My phone buzzed. Garrett:How's the retreat going? Learning lots?
I smiled and typed back:More than I expected. In all the best ways.
His response was immediate:That's cryptic. Spill when you get home.
Maybe,I sent back. Then, because I couldn't help myself:Probably. Yeah. Definitely.
Garrett:JASON ALEXANDER FOSTER. Did you meet someone???
I bit my lip, grinning at my phone.I'll tell you everything when I get back. Promise.
Garrett:You'd better. Finn and Micah are going to lose their minds.
***
The afternoon session was torture but in the best possible way. Brent was teaching about craft elements in mystery and suspense. Every time our eyes met, I had to bite back a smile. Once, I caught him mid-sentence, and he stumbled over his words before recovering, his ears going red.
It was adorable.
Rebecca noticed. I saw her narrow her eyes, saw her look between us with calculation. But I couldn't bring myself to care.
After the session, Brent announced one-on-one appointment slots were available for later in the week. Half the room signed up immediately. I hung back, not wanting to seem obvious.
But as people filed out, he caught my eye and smiled—this small, private smile that made my stomach flip.
Claire appeared at my elbow as I gathered my things. "So," she said, voice low. "You and Brent seem... close."
My face heated. "We're roommates. We've been working together."
"Mm-hmm." Her smile was knowing but kind. "For what it's worth, I think it's sweet. You both seem happier."
I didn't know what to say to that, so I just smiled and escaped before she could press further.
***
The evening social was both better and worse than usual. Better because I kept catching Brent's eye across the room, sharing secret smiles. Worse because all I wanted to do was drag him back to the suite and pick up where we'd left off.
Someone had strung more lights around the great room, and the scent of hot chocolate and cinnamon filled the air. Holiday music played softly in the background—instrumental versions of Christmas classics. The lodge felt warm and festive, but all I could focus on was Brent.
When most people had drifted off to their rooms, I slipped out and headed for our room. My heart raced with anticipation.
Brent appeared ten minutes later, and the moment the door closed behind him, we were reaching for each other.
"Hi," he said, already pulling me close.
"Hi."
We kissed until we were both gasping and laughing, stumbling toward the loveseat.
"So," he said, settling me against his side.
I was still grinning. "We kissed."
"Multiple times."
"Extensively."
He laughed and pressed a kiss to my temple. "I kept thinking about it all afternoon. Couldn't focus on anything else."
