Page 69 of Snowed In on Valentine's Day

I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “That sounds good. Have Roxy set it up?”

Jeff was silent for a beat before responding, “Does she need to be involved?”

“She’s my assistant, Jeff. And she’s really committed to this project.”

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll be in touch. Congratulations.” Then he ended the call.

My head dropped back onto the cushy foam pillow, and I grinned at the ceiling like an idiot. This news was amazing. Unexpected, so soon. But amazing.

I wondered if I should text Peter, and my grin slipped. I should let him get some rest and do … whatever he does all day. I’ll call him later.

And wasn’t it a little odd that he was the first person I thought to share the news with? I should really call Mari first.

For now, I just wanted to hug my body pillow for the next million hours. I wasn’t that tired now, but even when not sleeping, my bed was by far the most comfortable place in the universe.

I really wasn’t that tired though.

Chapter 18

Turns out I was tired. No, exhausted. I’d slept until late evening and then rose to grab a snack and check my phone. With no messages from Peter, I’d crawled back into my sleepy haven.

Now, it was well after sunrise, and I was baking chocolate caramel banana muffins. I’d just taken them out of the oven when the doorbell rang.

My heart skipped a beat. Who could it be this early?

With my apron still on, I ambled over to the door and opened it, but no one stood there. I looked around until my eyes traveled downward, landing on a large red box.

It was heart-shaped.

My heart jumped into my throat, and I looked around again, still seeing no one, even in the direction of Peter’s house.

Peter … could it be him?

This definitely didn’t seem like the work of Peter.

But who the heck else would give me a heart-shaped box?

I picked up the box and went inside. Just as I was about to open it, I stilled. It could be Mari. I’d texted her last night while snacking to let her know I was exhausted but Peter was fine. She might have sent them to cheer me up, since I hadn’t yet told her about the investor news.

I opened the box, finding chocolates and deciding to sample one. But I barely tasted it as I chewed absently. For some reason, a pang ofsomethingwas lodged deep in my chest. Disappointment? But that didn’t make sense. It was wonderful to get a gift from a friend. The very best friend.

But something gnawed at me as I mindlessly set the box on the counter and started lifting the muffins out of the pan.

You wanted it to be him.

I shook my head, refusing to admit this to myself, but then I sighed. Ididwant it to be him. So much.

You know why.

My heart lurched, and I froze.

You’re falling in love with him.

I gripped the kitchen counter, stunned by the force of this realization. My breathing was erratic as the undeniable feelings swept over me.

When the doorbell rang again, I gasped before nearly running to the door.

But on the front porch was a teenage girl holding a massive bouquet of roses in nearly every color. I stared at the flowers and then at her. “For me?” I said, my voice sounding high pitched.

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