Snowstorm, Secrets, and One Key
1346 Words
HAILEY
Everyone is staring at me.
I keep my eyes on the drifting snowflakes, pretending I don't notice their harsh glares even when it gets to me. It's been like this since Carter's stupid announcement.
If I wasn't on a bus, I'm sure Madison will do more than just stare. She'll probably make my life miserable for humiliating her this morning. Lifting a finger, I trace the thin layer of snow as a sigh slips out.
Suddenly, the seat beside me dips, and a cold shiver runs down my spine. I don't have to take a look to know it's him. His scent is already invading my nostrils like he owns every inch of me.
From the corner of my eyes, I notice how Madison's leg bounces against the seat, her lips pressing together in frustration because Carter's sitting next to me.
"You're taking this better than I thought," he leans back against the seat with a small grin on his face. "And-" he turns to the right to meet my gaze. I can't help but notice the full set of his lips and his visible collarbone beneath his jersey. "You need to make a post on your i********: about our relationship."
I nearly choke on my saliva. "What? I'm not doing that."
Carter lifts a brow. "And how do you expect the public to believe our relationship when there's nothing to see on your page?"
I gulp, shrinking further into the seat as his gaze burns through me. "I ... give me some time to think about it."
"That won't be necessary," he reaches for my phone, asks me to unlock it, and leans in until we're only inches apart from each other. I suck in a breath as his thumb brushes my chin. Warmth floods my insides as my eyes fall close, and when I think he's about to kiss me, I hear a shutter sound. "That should do it," he pulls away.
Embarrassment flames up my cheeks.
The second I open my eyes, I catch the cockiness in his voice. "What thought was running through your head, Hay bale?" I quickly turn to the window, adjusting my glasses like it's supposed to make me relax. It doesn't. "I told you to stop calling me that."
"Old habits die hard."
"Only if you're too lazy to kill them, Carter." I mumble. "You used to draw once, but you dropped it the second you got into college. If you can put in the same effort-"
I pause.
Realizing what I just did, I scrunch up my nose, instantly wishing I could take back the words I just said. "I ... " I scratch the back of my neck. "I haven't been stalking you or something."
Carter scoffs. "I find that hard to believe," there's a small hint of amusement in his voice. He pushes my phone into my hands. "Post the picture with an adorable caption."
I stare down at the picture. We look ... intimate.
Almost like we're about to share a kiss.
My stomach tightens into knots as blood rushes up my cheeks. I nod slowly. "I'll do that once we arrive at Pine Ridge.”
Turning towards the window again, I notice the sky has darkened, thick grey clouds spreading endlessly as snow begins to fall faster. A chill runs through me. I run my palm over each other to keep warm, wind rattling against the windows as the snow becomes even more heavy.
"A snow storm?" I hear someone whisper and dread crawls up my spine.
No, no.
There wasn't supposed to be a storm. Not today. "This looks bad," someone else adds. Even the driver has slowed down due to poor visibility. He's leaning forward, squinting his eyes as he drives steadily.
Carter, on the other hand, looks unbothered.
I'm bothered as hell.
Glancing up at the window again, I notice a wooden sign 'welcome to Pine Ridge' half buried in snow. As the cold bites through my jacket, I rub my arms faster, trying to fight it off.
Something heavy suddenly settles on my shoulder. "You'd choose to shiver like this rather than ask for help?" Carter's jacket sits warmly around my shoulder. Before I can protest, he pulls it around me.
"I don't need it." I say quickly, already taking it off. "I'm fine."
He gestures at my trembling hands. "You're shaking." He points out. "What kind of boyfriend does that make me if I don't notice that?" "It's a fake-"
"I know," he cuts me off. "But everyone's staring. What kind of girlfriend would reject her boyfriend's hockey jacket, hm?”
I hesitate. "But-"
"Just use it, Hailey." He says with a sigh. "You can hate me all you want, just don't ruin this for me. Okay?"
"You're right," I mumble, squeezing into the jacket twice my size. I pull the collar up, and my breath hitches. It smells like him. Despite what his scent does to me, I raise my chin. "I hate you, but I won't ruin this for us."
He shrugs. "Good."
"Good." A cackle sounds from the driver's radio, followed by a strained voice. "There's a snowstorm issued for Pine Ridge, all travelers are advised to seek immediate shelter."
I hate snowstorms.
I've always hated it since that night.
Carter brushes his hands together faster than necessary. He's only wearing a jersey, yet he doesn't complain or ask for his jacket. I press my lips together as guilt tugs at my chest.
"How can there be a storm today?" Madison snaps loudly. "Seriously? Of all days, it had to be today?"
No one even pays attention to her.
I'm sure each and everyone has thoughts pushing through their heads right now. As the driver drives into Pine Ridge cabins, the storm has settled in fully. He swings the door open the second he pulls up. "Everyone, come down now! It's going to get worse!" People rush out, pulling their coats tighter as they shield their faces from the biting wind. I notice how Carter brushes his palm together again, and the guilt doubles. "I feel warm now, you can have your jacket."
He smirks. "Falling for me already?"
It catches me off guard.
Who does this guy think he is?
Every ounce of pity instantly vanishes like it was never there. I walk past him out of the bus, but the moment I step out, the wind hits me so hard I nearly lose my balance. I'm petite, so in this storm, I'm basically like a kite. I stumble, my boot sliding on fresh ice, and when I think I'm about to fall, a strong arm wraps around my waist.
Everything about Carter overwhelms me.
My back is pressed against a broad, solid chest. "Careful, Hay bale," he grunts into my ear, his breath hot against my skin. He tucks me firmly under his arm, using his large frame to shield me from the harsh wind. "I can't let you die yet, we still have to save my reputation."
I scowl at him and he chuckles.
When we finally reach the lodge, I gasp when I realize how crowded it is. Loads of people are checking in at the same time, dragging bags across the floor as their voices overlap.
Carter, covered in snow, presses his palm on my shoulder. "Sit there." He nods at the bench in one corner. "I'll get your key and mine."
I nod.
Since our college already booked a group package, getting separate rooms isn't a problem. I settle into a random bench and clutch the edge of his jacket around me.
Carter approaches me some minutes later with a frown. He only has a key.
A single key.
My heart doesn't just drop, it hits the floor. "Where's the key to my cabin?"
He brushes the snow off his shoulder, "someone tagged along at the last minute so the cabins are not enough."
"And what does that have to do with me?"
He holds out the key. "We're couples. We have to share the only cabin left."
- Writer
