Page 14 of Snow, Ice, and Spice
I open up my suitcase and pull out the kit where I’ve been storing the earrings I’ve been designing and crafting in my spare time. “You don’t have to pay me.”
“Yes, I do. The earrings you make are one of a kind and so beautiful. You should really start selling them.”
I sigh. I’ve had this conversation with Tori as many times as I’ve had it with Ingrid and my cousins Austin and Millie. Every time, it goes the same way. They try to convince me to sell my hand-made earrings, I tell them I’ll think about it even though I have zero intention of ever doing that. Rinse, repeat.
“Maybe someday.”
Tori goes quiet at my go-to answer that she’s heard a million times. “I really hope you do.”
The disappointment in her voice catches me off guard.
“Sorry, I just…the idea of selling my jewelry, of putting it out in the world for everyone to judge just feels so daunting. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that right now.”
Tori’s expression softens. She nods like she understands. “I get it. Sorry to push you like that. You’re just really talented, and your pieces deserve to be out there.”
Her words warm me from the inside out. “Thanks, Tori. Are you finally ready for the virtual tour of Ingrid’s place?”
“Yes!” She grins wide and nods her head so enthusiastically that her fiery, copper-hued hair falls out of its messy bun. “When can I come over so I can see it in person?”
“Whenever you want. I’m here all day, every day making sure that Theo doesn’t burn the place down. It’s a full-time job.”
Tori gives me a look. “Come on. How hard can it be to get paid while living in your rich best friend’s house with her insanely hot hockey player cousin who happens to kiss like a demon?”
I shake my head, but Tori’s right. From the sound of it, this is a pretty cushy job. That doesn’t mean I’m going to slack off though. Ingrid’s house is her pride and joy, and I’m not going to let her cousin ruin it.
“Where is Theo, by the way? Will I get to see a close-up of him?” Tori waggles her eyebrows.
“He went for a hike, I think.”
“But it’s snowing. It’s coming down hard here in the city, it must be ten times worse in the mountains where you are.”
I shrug. “He wants to get back in shape, I guess. This is the kitchen.” I turn the phone slowly around the room.
“Whoa. Are those countertops marble?”
“Yup. Practice using a coaster before you come over. This kind of marble is soft and you can’t even set a glass on it for a minute without a coaster or else you’ll damage it.”
“Noted. Oh my gosh, is that a balcony?”
“It’s a deck and it’s massive. Seriously Tori, check out this view.” I scurry across the open concept space and aim the phone so that she can see the all-glass wall at the far side of the living room. I open the French doors and say, “Ta-da!” as I pivot my phone to the snow-covered trees and mountains in the distance.
“Whoa,” Tori murmurs. “If you ever get sick of your job, tell Ingrid I’ll do it for free. Her place looks incredible—holy crap, is that a guest house on the property?”
I chuckle. “Yup. It’s such a cute setup. Living room and kitchen with a loft bedroom.”
Ingrid’s place here in the mountains looks like something out ofArchitectural Digest. It’s literally my dream home with its modern cozy cabin aesthetic and gorgeous views.
I show Tori the living room and take her down the hall.
“Wait till you see the master bedroom, it’s insane.” I open the door and yelp at the sight of Theo, who’s standing there totally naked.
“Oh my god!” I scream. Tori makes a choking noise.
His sky-blue eyes are wide for a split second before a more natural expression takes over. A smug grin pulls at his lips. “Well, that’s one way to say good morning.”
He makes zero attempt to cover himself while I stand and stare at him in shock.
I try my absolute hardest to keep my gaze above his neck, I really do, but against every silent command to keep my eyes up, turn around, and walk out of the bedroom, I look down.
