Iwas aware of Dale’s presence beside me all night. That didn’t mean I slept uncomfortably, but he was definitely there. His warmth. The sense of him in my thoughts and my dreams. Like a soothing breath of air. Like that blanket he’d left me on the porch.
His every gesture caught my attention.
The next morning, I assessed my body. No sign of my heat. What a relief. It wasn’t uncommon for me to have heats off schedule. They might come early, or very late. I hoped it would be well after Christmas. But if it did hit, I would have to leave our amazing Winter Wonderland Lodge and that was that.
Dale was still asleep when I came out of the bathroom after my shower. He deserved to sleep in. Even with my damp hair, I contemplated going back to bed for a few minutes. I made coffee instead.
Being raised with manners, I avoided looking at Dale as he slept. But of course, I couldn’t help but catch glimpses of him.Not my fault if I walked by the bed and saw him curled on his side, one muscled arm clutching a pillow to his chest, his brown hair falling over his eyes.
He looked adorable. Made my heart flutter.
I ignored that as best as I could and went to the door where the cart was with our empty dinner trays. I thought about wheeling it out to the porch, but the sky was gray, and the tops of the trees swayed. The last thing I wanted was for Dale to wake to a burst of cold air.
As I pushed the cart to one side, I saw a piece of paper on the floor. The edges curled up as if it had been damp at some point. I picked it up.
It was a note from Winter Wonderland Wilderness management.
Dear Guests (Mr.Frazier and Mr. Cassidy):
Some of ouroverbooked guests have recently vacated their cabins or rooms early. As a result, we have two new rooms available at the lodge, and one single cabin at the north end of the property.
We are givinga few guests the opportunity to move.
You werefirst on the list to be informed of this change because you were the first to cooperate with our mishap and allow us to assign you a room.
We would be pleasedto help one of you move to new accommodations. This offer is free, at no extra charge to either of you.
Please letthe front desk know your decision by 2 p.m. this afternoon. We will offer any assistance you need.
Happy holidaysand have a great stay at Winter Wonderland Wilderness Resort.
Your friendly front desk clerk,
Henry Mittenger (Extension009 for assistance)
From behind me,a voice. “What’s that?”
I turned, note in hand. “Um. It’s nothing. I mean it’s something.”
Dale rubbed at his eyes and sat up, the covers falling to his lap. His eyebrows went up as if he’d just remembered something amazing. “Hey. Merry Christmas Eve.”
“Yeah.” I slowly walked over and handed him the letter.
“Did they already leave the bill?”
I shook my head, linking my hands in front of me.
Dale squinted at the paper, silently reading. When he finished, he looked up. “Oh. Uh, I guess this is very nice of them.”
My fingers squeezed together. “I like it here,” I began.
“Does that mean you want me to move?”
I gulped. “I didn’t meanyoushould. I was just saying.”
“I like it here, too.” He set the paper aside. A forced smile appeared. “Does that mean we’re going to fight for this cabin?”
I wasn’t sure what to say. “I can go.” My voice sounded weirdly robotic.
