Idolatry

Later as they lay relaxed in her bed Cole said “so at the risk of making you angry again what were your parents thinking with your name.”

“Who the hell knows” she said rolling her eyes. “I guess they thought it was cute and it probably was until I was five and started school. From then on it was a nightmare. After I left school I never used my full name again.”

“If I promise to only use it when we’re alone, can I call you Winter?” he asked.

Looking over at him with a frown she said “why?”

“Because I like it” he said “it suits you.”

“How’s that, because I’m cold and inclement” she snapped.

Cole laughed. “No because it’s a beautiful name and you’re a beautiful woman.”

Win sighed. She had vowed never to be called that again but how could she deny Cole, especially when he said things like that. “Okay” she said “but only when we’re alone and never with my surname.”

Cole smiled “deal” and after a short pause he said “Winter.”

“What?’ she said trying to quash the unconscious adverse reaction she felt to hearing her full name.

“Nothing” he said with a smile “just trying it out. It really is a beautiful name you know.”

“If you say so” she said still not entirely happy about hearing it again.