"You'll get it."I'd prove that hiring me on wasn't a bad decision.
I got in my truck and drove to Mistletoe Inn.Once I had the signed contract in hand, I'd be commuting here daily.I parked by the inn and went inside, greeting Aspen.
Aspen came around the counter and hugged me."It's so good to have you home."
"It's good to be home."I'd missed being around my family.
"Are you here to see Natasha?"Aspen asked.
I nodded."Is she in her room?"
Aspen typed something on her phone."She likes to work at home in the evenings."
I frowned."Didn't she work during the day?"
"When you own a business, you work twenty-four seven."Aspen looked up from her screen."She said you can go on up."
"Thanks."
Before I could move, she tipped her head to the side, considering me."I heard you got the contract for the inn."
I nodded again."I'm getting the contract tonight."
"I hope this doesn't mean that you're going to be keeping an eye on me like the rest of our brothers?"
"Your brothers want to know that you're safe."I didn't agree with reporting back to Cooper, but I'd sure as hell keep an eye on my sister.
She rolled her eyes."You're the same as them, aren't you?"
I puffed out my chest."I'm my own man."
She laughed."Sure you are.You're a Sterling through and through."
I enjoyed the sound of that after being just another soldier in the army.I was back to being Ford Sterling, and I kind of liked it."Yeah, but I'm not going to gossip about you behind your back.I want to know that you're okay, but your life is your own.You won't see me butting into it."
Aspen smiled."You're my favorite brother."
"That has a nice ring to it."Since I was gone for so long, I wasn't anyone's favorite anything.I was more focused on my work than family.But that was going to change now that I was home for good.
I was here to reconnect with my family, not rekindle an old flame.Especially when I was seeing her to finalize our business arrangement.I could compartmentalize my work and family life.Right now, Natasha was squarely in my business world, and I couldn't forget that.
"For what it's worth, I'm excited that you'll be updating this place.It sure could use it."
"Tell Natasha I'm on my way."I took the stairs, marveling that I'd be spending most days here soon enough.It was a big project, but nothing I couldn't handle.My brothers wouldn't have given me free reign if they had reservations about my ability.
By the time I made it to her floor, I was a little out of breath.I strode to her door and lifted my hand to knock.
Within seconds, Natasha opened the door.Tonight she wore a cream sweater that hung off one shoulder, exposing a blush-colored bra strap, and leggings, covered with black leg warmers.Her hair fell over one shoulder in a braid, tendrils framing her face.She was dressed casually for an evening at home, but she was sexy as hell.
She opened the door wider so I could step inside."Thanks for stopping by."
"Sorry about earlier.I probably shouldn't have brought up business when you were meeting with your sister."
Natasha shrugged, and the sweater slid farther off her shoulder, the bare skin tantalizing me."Eve is my partner.We make these decisions together."She turned and led the way to the balcony."The truth is that I was dragging my feet."
She sat on the couch, curling her knees under her before covering her lower half with a cozy-looking blanket.I sat next to her on the couch, stretching out my legs, crossing one over the other.It felt good to relax after a long day.
Shoppers passed on the street below us, and holiday music played softly from a speaker.Flurries swirled around us, making it feel like we were in a real-life snow globe.The town was decorated for the holidays with twinkling lights and wreaths adorned with a red bow on every window."Why is that?"
