Page 16 of Flown in for Christmas

“We did,” Nick replies as he removes the security tags from the items. I tug on my new gear when Nick grabs a rusty orange knit hat with a matching pompom on the top and hands it to me. “This too, Jer.”

I take my hair down and quickly pull the hat over my head. I’m warm from head to toe and I can’t help smiling at him. “Good call…babe.” I try out the pet name for fun, and to gauge his reaction.

The rugged, handsome grin he sends my way feels like a gift in itself.

Eight.

Joy

After stopping at anotherlocal store before heading to the house, we’re finally pulling into Nick’s parents’ long drive.

“This is beautiful,” I can’t help but comment. I lean forward to stare at the grand, log cabin home decorated in classic holiday lights and décor. It’s a winter wonderland covered in several feet of pristine, untouched snow.

“Mom goes all out,” Nick mutters.

He kills the engine but makes no show of moving even as I reach for the door.

“Last chance to bail out,” he offers, glancing at me. “Once we step through those doors, you’re mine for the week,” he says with a husky undertone that has my pulse fluttering.

I smile through the flutters. “Well, when you say it like that… How can I refuse?”Stop flirting, I mentally scold.You need to work with this man after all is said and done.

He grins, pushing open the door with his boot and jogging around the car to my side. He opens my door and takes my hand in his. He grabs my carry-on and keeps me close as we walk toward the front door.

We’re a breath away from entering when I give his hand a light squeeze.

He stops as I shift on my feet. “Nervous?”

I peer up at him. “A little,” I confess.

“Me, too.” He leans in, adding quietly, “We’re in this together, okay? I won’t leave you to the wolves.”

“I thought the expression wasthrowto the wolves,” I whisper in return, fighting a smile.

“That, too.” He smirks, turning the handle, and pushing us inside.

The house is a bustle of activity. The scent of freshly baked gingerbread floods my senses and I breathe in the strong, cinnamon-laced air as the boisterous sound of laughter greets my ears. Warmth spreads throughout my chest. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this much…holiday spirit.

I canfeelit growing the more I process what this next week is going to entail.

And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to get excited.

We remove our coats and hang them by the door, kicking off our damp boots as well. When I reach for my things, Nick stops me. “We’ll take it up later,” he says. “They’re probably waiting on us to eat.”

“Oh.” My hand falls to my side and I bite the inside of my cheek, glancing around the entryway. “Should we…”

“Nicky!”

His jaw tightens.

I peer past him as he greets, “Darcy.” His tone is cold as I take in the sight of the perky blonde he doesn’t seem too pleased to see. She prances over in a sparkly, beige knit sweater dress and tights, throwing herself at my fake fiancé as if he’s herrealfiancé.

The sight causes a pang of jealousy to heat my blood, surprising me.

I’m not the jealous type…usually.

She clings to him even as he keeps his arms at his sides, confirming to me this isn’t a friendly encounter. He mentioned his long-lost cousin dating someone. Is this her?

Blonde hair whips me in the face once she finally releases Nick from his apparent torture. Her gaze lands on me and I decide to step closer to Nick, sliding my hand into his with a tangle of our fingers.

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