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“Sure you can.” He smiles.

For the second time tonight, arms wrap around my waist. This time, Pascal lifts me beside the tree while I balance the glass star in my hands. I lean forward, trying not to topple into the boughs and ruin all our work.

“Don’t worry, Nina,” he says softly. “I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”

A feeling washes over me as his arms tighten. I can’t quite name it—a mix of desire and comfort, perhaps. His hold is strong and carefully controlled, without Jarek’s playfulness.

As soon as I place the star, he lowers me to my feet. I turn to thank him, but we’re close enough that our noses could touch, and my words stick in my throat.

Pascal doesn’t step back, but he doesn’t lean closer either. He stands perfectly composed, shoulders rising and falling steadily, a hint of burning light in his eyes.

“Perfect,” he says diplomatically. “Great job. The star looks good.”

I nod and turn back to the tree before I read too much into that look.

“It’s not as glamorous as I’d planned,” I say, studying the decorations. “But honestly, these antique ornaments are even lovelier. They make it feel meaningful.”

Since the fireplace makes the study the only warm room in the house, we decide to spend the night there.

Before long, I’m drowsy on the couch. I try to keep listening to the guys discuss their plans for the month, but my eyelids keep getting heavier.

“Here.” Pascal pulls a blanket from behind the couch and drapes it over me. “Get some rest.”

He tucks it around me, patting down any gaps where cold air could sneak through, then steps back to refill his glass from the bourbon on a nearby table. My eyes close within seconds as the warmth and coziness of the evening catch up to me.

I sleep lightly, and my eyes flicker open a few times during the night. I catch glimpses of the three men standing around the fireplace with their glasses, talking and occasionally glancing my way.

When I wake again, warmth surrounds me. I blink, letting my eyes adjust. The fire is still going, and on both sides of me, all three guys appear to be sound asleep on the couch.

Zander is on my right, Jarek on my left, and Pascal beside him. The blanket is spread over all of us now, and the feeling of having fallen into their little brotherly family is impossible to ignore.

In my sleepy state, it’s hard to separate the fantasy of this moment from reality, but I remind myself that these are my employers—not my friends, and certainly not anything more. I need to keep my head on straight and not let their admittedly charming personalities influence my judgment.

I settle back against the couch and pull the blanket tighter. Just before my eyes close, I catch Pascal’s eyes looking back at me. He closes them a moment later, but for that moment, it feels as if he might be trying to keep his head on straight, too.

CHAPTER 5

JAREK

We’re back from a day on the slopes, showered and settling in for the night, when my publicist calls for the fifth time today.

I pace the house with my phone to my ear, while arguing with him. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Jarek, you need to start trusting me,” he argues back. “My job is to promote your career, the studio, and the upcoming films. A staged public relationship between you and Joy Davie is good for the franchise. Your fans will eat it up, and that means more revenue.”

“Let me think about it,” I groan, knowing I can only dodge this for so long. There’s no point arguing with him. He’s just doing the studio execs’ bidding, and the studio execs don’t like being told no.

“Trouble in paradise?” Zander teases after I hang up.

“Nah.” I shrug it off. “This is paradise right here. I’m trying not to think about work until after the holidays.”

“Good plan. Same here,” Zander says. “Most of my investors take a breather in December for family commitments, so business should quiet down for a few weeks.”

“I wish I could say the same,” Pascal sighs. “My family never takes a break, not even for the holidays.”

I don’t envy the corporate dancing those two have to do, especially Pascal. His family’s company, mainly the board and his mother at its head, keeps him on a short leash. All the money and access that come with representing the Beaumont name have a price. I guess we all have our burdens.

Mine happens to be hidden behind a mask most of the time.