Page 21 of A Gift of Time
“Why not?” I asked, both afraid of the answer and needing to hear it.
“I’m not sure you even mean it in this way, so if I got the wrong impression, I’m sorry,” he said in a rush. “But I don’t date anymore. I just got out of a bad relationship, and the last thing I’m looking for is another guy who’ll break my heart.”
If I hadn’t been leaning on the post for support, I probably would’ve fallen. My limbs went all wonky, and my throat tightened.
“Someone broke your heart?” I managed to ask. My voice took on a raspy edge, and I cleared it, fighting back the emotion trying to take over. “And I’m very interested in you, by the way. Just so you know the truth.”
“Yeah. The wound’s still too fresh, Jack,” he answered in such a way that I could see the expression on his face as he said it from memory. I’d made him sound that way on Christmas Eve. “Also, dating a client isn’t appropriate. I’m sorry.”
More words were said—small talk—before he told me goodnight and hung up.
“Dammit!” I punched the post, which was a dumbass move.
The couple standing several feet from me, listening to the carolers, shot me a look of surprise before moving away, casting stares at me as they went.
No longer feeling the Christmas spirit, I took off walking back to my building, pissed beyond belief.
Just before I entered the apartment complex, a snowflake landed on my arm—beautiful and unique.
“Jack!” Caden called from outside. “Come here!”
I was in the kitchen, unloading groceries for our dinner, when I heard him. Wondering what he was doing out there in the below freezing temperature, I stopped unloading the food and peeked outside the window above the sink.
Caden had walked down the porch steps and was in the backyard, holding his arms out and looking up at the night sky. The porch light gave off just enough light for me to see the smile on his face.
He met my stare and motioned for me to come out there. So, I did.
“What is it, babe?” I asked, walking outside and shuddering at the blast of cold air. “Fuck, it’s cold out here.”
“No, it’s perfect,” he said, looking upward again and closing his eyes. “It’s snowing.”
Some flakes fell into his hair and the ones that landed on his rosy cheeks melted right away. He was only in a sweater, so I shrugged off my jacket and draped it around his shoulders.
His eyes opened, and he beamed at me.
“Every snowflake is unique, you know,” he said, holding out his hand to catch one. “Beautiful, yet fragile. They say if you catch one in the palm of your hand, and can make a wish before it melts, that wish will come true.”
I grinned and wrapped my arms around him, kissing the tip of his cold nose. “And who is thistheyyou speak of? I think you’re making it up.”
Caden giggled and buried his face in my neck. “It’s written in the Book of Caden. You don’t know it. It’s too advanced for your mind.”
That comment led to me tickling his sides, making him giggle even harder before running back up the porch and into the house. I chased after him, finally catching him in the living room, where I tackled him on the couch.
Our lips met between our laughs, and I melted against him just like the snowflake had on his hand.
“I love you, Cay,” I whispered against his cheek.
As the memory faded, tears sprang to my eyes. I’d do anything to go back to that night. It had been before I’d started pushing him away and focusing too much on my work.
The snowflake melted, and I looked up at the sky, seeing more slowly fall.
Everything quieted around me, as it always seemed to do when it snowed.
I wanted to call Caden again, but he had made his point crystal clear. Maybe I could get him to change his mind; however, it wouldn’t be that night.
Once inside my apartment, I took off my coat and gloves and went to the kitchen to pour myself a drink. Preferably one with a lot of whiskey.
How can I get Caden to fall in love with me when he’s sworn off dating?
