Page 4 of Some Things Never Change

“Of course. If I wasn’t, then why would I offer?”

He handed me his sherpa-lined jean jacket and I immediately took it without hesitation. His jacket was thick and plush and smelled exactly like detergent—fresh and clean. We both headed outside to the winter night. I sat down on the cold outdoor loveseat by the fire pit as I watched Andy get the fire going.

I could feel the sharp sting of the frigid outdoor furniture through my thin sweatpants as my butt began to freeze. If it was any colder than this, I wouldn’t survive with just Andy’s jacket, these old sweats that I should throw out, and fuzzy socks that did little to warm up my feet. Thank God for this fire pit, because I instantly felt warmer with it on.

Andy took the seat next to me. “Are you warm enough?”

“Yeah, I should be fine.”

“You sure?”

He didn’t look convinced.

“I’m fine.”

“Hands.”

Andy’s huge palms opened out to me, asking for my hands. His words were more of a demand than a simple statement.

“Am I supposed to be your dog or something?”

He flashed me an annoyed but amused look. Really?

“I’m just saying! Because you’re treating me like one.”

“Give me your hands.” Andy wasn’t going to deal with my crap.

I sighed and placed my small hands in those bigger palms. They were warm as both of his hands enclosed mine and started to rub some heat back into them. He brought my ice-cold fingertips close to his lips and blew hot, steaming puffs of air onto them.

“Your hands are always too cold.”

It was more to himself than to me, so I didn’t respond back. As he continued to bring life into my icy hands, I tried to keep the unreasonable flush creeping up my face under control.

“What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Close your eyes.”

“No.” Why was he suddenly telling me to close my eyes?

“Just do it.”

“No.”

“Tink.”

“Andy.”

“Do it.”

“No.”

Andy let out a long sigh. “Do you have to be so goddamn stubborn? I have a surprise for you.”

“I thought we were talking. Why do you suddenly have a surprise?”

He smiled slowly at me and shook his head. “Just close your eyes. Please.”

“Fine.”

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