Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“There is something that’s been on my mind,” she whispers, resting her head on my shoulder and gazing into the snowy night.
“You can tell me about it, you know. That’s what I’m here for.”
“I saw somebody today at the lodge.”
My chest tightens instantly. “Who is he? Where can I find him?”
“Not like that.” She treats me to a gentle nudge to my ribs. “I thought it was my mom. I mean, my adoptive mom.”
That was unexpected. I’m not usually caught off guard like this. “At the lodge, you said?”
“Yeah, after you texted me. I looked up, and there she was—at least, there I thought she was. She looks so much like her.”
“But it wasn’t her, of course.”
“It couldn’t have been. I know that.” So why does she sound unconvinced? No wonder she’s so troubled.
“I didn’t see much of her, is all. Just a quick look at her profile and the back of her head. But if your mom or your sister walked past you, even if you only caught a tiny glimpse of them, wouldn’t you know it was them?”
“I might think it was them, but if they disappeared without a trace, and I was an entire continent away, I might think twice about it.”
“I know. And it’s not like I wanted it to be her… very much. I only wanted to confirm it for myself. And I only wish I knew why.”
“I think I know why.” Because the streets are so quiet at this time of night, and the only sound is that of the sleigh gliding over the packed snow, I feel like I have to speak in a whisper, like anything louder than that would overwhelm the perfect beauty around us.
“What do you think? Because it’s been driving me crazy all day.”
“Because she raised you. Because even though she wasn’t your birth mother and you now have a nice relationship with Charlotte, she was still your mother for most of your life. The only one you knew. It’s bound to stir things up when you see somebody who looks just like her. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“When I first saw her, my heart…” She ducks her head like that will do anything to hide the emotion I know is there.
“I know.” Just like if I saw Ren standing outside one of the cabins and cottages surrounding the lodge, there would be at least a moment when happiness and relief would flood me before the bitterness and betrayal rushed in.
“I know. It’s natural. But I think the odds of her being here are pretty slim.”
“Oh, I know. I’ve let it go. It just sort of bothered me that I kind of wanted it to be her.” She lets out a long sigh before snuggling a little closer. “Now that’s off my chest.”
“I am good for a few things, you know. That’s kind of the whole point of me being part of your life.”
“I know you’re good for a few things.” Under the blanket, she slides a hand over my thigh. “Why do you think I keep you around?”
“Cute.” But there’s nothing cute about the way her hand lingers, then moves higher until she cups my swelling bulge.
It looks like she’s shaken off her mood at just the right time. A four-poster bed at the lodge is just waiting to be taken advantage of.
CHAPTER FOUR
Aspen
The energy in the air is electric when we reach the lodge. He doesn’t say a word as we cross the lobby and get on the elevator, settling for holding my hand and occasionally glancing my way. I can’t pretend I don’t see what’s in his eyes. I can’t pretend I don’t know where the night is going.
And I really wish the elevator would move faster.
We get there eventually and enter the suite. The staff already came in for turndown service and started a fire, which now warms the room and adds a romantic glow. That, plus the snowy scene outside the windows, makes it appear like a scene out of some fairy tale.
Quinton pours a drink at the minibar next to the fireplace. I decline his offer since I don’t want my senses dulled by any more alcohol than we had with dinner.
He settles for leaning against the mantel, rattling the ice in his glass and staring at me. “Take off the dress,” he orders in a deep, commanding voice. “Slowly.”
A shiver runs up my spine as I turn, reaching behind me for the zipper. I lower it an inch at a time, letting it slide over my shoulders and down my arms before it drops to the floor. Then I turn around again and watch his nostrils flare and his jaw clenches when he takes in the lacy black bra and panties I bought for the trip.
“Fuck,” he groans before sipping his whiskey. There’s a definite twitching in his pants, and the sight tightens my nipples while making my heart race a little faster than before.