Page 1 of Snowy Secrets

1

BELLA

River MacIntyre is the stuff of all my sweetest dreams, served up in a crisp suit. His smile is enough to turn my legs into jelly, and don't even get me started on his slightly salt-and-pepper hair or how his eyes seem to look at me like I'm the only girl in the world, or the only girl who matters, at any rate. This is the first time I've laid eyes on a man so glorious, and I want more.

Of course, the nine years between us makes this slightly forbidden, but I've always had the soul of a sinner and a taste for excess, so long as nothing I'm doing is hurting the world around me, I don’t care.

No, honestly, is it because he's older? According to some poorly designed websites, women like older men because they provide stability. Others claim it's evolutionary. Some even suggest it's because we mature faster than boys—news flash, internet, tell me something I don't know. But honestly, as I lean against a sturdy oak tree, watching River charm my spinster aunt, Cassidy Cole, it's clear as day. He's a living, breathing,GQcover come to life. A dream, if you will, with a healthy side of unattainability.

It's not like I'm looking for anything serious. I'm twenty-two, with my whole life ahead of me. By next year, I'll likely be in Spokane, completing my training as a photographer. I also have plans to write a bestseller. But this summer, I'm in the mood to make a few memories I can carry with me. So, when he sees me looking and tilts his glass in my direction, I respond by biting my lower lip.

The setting is perfect.

My dad, Jonathan Carter, is known for legendary parties. They are always a whirlwind of polished boots, starched uniforms, and enough testosterone to power a small city. Being a high-ranking officer in the army, Colonel Carter knows how to throw a shindig that's equal parts disciplined and debauched. Tonight, the house is buzzing with the usual suspects—military personnel, family friends, and the occasional political figure thrown in for good measure.

Of course, River is years younger than Dad, but the two of them hit it off on one of his assignments. It's a sign of how free-spirited Dad is because I know River is one of his closest friends.

Come to think of it, Dad and I don't have all that many years between us. Mother still jokes about how Dad basically swept her off her feet when both of them were in high school, and she's still up in the air, although sometimes, he does do things that annoy her to no end.

As the music swells, my thoughts center on the present moment.

The crisp, cold beginnings of winter make this all the more like a fairy tale, if fairy tales had room for a touch of dark desire. Yellow lights are strung through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow over the snow-covered landscape. Long tables are laden with delicious food, from roasted meats to intricate desserts. The air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of a feast. Aspace has been cleared for dancing and there is a small stage set up for a band.

I push away from the tree once I see a group of my friends arriving. Moments later, I weave through the crowd, balancing a tray of drinks like a seasoned waitress, dodging elbows and boisterous laughter. The frosty air nips at my cheeks, but the warmth of the gathering keeps the chill at bay.

My best friend, Millie, waves at me excitedly. As I grin and approach her, River gets in the way, swinging his limbs with an effortless charm that should be illegal.

"Hey, you," he says, flashing that devastating smile once again. Up close, it's enough to make my heart explode. "How's it going?"

"Same old, same old," I reply, my voice miraculously steady. "You know how these things are—Dad's army buddies trying to out-brag each other, Mom's friends gossiping in the corner, and me playing hostess."

River chuckles throatily. A shiver runs down my spine as he touches my arm and speaks in a honeyed baritone. "Well, you're doing a fantastic job. Your dad's lucky to have you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," I quip, rolling my eyes in mock exasperation. "But seriously, how have you been? Still fighting off the admirers?"

He laughs richly at that. "Only the persistent ones. But enough about me. What about you? Any exciting plans for the future?"

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. Inside, my mind is squealing like a little girl who has just seen a white pony.River is interested in me!"Oh, you know, the usual. Finish my degree, maybe travel a bit. Nothing set in stone."

As we chat, I can't help but notice how the other women in the room steal glances at River, their eyes full of admiration and maybe a hint of jealousy. It's not hard to see why. With his broadshoulders and that infuriatingly perfect smile, he's a magnet for attention.

Just then, my dad strides over, a drink in hand and a proud smile on his face. "Ah, I see you've found my daughter," he says, clapping River on the back. "What do you think, River? Isn't she something?"

River's eyes meet mine, and for a split second, I think I see something there—something that makes my breath catch. "She's amazing, Colonel," he says, his voice softening. "You've raised a remarkable young woman."

Did you hear that, Bella? He called you a woman!

My dad beams, clearly pleased. "That she is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some colonels to impress."

As my dad walks away, River turns back to me, his expression unreadable. "Well, I should let you get back to your hostess duties," he says, his tone light but his eyes lingering on mine. "But save a dance for me later, okay?"

"Sure thing," I manage to say, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'll hold you to that."

As he walks away, I lean against a table, trying to catch my breath.It's just a dance, I tell myself. But with River MacIntyre, nothing is everjustanything.

"What was that all about? And don't even think about lying to me." A remark floats over my shoulder, making me smile and roll my eyes in unison. I wheel around and look at Millie. Her eyes are bright with curiosity. She's got her arms crossed in front of her chest like she knows I've been up to no good and means to get to the bottom of it. I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Nothing's going on. We just talked."

Millie's not buying it. "Uh-huh, sure. Because the way you two were looking at each other says ‘just talked’."

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