Page 21 of Snow Drift

"I also have to ask." He hesitates, reaching up to run his fingers through my hair. "Have you ever been on TV? In movies? Even a bit part in one of your mom's films?"

My head shakes quickly. "No. And no social media, either, because obviously not."

"Good." He grins. "Because I looked it up. The most common stalkers are ex-lovers, or people obsessed with celebrities and public figures. So statistically, you're pretty safe."

My hands glide up his navy flannel shirt to slide around to the back of his neck, then pull his lips to mine. Last night I tried to tell him I love him with a kiss, because I still can't quite release the words. But it's like he knows what I'm thinking, cradling my body to his as he kisses me tenderly.

"Hey," he whispers, finally breaking apart. "I don't want to get you in trouble. Go have breakfast, think about what I said, and maybe make a list for me?"

My chin tips up and down as I grin. "Sure. Okay. Right."

Moore lifts me up, twirling me around twice before setting me down. "So beautiful, my sweet baby," he murmurs. He gives me one more kiss, then squeezes my hand before we walk in different directions down the hallway.

He's too good to be true. Which kind of freaks me out a bit.

I need some time to myself to think about whether I can honestly try to change everything about my habits and my life. I mean, I've been this way for years. Can I just let go of all that?

The feeling is already starting to set itself in stone.

I think I need to make this work.

13

MOORE

Spending the morning reading used to be an extremely pleasant way to start my Saturday. Now it feels like a complete waste of time.

I should be planning with Kallie. If she could only admit that she needs to be with me.

Seeing Dylan and Maya at breakfast gave me a deep pang of jealousy for the first time in my life. I've always felt like I had a handle on things. That my life is balanced.

Now my happiness lies entirely in the delicate hands of a girl I've known for less than a flipping week.

"Too exhausted from last night to bother turning pages?" Dylan smirks from the chair beside me.

"You're one to talk," I fire back.

We both glance over at Baz, who steadfastly refuses to lift his eyes from the page.

"Ohreally?" Dylan says, turning toward him to stare.

Before we can start interrogating each other, Mrs. H. appears in the doorway. "Well, gentlemen, I have good news and bad news."

Baz clears his throat. "Go ahead."

"The bad news is the roads will be unsafe for at least another few days. But the good news is the guests who were going to be arriving tomorrow for a quick three-night stay have canceled due to the weather. You're all more than welcome to stay on for free if you like."

"We're happy to stick around, but we'll pay full price." I know the others will agree. "We insist. Not your fault we can't leave."

She beams. "I'm very grateful. Now, apologies, but lunch is going to be around fifteen minutes late, since Rosa couldn't start her usual prep until the power came back."

"Obviously that's not a problem," Baz says with a wide smile. "Let us know if we can help."

As soon as she leaves, we all nod at each other.

"I think we're all learning a lot about the inner workings of this hotel," Dylan says.

His choice of words makes something shift in my mind.

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