Page 37 of Snowed in with the Grump

Carter’s smile is so full of love that it makes my heart ache. “I want you to move in and help me renovate the cabin.”

The rumble of cars and the crunch of tires makes us freeze. My heart leaps into my throat. The others are back sooner than expected. Carter grasps my shoulders, his solemn eyes boring into mine.

“Whatever happens next, we'll face it together,” he promises firmly.

I cling to those words as we steel ourselves to pretend, at least for now, that nothing has changed.

Sarah breezes in, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Snowflakes cling to her hair, melting instantly as she unwinds her scarf and tosses it haphazardly onto the counter.

“Wow, Ava! It smells amazing in here.”

Ivy and the guys follow Sarah, tumbling into the kitchen in a noisy frenzy.

“The roads finally cleared,” Ivy announces. “We came as soon as we could. Did the power go out here, too?”

“Welcome back,” I greet, giving Sarah a big hug. “I'm so glad you made it back safely. We were worried about you.”

“Thanks. It’s good to be back.” She smiles, rubbing her hands together to chase away the lingering chill. “So, how was it being cooped up with Carter? Did my grumpy brother drive you crazy or what?”

My cheeks flush as I busy myself pouring coffee to avoid her gaze.

“There was plenty to do. We managed.”

“Really?” Sarah quirks an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she studies me.Her eyes dart between Carter and me.

I ignore her and pour batter into the waffle iron.“Survival mode, remember? Chopping wood, keeping warm. We trimmed the tree by candlelight and even built a snowman. You should check it out later.”

I gesture toward the window, where our lopsided creation stands proudly amongst the pristine white landscape.

“Wow, Carter did something fun? I'm impressed!” Sarah laughs. “You must have worked your magic on him.”

I’m not sure what she means. Is it a lighthearted comment or evidence that she would support a relationship between us?

Butterflies swirl in my stomach when Carter returns to the kitchen. His hand brushes mine as he reaches for a taste, shooting sparks up my spine.

“Smells delicious,” he rumbles in his gravelly voice.

I bite my lip and take a deep breath as Carter lingers in the kitchen.

“Do you need any help?” he asks, rolling his sleeves.

“Don't trouble yourself, big brother. We all know cooking isn't your forte,” Sarah says with a dismissive laugh.

Carter's jaw tightens.

Sighing, I shake my head at Sarah's rudeness but bite my tongue. I make a mental note to check on Carter later, hoping he won't retreat into his gruff shell after Sarah’s pointed comment.

Eyeing him carefully, Sarah senses the shift in mood.

“I hear you did lots of other good things, though,” she adds brightly.

Carter nods silently, lingering in the kitchen doorway momentarily before excusing himself to check on some random thing. I don’t blame him and wish I could get away, too.

The day passes without incident. I try to act normal, helping Sarah and Ivy unpack the groceries and supplies they picked up in town. But I sense Sarah's eyes on me. Does she suspect anything?

An undercurrent of unease thrums within me every time we speak. I force myself to sound casual as I ask mundane questions and laugh too loudly at her replies. If she notices anything, she doesn't let on.

By unspoken agreement, Carter and I are careful not to exchange telling glances or touch when we're with the others.

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