Page 4 of Once Upon a Frosty Winter

The server comes to my table, and I tell him my order as well as Mira’s. “I’ll take those to go, please.”

“I’ll be right back with your coffee, Ms. White.”

“Queen. I’ve gone back to using my maiden name,” I inform him.

“I’ve heard you referred to as… I mean… I wasn’t for sure…”

I force a tight-lipped smile and narrow my eyes. The stammering and fumbling for words are beginning to grate on my nerves. “Thank you,” I manage.

He nods and scurries off. I tap my red nails against the table until he returns with my coffee. As I’m bringing the cup to my lips, my eyes catch on a man standing by the door. He’s the most unique and gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. Platinum-blond hair with some icy gray mixed in. Artic blue eyes. His features are harsh and pronounced, as if his face were carved in marble. He’s almost too beautiful to be real.

What fashion runway did he walk off of, and how in the hell did he end uphere? Also, why is he staring at me?

ChapterTwo

Frost

Well, well, well.This trip might turn into quite the adventure.

I came here because my family are the owners and founders of Old Man Winter’s Diners, and Mistletoe Creek is home to the original. My grandfather, Jerry Frost, nicknamed Old Man Winter, helped his brother by opening another diner in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. That one was also wildly successful. My mother didn’t want to live in Mistletoe Creek. So, my grandfather and father opened another branch of the diner for my parents to run in a different town. Before they knew it, the Old Man Winter’s Diners were growing into a legacy. Now, we’re working on expanding into frozen desserts that will be sold across the nation and possibly opening up a winter resort.

Eira White reached out to me and is interested in making a deal concerning her family’s land here in Mistletoe Creek. I was already hoping to sweeten the deal by having a little fun with Eira. Nothing serious. She’s beautiful, young, and fun. Always laughing, singing, and dancing. She was my entertainment for the weekend.

Until my attention became captivated by the woman across the diner from me.

Who is she? Why does everyone keep stealing cautious glances her way? Why are people whispering “Evil Queen”?

She’s a mystery I’m interested in solving. At thirty-three, I’m a well-traveled man and a well-experienced lover, and she is hands down the most striking woman I’ve ever come across.

I have to have her.

I’ve never wanted to taste another woman like I do this one. I’m not the marrying type, certainly not possessive, but something inside me is demanding I find a way to make her mine, even if it’s for the short time I plan to be in Mistletoe Creek.

I’m about to head over to introduce myself when my cell rings. It’s Eira.Shit.

Despite not being a Mistletoe Creek local, even I know Fern, Fawn, and Merry. “Hello there Mr. Frost.”

“Ladies.”

Fern leans closer to me. “She is a lovely lady.”

“I beg your pardon.” I feign ignorance.

Merry gives me a knowing look. “Mr. Frost. Would you like for me to introduce you, sir?”

They’re going to gossip either way, I might as well learn some information. “Who is that woman?”

Fawn’s eyes widen. “Hilda Queen. She’s evil. She killed her husband and poisoned her stepdaughter with an apple. I’ve also heard she’s extremely vain and insanely jealous.”

“Is that so?” All blood rushes to my dick. She does sound wicked.

Fern scowls at her. “Rumors.”

Fawn looks between her friends, me, and Hilda and whispers, “They call her theEvil Queen.”

Merry leans in closer and eagerly tells me, “Pardon me if I’m overstepping, but you should now, she’s single. And still so young.”

One can only hope at least half of the rumors are true. The buzzing in my hand is beginning to annoy me. I need to answer Eira. I allow the waiter to run along and take one more look at this town’s so-calledEvil Queen.

---