“How about we find somewhere that serves some warm apple cider? I don’t know about you, but I could really stand to thaw out.”
“That was so much fun, even if it was cold. Some warm cider sounds really good right now.”
We walk across the street to a local tavern and a blast of warm air hits us in the doorway. A mahogany bar stretches the full length of the right side of the room but there isn’t a single bar stool available. I manage to squeeze in between two patrons so I can order us drinks and as soon as someone stands up to leave, she rushes to claim the spot. I don’t mind having to stand and step in close beside her. It almost feels like…we belong together.
The cider is good, but not exactly what I was hoping for. I set my glass down in front of her and the bartender rushes over to ask if we’d like another one.
“What about a bourbon on the rocks?” I suggest then wait for her to decide what she wants.
“I think I’ll have that too.”
I pull my card out to take care of the tab. I’m shocked she’d order such a strong drink, but if that’s what she wants, who am I to argue?
It doesn’t take long for me to get warm and I drape both of our jackets across the back of her stool. Except for it beingsmall, the place isn’t all that bad. More people pile inside when a band starts to play in the front corner next to the window. If I stand much closer to Sierra, I’ll practically be on top of her. Seriously, where did all of these people suddenly come from?
The band’s specialty is cover songs from the eighties and nineties—a little before my time but I’m pretty familiar with what they’ve played so far. Sierra seems to know most of the words too and before long we’re both swaying to the music. Most of what they play is upbeat, with a few ballads tossed in the mix. With our hands in the air, we’re truly having a blast.
I finally get the courage to pull her close when the next slow song begins to play. She laces her fingers through mine then rests her face against my shoulder. I know we’re just two people with altered holiday plans having a good time together, but man, what I wouldn’t give to really get to know her on a more intimate level. She’s practically everything I look for in a woman.
A few drinks later, I realize I’m whipped. The only time I’ve stayed up this late is when we’ve gone into extra innings at home games. I help her with her coat and, she loops her arm through mine as we walk towards the door. I wouldn’t mind coming back to this place again as long as she was willing to come too. No doubt, Mason and Morgan would’ve enjoyed it as well.
I’m not surprised to see a few flurries on our way back to my truck, considering the dampness in the air. It’s really easy to see them if you look up at the street lights. Sierra stops, leans her head back, and sticks out her tongue.
“I just caught a snowflake,” she says, her eyes filled with excitement.
“Let me see,” I tease and bring my mouth to hers. I can still taste the bourbon on her tongue and I close my eyes, enjoying the way she feels in my arms.
I help her inside the truck and wait for the heat to kick in before I pull away. By the time we make it home, I’m already dozing off. I can only hope that tomorrow will be just as enjoyable as today was.
Sierra leans in to give me hug before heading down the hallway to her room. “Thank you for everything. I really had a good time tonight. The ride in the carriage was pretty cool, but I had fun dancing too.”
“Me too.” I probably hold onto her a little longer than I should but if she notices, she doesn’t let on.
She leans into me then places her hands against the sides of my face as she kisses me. “Good night,” she says barely above a whisper.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The next morning, I’m awakened by someone knocking at the door. At first, I think it’s Sierra and maybe she’s accidentally locked herself out. She’s more of an early riser than I am but when I see her bedroom door is still closed, I can’t imagine who else would be out and about so early.
As soon as I open the door and see my brother, Morgan, and Breah standing on the front porch, I am overcome with emotion. I immediately embrace them, paying no attention to how cold it is outside or that I’m standing there in my sweats and socks.
“You guys,” I manage to say. “Why didn’t you tell me you were still coming?”
“We wanted to surprise you,” Breah says and pulls her coat across her chest to block the wind. “And it looks like we did exactly that.”
A fresh layer of snow covers the ground and I wonder if Sierra has seen it yet. I typically don’t get worked up over the white stuff but it’s actually really pretty. Thank goodness Morgan and Breah didn’t encounter any issues driving in it.
“Miles?”
I quickly turn around when I hear Sierra call my name from the hallway.
“Is everything okay? It’s really cold with the door open.”
“Sierra, my older brother and his wife just showed up. I…I can’t believe they’re really here. Come over here and let me introduce you to them.”
I can tell that Sierra feels a little awkward since she’s still wearing her PJs, so I suggest letting her have first dibs on the bathroom while I spend some time catching up with my family.
“I’ll put on a pot of coffee for everyone, then you all can help yourselves when it’s finished brewing,” she says and disappears to the kitchen.
