Melting the Ice(20)

            “Me, too,” Drew said, then asked them all when and where they served. The men launched into a discussion of their military service, and while Carolina ate, they fascinated her with war stories, some from Vietnam, some from the Gulf. She noted they avoided anything unpleasant, preferring instead to share positive, fun stories about brotherhood and good times shared.

            She didn’t blame them. She was sure there was plenty of unpleasantness that stayed with them at all times. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be living on the street. Today was a day to share happiness and fond memories, and she was delighted to be part of it.

            After a while the men, and Lakeesha, wandered off, leaving just her and Drew at the table.

            “Where are the other guys?” she asked, looking around.

            “They took off. They ate during an earlier shift and they’re going to congregate at Avery’s place to watch football.”

            She arched a brow. “And you didn’t go with them? I thought that was a guy thing to do on Thanksgiving Day.”

            “I brought you here. I’ll see you home.”

            Again with the acting like a gentleman thing. She didn’t know what to make of him. “You didn’t have to do that. I can make my own way back home.”

            “I’d never abandon you like that, Carolina.” At her look, he said, “Not this time.”

            “No, really. Feel free to abandon me. I’m fine with it.”

            He gave her a look, then a sly smile. “Not a chance.”

            “You know I have to work today.”

            “I thought we’d hang out.”

            He really was relentless. “I said I’d help out here at the mission today. Now I’m going home to work.”

            “Today’s a day to relax and have some fun.”

            She rolled her eyes and stood, then walked away from him. He’d taken up her entire evening earlier in the week, setting her behind on her deadlines. She’d given up going home for the holiday so she could catch up. No way she’d allow him to monopolize her entire day.

            If she wasn’t going to be with her family, she was going to get some work done, not play around with Drew.

            After she said good-bye to Lakeesha and her staff, she walked outside. Drew had once again picked her up this morning in a private car, claiming a taxi on Thanksgiving Day would be nearly impossible. The car was still waiting for them.

            “I can’t believe you made the driver wait,” she said as she slipped inside.

            “I didn’t make him wait. He came inside and had turkey dinner. Didn’t you see him?”

            Actually, she hadn’t, but then again she’d been busy all morning.

            She leaned back, tired and feeling more like she needed a nap. She wasn’t sure how she was going to get through the afternoon.

            Her eyelids had actually started to drift closed when the car came to an abrupt stop. Jerking her eyes open, she realized they weren’t anywhere near her apartment.

            “This is Rockefeller Center.”

            He grinned. “Yeah. Thought we’d do something fun before I dropped you off. You did work hard this morning.”

            “No, I need to work hard this afternoon.”

            The driver opened the door and Drew stepped out, holding out his hand. “Plenty of time for that.”