“If you don’t want to wait, you can leave. It’s not like anyone’s itching to see you.” Winter smirked. “How do you expect anyone to help you with that attitude?”

Zach took a deep breath and felt the weight of the pressure bearing down on him. He knew she practiced Taekwondo; if he upset her, he would be the one to suffer.

“Calm down, okay?” He forced a smile. “I told you it’s an emergency. Since you’re so relaxed about this, I definitely have something planned.”

“Cut to the chase,” Winter said, glancing into his car. “By the way… do you have any cigarettes left?”

“Why?”

“Just give me one.”

With a resigned sigh, Zach returned to his car and grabbed a cigarette and lighter to hand to her.

Winter didn’t take it. Instead, she crossed her arms, looked at him, and smiled ambiguously.

“Fine.” He nodded. “I’m not on the hunt for a date, but I’ve found myself dealing with a drill sergeant.” As he spoke, he bent down and lit a cigarette for her.

It was the first time he had ever done that for a woman, and it was the first time he had seen someone smoke with such grace.

“Let’s hear it. What’s going on?” Winter exhaled a smoke ring. The white mist swirled upward, slowly blurring her features.

Zach said, “My mom caught wind of us supposedly dating. She’s insisting I bring you home to meet her. I just got the ultimatum.”

“We agreed that we would help each other out, providing cover for one another, while keeping our own lives separate and not interfering with each other. You remember that?”

“Yes,” Winter replied with a nod.

“I’ve already dealt with your mom for you, so now it’s your turn to help me.”

“Sure,” Winter replied confidently. “It’s just meeting the parents, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”

Zach hesitated before asking, “Really?” He sounded doubtful.

“But I have a small request.”

“I knew it. What’s the request? Let me hear it,” he replied.

“I need to borrow your car for a couple of days.” Winter moved closer, with one hand holding the cigarette and the other tapping the hood twice.

Zach’s heart missed a beat. “Hey, be careful! Don’t break it.”

“Deal or no deal?” Winter asked.

“Fine.” He tossed her the keys. “Just two days, okay?” That was his limit.

Winter caught the keys and weighed them in her hand. “Thanks. Text me the details, like the time and place. Also, what does your mom look for in her future daughter-in-law? Long hair or short? What kind of dressing style does she like?”

“Is this really necessary?”

“Of course.” She raised an eyebrow. “I take my work seriously.”

Winter finished her cigarette and stubbed it out on the utility pole. Then, she tossed it perfectly into the trash can with a flick. Zach couldn’t tear his eyes away.

“Come here.” She raised her chin.

“Why?” he asked, but he obediently stepped closer.

“Put your hand on my shoulder.”

“Is that really okay? Heh…” As soon as he said that, his hand was already on her shoulder.

Seeing that he didn’t hold back, Winter’s lips twitched. “What do you call me?”

“Winter Jefferson?” he said.

“Wrong,” she responded.

“Sweetheart?”

“Wrong,” Winter replied.

“Babe?”

“Zach, don’t you find that repulsive?”

“Firecracker?” Zach said.

“Do you want a punch? Call me properly.”

“Winter.”

“Now that’s more like it,” she said.

Zach scratched his nose. “But I didn’t say that.”

Winter suddenly realized what he meant.

They both turned to see Miranda with a bag in hand at the alley entrance. She stared at them in shock.