I Left Him, I Streamed, He Interfered

Chapter 4

In the days that followed, Harrison took me to many places.

We walked through bustling cities, stood before majestic snow-capped mountains, crossed lonely deserts, and stayed in quiet, ancient towns.

Christmas was coming, and I needed to go home for the holidays.

Harrison said at the airport, "I'll be back soon."

The week after the holiday, Harrison called me.

He asked, "What are you doing?"

Through the phone, I heard sharp wind around him.

I said, "Watching a show with my mom."

He chuckled. "How about coming out for a break?"

I paused.

Then he said, "Sarah, I'm downstairs."

I rushed downstairs in my fluffy StellaLou pajamas.

Harrison was half-leaning against his black car, his figure blurred by the heavy snow.

When he opened his arms to me, I was jolted back to reality and ran faster and faster until I crashed into his embrace.

The familiar scent filled my nose, and the anxiety of the past half-month seemed to finally find a resting place.

"Why did you come down dressed like that? Aren't you cold?"

He probably hadn't seen me dressed like this before; he amusedly lifted the long ears on my hood and examined them.

"Do you want to come up for a bit?"

Harrison paused, then pinched my cheek. "Maybe next time. I have a 9:00 flight. I just wanted to see you before I go."

I pursed my lips and said nothing, but the disappointment was obvious on my face.

"Get changed and come have dinner with me, okay?"

"What do you feel like eating?"

"Cantonese food. I've been at too many business dinners lately, and my stomach's acting up. I could use some soup."

Harrison's car stopped in front of a hotel. The valet recognized the plate and respectfully helped him park.

I followed him in, confused. "I thought we were getting dinner?"

He wrapped his arm around my waist, his breath warm against my ear.

"Sarah, my stomach isn't the only thing that's hungry."