I’ve missed a lot about her too. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to throw in a few more before you leave town.” I pop a fry in my mouth.

  “So are you excited about the tree lighting in a few days?” she asks as I take a bite of my cheeseburger.

  “Yeah, it’ll be fun and really beautiful to see. The tree your father picked out this year is the biggest one yet, and I heard he reprogrammed the star and lights to blink to the music or something,” I say, then add, “Of course, it’s speculation from the old ladies at the bakery, but you know how things are ’round here.”

  Her eyes widen. “Wow, I thought my dad was kidding when he told me that. Guess not.”

  “It’s gonna be great. I think everyone will be impressed by something different,” I offer.

  “Right, but you know how people around here love their traditions,” she reminds me as if I’d forgotten.

  “Absolutely, but sometimes change is good. Keeps life interesting.”

  As long as it doesn’t involve the woman I was madly in love with moving hundreds of miles away. Seeing her sitting in front of me like this, so carefree, reminds me of how many good times we had.

  She snickers. “I guess you're right, or at least I hope so. Otherwise, my dad may be run out of town.”

  “It’ll be the biggest event of the year, and the weather will be perfect—snowy with just enough chill in the air to enjoy some cocoa. I heard a lot of people from the town over will be attending too,” I say as we continue eating.

  “Yeah, it’s one big reason I was excited to come home. I’ve missed all the small-town festivities. Chicago’s great, but it’s not Snow Port where there are no strangers and you’re likely to run into your first-grade teacher at the market.” She chuckles as she meets my gaze.

  I hope I’m not imagining the way she looks at me, and I’m tempted to ask if she’s dating anyone. There isn’t a ring on her finger, which means she’s not engaged.

  “So how long are you staying?”

  She takes another sip of her drink. “Until January third.”

  “Wow, two weeks. Your parents might not let you leave after that.”

  “I know. We’ve missed each other a lot.” She pours more maple pecan syrup on her plate. I grin, remembering how much of a sweet tooth she’s always had. “I knew how important the tree lighting was to my dad since he was in charge of it this year, and since I had the time off, I figured I’d stay and ring in the new year here too.”

  After Kellie refills my coffee, I add a little cream and sugar to cool it down, then take a drink. “Is it possible that Sarah Rose is finally homesick?”

  “Homesick?” She shrugs and releases a deep breath. “Maybe. For years, I dreamed of living in a big city, taking the train to work, and enjoying the luxuries that a place like that had to offer. I always thought living in a small town meant I couldn’t live up to my full potential with my career. I kinda felt stuck, but I was younger, eager for the experience, and hungry to work. I might be a bit jaded now. After being back for just a couple of days, I realize how much I’ve really missed it here. It’s home and always will be, and no amount of distance will ever change that.” She points her finger at me. “But I’m glad I left. I would’ve spent years wondering what if and been miserable because I didn’t know. It also gave me the perspective to notice the things I took for granted.”

  I nod, soaking up every word. “Makes sense. What do you miss the most about home?”

  She stares at me for a minute, then bites her bottom lip. “The food. There’s just something about it that makes it special.”

  I laugh even though I’d halfway hoped she would’ve said me. “That’s it?” I ask, arching a brow.

  “Well, the town gossip too. It was always fun knowing who was over at the Taco House restaurant having margaritas with friends as if it was the most scandalous thing a person could do ’round here,” she says as we clear our plates. “Their chips and salsa…” She releases a sexy moan. “That was the ideal date night. Drinks and Mexican food.” Sarah giggles as if she’s remembering all the times we’d gone there.

  I grin. “Yeah, I’m sure the city life is much different.”

  “You have no idea,” she admits. “No. Idea. I don’t even know who my neighbors are if that gives you any indication.”

  It sounds lonely and sad to me, but I keep that to myself and offer a smile.

  When the waitress drops off our check, I hurry and grab it.

  “I can pay my part,” Sarah insists.

  “A gentleman never allows a lady to pay.” I slide my card to the end of the table, and once Kellie grabs it, she quickly returns the slip with a pen. After leaving a tip, we get up and make our way outside.

  We walk back to her house, and I can hear Christmas music lingering from the small shops downtown, and Sarah hums to “Joy to the World.” We fall into step as memories of us together taking over my mind. Once we make it to her front door, I know it’s time to say goodbye.

  “Thanks so much for lunch,” she says sweetly and rolls the hem of her shirt, another nervous habit.

  I grin. “You’re welcome. Maybe we can do it again before you leave?”

  “Yeah, I’d like that. It was great seeing you, Cole,” she tells me with a smirk. “Plus, the uniform is a sight for sore eyes.”

  Chuckling, I’m not sure how to take that kind of compliment. Sarah’s always been outspoken and flirty, probably why she’s a great news anchor. People love her bubbly personality, but it’s hard not to.

  “Good seeing you too, Sarah.” I give her a side-smile, then force myself to turn and walk to my patrol car before I say something I regret.

  When I climb in, I notice she’s still standing on the steps watching me with her head tilted and bottom lip tucked into her mouth. I give her a wave, then she walks inside. Though it wasn’t the first time I’ve seen her since she’s been home, I certainly hope it’s not the last.

  Chapter Three

  SARAH

  I haven’t been able to get Cole off my mind since we had lunch two days ago. Is it possible to forget your first love? Probably not.

  I’ve tried to run into him by taking Golden on random walks downtown but haven’t had any luck.

  Tonight’s the Christmas tree lighting, and the excitement in the whole town is palpable. We’ve had snow flurries on and off all day, but it’s supposed to stop this afternoon.

  Shortly after five, Mom comes home from work and immediately jumps in the shower.

  “All the lights worked?” I ask Dad when he returns from finalizing everything for tonight.

  He grins ear to ear. “Yeah, and I can’t wait for you to see it. Seriously, it’s like a fireworks show, but with lights on the giant tree.”

  Mom enters with a smile, wearing a fluffy red sweater and jeans with boots. “We’re gonna leave in about an hour. Almost ready?” she asks while putting on her earrings.

  “For the most part. Just need to freshen up my makeup. Shouldn’t take that long,” I explain.

  “Great. I’m gonna whip up something to eat really quick, then we can head out.”

  “Sounds good,” I tell her before going to my room.

  I change in
to a thicker sweater and even curl my hair though I know it probably won’t stay. As I put on lipstick, I wonder if I’ll see Cole again. I hope I do.

  It was great catching up with him, even if it was a little awkward. Breaking up with Cole was the hardest decision of my life, but I was committed to my career and wanted to see where it led. My hectic schedule caused a significant strain on our long-distance relationship. While it was a mutual agreement, I still carry the burden of it being my fault.

  He was the love of my life, and seeing him brought back so many wonderful memories. He was my best friend and is still the only man I’ve ever loved. Though it’s been over five years, I haven’t been able to get over him. Love like that doesn’t just fade away.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Mom eventually calls from the kitchen. When I join her, I see she’s made grilled cheese and tomato soup—one of my favorite comfort meals.

  The three of us sit at the table to eat. Once we’re finished, we layer on our jackets and hats, then leave.

  As we stroll to the town square, I soak in my surroundings as adolescent memories flood in. There wasn’t a weekend in high school when Cole and our friends weren’t walking around here.

  As soon as the huge tree comes into view, I gasp. I don’t remember it being this big. It must have thousands of lights strung on it, and I’m ecstatic to see everyone’s reactions. I check the time, then glance around to see if I can find Cole.

  “Who’re you looking for, honey?” Mom asks.

  “No one, just checking how many people are here.” I shrug, but she sees right through my façade. My parents know how much I loved Cole. Everyone, including them, assumed we’d get married, have kids, and live in Snow Port forever. The town gossip spread like wildfire when we broke up. My mom and dad were as upset as I was, but I was the one leaving him behind.