Page 11 of Snowed in with the Grump

But she was too young to settle down and too innocent to be around me with the desires that heated my blood. Enlisting and leaving town was the right choice at the time, but damn, if it didn't hollow me out.

Ava’s a fully grown woman now. Nothing is holding us back. The spark between us is growing stronger. Soon, it will be an inferno impossible to extinguish.

I know I should protect her by keeping my distance. If I could make wise choices when I was young, why do I feel so reckless now?

I’ve handled explosives, combat, and extreme danger without flinching. Yet I’m powerless against her charms.

Either I act and let the fire consume me, or I risk losing this passion like smoke slipping through my fingers. For better or worse, I have to trust my instincts before fate decides for me.

When I cool down enough to return to the kitchen, trusting I won't do anything reckless, I find a pot bubbling on the stove. But no Ava. I check the rooms, but she's vanished.

As I step outside, a gust of wind whips my skin. I curse Ava’s recklessness as my breath clouds in icy wisps. Fear rises in my throat as I follow her tracks. What if she’s hurt?

When I find her, a shivering silhouette gazing thoughtfully at some far-off point, her beauty strikes me breathless.

My gut reaction is to scold her for venturing alone, yet the stronger urge is to embrace and shield her from the unrelenting cold.

All I want is to keep her safe and warm. Everything in me screams to take her in my arms and crush her wind-chapped lips with mine. I tamp down the urge. I’m not worthy.

Ava turns, eyes widening in surprise, then relief. “Carter—”

My heart clenches at seeing her like this, so vulnerable. “What are you doing out here?”

“I had to go outside for a bit,” she says defensively. “Didn’t think I needed your permission.”

I shrug off my jacket and drape it over her shoulders. “That’s true, but a note would’ve been good.”

“Sorry. I never intended to worry you. It’s not that bad out here.”

“The shed has extra supplies we should gather before the storm worsens,” I say, my eyes drifting to the clouds rolling in. “Let’s get you inside where it’s cozy and dry.”

As the wind picks up, keeping Ava comfortable and secure feels more important than anything else. Ava’s shoulders tremble slightly as her eyes meet mine.

“I think I’ve gotten my fill of fresh air for now. If you don’t start bossing me around, I'll come with you.”

She adds a dramatic sigh to an exaggerated eye roll. Usually, her sassy attitude makes me want to bend her over my knee.

But now, with her nose pink from the cold and an impish grin spreading across her face, I want to get her warm and kiss every inch of her body.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I say.

“Do we have enough firewood?” she asks as we trudge toward the outbuilding, our breaths fogging the frigid air.

“Plenty at the cabin, but we’ll carry as much as we can manage.”

We reach the storage shed quickly, and I slide the door open. It won’t be as easy to open once the snow falls. Ava gathers supplies—cans of beans, potatoes, and other non-perishables, including smaller items like matches and batteries.

I take hold of the ax and begin chopping, each swing helping to funnel my frustration. The exertion quiets my racing thoughts as I split another log clean down the middle. But my bum shoulder and weak hand slow any progress.

I keep battling, ignoring the throbbing pain, wanting to wrap this up. Splinters fly everywhere, but the pile isn’t getting any bigger.

Frustrated, I tear off my gloves. A cleaner grip will help finish the job and get us out of the cold sooner.

“Are you certain that’s a good idea?” Ava asks, concern lacing her voice.

“I can handle it,” I say.

Ava arches an eyebrow but remains silent.

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