Page 32 of Frost Bitten
My smile widens as his texts keep flying up on my phone. The butterfly feeling I had the other day returns, and the thought that he likes taking care of everything for me is sweet.
Dom
Can I be honest with you?
Sure. What’s up?
Dom
For some reason, I get nervous around you now. I feel like whatever is going on with the guys is big, and I don’t want to hinder that. But at the same time, I feel like I’m drawn to you. I’m not ready to do anything about it yet–I want to make sure Corey is ok. And Bast, too, for that matter. I also don’t want to push you into anything, so all I’m saying is that I’d like to get to know you. You seem like an amazing woman – confident, responsible, and well-adjusted for everything you’ve been through in your life.
I hope it’s ok that the guys shared your past with me. Like, your moving around, and your dad’s sacrifice when you were young.
That’s fine. And yes, I’d love to get to know you as well. To be completely honest, you initially made me extremely nervous. When I met you first at Lift, I could barely say a word. You carried yourself in such a manner, I was intimidated. Lori teased me immediately after you left. Lol.
Dom
Lol. Well, I’m glad it’s not just me. I have to go, I have some things I need to take care of before going to bed, but I really enjoyed chatting with you. I’ll see you in a couple of days, Cait. Goodnight.
Goodnight, Dom. *Smiling emoji*
* * *
The next two daysflyby. Classes the next day are a struggle, as I’d fallen behind. Class seemed like it lasted five minutes before the professor dismissed us. Friday’s shift at Lift is busy with customers in and out all day. I wonder if something local is happening because it is busier than normal. Then, that night, Lily and I eat pizza while I pack for my little weekend trip. Dom texted me that afternoon, telling me to be ready by six a.m., as they needed a full day of training, and he was organizing who was going to pick me up.
So, at the ungodly time of five fifty-eight a.m. on a Saturday, I am drinking a large tumbler of coffee when a soft knock echoes through our front hall. I set my coffee down on the island before moving to the door. Cracking it open slightly, I spy Bast’s platinum blonde hair peeking out from a black beanie. He dressed warmly, in dark jeans and thick boots, with a heavy, woolen jacket. Just the sight of him standing there is warming my insides. Remembering the conversation we had, I’m glad it’s him that’s bringing me out to the mountain. I’m hoping we can chat on the way because after the therapy session, I did my homework, and I have questions.
“Hey,” I whisper. When he looks up at me, he smiles brightly, as if seeing me made his day. That brilliant smile just does something to my heart – like a warm blanket to snuggle into; it just feelsright.I reach out, grab a light hold of his arm, and pull him inside before shutting the door quickly. Brr, the wind is whipping today.
“Hi,” he says, stepping close behind me. His signature scent of cedar wood and amber envelops me, and I have to brace against the shut door because it does things to my body I’m not proud of. I need to watch myself before I have to change my underwear before we even leave.
I spin, facing him, and beam up at him. “I’m glad it is you picking me up today,” I say breathlessly. I can sense the warmth spreading up my neck, and I know that it has everything to do with this man’s effect on me every time he is close.
“I’m glad to hear that. I’m also glad I get you to myself for a bit today, even if I am driving. I’m just happy to be able to spend time with you, Cait.”
“Same. Well, I’m ready if you are,” I reply. “Let me grab my bag and my coffee.” I spin and quietly jog down the hall, and when I return with my bag, Bast is at the island, with my coffee in hand.
“Switch me?” he asks. I smirk at him, finally relenting, becausecoffee. He exchanges the tumbler of coffee for my bag, and then I quietly shut the door behind us. After I’ve locked up, he extends his elbow for me to hold. I swear, Dr. Francis was right – he is a gentleman. I cuddle up to him to stay warm, and he remotely starts the car. Once we get to his gleaming white Land Rover, he opens the door for me. I settle into the seat, and then as I pull the door shut, he places my bag in the back seat and walks around to hop in his driver’s seat.
“Any music requests?” he asks, briefly adjusting the temperature settings before buckling his seat belt.
“I’m good with anything,” I say with a smile. He’s so sweet; it’s the total opposite of his discussion about needing to be in control in the bedroom. Sweet, and then spicy. Ilikeit.
We engage in light conversation for about twenty minutes as we make our way to the highway, leading west into the Rocky Mountains. Once we enter the interstate, and the conversation cools, I clear my throat in preparation for the difficult discussion ahead.
“So,” I begin slowly.
“So?” He glances in my direction, a curious furrow on his brow.
“Yeah, so…” I’m so fucking nervous. Why does this make me nervous? My hands are shaking, but I’m not scared. My anxiety that he’s going to make fun of me or scoff at me eats away at the silence, and when he places a hand on my thigh, everything settles. It’s as if he knew my thoughts, and he’s reassuring me. I know Bast would never do those things, but anxiety is a bitch.
“So, I kind of had some questions about our conversation the other night.” I pause, waiting for some sort of reaction. I know he’s got to be wondering what questions I might have.
“Ok. I’m totally open to chatting about that. Are you nervous or something?” Damn it, why is he so in tune with what I’m feeling?
“Just a little,” I whisper.
“Let’s start with that. Why are you nervous?” he asks.
