Page 26 of The Wolf and His Forbidden Witch
“Many. Some choose to get married at the peak, others at the base. And others have their reception in the lodge. It’s quite a transformation to make the ski lodge into a wedding venue.”
She gazed at him with a wondrous expression. “It’s no surprise that this resort is so successful. You’ve really found ways to make it an attractive getaway.”
It can be more than that for you. You could stay here with me.
He shouldn’t jump that far ahead. Saying things like that could scare her away.
Once they pulled up to his Tudor cottage surrounded by trees, she said, “Wow, this is where you live? It’s like a cottage out of a fairy tale.”
“One of the perks of being CFO.” He pointed up the road. “Alpha gets the top spot, of course.”
When he led her inside, she continued to marvel at the interior. “It’s just as beautiful and cozy on the inside. You live here alone?”
“I do.” With four bedrooms, it was big enough for a family, yet he lived alone. He hadn’t minded until this past year. In some way, he must have sensed that his mate was coming—and that she would turn his world upside down.
“It smells delicious in here. Did you cook all this for me?”
Grayson gave a sheepish look. “I wish I could take the credit for it, but I’m hopeless in the kitchen. I’m obsessive about measurements and if I’m missing an ingredient, I’ll abandon the whole thing.”
She laughed. “I confess I’m the opposite. My experimental cooking hasn’t always led to edible dishes.”
“At least you’re brave enough to try.” He grinned. “Anyway, I often get a bite at the pub with a packmate or order takeout from a restaurant in the village.”
“That makes sense. Why cook when you have so many great options within walking distance?”
“Exactly. And why cook for one when I could dine with friends.” He lit candles on the table, which he’d set earlier. “Our dinner tonight is from an Italian restaurant.”
“Mmm. You’ve spoiled me with all kinds of fantastic food this week.”
If you stay, I’ll continue to spoil you.Before he said it aloud, he said, “I’ll get a fire started and then we can enjoy our meal.”
A few minutes later, they sat at the round table with lit candles and a picturesque view of the forest. The fire provided a soft glow and comfortable warmth. They each had a small bowl of Caesar salad, a plate heaping with tagliatelle carbonara, and a glass of chardonnay.
Grayson might have gone overboard with the romantic vibe, but he couldn’t help himself.
“Mmm,” Aurora murmured. “Absolutely delicious.”
“I haven’t had a dish from them I didn’t like.”
She took a sip of the wine and glanced out the window. Snow had begun to fall and it cast drifting sparkles over the mountain. “What a view. Do you often sit here and just soak in what you see?”
“I’m spoiled by the views here, so I probably don’t appreciate it as much as I should.” He definitely enjoyed appreciating it anew from her eyes.
“How much snow is expected tonight?” she asked.
“About four to six inches. Which means the mountain will be busy tomorrow.”
She bit her lip and her expression turned contemplative.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just thinking about getting back to the hotel later. I know it’s not far, but if the roads aren’t plowed…”
“You can always stay the night.”
He hadn’t meant to blurt it out, but once it was out there, he didn’t want to take it back.
She stared at him for several seconds before she replied, “Let’s see what happens with the snow.”
