Page 49 of Snowy Secrets

"Okay, Mom, I gotta go," Ginny says quickly, her voice turning all business. "See you soon?"

I laugh, nodding even though she can't see me. "Very soon, sweetheart."

After hanging up with my sweet pea, a wave of relief washes over me like a cold shower on a sweltering day. Knowing Ginnyis safe and sound gives me the courage to face the testosterone tornado brewing downstairs.

I throw on a cozy sweater over a T-shirt and a pair of jeans that hug my curves in all the right places. A smile at the mirror and I put my hair up in a neat little ponytail. Then, I'm going down the stairs, my heart threatening to leap out of my chest.

Stepping into the living room feels like entering a lion's den, only these lions are ridiculously good-looking and smell like a mix of leather and cologne. They all look at me the second I enter. Great, now all I need to do is not freak out and run back upstairs.

"Okay, boys," I announce, taking a deep breath. "Time to address the elephant in the room. Or should I say, the three elephants?"

Marcus leans against the center table, snickering slightly. "You mean the fact that we're all head over heels for the hottest author on the planet?"

I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips. "Something like that, Casanova."

"We don't want to rush you," says Wyatt conversationally. "But we also can't deny the sparks flying around here."

"Sparks?" Marcus interjects. "Honey, this is a full-blown inferno."

I'd laugh, but this is serious stuff. "Look, guys," I say, keeping my voice steady. "This is uncharted territory for me, but I…" And of course, I'm blushing, not like a lady. It’s the kind of blush that's making me turn into a ripe tomato. "I, um?—"

"You're invested," River murmurs quietly. I look askance to find him smiling at me with a lopsided little grin that does unfair things to my brain. "And you want to give this a shot, just like the rest of us."

Good. He's hit the nail on the head, so I don't have to. "Something like that," I mumble, flushing furiously.

"What's happened to your words?" Wyatt teases good-naturedly.

"Oh! I didn't mean…" I flail my arms dramatically. "I don't know what to say. This is all just so unexpected!"

Marcus barks out a laugh and crosses to where I'm standing, pulling me in to steal a brisk kiss. "The best things in life usually are, darlin'. Now that we're all on the same page, mend some hearts in this room and tell us you're staying a while longer?"

God, they're infuriating butdeliciouslyso. I nod slightly. "I am."

A chorus of whoops and hollers erupts.

Marcus wraps his arm around my waist, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Then let's make this an adventure worth writing about, shall we?"

I surrender, leaning into his embrace with a sigh. Wyatt saunters off and returns with a plate of sandwiches, his eyes glinting with mischief. With a playful grin, I slip out of Marcus's hold and pad over to the kitchen, bringing back a pot of coffee and four mismatched mugs.

River turns on a cozy romance movie, and we crash on or around the sofa. This might be the most thrilling thing that's happened to me in ages, but a strange, deep contentment settles over me as the movie begins to play. The sandwich is perfectly savory, and the coffee packs a punch.

Thirty minutes in, the movie heats up, and the room's atmosphere shifts. Soft chuckles and teasing remarks float around, mingling with the movie's dialogue. The lights are dim, casting a warm, intimate glow over everything.

River is sprawled on the carpeted floor between my legs. He twists around, his gaze locking with mine, desire simmering slow and sure in the depths of his endless green eyes.

I run my fingers through River's hair absentmindedly, feeling the soft strands slip through my fingers. Marcus shifts besideme, his hand brushing against my leg. Wyatt, stretched out on the couch, throws a sly wink my way.

Goosebumps form on the back of my neck and run along the length of my arms.

The movie's plot thickens, but my focus drifts, anchored by the tangible chemistry in the room. River leans his head back against my knee, his eyes never leaving mine, a silent question hanging between us. I smile, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on his forehead.

He lifts his head up instead and captures my lips in a kiss.

None of us know what happens in the film next. We're too busy with each other. It's how the morning bleeds into late noon, with food and lovemaking and stories. It's only when I go back upstairs after dinner that night, that I begin to realize something.

Wyatt knows about Ginny. So does Marcus, I think. But the one man who should know has no idea, and I haven't told him. My throat constricts as I sit down on the bed in front of my open laptop. Do I tell him? Will it be too much?

Will I lose him again?

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