Christmas Ever After (Puffin Island 3)

Normally the weather would have been the only encouragement he needed to dive into a long working day, but today that wasn’t an option.

Today, thanks to a collision between impulse and an overactive libido, he wouldn’t be working.

Sky would want to build a snowman, explore the forest or try tobogganing down the slope behind the house.

By inviting her here, he’d sacrificed his freedom.

The best he could do was barter for time, he decided. If they did something together this morning, then maybe he could sneak a few hours to work this afternoon.

His deadline loomed, but there was little hope in addressing it today.

Thanks to a hormonal surge, he now had something he’d never had before in this cottage—

A houseguest.

This, he thought grimly, was why he’d chosen not to dive into another relationship.

That and the fact that parts of him still hadn’t healed from the wounds of the last one.

At first he thought she’d left because the cottage seemed empty, but then he saw her through the kitchen window, sitting on the snowy deck, wrapped in his down jacket. It swamped her, but she didn’t seem to notice. She’d brushed the snow off one of his chairs and was sketching.

Alec grabbed a spare jacket, stamped on his boots and joined her outside. “What are you doing out here? You’re going to freeze to death.”

“I’m well wrapped up and I’m only staying a few minutes. It’s so beautiful. Incredibly peaceful. Bitter cold and winter sun. The perfect combination.” She glanced up at the sky. “If we’re going to be snowed in soon, I want to make the most of being outdoors.”

Normally the thought of being snowed in didn’t bother him. Snow was an excuse to work.

Knowing that was off the agenda elevated his stress levels.

“I’ll make us breakfast and then we can talk about what you want to do today.” The sooner they started, the sooner they could finish.

“I helped myself to breakfast, but I could use more coffee if it’s on offer.”

“Do you want me to drive you over to Harbor House to see Emily? Up to the Ocean Club?” He knew he was being short with her but he couldn’t help it. “We should make a plan.”

“Why? Do we have to make a plan? I’m happy just sitting here.”

He needed a plan.

He needed to allocate time to work.

“I’ll make more coffee.”

Ignoring the question in her eyes, he stomped back inside and made coffee.

He should never have invited her back.

He should never—

There was a blast of cold air as Skylar opened the door and walked back into the kitchen.

“My fingers are so cold I can’t hold the pencil.” She was laughing as she closed the door and somehow her smile increased his irritation.

She looked relaxed and happy while all he could think of was the work he wasn’t going to be able to finish.

“Black or white?” He dragged mugs out of the cupboard and slammed it shut.

“Black.” Her smile faded. “What’s wrong?”