Baby, It's Cold Inside

Chapter One

"Just a little clue? Please?" I stick my bottom lip out for good measure.

"Shove it back in, Trouble, you'll find out soon enough." Meanie smirks at me.

I let out a playful huff that makes them chuckle and lay my head on Honey's shoulder. Victor's driving with Kota in the front and I'm between Meanie and Honey in the back.

Mr. Blackbourne and Sean will be meeting us at our destination and North, Silas and Luke will be coming in the Jeep.

"Don't you like surprises, Princess?" Victor looks at me in the mirror. The headlights from the cars behind us make it possible to see him.

"I do," I admit and smile.

My phone buzzes and I take it out, reading the text.

Luke: We see you! :)

I twist around to see the headlights of North's jeep behind us on the highway and wave although I'm too blinded to see them inside.

"What are you doing?" Nathan asks.

"North, Silas and Luke are behind us," I tell him.

"Oh good."

He and Gabe immediately each hold up a hand to the rear window and wave them around. I look at their hands and see that what they're both waving is the "finger."

I smack their hands down and they laugh.

Kota turns in his seat. "What are you all doing back there?"

"Just showing them a little love." Nathan snickers.

Someone honks next to us as North flashes his lights behind us.

We all look to the left to see Luke in the back seat of North's jeep waving.

"Oh Crap!" Nathan laughs.

"Who's flashing me?" Victor glares in his rearview.

North gets in front of Victor and takes the exit. Victor follows.

Gabe, Nathan and I watch as the small sedan that was behind us continues down the highway. We breathe a sigh of relief.

I bite back a chuckle. "It looked like North's jeep to me."

Meanie chops me on the head. "You almost got us in trouble, Trouble."

"Here it is," Kota announces.

Victor smoothly drives us into a massive parking lot. Toward the back, is an enormous dome structure. I lean forward to look out the window. "What is it?"

"You'll find out," Meanie repeats.

As Victor parks the car, North's jeep pulls up next to it and my heart lifts. I haven't seen them since yesterday at school between their football practice and working at the diner until the dinner shift today.

I slide out across the leather seat behind Nathan and I'm immediately scooped up into what could be a bone crushing hug, but Silas is always gentle. "I've missed you Aggele," he murmurs into my neck.

"I missed you too." I breathe in his scent and sigh.

Strong arms lift me from him and I'm spun into North's embrace. "Hey baby."

"Hi."

"Damn it feels good to hold you," he growls.

I squeeze him tighter before Luke pulls me to him. "Give me some sugar, sweetness." He taps his cheek.

I beam up at his gorgeous face, the light pole behind him makes his hair glow like a halo in the dark. I lift up on my toes as he bends down for a peck on the cheek.

Silas, Kota and Nathan are removing large, black, canvas bags from the trunk. Gabe walks over to me holding out a coat. A cream knit scarf that matches the sweater I'm wearing is draped over his arm and a pair of cream, soft leather gloves are in his hand. "You're going to need these."

I dumbly stare in awe at the light pink pea coat that has large gold buttons and a brown leather belt with a leather bow in the front. I've never seen one so beautiful. "It's... beautiful, but why do I need it?"

Although it's now December, the temperatures are nothing compared to Illinois. I'm plenty warm in just my thick sweater, dark fitted jeans, and brown boots. Especially tonight.

North catches the coat as Gabe tosses it to him and holds it out for me to slip into. "Baby, it's cold inside."

I obediently put it on, completely confused, then Gabe buttons it up and wraps the scarf around my neck, making some fancy knot with it.

Even though it's dark, I can see Victor's eyes smolder as he watches me while Gabe tugs and pulls everything into place. "Thank you," I mouth to him.

He gives me a melt my insides smile and mouths back, "You're welcome."

Headlights illuminate all of us as Mr. Blackbourne and Sean arrive. Sean practically jumps out of the passenger seat and holds out his arms for me, "You ready for this Pookie?"

Gabe steps back, satisfied with my outfit and I happily skip into Sean's open arms. He holds me tight and dramatically rocks me side to side, igniting a giggle.

"Music to my ears." He grins down at me, giving me a kiss on the forehead.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to be ready for," I remind him.

He bops the end of my nose with his finger while stepping back. "Then let's go see, shall we?" He does a little tap dance and holds his arm out for me. I giggle again as I hook my hand around it.

Mr. Blackbourne raises a brow. "I think you've had too much coffee."

"I've just worked a sixteen hour shift, of course I've had too much coffee, but I'm excited to share this with Pookie." He grins down at me. "He acts like a Debbie downer but he's just as excited. He drove like a madman to get here on time."

"I did not," Mr. Blackbourne argues, his expression stoic.

Sean stage whispers, leading me to the dome with the others grouped around us, "He ran a red light practically killing me and kept eying the clock. I wonder what it is that had him rushing to get here, or should I say...who?"

I dare a glance at Mr. Blackbourne. He gives me a flicker of a smile and I swear I'd float away if I wasn't holding on to Sean's arm.