Page 5 of Four Stepbrothers for Christmas

They all chuckled, finding my sarcasm endearing, or maybe they were just being polite. But their laughter did nothing to dispel the electric current in the air. If anything, it seemed to amplify it. The men shucked off their coats, Archer coming over to me, deftly plucking mine out of my hands and hanging it up nearby.

Isaac's eyes met mine, and for a moment, everything else faded away. His gaze held an intensity that was almost predatory, like a wolf eyeing its prey. My heart pounded in my chest so loudly I was convinced they could all hear it.

Vinnie took a step closer, and I caught a whiff of his cologne, something woodsy and expensive. My pulse spiked, a reaction that was entirely too visceral to ignore.

Luke shot me a smile that, despite its subtlety, sent a jolt down my spine. It was as though he knew something I didn't, a secret that was both thrilling and a bit terrifying.

And then there was Archer, covered in tattoos but as poised as a statue. His gaze was more blatant, brazen even, as it traveled over me. He seemed like a man who took what he wanted, consequences be damned. His intense stare sent a shiver through my body.

All of this happened within a span of seconds, but it was enough to throw my equilibrium completely off balance. Hormones, professionalism, and undeniable sexual tension blended together in a chaotic mix, leaving me disoriented yet oddly exhilarated.

Five days,I reminded myself. I just have to get through five days. But as their eyes continued to bore into me, each offering a different kind of danger and allure, I couldn't help but wonder—did I even stand a chance?

"Wow, you must drive like our nona if you're only just getting here," Vinnie teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I laughed. "Well, I had to make sure I arrived in one piece. Who else would cook for you big, helpless men?"

Luke joined in, "Helpless is a strong word, Chef. I mean, we can boil water and even make instant ramen. Gourmet stuff."

I rolled my eyes playfully and dramatically. "Oh, the culinary prowess! I'm clearly outmatched."

As Archer, Luke, and Isaac moved to collect the groceries, Vinnie did something entirely unexpected. He reached out and took my hand, leading me to the living room. His hand was warm, strong, and so large it almost engulfed mine. The contact was simple but electric, sending a surge of something intense and heady straight to my core. I could feel my pulse quicken, and I became hyper-aware of the sensation of his skin against mine.

Once inside the room, any thoughts of Vinnie's hand—or any other part of him—were temporarily erased by sheer awe. I was standing in a space that could only be described as the epitome of luxury. My mouth dropped open, but words escaped me.

Vinnie seemed to enjoy my flabbergasted reaction, a smug grin forming on his lips. "You like the view?"

"This place is like a palace," I managed to stammer.

His laughter filled the room, a rich, hearty sound that made the atmosphere seem lighter, cozier. "Well, we like to be comfortable."

Comfortable was an understatement. I was still taking in the sheer grandeur of the place when Vinnie led me through the living room and into the kitchen. Again, I was blown away. State-of-the-art appliances, marble countertops, a stove that looked like it could handle a Thanksgiving feast for forty. This was not just any kitchen; it was a chef's fantasy.

“I hope this suits you,” Vinnie said as I took in the sight of the splendor before me.

“Are you kidding? This is adream.”

As Vinnie showed me around, pointing out where I could find various pots, pans, and utensils, I tried to focus on his words, but it was difficult. The feeling of his hand in mine had not left me, and I was uncomfortably aware of how close he was standing. Every so often, he would lean in to open a cupboard or point out a feature, and I could feel the heat emanating from him, enveloping me in that intoxicating blend of pine and masculinity.

When our tour finally ended, I realized my cheeks were flushed, my breath shallow. How was I supposed to survive five days with these four impossibly attractive men?

“Come on,” he said once we were done in the kitchen. “Let me show you the rest of the place.”

Three stories tall, the building seemed to blend effortlessly with the surrounding woodland, its Swiss-style architecture giving off an air of understated luxury.

The entrance foyer alone was more spacious than my entire apartment, decked out in plush rugs and polished wood flooring that extended into the living room. The centerpiece was a monumental stone fireplace, reaching almost to the ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and flanked by oversized leather armchairs that looked like they'd swallow you whole in comfort.

And oh, the living room. It was like something out of a magazine—a perfect balance of opulence and coziness. The furnishings were obviously high-end, from the velvet-upholstered couches to the antique coffee table that looked like it belonged in a museum. Yet, for all its luxury, the room still felt inviting. Large windows stretched from floor to ceiling, providing panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains outside. Fluffy throws were carelessly draped over the back of the couches, and I could imagine curling up here, hot chocolate in hand, as the snow fell outside.

As Vinnie continued the tour, my jaw practically hit the floor more than once. The dining room was equally grand, with a table long enough to seat at least twelve and a chandelier that would have looked at home in a castle. Then there were the bedrooms—each more luxurious than the last, all ensuite, complete with deep-soak tubs and rainfall showers.

On the top floor, Vinnie showed me a home theater with cinema-style seating and a popcorn machine in the corner. And then he opened the door to a private library—walls lined with books from floor to ceiling, a telescope positioned by the window for stargazing, and a writing desk that looked out over the sprawling mountains.

“And there’s a gym in the basement,” he said. “Well, to be more accurate, the gymisthe basement. Feel free to use it whenever you want.”

As we circled back to the living room, I felt a mix of awe and disbelief. This cabin was more than just a luxurious retreat; it was a wonderland, carefully balancing grandiosity with the kind of coziness that made you want to stay forever. It was, in a word, perfection. And I was about to spend the next five days here.

“This place is something else,” I said.

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