Page 65 of The Snowflake Effect

“What?” I repeat, straightening my top. “Let’s see…we haven’t talked yet, and I’m pretty sure your son is upstairs, along with your assistant, who could both walk down here at any moment. And I have it on good authority you ate one of my cupcakes. That’s what.”

His jaw works back and forth. “Whose authority?”

“Your tongue’s. I’d know that taste anywhere, Fabio, and I don’t share cupcakes.”

“Maybe I need to be punished.” A wicked grin lights his face.

I narrow my eyes and point to the ceiling. “There are people here,” I hiss. “Do you have no shame?”

“Jackson’s asleep and Stella’s probably passed out, too. She had a long tattoo session today. But if you want me to keep my hands off you, I suggest not making those moaning sounds when you see junk food. Not even a breathy hum. I’m on a tightrope with you, and those noises of yours push me over the edge.”

Sounds? I make breathy sounds? “Don’t put your lack of self-control on me.”

He steps closer, and I almost reach for him. “I also suggest not arguing with me. When I say I’m close to snapping, I’m not fucking around. I’ll stay away from you…for now. Just know it won’t be easy.” He inhales deeply, as if scenting me, then strides around to the opposite side of the island.

He leans his elbows on the counter, and I focus on the food. Chicken. Potatoes. Cookie dough cupcake. When I realize I’d rather taste the remnants of that perfect dessert on Kolton’s tongue than eat one myself, the situation I’m in becomes clear: Some naked Twister will be played tonight. First, I need to eat. Then, we need to talk. And then, Lord Jesus, I need to release the caged beast eyeing me from the other side of the island.

He pours me a glass of wine and takes a beer for himself.

As I dig into my meal, he says, “Talk.”

“Just like that? Talk?”

“Just like that. What happened? How’d your financial troubles get this far?”

I push the food around my plate, no longer so hungry. “I told you about Richard.” He nods, so I go on, “After Aspen, I needed to get my life together—needed to find myself again and feel in control. Especially because I gave up a great promotion when I was with him, which I still hugely regret, and ended up designing retirement homes. Not a word, Fabio,” I say as his mouth opens.

He holds up his hands in surrender and refrains from spewing whatever teasing comment was on the tip of his tongue.

“Anyway,” I continue, “I was gung-ho about quitting and did it before I had something lined up. Add a ridiculous credit card bill from my trip, and cash was leaving faster than it was coming in. I had trouble making rent. And”—I glare at Kolton—“some people have said I can be a bit strong-willed.”

“Stubborn as fuck,” he chimes in.

I ignore him. “I didn’t want to ask for money from anyone. My folks get by, but they’re not exactly rolling in cash. Raven’s still paying off her school loans. That left Lily, but every time I opened my mouth to ask for help, I felt sick. So I got both jobs—the internship to build my future, the retail gig to put some cash in my pocket—but it wasn’t enough.”

“And you kept putting the problem off?” Kolton asks, no longer teasing. There’s concern in his tone.

I nod. “I knew I’d be evicted soon, but I kept thinking some miracle would happen, like an amazing commission at Sass and Style. Then I had to give up shifts to focus on your project, and Angela just found out her sister’s having surgery. Nothing serious, but she needs to help her out and can’t keep covering for me. She’s hiring someone more reliable. Now there’s no way I’ll make my rent.”

He tips his beer back and swallows. “How long?”

“How long until what?”

“Until you’re evicted.”

“Twelve days.”

He leans forward on his elbows again, but this time he’s staring at the countertop. He swallows, chews his lip a moment, then he looks up and says, “Move in with me, Shay.”

CHAPTER 28

SHAY

“Excuse me?” I glance down to check if my jaw hit the floor. Move in with him?

Surely, I heard him wrong.

“Move in with me,” Kolton repeats lightly, like we’re talking about the weather. “The house is huge. You can have your own room, if you want. I only have the place for another six weeks, but that gives you six weeks to figure something out, and it gives us six weeks together.”