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“Oh my God, look at it. There’s nothing better than a big overnight snowstorm to wake up to,” Scarlett said. “But this won’t last for long. Give New York another day, and it’ll be gray slush, but right now it’s perfect.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Isabella said. “Last night was the first time I’d ever seen snow fall.”

Scarlett slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Then you’re going to lose your mind in the park. We’re meeting at Lacey’s first, and her friends Jae and Nat are coming too. We’ll build snowmen, go skating and sledding, and be forewarned: snow days always seem to end in a snowball fight.”

Isabella laughed.

Scarlett gave her a squeeze. “Go get dressed. We’ll meet you by the elevator in about thirty minutes. And wear something warm. Knowing Aria, there’s probably an entire winter wardrobe waiting for you in that closet.”

“Thirty minutes?” Isabella glanced down at the sheet wrapped around her. “I’d better hurry.”

She started toward the hall.

I caught her hand before she could go far.

“Not until you get some food in you.”

“But they’re waiting.”

“They can survive a few extra minutes.”

Isabella sighed. “Fine. Eggs, bacon, and toast won’t take long.”

Scarlett laughed. “I’ll let Lacey know you’re coming.”

The door closed behind her, and Isabella immediately turned toward the hall.

I scooped her up before she made it two steps.

“Lachlan!”

She caught my shoulders as I carried her back toward the bedroom, the sheet bundled around her.

“You’re the one who insists I have to eat, and now you’re taking me in the wrong direction.”

“I’m aware.”

I set her beside the bed, and the sheet slipped to the floor.

Fuck, maybe I should have left her in the kitchen. Now I was no longer hungry for food.

I caught her face in my hands and kissed her. She kissed me back for a few seconds, melting into me, then planted both palms against my chest and pushed me away.

“Stop it. People are waiting for us.”

“You’re standing naked in my bedroom. My priorities shifted.”

“I have to cook. Remember, you’re the one who insisted on breakfast.”

“I did. Then your lack of clothing distracted me.”

She laughed and glanced toward the bed. “Where’s the T-shirt I was wearing?”

I opened the closet, pulled a clean one from the shelf, and handed it over.

She tugged it on, and I gave her ass a firm smack as she turned toward the door.

“Hey.”