Holly Garland on Santa's Lap [COMPLETE]

CHAPTER 4 ~On the run~

"So, what's the plan?" I ask, frustrated, buckling my seatbelt as he slides into the driver's seat.

He's holding my keys in his right hand.

"Let's find a quiet spot to crash for the night. The rest, we'll figure out in the morning."

"What, in the car?"

He nods.

"But it's winter for crying out loud! It's like, what, forty degrees outside? Enough is enough, give me my keys back, I'm going home"

I snatch the keys from his hand and keep going with my rant.

"What's the point of dodging a hitman if we're just gonna freeze to death instead? I'd rather wait for the killer under my warm blankets than get hypothermia and cramps in this car"

"Don't be ridiculous!" he snaps, snatching the keys back. "No one's dying, and no one's going home until I say so!"

Seeing my stubborn, irritated expression, he softens a bit.

"Relax, Scarlet, it'll be fine. We'll keep each other warm..."

He finishes with a grin and a suggestive wink.

I groan.

He's probably trying to lighten the mood, but it's not working.

"I'm not one of your girlfriends, and I'm definitely not keeping you warm. I've got blankets in the trunk, and that'll do just fine. Thanks."

"Suit yourself. By the way, you hungry? We should grab something to eat before we head out."

At that, my stomach growls loudly. I was too busy all evening to even touch the buffet. I'm starving. Like, legit starving. This crazy night might actually be the end of me.

"Sounds like a yes," he laughs. "Stay here, I'll be right back."

"No, I'm coming with you."

"What, still afraid I'll run off with your money?"

"Not at all! I just need to hit the restroom. If we're spending the night in the middle of nowhere, I'd rather take care of business now than pee in the bushes like we're on some camping trip."

He shrugs and gets out of the car. I follow, handing him all the cash I have before we split up. Hey, I'm really hungry...

Reluctantly, I use the disgusting gas station bathroom. As I wash my hands, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

I look like a disaster. Pale —even more than usual, exhausted, dark circles under my eyes, and my hair's a mess. Fantastic...

Ugh! I thought I had wrapped up the night on a good note, but clearly, there were still surprises in store for me. And the night's far from over. Who knows what's next...

When I get back to the car, Nick's already inside, ready to hit the road.

"Get in. We've stayed here way too long," he says nervously, glancing around.

I don't get why he's so stressed. I mean, sure, people tried to kill him multiple times... but it's not like we're wearing GPS trackers like in some action movie. That hitman's probably lost our trail by now!

Still, I get in. Inside the car, a mix of smells hits me—delicious food and something else. Something more masculine and woodsy... Nick's scent, filling the small space.

"Mmmm, smells good!" I say as he drives.

And no, I'm talking about the food, obviously.

"Got us some chicken burritos. Popped 'em in the microwave at the store. Hope you're not vegetarian. If you are, well, more for me!"