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.

*     *     *    

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.

Drake stacked a few logs in the fireplace, and struck a match to get the fire started. "Bragnae, come over here, and get warmed up. I've got the fire going."

She sauntered over to him as Drake stood and smiled, turning towards her. "The fire will be roaring soon. You can sit down on the hearth if you'd like."

"Thank you, Drake," she looked at him apologetically. "This whole evening has been very nice. But I really can't stay."

Drake gently took her hands in his. "What's your hurry, Bragnae? It's a blizzard outside, but it's nice and warm in here."

As he smirked at her, she couldn't help but smile back at him. "Okay, maybe I'll stay for a few more minutes."

"Good. Take a seat by the fire, and I'll go make us a drink."

As Drake walked off to the kitchen, Bragnae slowly lowered herself to the hearth as her eyes swept over his backside. The man knew how to fill out his jeans. She blushed before looking away.

A few minutes later, Drake returned with two glasses, handing one to Bragnae.

"Thank you," she said, looking out the window. "I should probably call an Uber, so I don't have to walk home in this."

Drake sat down next to her – his knee touching hers. Bragnae's breath hitched as her gaze found his. The flames danced in his eyes as he smiled.

"I doubt any Uber would want to drive in this." Drake clinked his glass gently against hers. "Cheers."

Grinning back at him, she took a swig from her glass, and felt the caramel liquid burn the back of her throat as it went down.

Bragnae delicately coughed to help clear the sting away. "What's in this drink?"

Drake chuckled. "Just my favorite whiskey."

"Oh," she giggled. "It's very strong."

"That's the way I like it," he said, setting their glasses down. "Is it alright if I move in a little closer?"

You ought to say 'no', Bragnae. She nodded, biting her lip. Oops.

Drake shifted a bent knee over the hearth – his fingers brushing her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "You look beautiful tonight, Bragnae."

Her heart pounded in her chest as he slowly leaned in connecting his soft, ardent lips with hers. Drake placed his firm hand on her thigh, squeezing it gently.

Bragnae excitedly ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him in closer to deepen their kiss. After a few delightfully heated moments, she pulled back knowing if she didn't now, it would prove difficult later.

"I really can't stay, Drake. I should go." Bragnae got up, and headed for the door.

As she reached for her coat, she felt Drake's arms slink around her waist from behind, holding her close to him. He brushed her hair away before placing a soft kiss on her neck. A shiver shot down her spine.

"Baby, it's cold outside," he whispered. "I'll keep you safe."

She closed her eyes as his lips moved gradually up her neck. Tell him the answer is 'no'.

"Drake," she paused, trying to think of the words she was supposed to say. "Being here has been... so nice and warm. But I should go."

"Look out the window at the storm, Bragnae," he muttered against her.

She opened her eyes to peer out the window. The snowflakes were falling harder, and the snow was piling up.

She turned around to see an awakened hunger in his eyes. She couldn't help but smile. "I've got to get home."

"You'll freeze out there," he replied with his gaze locked on her mouth. "God, your lips look delicious," he said before kissing her tenderly.

Bragnae reveled in his desire for her, and it was most certainly mirrored for him. "What's Murphy going to think about us doing this?"

"Leave your brother to me."

Drake slowly backed her up against the front door, keeping minimal space between them. She had to tilt her head just to look at him.

"You keep saying you should leave, but is that really what you want?" Drake slid a hand into the back pocket of her jeans as the other held her face.

With his body pressed up against her and his mouth enticingly close, Bragnae knew exactly what she wanted, and it didn't involve leaving his arms. Suddenly, she pulled him into a crashing kiss tugging at the belt loops of his jeans.

Bragnae parted her lips as his tongue eagerly found hers. She moaned while his strong hands purposefully roamed her body. Drake's fingertips tickled the soft skin just above her waistband before lifting her sweater over her head.

The cold air seeping through the seams of the door made her shiver, but Drake's warmth made her soon forget all about it. She began unbuttoning his plaid, flannel shirt as they kissed. He shrugged out of his top layer, then pulled off the t-shirt underneath.

She took a second to admire his toned chest, running her hand across his tight muscles, and down through a small, dark patch of hair leading to his pants. Undoing his belt buckle, she worked on his jeans next.

Just as she was about relinquish him of his denim restriction, Drake spun her around to face the door. Bragnae gasped as she braced herself on the wooden surface. Within seconds, Drake was nibbling her shoulder as his hands began unbuttoning her pants.

With a slow pull of her zipper, Drake slipped his hand over her satin panties and rubbed expertly against her. A whimpering moan escaped her lungs as she leaned her head back to savor it.

After he gradually slid off her jeans, she turned to face him again. His lips found hers urgently as he hoisted her up in his arms, bringing her back to the living room. The heat from the fire felt good against her skin as its crackling provided the ambient soundtrack to their much anticipated moment together.

With her legs wrapped around his waist, Drake dropped to one knee, and lowered Bragnae to the welcoming, plush rug beneath them. He moved his adoring lips from her mouth, to her neck, and then to her full chest. She felt a rush every time his breath warmed her skin.

She allowed Drake to remove her bra and panties before he kicked off the rest of his clothes. He settled between her widened legs caressing her breasts as their lips met again in a slow rhythm. Bragnae could feel his hard length pressing against her inner thigh, and she ached for it.

Letting another kiss linger, Drake drew up to look her in the eyes. "I really care about you, Bragnae. I always have."

Her heart soared. "I feel the same way about you, Drake."

He smiled before returning his eager lips to hers. As he moved above her, Bragnae felt his searching cock find her as he slowly slid inside. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt his fullness breach her throbbing walls.

Drake groaned as she tilted her hips to him, welcoming his entire length. He rested his forehead against hers regaining his composure before continuing to move in and out of her.

Bragnae ran a hand through his hair, gripping it as he increased his speed. She felt him everywhere inside her – reaching depths never before explored. Each thrust felt incredible. His hand found hers, entwining their fingers.

He dipped down to capture her lips again as they moved in harmony with each other. The tenderness and passion between them was overwhelming. After years of never being able to completely express her feelings for him made this moment even more special.

She became lost in Drake's soft, cherishing touch as his hands surveyed the curves of her body. He never slowed his pace, and soon a delicious warmth started to build at her core. Bragnae's breaths came quick and short. She gripped Drake's shoulder as his determined thrusts unleashed a burst of pleasure that continued to pulse throughout her body.

She cried out his name as a mixture of moans and screams were pulled from her lungs. Soon, Drake tensed his body, grasping Bragnae's hand as he discovered a much sought after release.

As they both caught their breaths, their lips came together in another sweet, lingering kiss. Drake untangled himself, and slid to the floor beside her, pulling her back against his chest and holding her tightly.

Bragnae basked in the satisfying glow of their shared intimate moment as she watched the snow fall outside and the flames from the fire flicker across the room.

She smiled as he kissed her shoulder. "Drake?"

"Yes, Bragnae?" He whispered.

"I'm glad I stayed."