“That’s not true. You said you took a break because you needed a moment. A breather. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Everyone needs a break once in a while. If anything, it’s healthy.”
“Really?” She tilted her head, making those blonde, almost white tresses slip from her shoulder. “When’s the last time you took a break? From life?”
“I’m here,” I said, and she gifted me with a laugh so genuine and real that it did something to me.
“And before this?” We both knew she’d made her point as I opened and shut my mouth. I was a workaholic.
“When’s the last time you came home?”
“Honestly? Five, maybe six years ago.” Her eyes widened.
“Wait? How? Didn’t you say you had this place built two years ago?” I nodded.
“You would be surprised what you can do now through the magic of video calls and emails.”
“Wow… So, you had a place built in your hometown without coming to check on it?”
“My sister helped keep an eye on things.” Her brow rose, and she nodded.
“I see. Busy man.”
“You could say that.” My throat felt tight. Something in the way she had been looking at me changed. Her eyes dimmed like she was almost slightly disappointed in me. And I hated it.
“So, umm…” She pressed her lips together. “Working hard, unable to come home. What does your wife say about that?”
“Wife? I’ve never been married, princess.”
“Well, girlfriend, then.”
“I haven’t had one of those since… high school.”
“Really?” She leaned in a little closer.
“I’ve been busy. Building my company,” I explained even though I knew it sounded lame.
“Guess we both work hard… really hard.”
“That we do.”
“And we somehow found our way here at the same time. During a blizzard.” I loved the way her eyes started to brighten back up.
“I’m not here for a whole week.” I swallowed, hating the thought of not staying with her the entire time.
“Right… but for now, we’re here. Together.”
“We are,” I confirmed, unable to remember what I even had waiting for me back in LA as I let myself drown in the pools of her beautiful eyes. “What about you?”
“What about me?” she asked with a glint in her eyes that told me she knew exactly what I was asking but playing hard to get. Unable to help myself, I scooted a little closer to her.
“Do you have someone waiting at home for you, princess?”
“Princess, huh?” She grinned, her pale cheeks changing colors to the prettiest shade of pink. Almost as pink as her lips.
“Do you have a boyfriend or husband waiting for you back in Moonlit Pines?”
“No.” Her lips twitched like a naughty little minx. “I’m not dating anyone.”
“That’s good to know.”
