Scarlet Letter Anthology

Baby, It's Cold Outside - @Star-Spangled-Eyes

First Place Winner of the Winter Song contest

Author's Note: I hope you enjoy my modern take on Baby, It's Cold Outside. My main character's name, Bragnae, is pronounced this way: Brawn-yah. My favorite version of this song was sung by Doris Day and Bing Crosby.

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Heavy snowflakes began to fall as Bragnae and Drake stepped outside of the movie theater. The weather was frigid as an icy breeze swirled around them. Bragnae quickly buttoned her coat, and threw a hat over the top of her long, black hair.

"I think it dropped a few degrees since we first arrived," Drake remarked as he zipped up his coat.

"I think you're right," she replied, walking blindly into a puddle of slush and cold water. "Oh, shit!"

Drake hurriedly wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her away from the puddle. Her right foot was drenched through her suede knee-high boot. Despite the chill of her now soaked foot, the electricity she felt from Drake's arm around her filled her body with warmth.

"We should get you warmed up before you freeze. My place is a block from here."

"No, that's okay," she said, shaking off her foot. "I'll be fine until I get home."

"No way, Bragnae. I won't have you getting frost bite on my watch," he told her as he gently grabbed her hand. "Come on. My house is just a few minutes away."

She looked up at his handsome face. He wore a bright smile that reached all the way up to his comforting, brown eyes. Unruly wisps of Drake's chestnut hair fell just above his eyebrow, and light stubble grazed his strong jaw. He was beyond gorgeous.

Bragnae reluctantly nodded as they set out towards Drake's home. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach with each step.

Bragnae first met Drake when he and her older brother, Murphy, became best friends in high school. They were both hockey players and bonded instantly. She was immediately drawn to Drake then just as she was now – several years later.

Drake's macho persona, good looks and kind heart made him quite irresistible. Over the years, Bragnae attended many hockey games in support of her brother, but her attention would inevitably turn towards Drake.

It surprised Bragnae when he asked her out for a date recently, but she was more than happy to accept. The first time they kissed was spellbinding. Bragnae knew right then she'd always have a hard time resisting Drake, and his lips.

"Here we are," Drake said, pointing with his free hand.

Bragnae looked over to see a quaint, craftsman-style home sitting peacefully at the end of the street as the snow continued to accumulate around them.

As Drake ushered Bragnae inside his cozy home, she saw that it was furnished with dark-colored furniture, and had hardwood floors throughout. It felt like a rustic cabin inside, yet with modern touches.

Bragnae took off her hat, and began unbuttoning her coat. "You have a lovely home, Drake."

"Thanks," he said as he slipped the coat off her shoulders. "Why don't you take off your boots while I build us a fire?"

"Um, sure," she said hesitantly as she bent down to unzip her boots. "I really can't stay, though."

She cared for Drake, and didn't want to ruin a potentially meaningful relationship by moving too fast with him. In spite of actually wanting to stay and get closer, she felt it was best to keep things light. At least she would try.