Page 33 of Cold as (N)ice

It’s the color that makes you say that.

It’s because it’s standing – and you should see it. One time, there was a big piece sticking up and…

“Wait,” she interrupted, putting her spoon back down. “Are you both still talking about my hair? Is it that bad?”

Yes,Stephen said, chuckling throatily and nodding

No,Barrett replied, giving him a look.I told you that she would not like that.

“Like what?”

I told him your hair looked like one of those Troll dolls,Stephen volunteered, laughing harder as her gaze shot to Barrett.

“I never said that – I swear,” he volunteered quickly and then winked at her. “But I could see the resemblance if you go like this…” and made a face.

It was such a weird-yet-normal conversation between the three of them, sitting in disheveled states around the kitchen island, having breakfast, and she hesitated. This was the first day of her marriage, and her son was joking with his new stepfather. She had already lost her temper once in front of her son and didn’t want to do it again, especially when it was something Stephen said. They were bonding, and she wouldn’t destroy that.

I thought we were supposed to talk about your room.She began, changing the subject. “He asked about what room he should use and…”

“Well, I thought about maybe we could do a virtual tour with the listing agent on the one you liked before we make the leap,” Barrett offered and Stephen’s excited gaze turned to her.

We can see our new home today on the computer?

Yes,she replied, looking at Barrett. “We’re going to need to talk about roles or…”

“What about it?” Barrett interrupted and glanced at Stephen before answering for both. “We’ll agree on a house and when he picks his room, we can start looking at furniture for him too. Maybe a jungle gym for the backyard?”

“Are you serious?” she whispered, her eyes searching his.

“We’re making it our home,” he replied softly. “I’m grateful you had my back and bailed me out of a problem, so let me show my thanks. I want you both to feel like Quebec is your home, so get whatever you want for the house when we move in.”

Can I have a bunk bed?

Only if it’s a cool one with a school desk underneath,Barrett replied quickly, giving him a raised eyebrow.And your mom has to say ‘Yes’…

Can I have a green room?

If your mother likes the color – then yes,Barrett continued, not looking away from her. “Pick something nice for us, too. I just needed something to sleep on when I moved in here.”

“And if I select twin beds?” she retorted, testing the waters and taking a cue from how he’d been acting toward her.

“Then maybe we can push them together someday and snuggle,” he smiled. “It gets cold in the winter.”

Hey! Sign so I can understand you,Stephen said again. This time the frustration was clear on his face.

I’m sorry,she began – and Barrett grabbed her wrist, stopping her apology as he looked at Stephen before gesturing.

There are going to be some things that we need to discuss privately as adults – and during those moments, we are not going to sign. It’s not because we are being mean, but because adults have to talk about things like money, work, and other stuff.

Like what?

Kissing.

Never mind,Stephen replied quickly, shivering.

“We’re not kissing,” she said hoarsely, looking at Barrett in disbelief – and the infernal man turned away, ignoring what she’d said and spoke to Stephen.

So, what shade of green do you want on the walls of your room?

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