Page 59 of Take My Heart
‘So what’s different about it now?’
‘I’ve never let myself enjoy it. I didn’t know it could be this fun.’
A strong gust of wind blows, sending a chill through me.
‘Let’s get inside before we freeze to death.’
Kate races in front of me as we head back to the house. I stay behind her in case she falls, which is possible because the sidewalk is really slick. Just as I’m thinking that, Kate slips on apatch of ice. I race up and catch her, but then slip myself and fall sideways into the snow with Kate in my arms.
‘You okay?’ I ask.
‘Yeah. Are you?’
‘I’m good. It’s really slick out here. You gotta go slow.’
‘I was, but I wasn’t looking where I was going. I was too busy looking at the snow.’ She gets off me and stands up. ‘Need some help?’
‘No, I got it.’ I get up, completely covered in snow.
Kate’s laughing. ‘You look like a snowman.’
‘Thanks to you,’ I say, brushing myself off.
‘Sorry.’ She frowns. ‘I didn’t mean to do it.’
‘I’m just kidding. I’m used to being covered in snow.’
‘Can I have some help walking back?’ She holds out her hand.
‘Sure.’ I hold her hand and we continue to the house.
I like holding her hand. And I liked feeling her body over mine. And I really liked kissing her.
If Kate lived in town, I could see us dating, which is odd because we’re total opposites. She’s smart and organized and likes things all neat and tidy, and I struggled to get through high school, am completely disorganized, and don’t care if my house is a mess. But getting to know her the past day, I’m seeing Kate’s also a really nice person who’s caring and eager to help. I get the feeling she’s someone who does too much for others and forgets about herself.
She’s only here a few weeks so I shouldn’t be thinking of her as anything more than a friend. I shouldn’t even be thinking of her as that. She’s a roommate. A renter. That’s it. And nothing’s going to happen between us.
Chapter 12
Brody
Kate and I get back to the house and drop our wet jackets and hats off in the laundry room.
‘Do you care if I take a shower to warm up?’ she asks.
‘Go ahead.’
‘What should I put on?’
‘Just take something from my room. Whatever you want.’
‘Okay.’
She leaves while I remain by the door, yanking off my boots.
While she’s in the shower, I go in my room and take off my wet jeans and put on a new pair. I also change out of my shirt, which is damp with sweat. I get hot when I’m wearing lots of layers, but I think this time I overheated because of Kate. Having her body over mine—twice—along with that kiss, got me all hot and bothered.
I need to get her some clothes. She can’t keep wearing mine, especially my flannel shirts, which look way too sexy on her.
