Page 39 of Frost and Felines

"We should get changed before-" Kieran started.

"Kieran!" Charlotte's voice cut through the lobby. "The Christmas Eve preparations-"

"Can wait ten minutes while we get out of these wet clothes," he finished firmly, his tiger asserting its dominance.

Mallory attempted to wring out her coat sleeve, creating a small puddle on the floor. "I think I've got snow in places snow was never meant to be."

His tiger's mind went places it shouldn't at that comment. Kieran cleared his throat. "Let's head to our rooms before we flood the lobby."

They squelched their way down the hall, leaving a trail of melted snow in their wake. Mallory suddenly burst into giggles.

"What's so funny?"

"Us. We look like we got into a fight with Yeti and lost." She gestured to their bedraggled appearance.

Kieran's tiger preened. "Speak for yourself. I think I pull off the drowned rat look rather well."

18

MALLORY

Mallory's teeth chattered as she fumbled with her room key. Her coat and clothes were dripping puddles onto the hallway carpet when she finally got her door open. The snowball fight had been worth it though - she couldn't remember the last time she had that kind of spontaneous fun. A quick glance over her shoulder showed Kieran disappearing into his own suite across the hall, leaving wet footprints behind him.

She had barely changed into dry clothes when a knock echoed through her room. Opening the door revealed Kieran, changed but still shivering.

"My heat's out," he said, threading his fingers through his damp auburn hair. "Mind if I warm up in here for a bit?"

"Come in before you freeze." Mallory stepped aside, trying not to notice how his white henley clung to his broad shoulders.

She busied herself building a fire while Kieran settled onto her couch. Soon flames crackled in the hearth, casting moving shadows across the room.

"I'll make some hot chocolate," she offered, needing something to do with her trembling hands.

"You're a lifesaver." His blue eyes followed her movements as she worked in the kitchenette.

Minutes later, they sat side by side on the couch, steaming mugs in hand. The fire's warmth seeped into her bones, making her feel drowsy and content.

"So, besides the renovations we talked about, what other plans do you have for this place?" she asked, curling her feet under her. "For yourself?"

Kieran took a slow sip before answering. "I want to keep building on what makes this place special - that sense of belonging people get when they stay here. Maybe add more community events, make it somewhere families look forward to visiting year after year."

His voice softened. "And speaking of family... I'd like one of my own someday. The right partner, a couple kids running around causing trouble." He gave her a crooked smile. "Probably sounds silly coming from a former playboy."

"It doesn't." Mallory's heart squeezed. The image was all too easy to picture - Kieran teaching his children to bake cookies in the inn's kitchen and reading them bedtime stories by the lobby fireplace.

"What about you?" he asked quietly. "Any dreams you're keeping to yourself?"

She stared into her mug, watching the marshmallows slowly dissolve. "I used to think isolation was what I deserved, what I wanted. Now..." She trailed off, surprised by the longing in her own voice.

"Now?" Kieran prompted gently.

"Now I'm not so sure."

Mallory shifted on the couch, grateful when Kieran cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"So, what are you reading these days? I've seen you with different books every time I pass by."

The tension in her shoulders eased. Books were safe territory. "I just finished this fascinating historical romance about-"

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