FanStory.com - Barefoot In The Rain Chap 1by Begin Again

The soft glow of holiday lights illuminated the streets as Kendra shoved the remaining letters, some unopened, into her desk drawer, muttering, "Tomorrow." Outside, the scent of roasted chestnuts wafted from a street vendor's cart, mingling with the crisp December air. She grabbed her umbrella, dodged the small puddles the drizzling rain left, and hurried out.

As she raced toward the station to catch the last train, her heel caught in a crack, snapping off with a sharp. A glance at her watch told her she didn't have a second to waste. Slipping off her shoes, she stuffed them into her bag and sprinted, her breath clouding in the icy air. The rhythmic sound of the station's bell marked her desperation as she heard the conductor's final call.

Kendra moaned. The train doors were sliding closed.

Just as she was about to resign herself to missing it, a warm hand pulled her inside. She stumbled, barefoot and breathless, into the arms of a stranger.

"Thank you," she gasped, looking up into sparkling blue eyes set in a face framed by a mop of unruly brown hair.

He chuckled, glancing down at her feet. "Is this a new holiday trend?"

"Broken heel," she mumbled, her cheeks flushing red as she noticed the faint scent of pine needles on his coat.

"Festive," he teased, his grin lighting up like the Christmas displays in shop windows.

The warmth of his presence seemed to chase away the winter chill as they stood shoulder to shoulder. For the first time, Kendra found herself utterly speechless—a rarity for her.

As the train approached his stop, he turned, hesitating briefly. "Same time tomorrow?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

Kendra nodded, her heart skipping as the doors closed behind him. She didn't believe in love at first sight, but her heart hummed like a favorite song, and she whispered, "Please let him be there tomorrow."

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