Snowed In For Christmas: A Fun Feel-Good Holiday Romance Novel - Kimberly Krey Page 0,34

sure you’re anxious to get back to your family though,” he was quick to add. His brow furrowed as he turned his gaze toward the fire and draped his arms across his bent knees. “I bet Chantelle’s getting impatient too,” he mumbled.

Ivy studied him as he narrowed his gaze at the flames. She got the sense he regretted saying what he had, about wishing they could stay longer. She hadn’t forgotten what he’d told her the other night—that he didn’t believe in love. And as guarded as she’d been over the years, Ivy knew Easton’s reservations went much deeper. So what would happen after today? He’d just go back to his life of solitude? Sure, he had coworkers and clients coming through, but would he ever really give his heart to someone?

And what if her wishful thinking stemmed from a place that wondered the same thing? A place that said if he and Ivy had enough time together, he might just overcome his objections completely?

The thought planted an ache deep in her chest. Part of her wanted to assure him that she felt the same. She’d love to spend another week with him there. But another part of her, the part that said it was best to quit while she was ahead, was glad their time would end before he could discover the parts that made her…easy to leave. Better to end things on a good note, remain mysterious, and know that he left liking her the way she liked him.

But what if that thought was selfish? It was cowardly, in the least of it. Because wasn’t Easton worth the risk? If he truly was finding a unique connection with her, if there really was potential for something more, one of them would have to push past their fears and do something about it.

I could stay here with you another week…His comment came to her mind, suggesting that, in a way, Easton had put himself out there.

Come on, Ivy. Tell him you’re not in a hurry to get back. That you’re barely missing your family because he’s made the day so special and fun. And romantic…

“I almost forgot,” Easton said, hurrying to a stand and heading toward the cupboard.

A blend of relief and disappointment sunk through her. Gone was the pressure of stepping out of her comfort zone. But also gone was her chance to assure Easton that she felt the same.

“I got you one last surprise while I was out,” he said. “After we sent your family that text, we weren’t able to stick around where the internet connection was to get their response. So today, I took your phone with me, turned it on while I was in range, and let it receive all your texts.”

A rush of excitement shot through her at the idea of hearing from her family. “You did?” She was quick to sit up as he joined her back at the fireplace, phone in hand.

“I did,” he assured. “I also sent them another text that said we’re still safe and still waiting for the storm to clear.”

Now it was gratitude rushing in. “That was so thoughtful,” she said as she took the phone from him. “Thank you.”

Her family hadn’t disappointed. There were over eighty missed texts on her family group chat. She hovered her thumb over the screen as a grin pulled at her lips. “You ready?”

Easton’s brows lifted. “You’re going to share with me?” he asked, already scooting in closer.

“Of course.” The warmth from his closeness felt like a promise. There had to be more to this. So much more. But then she noticed something. Her battery was higher than it’d been before. “This was at twelve percent earlier,” she said, baffled.

“I have a battery pack, so I gave it a little juice to keep it going.”

“Ah,” she tipped her head back. Of course.

The text thread opened up with dozens of bubbles filled with holiday greetings, photos from the Christmas Eve party, and…assumptions about what Ivy was up to?

In her effort to breeze past the long thread and up to the top, Ivy had spotted a text from her teasing brother, Ronny: Hope Ivy’s cuddling up to the Colorado bachelor to stay warm tonight. Kissy, kissy…. Kissing emojis followed.

“Looks like they’re talking about me too,” Easton pointed out.

Ivy’s face flushed with heat. She glanced up at him, wondering if perhaps she’d made a mistake by not looking over the messages by herself first. It’d be impossible to filter through them with Easton so