It all happens in slow motion as the realization strikes me dead center: Winter is Crystal’s daughter.
I’m definitely staying for dinner.
My feet move of their own accord until I come face to face with Winter.
“Shitson Humberdink,” she whispers as her eyes meet mine.
I crack a smile. “What are those? Elf names?”
A pink blush tinges her cheeks. “I’m sorry. New habit.”
The reaction I’m getting from Winter right now is a major turn-on. She clears her throat, glancing at Crystal. “It’s nice to meet you, Kane Snow,” she says, holding out her hand for me to shake.
This time it’s not covered with a furry mitten, and I clasp my palm to hers, loving the warmth of her skin. “Nice to meet you too,” I whisper, leaning in.
“One big happy family,” Crystal says.
Fuck.
One big happy family?
That’s not exactly what I had in mind.
My father leads us to a reserved table in the dining room, and suddenly the whole situation comes into full focus. Winter is now my new… I don’t even know what to call it. Is she a stepsister?
Can someone really be a stepsister if we aren’t living together? If it isn’t even really a family at all?
“So, your stepbrother works in publishing. Isn’t that lovely?” Crystal says to Winter, and then she turns her attention to me. “Winter is putting together a children’s book for the charity event.”
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like if you had your parents on a date with you? Well, this is it.
I can’t focus on anything other than the beauty that’s now related to me.
“That’s fascinating,” Winter says, her voice sounding like an angel.
I give a curt nod. “Thanks. Very cool about your book.”
To block out my attraction for Winter, I raise the menu in front of my face while Crystal and Dad act like this is normal. I read the same word over and over and finally slam the leather-bound book down on the tabletop.
“Winter, what did you think about our parents’ recent nuptials?” I ask, not playing Mr. Nice Guy like I promised my father.
But technically, he told me to be nice to Winter, which I am.
Winter fiddles with the white-linen napkin in front of her. “Well, it definitely was a surprise.”
I have to give it to her for remaining impartial as she sits here with her new family. My father launches into the wedding spontaneity, and talks about how they wanted a new beginning.
If it were anyone else, I’d be on board. Hell, I’d be their biggest cheerleader. But this is my flighty father we’re talking about here.
And I don’t think he’s seriously thought this through.
I hate to say it, but he’s done things like this before. Never to this extreme though.
“Where will you live?” I ask. “Have you thought about this yet?”
“Um, well,” he squirms in his seat, “we’re planning on selling my place and I’ll move in with Crystal.”
I scoff. “You’re selling your place?” News to me.
His lips press into a thin line. “Kane, can we talk about this later?”
“One big happy family here.” I lean back in my seat. “Let’s discuss it now.”
“You’re acting like a petulant child.”
He’s right. I stand from the table before I throw a bigger tantrum and stalk toward the glass doors leading to the balcony. The chilly breeze swirls around my rigid body when Winter steps up beside me.
“They’re the children,” she says.
I shove my hands in my pockets as we overlook the vast golf course covered in snow. “They don’t think about how their decisions affect us.”
“They’ll have to learn from their own mistakes.” She runs her hands over her bare arms. “If this is one.”
“You’re cold? Here, take my sweater.” I pull the black cashmere over my head and hand it to Winter.
“No, it’s ok. I can’t take your sweater.”
I shrug, wearing nothing but a plain white tee. But it must provide more warmth than Winter’s short red dress. She must be freezing, even indoors.
I’m thankful I get to see all her glorious, sun-kissed skin, but I push my sweater to her once more. “Please, put it on.”
She rejects it with a brief shake of her head. “I’m going to head back inside. Are you coming?”
Her words toss my mind into the gutter momentarily, but when she smiles, I realize I’ll follow her anywhere.
“Ready, little sis,” I say, to remind myself she’s off limits.
Starting anything with her would definitely land me on Santa’s naughty list.
Three
WINTER: 3 WEEKS LATER
Having a new stepbrother is all I could’ve ever wanted. Said no one ever. Especially not me.
My bones shake, but not because I’m freezing. Well, partly because I’m cold, but mainly because Kane walks to the dinner table at Mom’s house super close to me. We arrived at the same time, and he opened my car door for me. I tried not to swoon at his gentlemanly behavior. Secretly, I wish he’d place his hand on the small of my back, but nope. And that’s for the best.