Adam opens the door, and the wind whistles into the back hallway, nipping at my ankles and nose.
My body locks up from the cold.
But he steps out into it, and I automatically follow, hands stuffed into my pockets as I try to match his footprints in the snow.
He slows, blocking most of the wind from me.
Gabe is close to my back.
I can feel him looming, always protective.
Greyson howls behind his brother, and it cracks a smile across my mouth.
White flurries around us so hard that I can’t tell which way we’re going. I can only hope that Adam knows the way.
Cold bites and swats at my nose.
My feet grow numb in my short boots.
I didn’t come into work prepared for this kind of weather.
Nearly toppling from the wind, my feet slip on the powder, and I’m off my feet.
But I don’t hit the ground, Gabe’s arms have me cradled against his chest.
His cap covers his brows, but the rest of his face is exposed.
I nuzzle myself under his chin and hear his hum of approval.
It takes longer than I expect, but the light from Adam’s porch shines as we stop to be let in.
The shuffle is quick. Lights get flipped on, and we’re closed in. And it’s blissfully no longer windy.
It takes Gabe long seconds to release me, and I wobble on my feet. The four of us are completely alone. No interruptions.
Hands brace my shoulders, and I look up at Gabe’s golden-brown eyes.
“You okay?”
“Yep.” My voice is small, and so is his smile.
Jackets and boots come off at the door before we’re ushered a little further into Adam’s cabin.
The heater whirrs to combat the cold and the silence. I don’t get much of a look at the interior, other than noting it’s made of the same wood as the Lodge.
“It’s about time we have this conversation, princess.” Adam’s behind me again.
“Ooo,” Greyson singsongs, breaking a little of the tension by making me laugh.
Adam’s fingers glide up my spine, making me bite my lip. “This is serious. Because the way I feel about you is intense. And I don’t seem to be the only one.”
Gabe tucks a knuckle under my chin to meet his gaze. He takes a half step to the side to let Greyson join the circle around me.
“You’re pretty special, firecracker.”
I make a face at him, but it dissolves into a smile.
“We’ve already had this conversation amongst ourselves, but we need to confirm this with you.” Adam’s rumble against my back has me shivering.
