“I also use Celcius, you royal pain in the ass.” His cheeks redden. “It’s still below freezing.”
I roll my eyes as though I’m not also suffering. Having acclimated to the Caribbean and Texas climates, I find my blood rather thinner than it was when I lived here more regularly.
“Whatever. You admitted that you basically love me, too.”
“I said no such thing!” He throws up his hands, but I know it’s an act.
“You said I was the reason you rejected all suitors. Sounds like love to me.”
His mouth drops open and I, in turn, raise my brows in challenge.
“Fine. I’ve probably been in love with you for a while as well.”
“How romantic. I barely had to pull that out of you. Only a tooth extraction would’ve been more painful.”
“Are we going yet?”
I reach out my hand and he laces his fingers with mine. “Yes, dear.”
Every cell in my body is effervescent with joy as I drive us to the horse stables, which he declares are the fanciest stables he’s ever seen before in his life.
It gets a little hilly along the back of the property, and he says it looks like a Christmas postcard. When flurries begin to whirl around us, he insists I stop the vehicle so he can get outside and be in the snow.
“I’ve never seen snow like this!”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I don’t like it, but it is beautiful.”
“I feel the exact same way about it. Why do you think I live in Texas now?”
He turns, blinking up at me with fat white snowflakes landing on the black fringe of his lashes. “So… You’re officially a Texan?”
“I believe I am.” I bring a gloved hand to his face, leaning in for a kiss. He giggles against my lips.
“Great, now you’ve made me self-conscious,” I say, brushing the snow off his fringe.
“No! It’s just that your nose is so cold.”
“So is yours,” I say, honking it.
Gael shakes his head, taking in the scenery. “My parents are never going to believe this place.”
“Wait till I show you the manor.”
“Let’s go!” He pulls away, attempting to run back to the vehicle.
I grab him and drag him back to me. “Say it.”
His innocent eyes fool no one. “Say what?”
“You know. Say it like you mean it.”
He scrunches his nose, then gives in to the smile that makes my heart race.
“I love you, Tolly.”
His sincerity and the warmth of his accent bring a tear to my eye, and I wipe it away with a gloved hand. “Now, was that so hard?” I joke, my voice cracking with emotion.
