Stalking in a Winter Wonderland

“If this hot chocolate is any indication, I’m inclined to agree,” Jillian confirms as she sips on her drink. “And as much as I’d love to stay right here and sip this all day, we’re late, Rae.”

“Mom, please,” she whines as my sister gets up from the table.

“Sorry, but your friends are waiting.” When Jillian mentions her playdate, Rae forgets all about hot chocolate and bolts for the door.

“We’ll be home for dinner,” Jillian says to me as she goes to the entrance of the kitchen. “It was so nice meeting you, Eve. Thanks for the hot cocoa.”

“My pleasure,” Eve answers and waves.

I let a few beats of silence pass before I hear the front door close, and I fold the newspaper and place it on the table beside me.

“So,” Eve says as she looks around the kitchen and then snatches up her clipboard. “Why don’t we go over some of the decoration details? I was going to have Rae choose, but I see now that you’ll have to do.”

I raise an eyebrow. and her cheeks flush.

“I didn’t mean it like that. Of course I want you.” She pauses and blunders over her next words. “No, not like that. I don’t want you. Of course I don’t, and you’re not asking me, but that would be really unprofessional. And even now I should just stop talking. Is it hot in here?”

She fans herself with her clipboard as her cheeks turn redder, and I stand from the table. “Why don’t we go for a walk in the garden?”

“Outside. Yes, it will be cooler there.” She shakes her head. “Not that your kitchen isn’t awesome, I think this sweater is just cutting off circulation to my brain.”

I try and hide my smile as I come around to the end of the counter and hold out my elbow for her to take a hold of.

“Do you want to see flowers or fountains?” I ask, and she blinks a few times before her eyes meet mine. The dark brown has flecks of gold this close, and I can even see a hint of blue. What I’d assumed was chocolate is so much more, just like Eve.

“Both?” she says, and I nod.

We walk through the west wing and out onto the terrace. Stone steps lead outside to a rose garden and this side of the estate has fountains hidden throughout. There are trees and topiaries keeping it secret so even if you were on the terrace you couldn’t see people relaxing in the roses. It’s one of my favorite places on the property, and I’m happy that I get to show it to Eve.

“So,” I begin as we make our way along the stone path. “You’re single?”Chapter 5Eve“I think your niece already got me to answer that one,” I say with a laugh as I turn my head away, trying to hide the heat that hits my cheeks. Is he asking because he wants to ask me out or is he only making small talk?

This version of Dasher is a completely different one than the man I met yesterday. Today he’s charming and sweet as he shows me around his property and talks endlessly about how the estate was built and all the reasons he loves it here. I get lost in him, and before I know it hours have passed. I swear I thought it was only minutes, but talking with him is so easy.

“Lunch?” he asks as we make our way back toward the house. His hand comes to my elbow when we reach the stone stairs. I think he keeps finding ways to touch me, or I could be making that up in my head.

Every time it's happened today, warmth has bloomed from that spot. This man does something to me, and I’m relieved he isn't married. Not they we’re going to do or be anything, but I feel less guilty about the sex dream now. It felt like a boulder was lifted off my chest that I didn't know was there.

“Are you cold?” Dasher asks. He reaches up and runs his knuckle down my cheek. “Or do you always blush when there’s talk about lunch?”

“It’s getting a bit cold,” I admit, and it’s at least enough of the truth.

We’ve been having a warm winter so far, but I heard that will be changing soon with the cold front coming in. Winter has plans to catch up before the year is over, and I would love to see this place covered in snow.

“Then let's get you inside. I’ll make us lunch.”

“I really should get back to work. There’s so much to be done.” He opens the back door for me, and it’s nice to have someone act like a gentleman.

“You’ll have lunch with me.” His tone turns firm, and something sparks inside of me.