Winter Heat Read online

  The crowd fills in, and once it’s time, Dad goes to the podium. He gives the traditional speech about the founders of Snow Port lighting their first community tree two days before Christmas over a hundred years ago. It’s a story I’ve heard a million times growing up, but I never tire of it.

  “And together, they decided it would be a yearly tradition for their newfound town of Snow Port, and the citizens have kept it going through the years. Tonight is no different, and I’m proud to dedicate this tree to you, the people of Snow Port.” Dad flashes a big cheeky grin and points at a helper to flip the switch. As soon as he does, it goes dark and silent as we wait. People squirm, chatting softly, but Dad’s smile doesn’t falter. It’s all a part of his show.

  “Jingle Bell Rock” blasts through the PA system, and the tree lights up in layers and flashes with the beat of the music. Everyone goes crazy, and I hear oohs and aahs followed by a big round of applause when the song ends. The holiday spirit is alive and well as the song ends and the next one starts.

  After the ceremony is over, a crowd of people surrounds my father. He just became a rock star among tree decorators. Mom talks to some of her friends, and I stand by and listen as I search for Cole. Eventually, I find him huddled with a group of people. He’s chatting to Gretchen, and then I stupidly remember he’s dating her. When we make eye contact, he breaks away and comes toward me. My heart rushes as he makes his way over.

  “Hey,” he says with a side grin.

  I lick my lips and meet his green eyes. “Hey.”

  “Your dad did an amazing job. I think he blew the entire town away,” Cole admits. “Shocked the shit out of me. I’ve never seen lights dance like that.”

  “I know, he’s seriously outdone himself. I dunno how anyone will beat that next year.” I laugh.

  “Right? I wouldn’t be surprised if they ask him to do it again,” Cole says just as my mom comes over, looking at us.

  “Cole!” She leans in for a hug, and I can hear how excited she is that we’re together. “Wasn’t interrupting anything, was I?” she asks when she pulls away.

  “Nope, I was just saying hi,” he tells her.

  When she meets my eyes, I shake my head, hoping she doesn’t embarrass me. “Well, don’t you be a stranger. You should come by and have dinner with us one night now that Sarah is home for a little while.”

  “Yeah, just tell me when, Mrs. Rose, and I’ll be there. You know I’ll never pass up a free meal,” he says, which makes her laugh.

  “You two planning a date or your marriage?” Mom chuckles, then looks back and forth between us with a sparkle in her eyes. She says it like she’s joking, but I don’t think she is.

  My eyes go wide. “Oh my God, no. We were just saying hello.”

  “Yeah,” Cole adds. “Anyway, it was good seeing you again, Sarah,” he tells me, then gives me a smile before walking away.

  Immediately, I turn to my mother and feel like I’m sixteen again. Before I can scold her, she speaks up. “It’s just a matter of time until you two get back together.”

  “You are so embarrassing,” I grit, wholly mortified. “So embarrassing.”

  Christmas Eve dinner was always a huge event growing up even though it’s only ever been the three of us. Mom always makes homemade fudge and leaves it in holiday-themed containers on the porch for all the neighbors and local businesses to pick up. Considering I suck at cooking, Mom delegated me to the packaging.

  While I stick to my task, the turkey cooks in the oven, and my favorite sides stay warm on the stovetop. Cornbread dressing, gravy, macaroni, green bean casserole, and a full tray of biscuits are waiting to be devoured. There’s always too much food, which means we’ll be eating leftovers for close to a week. Thankfully, my mother is creative with repurposing turkey.

  As I help set the table, Mom flashes me a little smirk. “So, I just heard you were at the diner a few days ago with Cole.”

  “Somehow I’m not surprised you know that.” I snicker.

  “Are you two trying to work it out?” she asks.

  My face flushes. “We had lunch, Mom. It doesn’t mean we’re getting back together. And thanks a lot for bringing that up in front of him at the lighting. You scared him off.”

  She laughs. “No I didn’t.”

  I give her an eye. “Plus, I’m pretty sure he has a girlfriend.”

  With a shake of her head, she looks at me. “He does not.”

  “I’m positive he does,” I push, remembering how Gretchen clung to him at the coffee shop and how big she was smiling at him the other day. “Maybe the rumor hasn’t made its way to you yet, and it's still a secret. Also, can we please not talk about this?” Thankfully, Dad enters and pulls the attention away. He’s been on the phone all day, walking people through how to program their lights to music.

  “Smells delicious in here.” He presses a kiss to Mom’s cheek.

  “Thanks.” She beams. “Should be ready in thirty minutes.”

  She pulls the turkey from the oven and sets it on the counter so Dad can carve it after it rests. Once he’s finished, I grab the serving spoons and side dishes, then place them on the table around the turkey plate. In no time at all, we’re saying grace, then filling our plates with food.

  “We’re delighted you came home to be with us. It means a lot to your mom and me,” Dad says with a prideful smile. “We’ve really missed you being here.”

  “Yes, and now that you’re home, I don’t want to let you go.” She chuckles. “Also, I’m hoping you get Chicago out of your system sooner rather than later and move back. Wishful thinking, but I still believe in Christmas miracles.” She throws me a wink, and I snort with an eye roll.

  “That’d be one heck of a Christmas miracle,” I tease. “But you never know what the future holds.”

  The next morning, my parents and I get up early to serve lunch at the food kitchen hosted at the church. It’s a family tradition and a way for us to help the community in our own little way. Even after I left town, my parents continued doing it, and I’m happy I can participate this year.

  When we arrive, we’re assigned to different serving areas. I’m on mashed potato duty, and before they open the doors, Cole stands next to me. He and his parents have always taken part in this as well.

  “Merry Christmas, Sarah. I’m gravy,” he tells me, holding up a ladle.

  “Nice to meet you, Gravy,” I say with a laugh and don’t miss the way my stomach flutters at how close he is to me. “You too. Hope Santa brought you everything you asked for.”

  He looks at me from head to toe, then flashes a smug grin. “He did.”

  My heart skips a beat, and I look away to hide the blush forming on my cheeks.

  As soon as the doors open, a long line forms at the front. I pile on large scoops and make sure everyone gets as much as they want. Cole’s arm brushes against mine on occasion, causing electricity to stream through me. Even after all this time, he still has that effect. I didn’t think it was possible, but now that I’m seeing him, I know it is.

  After we’ve served everyone, made to-go plates, and cleaned up, we plan to meet at the town square for a dessert potluck around the giant gazebo. Before we head over, we stop home for our desserts, and I grab a heavier coat.

  Mom picks up two pumpkin pies, and I grab the sweet potato one. Dad carries a tray of chocolate brownies that he’s been eyeing since Mom pulled them out of the oven earlier.

  “Ready?” he asks.

  “Yep, I can’t wait to have a week-long sugar coma. Been waiting all month,” I admit with a laugh.

  Mom leads the way down the sidewalk. It makes me happy to see so many participating in the dessert party. Tables are set up around the gazebo with a hot chocolate stand nearby too. After dropping off the desserts, my parents chat with the mayor while I immediately grab a cup and add extra marshmallows. I blow on it for a moment, then just as I take a sip, Cole comes into view.

  Our eyes meet, and he flashes a smile. I wave him ov
er.

  “Fancy seeing you again.” He smirks, shoving his hands in his pockets. I stare at him in his thick coat and beanie, looking as good as ever. His green eyes gleam when they meet mine, and I’m in awe by how good he looks.

  “Right.” I chuckle. “Wanna walk around a bit and chat?”

  Different activities are set up for the kids and even a trail full of light displays for people to enjoy. We take a stroll as I sip my cocoa. Finally, I work up the courage to ask him what’s been on my mind since the first day I saw him.

  “This is none of my business, but are you and Gretchen...dating?” I can hardly finish but manage to even if I don’t want to hear the answer. I need to know if he’s off-limits or not because I’d never do anything to ruin what he has.

  Cole chuckles, and when I shiver, he closes the gap between us and wraps his arm around my shoulder. My entire body overheats, but I try to remain unaffected.

  “What do you think?” he asks.

  I shrug. “I’m not sure. I just want to…”

  “We’re not. When you saw us together, it was our first and only date. We don’t have much in common and no real spark. My mother set it up, and trust me when I say it happened because I was getting tired of her nagging me about it. Same with Gretchen. We did it to appease our moms, and that’s it.”

  Relief washes over me even though I have no right to feel that way. I want Cole to be happy, but the idea of him being with someone else made me sick. “Oh. Well, that’s good. Wait, I mean, not good. I just meant, well…” I sigh, giving up. “Never mind. I’ll just shut up now.”

  He holds back a laugh with a fake cough, and I almost snort at how obvious he was. But it was definitely sweet of him not to make me feel dumb for asking.

  “What about you?” he questions. “Seeing someone back in Chicago?”

  I slow my pace and think about all the terrible dates I’ve been on. “Nope. No one. It doesn’t help that I have a chaotic work schedule, but honestly, I haven’t been serious with anyone since I moved there. I’ve just…I’ve found it hard to move on,” I admit sheepishly.

  Cole nods, and I notice the frown on his scruffy face. I love that he’s let it grow out a little. It suits him. We stop under a lit-up arch. I look up at it and remember how we used to take pictures together in this very spot every Christmas.

  “I know what you mean,” he says softly. “I think you broke me, Sarah. No woman has ever lived up to what we had, and if it wasn’t you, I didn’t want her.”

  His words are like a knife to the heart because I hate that I’ve caused him pain. “I never wanted to hurt you, Cole. I know I’ve said that before, but I mean it. I needed to figure out who I was with a serious career. Though if it makes you feel any better, I haven’t been able to move on either.” Nervous laughter escapes me as he stares into my eyes. “Perhaps, I’m broken too.”

  Before we can continue chatting, a woman slowly walks past us and points above us with a grin. We look up at the same time and notice the mistletoe hanging. I don’t even look to see if we’re being watched because my focus is on Cole. Without wasting a moment, he takes a step forward, places his warm palms on my cheeks, then brushes his lips against mine.

  I feel as if I’m floating as his tongue barely twists with mine. The emotion pours out of me, and though it’s been years since we’ve been close like this, the fire between us burns so hot, I might combust. When he pulls away, my heavy breathing is the only sound between us, but by the intense look in his eyes, he felt it too.

  “Wow,” I say, touching my swollen lips. If we weren’t in public, we might’ve lost control.

  “That should give them something to talk about until the new year,” he whispers in my ear, causing a chill to run down my spine. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”

  Swallowing hard, I clear my throat so I can speak. “My schedule’s free.”

  “Want to have a drink with me? Just the two of us?”

  “Like a date?” I ask with a racing heart.

  “Yes, exactly like a date.”

  I blink, then nod. “I’d love that, Cole.”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven.” His charming smile already has me anxious.

  We walk back to the dessert tables, and soon, I’m bombarded by people I haven’t seen in years. Cole’s parents come over and steal him away, but knowing I’ll see him tomorrow makes it impossible to wipe off my smile. Though I chat with everyone, the only things I can focus on are how he’s single and that passionate kiss we shared.

  Chapter Four

  COLE

  Though I have a busy day at work to keep my thoughts occupied, they drift back to Sarah and our kiss last night, no matter what I do. I can’t stop thinking about her and how she tasted. Every part of my body lit up when our lips touched, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping to do it again.

  “Sheriff,” my receptionist, Mindy, calls out.

  I look up at her, arching a brow. “Yes?”

  “You told me to tell you when it’s five. For your date,” she clarifies.

  Scrambling to look at the time, I realize she’s right. It’s five sharp, and I’m supposed to pick up Sarah in two hours.

  “Thanks, Mindy.” I organize my desk, stacking all the paperwork I’ll deal with tomorrow.

  “Good luck,” she sing-songs as I slide on my jacket and head toward the door.

  I chuckle at her smug expression. “See ya in the morning.”

  “Mm-hmm. You mean the afternoon?”

  “Alright, I’ll take a half-day.” I flash her a wink, then walk out.

  I hop in my car and blast the heat. Once I can see out my window, I drive to the florist and greet Libby as I grab a bouquet of red roses. They’re Sarah’s favorite—or used to be anyway. I’m hoping they still are.

  After I’m home, I shower and dress in dark jeans and a button-up shirt. I quickly make a turkey and cheese sandwich so I’m not drinking on an empty stomach and eat it before I leave. The nerves of spending alone time with her are catching up to me, but I do my best to push it away. I don’t have much time to spend with Sarah before she flies back to Chicago, and I want to take every opportunity I can to see her.

  At a quarter to seven, I drive to her parents' house and leave the car running so it stays warm. I knock on the front door, and as soon as Sarah opens it, I suck in a breath. She left her dark hair down in waves, and she’s wearing black skinny jeans with a simple white top.

  “Wow…you look beautiful,” I tell her, admiring every inch of her. My eyes trail down her body, and when my gaze meets hers, a faint blush colors her cheeks.

  “Well, thank you. You clean up rather nice yourself.”

  “Only the best for you.” I brush a hand down my jacket with a grin. “These are for you. I hope they’re still your favorite?”

  Sarah takes them and brings them to her nose. “They are. Thank you.”

  I can tell she’s as anxious about tonight as I am.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yep, just gonna tell my folks I’m leaving, put these in water, then grab my coat.”

  Five minutes later, we’re in my car and on the way to The Main Brewery. I picked this bar specifically because we used to hang out there every time she’d visit from college.

  “Talk about a blast from the past,” she says with cute laughter as I park. “Been so long.”

  “And looks exactly the same, just like the rest of the town.” I chuckle. “Well, they have a pool table now and some bigger TVs.”

  I motion for her to wait while I walk to the passenger side and open her door. Grabbing her hand, I help her out but don’t release her from my grip. Once I lock the car, our fingers thread together, and I lead us into the pub.

  “You weren’t kidding.” She looks at all the Christmas décor. “Blast from the past.”

  We find a spot at one of the tables, and a waitress rushes over to take our order. We start with two beers and a basket of cheese fries that are delivered in l
ess than ten minutes.

  “Are they as good as they used to be?” she asks before snagging a fry.

  “Oh yeah. Even better, actually.”

  She takes a bite and closes her eyes with a moan. “Wow, yeah. You’re right.”

  I chuckle, taking one for myself, then chewing and swallowing it down with my beer.

  “It’s really felt like old times this past week,” she admits. Her gaze intensifies as she stares at me. “Hard to believe I ever left.”

  I’m not certain, but it almost sounds like regret. I know she wanted to pursue her career, and I’ll never resent her for it, but it doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hell to lose her.

  “As much as I wish you hadn’t, you would’ve thought about the what-ifs had you stayed. You needed to find out for yourself,” I explain.

  “Yeah, you’re right. But it meant losing you and being away from my family. Not sure the trade-off was worth it.”

  As soon as those words leave her mouth, my heart rapidly beats. I don’t want to overthink her words, though I’m pretty certain she wishes she’d stayed.

  “Are you happy there?” I ask softly. Because in the end, that’s all that’s ever mattered.

  She sucks in a breath before taking a long pull from her beer. “I’m happy doing the job I love. But the circumstances that come with it? I’m not sure anymore.” Sarah licks her lips, then looks up at me. “Do you ever think of where we’d be if I hadn’t left?”

  “I used to all the time,” I admit. “It nearly drove me insane, so I made myself stop.”

  “How come? What’d you picture?” She bites down on her lower lip as if she’s not sure she wants to hear the answer.

  “Well…” I release a breath. “I would’ve proposed the summer after you graduated from college, and we’d have married the following spring. You would’ve found a job at a local news station not too far from Snow Port. I would’ve still pursued my career but most likely working more hours to help pay for the Victorian house you wanted.”