Page 38 of Snowed in with the Grump

But the intimacy between us feels like a third presence, a secret energy threatening to give us away if we stand too close.

“I'll help you unload the cars,” Carter mutters, avoiding my eyes as he brushes past me and heads outside, with Sarah following on his heels.

When Sarah returns, I paste a smile on my face and help unpack groceries. The knot in my stomach loosens slightly when Sarah and I fall into a familiar evening routine.

When I confess the truth, I hope things return to normal and our friendship won't be irreparably damaged.

“So you stayed in town. That’s a relief. We were worried,” I say.

“It wasn’t the same as being here, but we had fun,” she chirps, oblivious to the tension twisting my insides.

Sarah grins. “It’s nice to see my brother so relaxed.”

My heart skips a beat. Does she know? Did Carter say something?

“Really?” I feign surprise, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear nervously.

“True story, but you seem off. Is everything okay?”

“For sure,” I say, brushing off her concern with a wave.

When Sarah tells me about their adventures, I nod and laugh at her jokes, but my secret sits like a lead weight on my chest.

The crinkling of plastic bags and dull thuds of canned goods hitting the countertop grate on my nerves.My palms grow slick every minute we’re alone, but how do I tell my best friend I’ve fallen for her brother?

If she rejects us, it could ruin our lifelong friendship. But if forced to choose, there’s only one option—Carter.

Carter doesn’t meet my gaze when others are around. He uses the hubbub of people arriving as an excuse to focus on his renovations, striding purposefully to the shed, his broad shoulders tense under his work shirt.

I miss his touch, his warm eyes, and his calloused hands caressing me with infinite tenderness. His distance feels cruel after the closeness we shared during the storm.

I’ll bide my time until he’s ready to tell his sister about our relationship, but until then, I’ll keep my yearning hidden. It shouldn’t be difficult. I’ve had years of practice.

By late afternoon, the holiday spirit invades everyone except me. Laughter and Christmas carols echo down the halls as they chat excitedly about tonight’s gift exchange.

My nerves make me restless. Chopping potatoes and basting the roast gives me something to do, but my mind spins in worried circles.

CHAPTER13

CARTER

Igenuinely admire Ava on a deeper level. The more she tells me about her life these past days, the more I fall for the caring, passionate woman she’s become.

She’s seeking fulfillment while staying true to herself. There’s beauty in the modest yet meaningful life she’s building.

Our connection has grown into something profound. Ava and I agreed to keep our new relationship under wraps for now. That’s why I made myself scarce when the others arrived.

I didn't trust myself to put on an act and pretend Ava and I were friends. Not when every fiber of my being wanted to pull Ava aside and pick up where we left off during the storm.

My abrupt departure made Ava tense, her guard rising. It's my fault. By recoiling into myself, I’ve made her believe I’ll never change.

I need to bridge the emotional distance and prove myself capable of giving her the love and support she needs. A peace offering.

Some heartfelt gesture to show I'm committed to our future, but what?

I rack my brain, pondering it as I work alone, sawing wooden planks.

Sarah appears in the doorway, her cheeks flushed from the cold.“Hey, big brother. We didn’t get a chance to catch up.”

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