Page 112 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“We did it.” I leaned in and captured her mouth in a deep kiss. “I never could have done this without you.”
And it was true. I’d always worked alone, but without Natalie—without someone I could trust—I would have failed. And Archer would have won.
I kissed her again, savoring her. This wasn’t just a partnership. And it wasn’t just sex. It was something deep and profound. A feeling I’d never experienced before.
Struck with awe, I pulled away and stared at her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Are you okay?”
Looking deep into her beautiful, dark eyes, I smiled. “Yes.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because I just realized something.”
“What? That we’re stuck in a cabin in a blizzard with two dead men outside?”
“No.” I chuckled softly. “I love you.”
Her lips parted, but she didn’t reply.
“Natalie, I love you. I love you so much I hardly know what to do with myself.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. Darling, I love you, and the more times I say it, the more true it feels. I love you.” I kissed her. “I love you.” I kissed her again. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. It’s crazy, but I don’t care. I love you so much.”
“Well, isn’t this the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
With our bodies pressed close and a fire crackling in the background, I kissed her again. Kissed her and loved her—hard but gentle, slow but deep. I poured myself into her, loving every inch of her. Showing her with all I had how much she meant to me.
CHAPTER 29
Jensen
The fire warmed the small cabin, and the flames provided a source of light as the sun went down. Under different circumstances, it would have been rather cozy. But as I lay with Natalie in my arms, I knew we weren’t out of the woods yet. Quite literally.
We were stuck in a cabin in the middle of nowhere in a raging blizzard, and I didn’t know how we were going to get out.
Natalie shifted, propping herself up on one arm. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
I caressed her face. “That you’re the most beautiful woman in the world?”
She smiled. “No. That we’re stuck in a snowstorm.”
The wind howled, rattling the windows.
“At least we have shelter for the night.”
The firelight flickered, illuminating her sad eyes. “It’s Christmas Eve.”
“We can’t go out in that.” My gaze moved to the dark window. As if to emphasize my point, the wind howled again. “Not until the sun comes up at least.”
“I know. I don’t suppose your phone has a signal?”
“No. Nothing.”
