"Claire, your hands are freezing," Alvin said softly as he wrapped her small hands in his own. His palms were warm, his expression tender.
His familiar scent, a hint of vanilla mingled with his natural warmth, drifted into Claire's senses. For a moment, her mind slipped away. Another man's face surfaced in her memory, cooler, sharper. The fresh scent of mint, the heat of his lips, the breathless intimacy that once made her whole body tremble. Her cheeks flushed before she could stop it.
"Claire." Alvin's voice brought her back. He looked at her with such affection that her blush made his heart swell. Slowly, he leaned in.
But just then, the door slammed open.
"Alvin Nelson!"
Gilbert burst into the room, eyes blazing. He froze at the sight of them, Alvin leaning down, Claire gazing up, their hands tightly intertwined. In an instant, rage surged through him. His vision went red.
Without thinking, he charged forward and struck Alvin hard across the face.
