Page 16 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“Home sweet home.”

At the end of the long, meandering driveway, flanked by bushy cedar and other evergreens, sits the main house. Smoke billows from the chimney—Pax and Jesse each have places in Holidayle, but I’m glad to see they kept the home fires burning. The snow blanketing the surrounding hills glows in the rising moonlight.

“You’re quiet. Though, I guess that’s how it is out here. You get used to it,” I say, not sure whether she’s terrified to be this remote in the country or if her expression is wistful.

“Breathless, is more like. It’s beautiful.” Emmie’s lips pull into a smile.

“I haven’t had a chance to get the Christmas lights up yet.”

“Good,” she mutters.

That’s an unusual response, but perhaps that’s because she appreciates the natural beauty. Stealing a look at Emmie, I sure do.

But I have to get into “Go mode.” I have a group of men to lead this weekend and have to keep things professional. Put this surprising attraction on lock. Stash it in the safe with other things some deem dangerous. Feelings aren’t on the punch list as I build my business.

Hands off, soldier.

Emmie is the kind of woman who could add a little sugar and spice to my life and I can’t afford that right now.

Eyes up, officer.

Anyway, I’m being an idiot because there’s no way someone as sweet as Emmie would be interested in a guy like me. She’s seen all my wounds and scars, well, not in real life but the invisible ones. I’ve laid it all bare for her these last nine months while we’ve been co-writing.

Parking outside the garage, I glimpse Emmie’s wide eyes,taking in our surroundings. They fill with wonder and something else.

“Wait’ll you see the property in the daylight. We’re supposed to have good weather...” I trail off as we exit the Jeep.

Emmie’s boots crunch on the ground as I unload her bags. She turns in a slow circle, taking in our surroundings.

“You look like you’ve never seen snow before.”

“I’ve seen it a few times, but I grew up on a tropical island.”

That’s news to me.

“I didn’t see the real stuff until I was eighteen and went to college. Usually, in the city, by the time I get outside, it’s turned to slush.”

And so has my inner resolve. The reality of Emmie being here all weekend doesn’t only have my pulse tripping, it’s a live wire. I can’t fan these flames. Time to be Iceman. Lexman. Impervious to outside forces. My focus must remain singular—lead the group on the winter ruck and that’s it.

Emmie’s breath puffs in the cold as she speaks, wafting her vanilla marshmallow scent my way. “It’s like a blank piece of paper, waiting for a story to be told.”

I waver and say, “Then it’s perfect for you.”

But I can’t let her be perfect for me.

She’s younger for starters. Innocent. Petite, but surprisingly strong as she hefts her bag before I get a chance to help. It’s like she grew up wrestling alligators or her brothers. Maybe both.

I open the door and gesture for Emmie to enter first. “I hope you like it here. It’s home.” A place I fought long and hard for.

She wears an appreciative smile, but the faintest hint of sadness pierces her eyes as she looks around with something like longing.

When we enter the main part of the house, she mutters, “I thought I was looking for a life in the city, but this changes things.”

Her gaze traces the series of windows that reach the cathedral ceiling, the river stones surrounding the massive hearth, and theopen floor plan that’s both airy and cozy, modern and rustic, masculine yet refined with custom details in the mudroom, the entertainment area downstairs, and the sauna cold plunge combo along with an outdoor spa.

This place is my oasis.

Usually, I’m happy to be here solo.

---