Page 18 of Snowbound with My Dad's Best Friend

It’s just nice to know that I will get to create those memories with Damian, since this will be his first year here.

“How about a burrito?” Steven says, pointing to a food truck. I nearly forgot why I was here once I got wrapped up in all the Christmas spirit.

“Sounds perfect,” I say, and we jump in line. After getting our food, I spot an open picnic table and we sit.

The smell of freshly cooked steak and melty cheese causes my stomach to growl.

I’ve never been a salad woman.

Messy subs and burritos are the way to my heart.

Taking my first bite, I am in heaven.

The large burrito is filled to the max with steak, cheese, beans, and rice.

The best part of Grand Rapids is its love of different kinds of food.

And with this cold weather, something warm is just the thing I need.

“Isn’t this beautiful?” Steven asks. “Every year, it seems to get better.”

“It really does,” I reply, allowing my eyes to scan Millennium Park, taking in all its beauty. “Damian would absolutely die to see this.”

I can feel myself smiling from ear to ear, wanting to soak up everything I can. “Who’s Damian?” Steven questions, and in that moment, everything comes crashing down around me.

The happiness I’m feeling fades, turning into despair.

Fuck…I just blew my own cover.

Without answering him, I stand quickly and look at my watch. “I…um. I need to go. I’m sorry.” I step out of the seat of the table and begin walking briskly toward my car.

That was too damn close.

I scream at myself inside my own head as I approach my car. I’m not ready to tell him…

How could I be so stupid?

As I reach for the handle, a hand lands on my shoulder, causing me to jump and spin around quickly to see Steven.

Disappointment wears on his face, making me feel even worse for the entire thing.

It kills me to know that I’m the reason for any bad feelings he has, or had before.

I don’t like hurting him.

I’m feeling flustered, and adrenaline starts pumping through my veins.

His mouth opens, and I know he is going to press the issue.

It’s something I’m not ready to face.

Without thinking, and purely driven by adrenaline, I grab his face and pull him down.

My lips press deliciously against his, and we find ourselves standing in the street, entangled in each other.

Everything else around me fades, and voices become muffled.

Nothing else matters but him and me.