Chapter 18
Early February came in with a rush. A rush of winter that was unusual to Louisiana. Even though it would only last a few days at most, it put people in survival mode where they stocked up on necessities and stayed indoors.
By the time Lola left the garage for the day, darkness had fallen, dropping the temperatures even more. With a rare freeze warning for the area, he met Brew and Ghost at the Landing to inspect and take the necessary preventive measures for the freezing weather.
Just after midnight, he finally pulled his Jeep into the long garage of Angel Haven, as opposed to parking in the drive as he usually did. Zipping his coat, he shoved his hands into his jean pockets and swiftly walked to the house, ducking his head from the harsh winds. The warmth of the house met him the moment he stepped inside. And, as most nights, the kitchen light glowed from across the room. He unzipped his coat, shaking it from his shoulders and draped it over the banister.
Please be coffee, no tea. He pulled in a deep breath. Coffee. Rubbing his palms together, he grinned and headed toward the kitchen.
“Shouldn’t you be bundled up in bed by now?” he asked with a grin, seeing Mia filling a mug.
She flashed him her usual sweet smile and with her eyes asked if he needed anything in the coffee.
“Good coffee needs nothing added, and looks like you made good coffee,” he told her, noticing the red Community bag near the pot. “Warming up your insides before heading to bed, huh?”
He took the steaming mug from her and walked to the table, as had become their ritual. Before his ass hit the seat, his phone rang. Quickly, he pulled it from his pocket, looking at the screen. Brick. Quickly he swiped the screen. “Lola here . . . Watermelon? . . . Good and ripe. Nothing green . . . Got it. On my way.”
Returning the phone to his pocket, he lifted the mug, praying for the caffeine to be strong enough to see him through this errand. Really? Watermelon in the middle of winter? Ghost was right when he said they do anything for their women. Correction. They have the prospect do anything for the women. He thought he would laugh, but it was freezing out, not to mention the middle of the night and he was about to store hop in search of a summer treat. He downed the last of the hot liquid and turned, wondering why Mia hadn’t joined him at the table.
“Gotta bail on you tonight, darling.” He carried the mug to the sink and peered over her shoulder as she scribbled on a sheet of paper. “Need something while I’m out?”
She shook her head, turned, and held out the short list. Tapping the top name, she held up one finger. A laugh did escape him this time. “They have watermelon?” He watched her head bob before her brows raised, pausing, then she pointed to the next name. “Got it. Here first. Then here.” He looked up from the list of grocery stores. “And all three of these are open all night?”
She nodded again.
“You’re a treasure.”
Leaning slightly to her left, she grabbed a thermos and handed it to him.
“You just stole my heart.” He leaned close until his lips brushed the corner of her eye. He swore he could feel the heat that colored her cheeks as she glanced away, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Thermos in one hand and list in the other, Lola turned, walking from the room, but he paused at the doorway. Glancing back, he met her eyes and winked before heading out.