Page 44 of Single Dad's Christmas Cookie

“Oh, is that what you’ve been on about?”

“What did you think I was worried about?” He watched me as his brows pulled together. He shook his head, dismissing whatever thought crossed his mind. “Don’t even bother telling me what you were thinking. Yes, frostbite. Now take these clothes and go get out of those wet clothes.”

“I need to get the groceries out of the car.”

“I will take care of that while you’re getting changed.”

I laughed, thinking he was teasing me in some strange fashion.

He gave me an intense stare that basically told me he wasn’t interested in arguing anymore.

“Fine.” I shoved the socks on my feet. They were warm and soft. I grabbed the rest of the clothes and went to the bathroom to change.

The sweatpants were miles too long and entirely too tight through my hips. The sweatshirt fit just as awkwardly. Bryan’sshoulders were incredibly wide, and he was built like an inverted triangle, so it fit fine through the chest, accommodating my boobs. But through the waist, it was snug. I didn’t care. They were warm and cozy, and I was now wrapped up in layers of blankets. I even had Amelia’s stuffed animal, Humphrey, tucked in with me to keep me company and give me comfort as I sat nestled into the corner of the couch while Bryan built the fire.

Amelia sat on the floor in front of me coloring. Every five minutes, she would get up and show me exactly what she had done.

“That looks great,” I said after she added in some blue on the picture of the bird she was working on.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You’re comfortable, warm?” Bryan asked.

“I’m great. Thank you,” I replied. I was actually feeling a little too warm, the cold of the car more of a bad memory than anything else. I began to shift the blankets off me.

“What are you doing?”

“I thought I’d go make some hot chocolate,” I said, not wanting to pressure him any further. He was being so nice to me, and even though he had promised he would make me a drink, he hadn’t yet. He was doing so many other things to see to my comfort.

“I’ll get that for you. You stay put.”

“I can make hot chocolate. I’m fine. I was a little cold.”

“You were stuck in a car for over two hours, Nova.”

“I had the heater on for most of that time,” I reminded him.

“Are you certain?” He looked so concerned.

“Look, I’ll make some hot chocolate. And while I’m in the kitchen, I can double check that you got all the groceries in and put them away.”

“I told you I took care of the groceries and put everything in the refrigerator. You don’t need to cook anything right now. You can relax.”

I bundled the blankets back onto my lap and pouted. “I can make hot chocolate.” I blew out a long breath. Bryan was winning this particular argument, but it was my job to take care of Amelia and feed him. It didn’t feel right to let him take care of me.

“Could you at least bring me my phone? Maybe I should call the tow company.”

“Your phone is still charging. You don’t need to call the tow company. You can call them later. Just get used to the idea that you’re going to be staying here through this storm.”

“I should at least call my mother,” I said. “I can go into the kitchen and call her while I make the hot chocolate.”

He made a grouchyharumphnoise and a few moments later handed me the phone. “Call your mother, but I’m making the hot chocolate. You stay put.”

The couch was comfortable and the fire was starting to finally crackle properly and give off a decent amount of heat. I was beginning to feel a little too warm. I had gone from one extreme to another. There had to be a good, comfortable, happy medium.

I texted my mother.

Car stuck, phone battery died. I’m fine.

Nova! I was wondering what happened when you didn’t call me back. I was hoping you got busy with the tow truck.

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