Page 42 of The Heart of Winter

Turned out, Winter lived surprisingly close to me, in one of those high-rise apartment buildings downtown.

His address was actually right along my usual route from my parents' neighborhood to the company. No wonder he had such a short commute. I pointed it out.

"If your car’s still not sorted by tomorrow, I can pick you up," I offered.

But Winter turned to me and, in a cold voice, said, "I really appreciate your help, Lowen, but let’s not make a habit of this. I’ll manage."

"As you wish, Director. But the offer stands."

He didn’t respond. Just kept looking out the window, avoiding my gaze.

Ten minutes later, we pulled up in front of his building. Only then did he finally grant me a brief look.

"Thanks for the ride. See you at work."

"I really enjoyed your lecture," I said honestly. "If you give another one, let me know. I’d love to attend."

Winter gave me a stiff nod, then turned and walked toward the entrance without another word.

And that was that.

I sat there for a moment, gripping the steering wheel.

Why the hell did I say that? What was I even doing?

It’s not like I wanted—

I let out a short, humorless laugh and pressed my forehead against the wheel.

What did I truly want from him?

Winter was thirty-four. I was twenty-two. There was no possible scenario where anything—ever—could happen between us.

That thought alone was ridiculous. I laughed again, loud and abrupt, almost like a lunatic. I must’ve been losing it. Some kind of mental breakdown.

Without another thought, I started the engine, made a U-turn, and took the road leading to Blue’s apartment.

It was already evening. Chances were, he’d be home.

After all, it’s not like he had a love life to keep him busy.

***

Sure enough, after pushing my way past his security detail, I found myself in Blue’s rooftop apartment.

But he didn’t look great. His eyes were puffy, he seemed exhausted, and his usual energy just wasn’t there.

He offered me coffee, but I declined. Instead, we stepped out onto his terrace and settled into our usual spot by the edge of the pool. Even though it was already dark, his rooftop garden was illuminated with almost fairy-tale-like lighting, highlighting the decorative shapes of the trees planted in massive, built-in planters designed to seamlessly integrate with the garden’s layout.

For a while, I just took in the aesthetic beauty of the place, my gaze lingering on the softly glowing, greenish surface of the pool. Then, I glanced at Blue again.

He was leaning back against the headrest of a lounge chair, staring at the sky. His usual glass tablet wasn’t on his lap, he wasn’t working! That was surprising.

"You look like shit," I said honestly, cracking a grin.

"Thanks for the lovely compliment," he muttered.

"Seriously, what happened? I can tell something’s wrecked you."

---