Page 6

I’m nearly through my first week when December’s first big snowstorm rolls in. Day five, I think? The days are flying by. I’m not sure if it’s the nice accommodations or the nagging feeling that these three guys are growing on me. Either way, I’ve got work to do.

Today, the design contractor I hired is bringing the tree and all the decorations I ordered. She’ll be here by late afternoon to set everything up, and I’m going to make the place a festive, glamorous wonderland right on schedule. After that, I need to bury my head in planning Pascal’s family charity gala.

I don’t have to plan the entire thing, because it’s been in the works for a while. But he needs help with the details, and that is something I’m good at.

I ignore the weather alerts on my phone and head down for coffee.

This time, instead of three intense sets of eyes, I find an empty kitchen—just my coffee, still steaming, and a note. Beside it sits a small muffin dusted with crystallized sugar on a petite porcelain plate.

We’ll be back soon. Eat. —Zander

“Hmph.” I don’t like being told what to do.

I nibble some sugar off the top, and I can’t stay mad once I taste the muffin. It’s divine.

Coffee every morning was already more than I’m used to. Now breakfast, too.

When my phone rings, I expect one of the guys. It’s the design contractor, calling instead of texting that she’s on her way.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Adler, my apologies, but I won’t be able to deliver your tree and install your decorations today.”

Ugh. The last thing I need is my first tangible task in this house getting screwed up.

“Why not?” I ask, trying to mask my disappointment. “I really need everything installed today. We’re on a tight schedule with upcoming events and⁠—”

“Yes, yes, I know,” she cuts in, flustered. “Trust me, every one of my clients is overwhelmed this month, and so am I. But the storm has already closed the roads into the mountains.”

I go to the window. The snow is coming down in big, fluffy flakes, already piling into drifts. I hadn’t realized how fast the storm was moving.

“Tomorrow, then?”

“The storm’s supposed to last at least two days, and I’m backlogged. This will have to wait until next week.”

My heart sinks. I can’t blame her for the weather. But I promised Zander, Pascal, and Jarek the tree and decorations would be up by tonight. I don’t want to disappoint them, and I really can’t lose this gig.

“I’ll put you down for first thing Monday once the roads clear, and then we can⁠—”

“No, never mind,” I interrupt, uncharacteristically letting my frustration get the better of me. “I’ll figure something else out.”

“Suit yourself. Good luck finding someone else on such short notice.”

“Short notice?” I ask, confused. “It’s only the beginning of December.”

She laughs. “You must be from the city. Things are different up here. The holidays are a big deal. The good trees are claimed, and everyone’s booked until after Christmas. The only reason I had a last-minute spot for you is that a client came down with the flu.”

“Oh!” I realize I made a mistake by reacting too quickly. “Then in that case⁠—”

She hangs up before I can finish, and I stare at the dark screen in dismay. I suppose she was justified. But what the hell am I going to do now?

The front door opens, and I walk out to find all three men in the entryway, brushing snow off broad shoulders.

I try not to notice how athletic they are. I fail.

Snow speckles Zander’s and Pascal’s dark hair like confetti. Jarek glances at me and smiles before carrying an armful of firewood into the study.

“Storm’s getting worse,” Zander warns. “Did you eat?”