“It was mine!” Everly says proudly.
“I did think about it, though,” Flip admits.
“Very classy.” Hemi snickers.
“Who wants to go snowshoeing?” Connor asks as a gust of wind blows snow around us and a dark cloud blankets out the sun. He tips his head up and frowns menacingly at the sky.
I shiver and wrap my arms around myself. “Uh, I’m probably heading in.” My pants are wet, there’s snow in my boots, and I’m pretty sure I have ice inside my shirt.
“Might be better to save that for tomorrow if the weather looks more promising.” Dred pats his chest.
“I thought the snow was coming later,” Connor grumbles.
“It is later.” Quinn holds out his phone. “It’s almost four, the sun is setting soon.”
We tromp back to the lodge as fat flakes make everything harder to see.
“Hot tub might be a good idea,” Quinn suggests.
“Yes!” Hammer agrees.
“I’m in,” Flip adds.
I say nothing. I’m not sure I can handle Flip in a bathing suit after what happened in the snow, but I don’t want to miss the opportunity either.
I hang my jacket on the heated drying rack in the mudroom, along with my gloves, toque, and scarf—all of which are soaked. Everyone who wasn’t outside building a snowman heads to the kitchen for drinks, while the rest of us climb the stairs.
“See you in a bit,” Quinn calls over his shoulder.
I disappear into my room, peeling off layers of wet clothes. I was right about the ice down my back. I cross to the dresser and grab my bikini, but I don’t make a move to go downstairs yet.
The hot tub would feel nice, but there’s new tension with Flip. A blanket by the fire might be the better option. Or I could just go talk to him. I pull on a pair of thermal leggings and an extra sweater, grab the book and step into the hall. I stop outside his door and summon my courage to knock. Bringing him a new book is a good icebreaker.
I raise my hand, but before I can knock, I find myself being tossed over a broad shoulder.
I shriek and drop the book on the floor. “What are you doing?” My cheek bounces twice against Quinn’s freckled back.
“It’s hot tub time!” Quinn shouts.
Flip pokes his head into the hall and frowns.
I give him ahelp melook.
“Romero! Hold up!” Flip shouts.
“Race you to the hot tub!” Quinn calls over his shoulder.
“My bathing suit is on my bed!”
Quinn darts into my room, grabs my bikini, and hustles back into the hall, Flip on our heels.
“Do not run down those stairs with Tally on your shoulder, Romero!” Flip snaps.
Quinn stops ten feet from the top of the stairs and gently sets my feet back on the ground. I’m lightheaded from being upside down, so when Flip moves in I brace my hand on his shoulder for balance.
“You okay, kitten?” His hand settles on my hip.
“I’m fine.” I don’t know if that’s entirely true. The whole vibe so far is wonky, and I’m pretty sure it’s all because I can’t get over my stupid mouth.
