Page 3 of Christmas for Keeps

“Like they could get here.” I barely resisted rolling my eyes. It figured—onlyIwouldbe stuck in a blizzard, get into an accident, and run into Zach, the guy I’d been avoiding for years. In fairness, he’d apparently been avoiding me too.

He is also the hottest guy you ever touched.

Stop! Don’t even go there. I don’t need those memories on top of being stranded in the snow.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Just need to get out.” Struggling against the seat belt, I grunted in frustration.

Zach spoke to the other man. “My friend seems to be okay. I’ll let you know if we need any help.”

My friend? I was still Zach’s friend?The word warmed my heart even as it seemed disappointingly inadequate. My watering eyes surprised me, and I tugged on the seat belt again.

“Whatever you say,” the man said. “Let me know.”

Zach leaned back inside and looked into my eyes. “It’s so good to see you, Con.”

“Yeah, I… You too.”

A few beats passed before he looked down and reached for the seat belt buckle.

“I think it’s jammed,” I said. “Do you have a knife or something?”

He pushed the button, and the latch released. “There you go.” He met my eyes again, smiling.

I ignored the burn in my cheeks. “Thanks. Do you mind?” I made a flicking motion with my hand. “I need to get out.”

“Not yet.” He placed his hands on my shoulders. “Let’s take it slow. Does anything hurt?”

Let’s take it slow? What the hell? There’s anusin let’s—letus. Zach and I haven’t been anusin years. Four years, to be exact.“Nothing hurts, but I’m getting claustrophobic.”

“Where’s your coat?”

“Back seat.”

“Let’s get you on your feet, then I’ll grab it.”

“Okay.” He had always taken care of me when we were together, and as much as I hated to admit it, I was glad he’d taken charge now. Maybe we could be anusagain for a few minutes while I got my bearings.

“If you feel steady enough, try getting out of the car. I’m right here.”

He placed a hand on my left arm and kept it there, ready to catch me if I fainted. Since I wasn’t dizzy, if Ididfaint, it would probably be because I was so close to him again. I took my time, and when I was standing beside him, he smiled. His mahogany eyes glimmered in the headlights from the car behind, making my heart pinch. Like me, Zach was a little older, and the age looked good on him. His face was more angular, his forehead more pronounced. I wanted to drag my fingers through the scruff on his cheeks. He’d grown his brown hair longer than it used to be, and when he squeezed my arm, my heart gave a hugekerthump.

“Still doing okay?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m good.”

Letting my arm go, he opened the back door and found my coat, then held it while I put my arms into the sleeves. After I zipped up the front, he suggested I sit in his SUV for a few minutes to get warm.

“Let’s look at the damage first.” When I saw what had happened, I wanted to cry. The car was a bashed-in mess, and wisps of smoke wafted out from under the hood. “Shit. I’ve only had it a few months.”

He put a hand on my back. “Cars can be fixed, Con. Thank Godyouaren’t hurt. That’s what’s important.”

“How’s your SUV?”

“It’s fine. Not even a dent.”

Of course. Maybe I’ll buy a tank next time.“That’s good. Let’s see if mine will start.”

“Don’t you want to—”

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