Page 27 of Frost and Felines

Later that afternoon, Kieran knocked on Mallory's suite door, blueprints tucked under his arm. His tiger paced restlessly, eager to be near her again. The door opened, and there she stood in a form-fitting sweater that made her look soft yet extremely sexy. His tiger more than approved.

"I need your professional opinion." He held up the blueprints. "Got some time?"

"Depends. Are you actually going to listen to my suggestions?" Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"When have I not listened to you?" He stepped into her suite, catching her intoxicating scent. "Your DIY ornaments and star are still getting compliments."

They spread the blueprints across her coffee table. He watched as she studied them, her finger tracing potential changes. His tiger rumbled contently at having her full attention.

"The lobby needs more natural light." She circled an area. "And this wall? Perfect spot for a stone fireplace. It would add warmth, literally and aesthetically."

"Show me more." He leaned closer, not entirely focused on the blueprints.

"The dining room could use better flow." Her hands moved animatedly as she spoke. "See how this layout creates dead zones? But if we opened it up, added some booth seating along here..."

Kieran found himself mesmerized by her enthusiasm. The usual guard she kept up had fallen away, replaced by genuine excitement. "You really know your stuff."

"I've written enough articles about it." She sketched quick changes on the margins. "This could be really amazing, Kieran. The bones are already perfect, it just needs..."

"You?" The word slipped out before he could stop it.

She stilled, her pencil hovering over the paper. "I won't be here for the renovation."

"But you could be." His tiger pushed him to press further. "The inn could use a permanent design consultant."

"Kieran." Her voice carried a warning. "We agreed. After the holidays, we go our separate ways. No complications."

"Maybe I like complications." He grabbed her hand, his thumb brushing her knuckles. "Maybe I like the way you light up when you talk about design. The way you handle every crisis like it's nothing. The way you fit here."

She pulled her hand away, but not before he felt her slight tremor. "I can't."

His tiger growled in frustration, but he made himself step back. "Just think about it. The inn needs you." I need you, he added silently, watching as she turned back to the blueprints, her walls firmly back in place.

He watched as she bent over the blueprints for several more minutes, her platinum hair falling forward like a curtain. His tiger paced restlessly, wanting desperately to brush those silken strands back.

"So why an inn?" She suddenly glanced up at him through her lashes. "What made you choose this particular path?"

The change of subject was obvious, but he'd let her have this one. His tiger settled as he dropped onto her plush couch, stretching his long legs. "Would you believe me if I said it started with my grandmother's cookies?"

"Cookies?" A smile finally tugged at her lips.

"Best damn snickerdoodles in Saltwater Grove. Everyone knew it." He leaned back, memories washing over him. "She'd bake these huge batches, and people would just... show up. Our house became this gathering spot. Even strangers felt welcome."

"Sounds pretty special."

"It was. Mom was the same way – had this gift for making everyone feel like family." His chest tightened. "We lost Grandma five years ago. Mom just recently. But they showed me what community really means."

Mallory set down her pencil, giving him her full attention. His tiger preened under her gaze.

"The first year here was rough," he admitted, his voice low. "Banks weren't exactly lining up to fund a twenty-five-year-old's dream of turning this old building into something special. But I knew – knew in my bones – that people needed a place like this."

"And now?"

"Now?" He gestured around them. "Every Christmas card from guests, every wedding hosted here, every kid who comes running back year after year – it proves I was right." His tiger rumbled with pride. "Though I'll admit, there were nights I questioned everything. Especially when the roof leaked during our first major event."

"Oh no." Her eyes widened.

"Oh yes. Right onto the birthday cake." He chuckled. "But you know what? The guests helped clean up, someone ran to the store for a new cake, and it turned into this impromptu party in the kitchen while we waited."

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