Page 10 of Snowed in with the Grump

Carter’s eyes narrow, sensing my evasiveness. “Come on. There's more to it than that.”

“It sounded like fun,” I say weakly.

“Where are your folks?”

I sigh, slicing more carrots than necessary to avoid his gaze. “Traveling.”

He raises an eyebrow, seeing right through me. “They bailed on you again, huh?”

I force out a laugh. “I'm an adult. They're living their life.”

Carter gives a derisive snort. “Should've known.”

“Aren’t you being a bit harsh?”

Carter gives me a knowing look that says he understands, and the scowl returns to his handsome face.

“Beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be stuck out here with a bunch of couples like a third wheel. It isn’t right.”

Beautiful woman?

We've drifted closer, our bodies nearly touching in the cramped kitchen. I sway toward him, wetting my dry lips nervously. Carter's eyes flick to my mouth.

If I leaned in, I could easily close the gap between us. I'd be pressed against his solid chest. I could give in to the temptation to…

The stove timer shatters the moment.

Did I almost kiss my best friend's brother?Get it together, Ava!

I fumble with the pot, hands trembling.

“I, uh, better go do the thing—” Carter mutters roughly before spinning on his heel.

I grip the counter, steadying myself. I need space to clear my reckless thoughts. It isn’t raining anymore, and stretching my legs before dinner seems like a good idea.

The icy wind bites at my flushed cheeks. My breath clouds white. I gulp it down greedily, enjoying the shock to my system.

Coming here was a mistake, although I didn’t know I’d be putting myself in this tempting situation. I kick angrily at a fallen branch, sending it skittering across the snow.

I've never been one to break the rules or act recklessly, but I can’t stop thinking daring thoughts–like taking charge and being bold. I don't know what to do with these overwhelming emotions.

Lost in my chaotic thoughts, I realize how far down the path I've stomped. The cabin is out of sight. Icy wind pierces my light jacket, making me shiver.

Panic flutters in my chest. Which direction is the cabin? Everything looks the same—endless snow and skeletal trees.

My resentment cools to regret as I realize I shouldn't have taken off without telling Carter.

CHAPTER4

CARTER

Everything felt comfortably familiar yet new and thrilling working with Ava in the kitchen, like an electric charge flowed between us.

Typically pragmatic and reserved, I keep my emotions bottled up, but Ava’s warmth and light draw me out of my hardened shell.

Her smile and the blush on her cheeks stir the primal feelings I buried when I enlisted.

I’m eight years older and knew that if she were mine, she’d be wed and bred before the ink dried on the certificate.

---