Page 2 of Snowed in with the Grump

Get a grip, Ava.Making heart eyes at Carter all weekend is a bad idea. It's a tempting but terrible idea.

The trunk pops open, and I haul out colorful gift bags. Carter raises an eyebrow as he watches me pull out one bag after another.

“Geez, Ava. Did you buy out the whole store?”

Carter may not understand it, but gift-giving is my love language. “You may think I went overboard, but some of us enjoy bringing joy to others, Mr. Grinch.”

Carter holds his free hand up in mock surrender. “Hey, don't take it personally. I'm not big on holidays. You wouldn’t catch me dead wearing a stupid Christmas sweater.”

“It'd take a miracle,” I tease.

“Don’t hold your breath.”

I reach for another bag at the same time he grabs my suitcase. Our fingers brush accidentally, sending a spark up my arm. I pull back quickly, silently cursing myself for reacting.

Everything will be fine, I tell myself, as long as Carter doesn’t see me sweat.

I trudge behind him along the slushy path, focusing on each slippery step. Not on his long legs clad in faded jeans, hugging his lean hips.

We head inside, and my nerves kick into overdrive being alone with him. I take in the familiar rustic interior—the plaid sofa with handmade quilts, the stone fireplace with stockings hanging. But the halls are lined with plastic sheeting, sawhorses, and the musty scent of old timber.

“What’s with all the construction stuff?” I ask, desperate to break the tense silence.

Carter rubs the back of his neck, shifting his weight. “I’m doing some renovations on the original part of the cabin. It needs some minor upgrades.”

I run my hand along a plastic-draped wall. Under the crinkling plastic, there are uneven grooves in the aged timber.

“So what exactly are the renovations?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

“Just replacing some old flooring, knocking down a couple of walls.”

I lick my dry lips. “That sounds like you’re gutting the place, not minor upgrades. Are you working with a team?”

“I’m doing it myself so I can keep costs down. I know what I’m doing.”

I force an uneasy chuckle. “Got it. None of my business.”

His eyes narrow. “It's not a big deal. You’re making it sound like I'm teaching myself construction from YouTube videos.”

Sweat prickles on the back of my neck. If Carter starts demolishing walls, there’s no telling what long-buried secrets he might uncover. Secrets I’ve prayed would stay hidden forever.

“Should we take the gifts to the tree?” I ask, hating the timid tone of my voice.

Carter’s expression softens slightly as he leads the way into the cozy living area. A tall noble fir is already set up in the corner, fragrant and blanketed in white lights. Carter places the bags down while I arrange my packages beneath the branches.

When I turn, he’s standing closer than expected, those stormy eyes studying me, making my pulse skitter.Carter crosses his arms, and I glimpse the gruff, brooding guy Sarah described when I thirstily drank up any detail about her loner brother.

I'm reminded of a photo where he wore his Army uniform. It perfectly fit his broad shoulders and highlighted his trim waist, making him look handsome, sharp, and mature—a real soldier.

“Where is everyone else?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

“They went into town to get groceries and supplies. Didn’t want to make two trips with the snow coming down harder now.”

I glance at the window where fat, swirling flakes steadily fall—a knot forms in my stomach. We’re alone out here, at least for a while longer. I’m not sure if that makes things better or worse.

“I guess I should bring my stuff to my room?”

Carter nods, leading the way down the hall to the cozy guestroom. While he places my bags on the braided rug, I look around at the wood-paneled walls, comfy bed, and plush bedding, anything to avoid his nearness. It’s overwhelming in the small space.

---