Page 42 of Snowed in with the Grump

I meet Carter’s gaze. A smile plays on his lips, but no one notices the loaded glances between us.

I smile as I pass out the gifts I selected for each person. When I get to Carter, I bite my lip.

“I'm so sorry, I have nothing for you.”

Carter shakes his head, his eyes soft. His warm gaze sends shivers down my spine.

“Don't worry about it, Ava. Your company is the only present I need.”

My heart flutters, but the moment is interrupted by Sarah's exaggerated gagging sounds. I blush deeply and awkwardly look away.

“Here you go, Sarah,” I say brightly, handing her a beautifully wrapped box.

Sarah tears off the paper, and her eyes widen as she opens the gift box. She pulls them out carefully, admiring them. “Oh, my god, these shoes are incredible!”

“They’re the ones you wanted, right?” We were browsing online when Sarah pointed them out.

But then her expression shifts to a frown. “They cost a fortune, Ava. You don't exactly have money to burn.”

“I just wanted to get you something nice, Sarah,” I say, trying not to sound hurt over spending four hundred dollars on shoes.

Sarah rolls her eyes. “And put yourself into debt again? You know, for someone so 'generous,' you sure don't manage your money well.”

I bite my tongue as the joy of giving her gift sours. Although Sarah’s my friend, her sharp words cut deeply because they hold a grain of truth.

Maybe my beat-up car and empty bank account make me pathetic in her eyes, but at least I know how to give freely and from the heart.

“How dare you speak to Ava like that,” Carter snaps at his sister.

“Well, well. Look who's getting cozy,” Sarah snipes.

My cheeks burn as all eyes turn to me.

Carter's jaw clenches, his eyes flashing angrily. “The shoes were a thoughtful gift to make you feel special and cared for.”

Sarah's eyes narrow, darting between Carter and me. “I appreciate the gesture.”

“Funny way of showing appreciation for your best friend.”

Sarah scoffs, “Oh, please. I'm protecting her.”

“From what?”

“From herself! Her financial irresponsibility.”

Sarah's barbed comment is a slap across the face.

Carter snaps. “There are more important things than money. You don't deserve her friendship if you can't see Ava's good heart.”

Carter moves to my side and wraps his arm firmly around my shoulders, pulling me close. It's as if he's staking his claim in front of the others—choosing me and not backing down.

Sarah’s face flushes with fury as understanding dawns on her–Carter and I are lovers. She sees how he protectively wraps his arm around me.

“I can't believe this!” Sarah exclaims, pointing an accusing finger at us. “My brother and my best friend! You two are together behind my back?”

I wilt under her glare, even as Carter tightens his hold on me possessively.

Sarah looks at me like I'm a stranger, pain and betrayal etched on her face.

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