Page 13 of Frost and Felines

"Your fake wife," she corrected.

"Details." Kieran wandered to the windows, giving her space to explore. "I bought this place five years ago. It was run down then - more haunted house than cozy inn. Took almost two years to renovate."

"You did all this yourself?"

"I had some help from some excellent contractors, but the vision was mine." Pride colored his voice. "I wanted somewhere that felt like home, not just another cookie-cutter hotel."

"You succeeded." Mallory settled onto the window seat, tucking her legs beneath her. The casual gesture made something in his chest tighten. "It's very... warm."

"That's the goal." He leaned against the doorframe, careful to maintain the distance she had requested. "We host everything from family reunions to romantic getaways. Next week our holiday events start - the tree lighting ceremony, a gingerbread house competition, and carol singing, just to name a few."

"Sounds very festive."

"Speaking of which, we should probably discuss-"

"Not yet." She held up her hand. "Let me settle in first. Process one life-altering decision at a time."

He chuckled. "Fair enough. I'll leave you to it then."

He headed for the door, pausing for a moment. "Thank you for agreeing to this. I know it's unconventional."

"That's one word for it." A hint of a smile played at her lips. "I'll see you later... husband."

His tiger practically purred at the word, even spoken in jest. This fake marriage arrangement might prove more challenging than he had anticipated.

Later that afternoon, Kieran balanced the tray of food in one hand while dialing Mallory's room with the other. His tiger instincts made multitasking effortless, though his heightened senses picked up every nuance of the fresh-baked bread and herb-roasted chicken he'd had the kitchen prepare.

"Hello?" Her voice carried that same no-nonsense tone that had first caught his attention.

"Hope you're hungry, wife. I've got lunch and figured we could hash out the details of our arrangement."

A pause. "I could eat."

"I'll be there in five." He hung up before she could protest, grinning at her clipped response.

When she opened the door, the scent of vanilla and rain hit him full force. His tiger rumbled appreciatively at finding her in yoga pants and an oversized sweater now, her platinum hair pulled back in a messy bun. She had made herself at home - her laptop open on the coffee table and books scattered across the couch.

"I brought enough for two." He set the tray down, clearing space among her work. "Though my tiger appetite might challenge that claim."

"Your what?"

"Figure of speech." He arranged the plates, mentally kicking himself for the slip. That conversation could wait. "So, specific ground rules. Public displays of affection?"

Mallory settled cross-legged on the couch, maintaining careful distance between them. "Minimal but necessary. Hand holding, maybe an arm around my waist. Occasional kiss on the cheek to sell it."

"That's... acceptable." He passed her one of the plates of food, trying not to notice how the afternoon sun danced across her soft features.

She sampled the chicken, her eyes widening slightly. "This is good."

"Chef Marcus takes pride in his work." Kieran stretched his arm along the back of the couch, not quite touching her but establishing his presence. "I'd also appreciate your help with some of the inn's daily operations. Nothing major - just greeting guests and hosting some events. Charlotte handles the heavy lifting."

"I can manage that." She took another bite, considering. "As long as I'm not expected to run the place like you."

"Just be your naturally charming self." His grin widened.

"I don't do charm."

"No, you do efficiency and command. Even better." He leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Trust me, watching you take control was incredibly attractive."

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