Page 25 of Frost and Felines

"Of course." His grin was pure satisfaction. "Nothing to do whatsoever with my charming company."

As they walked to the dining room, Mallory realized with startling clarity that she was in trouble. Because pretending to be Kieran's wife wasn't feeling so much like pretending anymore. And that terrified her more than any storm she had ever created.

Later that evening, Mallory helped Amy sort through the stack of reservation cards when the inn's front door swung open, bringing in a gust of snow and the distinct scent of magical coffee. Nina Youngblood swept in, her constellation-speckled apron twinkling under her jacket even in the soft light. Two large boxes floated effortlessly beside her.

"Nina!" Mallory's face broke into a warm smile.

"There's my favorite storm witch." Nina guided the boxes down with a wave of her hand, purple sparks dancing from her fingertips. "I brought extra - something tells me you'll need it."

"You're a lifesaver." Mallory moved to hug her friend, breathing in the familiar scent of starlight and coffee that always clung to Nina's clothes. "I can't believe our entire shipment of hot chocolate disappeared this morning."

"Disappeared, or was helped to disappear?" Nina's eyes twinkled knowingly.

"I'm thinking the second one." Mallory lowered her voice. "Gregory Simmons has been-"

"What's this about Gregory?" Kieran's deep voice rumbled from behind them. He placed a possessive hand on Mallory's waist, drawing her closer. The heat of his palm seeped through her sweater, making her pulse quicken traitorously.

Nina's eyebrows shot up at the gesture, and Mallory felt her cheeks warm. "Nina, this is Kieran, my... husband." The word still felt foreign on her tongue. "Kieran, this is Nina, owner of the Cauldron & Cup located on the other side of town, and one of my oldest friends."

"Husband?" Nina's mouth formed a perfect O. "When did this-"

"Three months ago," Mallory cut in quickly. "We eloped. It was very private."

"I see." Nina's knowing look made Mallory's stomach flip. Of course Nina would see right through this charade - she was one of the few people who knew about Eli and about Mallory's self-imposed isolation.

"Have dinner with me tonight?" Mallory asked, partly to change the subject and partly because she genuinely missed her friend. "We have so much to catch up on."

"I'd love to." Nina's smile was warm.

Kieran's arm tightened around Mallory's waist. "I'll have the kitchen prepare something special for you both."

"That's not necessary," Mallory started, but Kieran's eyes locked with hers, intense and determined.

"Let me take care of my wife and her friend." His voice was soft but brooked no argument. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, and Mallory's breath hitched at the unexpected tenderness of it.

Nina watched this exchange with barely concealed amusement. "Well, this should be an interesting dinner conversation."

Mallory soon settled into the plush armchair in her suite, watching Nina inspect the room with appreciative eyes. The smell of roasted herbs and garlic wafted through the air as the room service attendant wheeled in their dinner - a spread that made Mallory's mouth water.

"Well, someone's certainly pulling out all the stops," Nina said as the attendant unveiled herb-crusted salmon, roasted vegetables, and what looked like chocolate lava cake for dessert. "Your 'husband' has excellent taste."

Mallory's stomach fluttered at the word 'husband.' "He's... attentive."

"Mhmm." Nina's eyes sparkled with mischief as she poured them both wine. "So, tell me everything. Last I knew, you were holed up in your cliffside house writing about throw pillows and area rugs."

"I still am. Or was." Mallory took a long sip of wine. "The bridge collapsed in the big snowstorm last week."

"The bridge leading to your house? That was quite a storm." Nina's gaze turned knowing. "Your doing?"

"Not entirely, or at least not intentionally." Mallory pushed a piece of salmon around her plate. "I was... frustrated with the last-minute shoppers."

"And now you're here, married to the most eligible bachelor in town." Nina leaned forward. "Want to tell me the real story?"

Mallory sighed, setting down her fork. "It's temporary. The marriage thing, I mean. Kieran needed someone to pretend to be his wife to help the inn's image while an investor is here. I needed a place to stay. It's a business arrangement."

"Does this business arrangement involve him looking at you like you hung the moon?"

"He does not-" Mallory's cheeks warmed again. "He's just playing the part."

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