Page 17 of Frost and Felines

"Love at first argument." Kieran's smile held genuine warmth as he looked at her. "Three months later, we couldn't stand the thought of being apart before her graduate program in Paris started. So we eloped."

Gregory's smile tightened. "How... impulsive. Speaking of impulsive decisions, I heard you're having some trouble with your pipes. Such a shame, especially in this weather."

The temperature in the lobby seemed to drop several degrees. Mallory felt Kieran tense beside her.

"Nothing we can't handle together," Kieran replied smoothly, glancing at Mallory.

"Oh, you're so brave," Vivian directed at Mallory, her voice saccharine. "Taking on not just the inn, but Kieran's... colorful past. I mean, the stories I could tell you about his conquests-"

Mallory felt her patience snap like a rubber band stretched too far. The snow outside whipped against the windows. She stepped forward, breaking contact with Kieran's warm grip.

"That's about enough." Her voice cut Vivian off. "If you're not here to book a room, I suggest you leave."

Vivian's perfect smile faltered. "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me." Mallory crossed her arms, channeling her inner storm into her words instead of the weather. "My husband has built something incredible here. Every detail of this inn shows his dedication and vision. I won't stand here and listen to your thinly veiled insults."

Gregory's face reddened. "Now see here-"

"No, you see here." Mallory's blue eyes flashed. "I'm proud to stand beside Kieran. He's transformed this place into something special and genuine - unlike your soulless luxury hotel." She gestured to the warm wooden beams above them, the crackling fireplace, and the comfortable chairs where guests sat reading. "This is what hospitality looks like. So like I said, unless you're planning to book a room, the door is right there."

The Simmons stood frozen, their matching smiles completely gone. Vivian opened her mouth, closed it, then tugged at Gregory's sleeve. Without another word, they turned and left, the door closing behind them with a satisfying thud.

Kieran's laugh broke the silence. "That was magnificent." He pulled her against his chest, his warmth enveloping her. "I think that's the first time I've ever seen them speechless."

Mallory allowed herself to relax against him, just for a moment. His presence felt solid and grounding. "Someone needed to say it."

"And you did it perfectly." His breath tickled her ear. "This partnership is going to work better than I thought."

She looked up at him, caught off guard by the intensity in his blue eyes. The raw appreciation in his gaze caused her chest to tighten.

"Just doing my wifely duties," she managed, trying to keep her voice light.

"Well, Mrs. Striker," he grinned, "how about we celebrate your first victory over the Simmons with lunch in the garden room?"

"As long as there's chocolate for dessert."

"Dark chocolate," he winked. "I remembered."

8

KIERAN

Later that evening, Kieran wandered aimlessly around his suite, his tiger restless inside of him. The memory of Mallory standing up to the Simmons earlier today played on repeat in his mind. The way her platinum hair had shone in the lobby lights, and how her spine had straightened as she'd put them in their place. His tiger softly purred at the thought.

"She's just pretending to care," he muttered to himself. "This is strictly business, plain and simple."

But his tiger disagreed. The beast inside recognized something in her - strength, intelligence, and a hint of vulnerability she tried to hide. The combination was intoxicating.

He stopped at his window, watching the snow continue to fall. Today's sudden snowstorm showed no signs of letting up, which meant Mallory could be here even longer. The thought pleased him more than it should.

"What do you think, Charlotte?" He soon spoke into his phone. "Would asking her to dinner in my suite be crossing a line?"

"You mean your fake wife?" Charlotte's laugh crackled through the speaker. "The one you barely know?"

"She handled the Simmons perfectly. Did you see how they practically ran out?"

"I saw. I also saw how you couldn't take your eyes off her, or your hands."

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