Page 58 of Have a Bear-y Little Christmas
“I’ve always wanted to try ice fishing,” I hedged softly. Although Remy made me feel incredibly comfortable and accepted, I got a little nervous when I looked at him. Like I was building up this internal pressure that was both exhilarating and also anxiety-inducing. And goodness knew I didn’t need help generating any ofthat.
“Have you? Usually, it’s done way before the crack of dawn, but with the kids, I’m pretty sure it’s being bumped back later, so Max should have time to eat some brekkie.”
“Awesome, I can’t wait.”
“Me either. Nothin’ like fresh caught fish, I tell you that.”
“Oh, I’m sure.” The conversation stalled a little. I was caught up between not wanting to leave but knowing I needed to get inside, settle Max, and shower so I could wake up in time for this new ice fishing adventure. “So… I guess this is goodnight.”
“Yeah. That would probably be wise.”
Yet we kept standing there.
Not for the first time, the rest of the world kind of went a bit muffled, like it had indeed been blanketed in fresh, fallen snow, and it felt like a rope had been wrapped around the two of us that was slowly, steadily, drawing us closer and closer together.
Are we going to kiss? If so, I wasnotobjecting.
Closer.
Closer still.
I longed to erase the distance between us. For us to fall into each other and give in to the desire and attraction that was building within me.
“Bye, Max! See you tomorrow!”
“See you!”
“Bye!”
“Bye, Eva!”
Addy and Eva burst out of the door, and whatever moment had been between Remy and I vanished, lost to my imagination. Bummer. But probably for the best. Jeez, I really needed to get my head on straight.
“Hey there, sweethearts,” Remy said, and maybe it was my own imagination, but I swore he looked a little disappointed. “Ready to head to our cabin and wash up?”
“Yeah, let’s go,” Eva said happily before pausing and giving me a dazzling smile. “Goodnight, Miss Jeannie.”
“Goodnight, Eva.”
“Goodnight, Miss Jeannie. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.”
Of course, I couldn’t resist teasing Addy gently. “You mean you look forward to seeing Max, right?”
“It can be both,” she said primly, and I had to chuckle. Goodness, my abs were starting to get sore from just how much I was laughing lately.
“You’re absolutely right. Goodnight, Addy. See you in the morning!”
“See you in the morning,” Remy echoed before heading to his cabin.
I hadnoidea what the rest of the holiday was going to bring, but man, I absolutely could notwait.
Chapter 14
Max
The Plot Thickens
“Hey guys!”I said, rushing over to Addy and Eva who were already sitting at the kids’ table. Figured, those two were always sopunctual.Which was a fun word to say. I almost got distracted rolling it around my tongue.
