CHAPTER SIX
“So you liked that carriage, eh? That was pretty cool, wasn’t it?
” Earlier, while we were in town picking up a few things, Sierra pointed out a horse drawn carriage headed down one of the side streets.
She’d oohed and ahhed, as most girls would’ve probably done, seeing as to how the carriage was decorated and covered in lights.
The horses were nothing less than stunning as they trotted down the street.
“We should see how much it costs,” she casually mentioned.
I’d have to be completely oblivious not to see that she was dropping hints about going for a ride. As soon as I got a chance, I looked up to see about getting tickets. There were a few slots still available for this evening, so I made sure to grab them before it sold out.
“I guess the horses are pretty used to the cold, huh?” she asks inquisitively.
“I would imagine. Animals tend to handle the weather better than we do. They did have those blankets over them, so I’m guessing they were fine. What would you say if I told you I got tickets?”
“Seriously? When?” Sierra could hardly contain her excitement and she jumped up and down excitedly.
“Tonight.”
“Oh, my God. Miles, I’d love to. Wait, you’re coming too, aren’t you?”
“I’m going to need ten layers of clothes to stay warm, but yes, I’m coming too.”
“It’s going to be so much fun,” she squeals. “Now to figure out what I’m going to wear.”
We decide to head back into town early and have dinner at a local steakhouse.
The place it packed but we don’t have to wait long to be seated.
It’s crazy how this feels so much like a real date, but I tell myself not to get too worked up.
At the end of the week, Sierra will head back to check on her car and after that, I probably won’t hear from her again.
Come graduation time, she won’t even remember my name.
Still, it’s nice to think about having her across the table from me.
Had I stopped for anyone else, I don’t feel they would’ve been as fun as her.
“Well, are you ready to go?” I look down at my watch, noting the time. We may as well walk the two blocks instead of trying to find someplace else to park. Who would’ve thought this many people would be out and about in the middle of the week.
The carriage is waiting on us and a gentleman wearing a fur-lined leather coat assists us in climbing in.
I’m thankful it’s pretty calm out and there’s no wind.
He hands us two thick wool blankets then waits for us to be seated.
Rather than using one blanket each, I suggest placing one on top of the together. “Double the warmth, right?”
“I like the way you think,” she says, and brings her hands to her mouth. A cloud of vapor circles her face as she blows warm air into them.
I try not to make a big deal when she scoots up beside me.
She smells of warm vanilla, an aroma that’s actually pleasant.
I don’t know if I could handle any more of that stinky apple or cinnamon.
I spread both blankets so that we’re completely covered, then lean back to enjoy the ride.
The carriage is a little unstable at first as it rocks back and forth, until the horses find their rhythm on the old cobblestone path.
She slides her hands underneath the blankets then rests one of them against my leg.
The ride lasts about forty-five minutes, long enough for both our noses to turn painfully red. I pull the toboggan lower on my forehead but it’s no use. It’s probably the coldest I’ve ever been in my whole life. And if I’m cold, I know she has to be too.
“How about we find somewhere that serves some warm apple cider? I don’t know about you, but I could really stand to thaw out.”
“That was so much fun, even if it was cold. Some warm cider sounds really good right now.”
We walk across the street to a local tavern and a blast of warm air hits us in the doorway.
A mahogany bar stretches the full length of the right side of the room but there isn’t a single bar stool available.
I manage to squeeze in between two patrons so I can order us drinks and as soon as someone stands up to leave, she rushes to claim the spot.
I don’t mind having to stand and step in close beside her.
It almost feels like…we belong together.
The cider is good, but not exactly what I was hoping for. I set my glass down in front of her and the bartender rushes over to ask if we’d like another one.
“What about a bourbon on the rocks?” I suggest then wait for her to decide what she wants.
“I think I’ll have that too.”
I pull my card out to take care of the tab. I’m shocked she’d order such a strong drink, but if that’s what she wants, who am I to argue?
It doesn’t take long for me to get warm and I drape both of our jackets across the back of her stool.
Except for it being small, the place isn’t all that bad.
More people pile inside when a band starts to play in the front corner next to the window.
If I stand much closer to Sierra, I’ll practically be on top of her.
Seriously, where did all of these people suddenly come from?
The band’s specialty is cover songs from the eighties and nineties—a little before my time but I’m pretty familiar with what they’ve played so far.
Sierra seems to know most of the words too and before long we’re both swaying to the music.
Most of what they play is upbeat, with a few ballads tossed in the mix.
With our hands in the air, we’re truly having a blast.
I finally get the courage to pull her close when the next slow song begins to play.
She laces her fingers through mine then rests her face against my shoulder.
I know we’re just two people with altered holiday plans having a good time together, but man, what I wouldn’t give to really get to know her on a more intimate level.
She’s practically everything I look for in a woman.
A few drinks later, I realize I’m whipped.
The only time I’ve stayed up this late is when we’ve gone into extra innings at home games.
I help her with her coat and, she loops her arm through mine as we walk towards the door.
I wouldn’t mind coming back to this place again as long as she was willing to come too.
No doubt, Mason and Morgan would’ve enjoyed it as well.
I’m not surprised to see a few flurries on our way back to my truck, considering the dampness in the air. It’s really easy to see them if you look up at the street lights. Sierra stops, leans her head back, and sticks out her tongue.
“I just caught a snowflake,” she says, her eyes filled with excitement.
“Let me see,” I tease and bring my mouth to hers. I can still taste the bourbon on her tongue and I close my eyes, enjoying the way she feels in my arms.
I help her inside the truck and wait for the heat to kick in before I pull away. By the time we make it home, I’m already dozing off. I can only hope that tomorrow will be just as enjoyable as today was.
Sierra leans in to give me hug before heading down the hallway to her room. “Thank you for everything. I really had a good time tonight. The ride in the carriage was pretty cool, but I had fun dancing too.”
“Me too.” I probably hold onto her a little longer than I should but if she notices, she doesn’t let on.
She leans into me then places her hands against the sides of my face as she kisses me. “Good night,” she says barely above a whisper.