Snowbound - Harlequin.com

244 SNOWBOUND
checked out the bathroom and said, “Okay, now that’s
a tub,” then asked what she could do to help with dinner.
High-heeled boots and all, she chopped and sautéed
and with aplomb served the two couples who were currently
guests. She helped clean the kitchen after dinner,
too. When they were done, she said, “Coffee.”
He poured two cups.
“Sit,” she ordered.
Crap. He sat.
“This is a nice place. It’s pretty.” Her tone said, For
those who like such things. “Last February, when you
bought the lodge, it seemed like a plan. Maybe even a
good investment. But now you’ve been here over a year.
It’s been almost a year since you visited Mom and Dad.”
“I love them, but I can’t talk to them.”
“A lot of people can’t talk to their parents. They still
show up for obligatory holiday visits. You know.
Thanksgiving? Christmas?”
“Those are my busiest times of the year.”
Momentarily diverted, she said, “Did you celebrate
at all?”
“I cooked a turkey at Thanksgiving. And all the trimmings.
At Christmas…” What to say about Christmas?
I exchanged gifts in bed with the woman I love?
“What? You cooked a ham?” His sister wasn’t impressed.
“I put up a tree. We had a party.” If sedately sipping
mulled cider and gazing at a poor excuse for a Christmas
tree qualified.
Her tone gentled. “Do you ever see friends?”
Nerves were jumping under his skin, making him