Page 56 of Wintertime Heat (Holiday 1)

Steven smiles, a slow curling of the edges of his lips as he looks at me, “That depends on Abby.”

When Scarlett gives me an expectant look, I raise a brow, “We’re not fifteen. You’re not giving me the boyfriend talk.”

“Oh,” My friend gives a sly grin. “So, you admit he’s your boyfriend?”

“I didn’t say that!” I stammer.

“Dad’s not your boyfriend?” Aaron looks so disappointed that I blink.

“Uh, that’s not what I’m saying. Steven, say something!”

The man in question gives me a forlorn look, “I’m just as baffled as they are.”

I scowl at him, trying to hide the loud thumping in my chest that was threatening to drown me.

Why didn’t he deny it?

Even as I bid them goodbye, Steven leans down to press a hot kiss against my mouth, leaving me dazed, my mind confused. After reassuring Aaron that I wouldn’t renege on my promise, I watch them leave.

Closing the door, I lean my forehead against it, struggling to understand why Steven was so complicated.

“The man looks at you like he wants to eat you up.”

I turn around to see Scarlett watching me from her seat.

“He cares about me. He’s said that much.” I admit, slowly.

She snorts, “Cares about you, my ass. He’s besotted by you.”

With my hands behind my back, on the door, I lean against them, “Why would you say that?”

“His eyes never left you, Abby. Not even once. And the way he watches you, there is this possessiveness in his eyes. He’s not going to let you walk away. Not this one.”

Her words make something inside me flare but hope was a dangerous mountain to climb, and I choose not to say anything.

“Don’t pretend like you’re not into him.”

I raise my head to meet Scarlett’s steady gaze and my cheeks turn red, “I like him. A lot. I’ve never met anyone like him, Scarlett. But I’m too scared to trust him with my heart. I keep telling myself this is a fling, nothing more. But I think I’m a little far gone.”

I see the worry in Scarlett’s eyes and she glances at my hands, “If he wasn’t serious about you, he wouldn’t have invited you to spend Christmas with them.”

I walk over to her and sink down next to her, “Scarlett, I’ve only known him a handful of weeks. I kept pushing him away, but he’s so goddamn stubborn. He wouldn’t budge, and now I think –“, I feel the tears burning my throat, “- I think I’ve fallen in love with him, Scarlett. And I’m so scared!”

I feel Scarlett’s arms wrap around me, engulfing me in her warmth, “Honey, what do you have to be scared about? The man clearly has incredibly strong feelings for you. The amount of shit you threw his way, he took all of that and still showers you with affection. I know men. And I know when one is completely wrapped up and tied with a bow.”

“Even if that’s true, we’re from two different worlds. I have no place in his. I know next to nothing about him. What kind of lifestyle does he lead? Is he the type who parties all weekend and sleeps around with models?”

When Scarlett pulls away and stares at me, I wince.

“Your man is a single father who is raising his kid alone. For a billionaire, he leads a very quiet lifestyle. The worst thing about him is probably that he might be a closet workaholic. Honey, I know what you’re doing. You’re looking for excuses to push him away so you’re stereotyping him. Please tell me you didn’t say that to him.”

I bite my lips, guilt written all over my face, and she shakes her head, “The man is a saint if he still chose to look past that.”

I flop on my back on the couch, staring at the ceiling, “I’m a terrible person. I’m in love with him. I love his son. But I’m so scared of being hurt that I was an asshole to him.”

“Offer to apologize with sex. He’ll forgive you in a heartbeat.” Scarlett mutters, and I raise my head to see her looking down at

her phone.

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