Page 48 of Made for You

“Free time? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without your laptop or phone. Are you sure you can do it?” I raise my brow at him.

His laugh is a high pitched, squealing type of laugh, and I just picture a pig when he really and truly laughs.

“Well I think I can manage a few hours if you come with me.” He winks, like I’m going to immediately fall under his charm.

“Well, you could snowshoe, or cross country ski. The inn has equipment for you to borrow. There is a cute little bookshop and coffee shop in town, they’re next to the bakery my Gran owns. But that’s not open again with the damage from the burst pipe. There’s ice skating a few towns over.” I tap my lip thinking of more. But it’s mostly outdoor recreation that I don’t see Mr. New-York-Prada-suit doing.

“If I say snowshoeing will you say ‘yes’ and show me the ropes? I bet you know all the best spots.” He leans forward,resting his arms on his knees, staring at me waiting for a response.

“I just have so much to do. I won’t have any time.” I shrug my shoulders and give a small smile, hoping he gives up.

“Come on. Help a guy relax.” He adds a wink this time for added effect. But his innuendo on the word relax just grosses me out.

When I don’t answer he continues. “It’ll be two hours max. You can spare a couple hours for an inn guest, right?”

Damn. I suck under pressure. “Uh…yeah…sure. We can go after lunch.”

But I will absolutely not be showing him the best spots. Those are the spots that hold all the memories for Liam and I.

I will have to remember to go out on my own another time, I have never been able to visit all our spots on this property after a fresh snowfall.

“Sounds great, do I get a famous picnic lunch too?” He stands, and hopefully he’ll be leaving after this.

“Sure. Just make sure you book it through the website because the inn charges extra for those.” I don’t want him thinking I’m doing this because it’s a date, since that seems to be what he’s angling for.

Ick.Everything about this guy gives me an ick.

He says goodnight and I’m left again with my fireplace and book. Peace has been restored.

I just woke up and I’m already dreading this afternoon. Just the thought of spending my time showing Alexander around Balsam Cliffs makes my skin crawl. Other than him being a self centered ass, I can’t really put my finger on why I don’t trust him. And I swear I’ve met him before in New York, but I can’t figure out how and it’s driving me nuts.

Unfortunately, I am tasked with asking Liam for snowshoeing gear and telling him where we are going. He is not going to take it the right way, he will probably jump to conclusions and go all alpha. Then I’ll get mad at him. And the cycle will never end. Even though he was sweet last night and started my fire for me.

I put on my winter gear while my cinnamon rolls cool so I can add the second round of cream cheese frosting. That’s the trick to a good cinnamon roll according to Gran. You put on a thin layer while they’re hot so it can get melty and drip down between the layers. Then when they cool you add another layer. I’m not one to argue with her proven methods.

I trudge out to the barn where Liam has been holed up. When I walk inside though, I don’t see him.

So I yell out, “Liam, are you in here?”

He walks out from the back of the barn. “Hey, what are you doing out here in the cold?”

I fidget nervously, there’s something about seeing Liam in a tight gray tee with his flannel thrown over it. His lumberjack look does something to my body.

“Violet? Is everything okay?” He walks closer to me, holding my arms next to my body as he rakes his eyes over every inch of me, scanning for something wrong.

My brain starts to function again, “Uh, yeah. Yeah everything is fine.” I shake my head to clear the thoughts of Liam, my thoughts that want far more than just his eyes on my body.

“Ooookaaaay.” He drags out the word, confused and waiting for me to answer. I never bother him in the barn, knowing he’s busy.

“Right. I’m here because Alexander would like to go snowshoeing so we need some gear,” I spit it out quickly.

“We?” He steps closer.

“Yes. He asked me to show him around, show him all the best spots. But I won’t show him all of them I promise. The best spots areourspots.” He’s been getting closer and closer while I talk. I don’t know why I felt the need to clarify about our spots, but I did.

He reaches out and pulls me into his arms and whispers into my ear, “You can show him our spots. But while you do, I want you to think about what I might do to you the next time we’re there.” A shiver runs down my spine. “Your body gives you away, beautiful. You want it to be me, not him.”

I glare at him, my traitorous body giving me away, “Seriously?”

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