Page 103 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
I feel a gaze on me, and I see Ben and Tanner on the other side of the room, observing me curiously.
Hailey’s eyes sparkle with curiosity, but she doesn’t press me for details. She just smiles knowingly and pulls me closer for another hug. I eventually let go of her and step to the side, letting her husband take the lead again.
The soft hum of the music fills the air as the guests sway gently on the dance floor. Hailey and Sam are lost in their own world, spinning around in perfect harmony. I stand off to the side, watching them with a smile, when suddenly, a hand appears in front of me.
It’s Ben.
“Care to dance?”
For a moment, I hesitate. There’s a lot to process from the day, and my emotions are still swirling in a whirlwind inside me. But something about the way Ben looks at me—steady, calm, and full of quiet affection—makes me nod.
I slip my hand into his, and he pulls me onto the floor, guiding me into his arms. The music is soft and slow, andthere’s a comfortable silence between us as we move together. Ben’s touch is gentle, his movements fluid and careful, as if he’s afraid of pushing too far. It’s soothing how he holds me, like I’m something precious he doesn’t want to break. He doesn’t say much, just looks into my eyes with that deep, thoughtful gaze of his, and it’s enough.
I lean into him slightly, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, letting myself relax into the moment. It’s peaceful, and for the first time tonight, I feel the tension start to leave my shoulders. With Ben, there’s no rush, no urgency—just quiet understanding.
“About what I said earlier…” Ben begins.
“I really don’t want to talk about it,” I say.
After a few songs, Tanner steps up, flashing his usual playful grin. “Alright, Benny, don’t hog her all to yourself. My turn.”
Ben laughs softly, his hands slipping away from mine as Tanner sweeps me up in one fluid motion. With Tanner, everything feels lighter, more playful. He spins me around the dance floor with ease, making me laugh as he dips me dramatically. There’s a spark of energy in his movements, a brightness that makes me forget all my worries for a moment. Tanner is effortless—smooth, confident, and always making me feel like I’m the only person in the room.
“You look stunning tonight,” Tanner says with a wink, his tone teasing, but there’s a softness behind his words. “I’ve been waiting all night to steal a dance with you.”
I can’t help but smile at his charm, feeling a flutter of warmth in my chest. “Well, you didn’t have to wait too long.”
He laughs, twirling me once more before we settle into a slower rhythm, his hands firm around my waist. “I know I’m your favorite.”
I raise an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. “Is that so?”
“Oh, absolutely,” he says, his voice light but there’s something deeper underneath it. “You smile more when you’re with me. And I’m betting I can make you laugh more too.”
I grin. It’s true. It’s so easy with him.
“I’m sorry for acting like an idiot the other day,” Tanner says. “I wasn’t expecting to find you with them.”
“It’s okay,” I say, patting his shoulder.
“I think I got a little carried away because of how pissed off I was,” he continues. “I can’t help it, you have that effect on me.”
I trace the outline of his jacket. Chloe’s arrival ruined things, but Tanner had almost told me he loved me. But did he really mean it?
“I didn’t want things to be like that, you know?”
“It’s okay,” I say.
“I’m a patient guy, contrary to what my friends might think of me. I want to give you all the time in the world. But I think somebody else is getting a little impatient,” Tanner says, softly nuzzling my neck.
I don’t have to turn around to know who it is.
Axel steps forward, his broad shoulders squared, and for a moment, he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he holds out his hand—no flourish, no words—just a simple invitation.
The way Axel holds me is different. His grip is firm but gentle, his hand resting low on my back, grounding me.
“You seem tense,” he finally says, his voice low and gravelly, almost like a rumble in his chest. His blue eyes lock onto mine, searching, seeing through whatever facade I might try to put up.
I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. “I guess I am,” I admit, not wanting to pretend. Not with Axel. There’s no room for that with him.
