Josiah’s car took a sharp turn onto Winter St, where Tessa stood, a small suitcase at her ankles, a cigarette in her fingers. She seemed to swear when she saw them, took some deep, loving drags before dropping the cigarette into the snow and opening the car door.

“Where’m I gonna sit?” The goons filled the back, and Leo rode shotgun.

“Up here, Babe,” Josiah said.

Tessa let out an exasperated sigh. “Leo, can I sit on your lap?”

Leo gulped and nodded. Tessa dropped the suitcase on his feet, then sat sideways, facing Jo.

“Well, put your arms around me!”

“Yeah, Bro, protect my girl,” Jo added.

Leo’s arms wrapped around the small circle that was Tessa’s waist. Her small, skinny frame was almost devoid of any curves. Her legs were great, but short. She was his fantasy nonetheless. As she rested her head on his shoulder, he got aroused.

She bolted to a sitting position, looking at him with a question in her eyes. He knew his face held the answer.

And now, she knew she had a choice to make.