Page 74 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
EMILY
I stareat my reflection in the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of the sleek, emerald-green dress that hugs every curve just right. I have to admit, I look good. The color makes my eyes pop, and the neckline, which dips just enough to be flirty but not scandalous, draws attention to my collarbone in a way that’s both elegant and sexy.
When I was younger, I used to be self-conscious about my big body, but I love taking up space now. And the guys seem to love it…all four of them. I briefly close my eyes and think about the way they gripped my hips as they stroked in and out of me.
Shit.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. How did I end up here? I like all of them—Jace, Ben, Tanner, Axel—in different ways, and that’s the problem. The rational part of me says it’s ridiculous, impossible, but another part of me…I don’t know. It’s like I’m drawn to them, like I can’t help it. Sounds a bit too similar to some books I’ve read. Could they be my fated mates? Did I just bang a pack of wolves? Pfff…Emily get a hold of yourself.
And that thought alone sends another shiver of nerves down my spine.
But sooner or later, we’re going to have to have that tough conversation.
I’ve faced plenty of challenging situations in my life, but nothing like this. Did something happen to me in that car wreck? Because this isn’t about logistics or strategy or making plans. This is about hearts and emotions and the impossible task of figuring out how I feel when my feelings seem to be pulling me in four very different directions.
I spot Tanner standing near the entrance to the dining hall, looking devilishly handsome in a fitted black shirt and slacks, his dark hair styled back.
“Wow,” he breathes as I approach, his eyes widening as he takes me in. “Emily, you…you look…”
“Hot?” I offer with a teasing smile, my nerves easing slightly at the stunned look on his face.
“Yeah,” he murmurs, swallowing hard. “Definitely that.”
Heat flushes my cheeks, and I smile, feeling a little steadier. But just as Tanner steps forward, reaching for my hand, someone else appears beside us.
“Hey, Em,” Jace’s familiar voice rumbles, and I whirl around, my heart doing a ridiculous little flip when I see him. He’s in a crisp white button-down, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his dark hair tousled like he just ran his fingers through it. He looks effortlessly good, like he always does, and my throat tightens.
“Jace,” I manage to say, my voice a little breathless. He steps in, leaning down, and before I can react, he presses a soft kiss to my cheek.
“You look beautiful,” he murmurs against my ear. “Absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks,” I manage to say before Tanner speaks.
“We should get going. The dinner is about to start.”
“Um,” I begin, glancing between him and Jace who’s rolling his eyes.
“Oh, you’re here too,” Axel drawls, and I blink as he steps up, his gaze sweeping over me with that familiar intensity that makes my knees weak. He’s in his usual rugged attire—a black button-down, dark jeans—but somehow, it looks almost…formal. Polished. Like he made an effort, just for me.
“I was just about to escort Emily inside,” Tanner says, crossing his arms defensively.
“Well, isn’t that sweet,” Axel replies, his lips quirking in a smirk. “Too bad I’m here now. MaybeIshould be the one to walk her in.”
“Um, guys?—”
“Not so fast,” Ben interrupts, and my head spins as he strides over, his dark hair neatly combed, his eyes serious as he looks at the three of them. “We should letEmilydecide who she wants to walk in with.”
I gape at him, my heart racing. Is this really happening right now? In the middle of the hotel lobby?
“Ben,” I say softly, but he doesn’t look at me. He’s too busy staring down Tanner, Jace, and Axel, like he’s daring them to disagree.
“What?” Tanner shoots back, glaring at Ben. “It’s my turn. I’m the one who asked her to dinner first, so obviously, I’m?—”
“I had no idea this was a competition,” Jace drawls.
“I think we’re losing sight of the bigger picture,” Axel interjects, his tone deceptively mild. “Which is that we all want to?—”
“Okay!” I blurt, throwing up my hands. “Can wenotdo this right now?”
