Page 17 of Once Upon a Frosty Winter

“What will you do?”

“I’m probably going to build a small cottage nestled near my orchard and garden. This house is far too big for me anyway.”

“Wow.” Eira’s eyes widen a bit, and a strange expression crosses her pretty face. “You’re really not as wicked as I thought you were.”

I wrap my arms around her and smile. “I’m far worse.”

“Doubtful,” Eira teases.

After Eira leaves, I flop down in my desk chair. Time to start looking for a place for my cottage. I’m not upset. I’m… excited. A laugh bubbles out of me. I’ve been petty, vengeful, resentful, immature, confused, and I was wrong. I don’t regret any of it, though, because I wouldn’t be who I am now sitting in this chair.

Successful. Strong. Still confused. Happy. I’m so happy. Eira and I hugged, and it didn’t feel forced; it felt natural. I had amazing orgasms last night and this morning. I’m keeping my orchard. And I’m finally leaving this house. I needed a push out of here, but I didn’t realize it.

It’s time to fully embrace life and figure out who I am without living in the shadows of this house and the past that brought me to Mistletoe Creek.

ChapterTen

Frost

Hilda is coming to have dinner with me in the diner. I want privacy, so I’ve closed one half of the restaurant. Unfortunately, I can’t move forward with my original plans. The problem is, I want her. I want her more than I want to carve my place into my family legacy. More than my fucking pride and reputation, I want Hilda Queen. The more of her I get to know, taste, and have, the greedier I become. If only she wasn’t such a—nah, I love that about her too. I love that she can flat out be a bitch. That’s actually probably her best attribute. No doubt that’s what triggered my obsession to begin with. Most women are eating out of the palm of my hand; whereas, she bit me and told me to fuck off.

Merry, Fawn, and Fern see me. I’m tempted to crawl under the table. Fern waves and Merry winks. Fawn hurries to where I’m seating, wearing a huge smile. “I want to apologize for what I said before about Ms. Queen. That was shameful of me. But I must admit, her spirits have been improved since you two have been friendly.” She places a hand gently on my forearm. “It’s a Christmas miracle.”

The bell chimes and Hilda enters the diner. Fawn says something else, but I’m transfixed by Hilda’s exquisite beauty as she walks gracefully to our table. Her style is classic and simple, yet she looks anything but simple. My arousal is already throbbing between my legs. I’ve never been so physically attracted to another person. I’ve lost all common sense and my ability to think. Other customers stare and ogle her. I never thought I was territorial until now. Then again, I’ve never had reason to be jealous because that would mean I care.

“Have a wonderful day, Fawn.” I swallow a lump in my throat as my knee is bouncing under the table. I really hope this goes well. Fawn joins her friends who have a table across the diner but within view of mine.

“Hello,” Hilda greets me with a pleasant enough smile, but not one of her carefree ones like Mira gets. I can’t believe I’m jealous of her best friend. I’ve got problems.

“Hello to you.”

I’m struggling to play it cool. I don’t have a lot of time. I need to get back to my main office and decide what to do, but I can’t do anything until I know where I stand with this woman. If there’s a chance. I can’t help it. I’m selfish. I want her.

I open my mouth to speak again but hesitate. Her green eyes are so hypnotizing that they could convince me to do anything right now. Whatever she asked for, I’d say yes. I give my head a little shake and then attempt to speak again.

“Hilda.” I lick my lips. “I have the papers for White Estate.”

She chuckles. “Wow. Jumping right into it. Couldn’t you at least have let me do this over a full stomach? I’m starving. I can’t think straight while hungry.”

“No.”

Her eyes widen at my response.

“No,” I repeat. “I can’t because I’m being eaten alive. I don’t want the estate if it means losing you.”

“Losing me? Did you ever have me, Mr. Frost?”

“Don’t do that. Don’t do the coldhearted bitch routine with me, Hilda. I’ve been coldhearted for years. I know the drill. I know all about pushing people away, keeping a safe distance, and for what? I’ll tell you for what. For you.”

I slide out of my seat and go to her side before sitting in the chair next to her. I throw my arm over the back of her chair. “Because we’re both greedy assholes, let’s be honest. We’ve both been cold to people. But we work together. You know it’s true. Admit it, at least to yourself. You’ve never felt like this with anyone else.”

“Jax.” She speaks my name as a plea while her eyes search mine.

“I want all of you, Hilda. I don’t want deals. Speculations. Arrangements. I want trust. I want there to be an us.”

“What about the estate?”

“It’s yours. Or Eira can have it back.”

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