Page 18 of Frost and Felines

Kieran's tiger preened at being caught. "She's... different."

"Different than the socialite girls you usually date? Thank goodness for that." Charlotte paused. "Just remember she's doing you a favor. Don't mess this up by thinking with your tiger instead of your head."

"But my tiger has excellent taste."

"Your tiger also thought dating twins was a good idea last year."

"That was completely different." Kieran rubbed his neck. "Mallory's not like that. She's... real."

"Real and probably not interested in being another notch on your bedpost."

His tiger bristled at the suggestion. "That's not what this is."

"Then what is it?"

Kieran stared at the snow, remembering how Mallory's eyes matched the icy blue of winter. "I don't know yet. But I really want to find out."

"Just be careful," Charlotte warned. "We still need her help with the inn."

"I know." He ended the call and resumed his pacing.

His tiger wanted to go to her suite right now, to invite her to dinner, to learn everything about her. But Charlotte was right - they needed Mallory's help, at least until Daniel left. He couldn't risk scaring her off by coming on too strong.

Still, as he watched the storm rage outside, he couldn't help wondering what she was doing right now, and if she was as aware of him as he was of her.

A half hour later, Kieran's tiger prowled close to the surface as he stood outside Mallory's suite door. He knocked before he could talk himself out of it.

The door opened, and there she stood in an oversized sweater and leggings, her hair loose around her shoulders. His tiger approved.

"Have dinner with me." The words came out more like a command than a question. He softened his tone. "In my suite. We should go over the holiday events."

Mallory hesitated. "I don't know if that's-"

"I already ordered your pad thai. Extra peanuts."

Her eyes widened. "You remembered?"

"I pick up on things." Like how her eyes sparkled when she was surprised, or how she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was thinking extra hard.

"Fine. Let me grab my phone."

In his suite, they sat at the small dining table near the window. The snow continued to fall outside, creating a cozy atmosphere that his tiger thoroughly enjoyed.

"So, these events," Mallory said between bites. "What exactly am I getting myself into?"

He leaned back, watching her savor the food. His tiger purred at providing for her, even if it was just room service. "Tomorrow we deck the halls. There's that twelve-foot Christmas tree in the lobby that needs its star."

"It's twelve feet?"

"Go big or go home. Then on the fifth, we do carols in the lobby. Hot chocolate, games, the works." He watched her face carefully. "Christmas Eve is special - we deliver treats to every room, and there's a dance in the foyer."

"A dance?" She set down her fork.

"And New Year's Eve..." He paused. "We throw quite a party. The Simmons usually have their gala that night too, but ours is better."

His tiger noticed how she tensed at the mention of the dance and parties. Interesting.

"I know it's a lot to ask," he said, "but I'd really like you to stay through New Year's. The suite's yours as long as you need it."

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