Page 34 of Mr. Winter
“Do you have to don the red getup?”
He shakes his head. “All my great grandmother had to do was bang the other friend.”
I holler because he’s ridiculous.SantaandJack Frostwere friends who met two sisters—our great-grandmothers.
“Shut up, Alperen. So we’d do this tomorrow, I take it?”
“Do what tomorrow?” Arden asks as she sips her spiked hot chocolate.
“Share you,” Alperen volleys then rubs his chest. “Santa can give you a lot this year, baby.”
“First of all, you’re not Santa yet. Second, your like arm and chest tattoo is like the equivalent of a male tramp stamp so there’s that.”
“I have to help with Santa stuff and go fulfill the “Snow for Christmas” wishes, I explain.
She nods, and I see the disappointment on her face since that could mean missing the auction. “I’ll let you two catch up. I’m going to check in with Maralee about a few things, okay?”
I nod since I don’t have an assurance for her right now. I hate this space we’re in, but with tomorrow hanging over our head, I don’t know which way it will go, but I know I’ll love her forever.
Chapter 16
Arden
It’s officially the morning of the bachelor auction. According to the news, the roads are clear and while it’s still cold outside, there won’t be any more snow. I’m now able to leave Jack. We spent the night making love and ignoring the imminent future. Now, it’s upon us. I awaken alone and get dressed for the day. I can read a room enough to know I need to pack. I bring my bag down and leave it at the bottom of the stairs and head to the kitchen.
Jack is wearing pajama bottoms and an apron—a sight that would have been both sexy and amusing if I didn’t see the signs of his decision. He’s cooked more than all the breakfasts for the week combined.
“Good morning,” I murmur as I take my seat.
He kisses my temple and puts a plate in front of me. French toast with Nutella and bananas, maple bacon, sausage links, eggs, and fruit. He’s trying to butter me up before disappointing me. I pick up the fork and discover it’s delicious like everything else he makes, but I can’t continue like my heart doesn’t hurt.
“Jack—” He’s up and at my side before I can put the fork down.
“I know baby. Life calls. I have work and so do you.” The hurt in his eyes mirror mine, but it doesn’t make it suck any less. Moving away. He grabs a container and puts my breakfast inside. “It’s a shitty consolation prize, but you’ll be pissed if you leave this food here.”
I release an amused huff, but my chest still hurts. He’s right. I have a lot more to do today than I normally would due to the shut down for the week. We can’t linger no matter how much I want to.
“I miss you already,” I admit as I wipe a tear.
“Same,” he agrees. “I also have these for you.”
My eyebrows shoot up when I see the white box that usually contains the snowflake cookies.Of course! I’m an idiot.
“Youmake these,” I whisper in awe.
“I do.” He crouches and kisses me on the tip of my nose. “Just for you. I’ll be back.”
He grabs my keys and moves all of my items to my car. When he returns, I’m sure we have matching expressions. Jack pulls me into a tight hug that crushes me to his chest. I cry knowing that this could be the last time I see him.
“I’m sorry I don’t have all the answers you need right now. You’ll know when I know. I promise.”
I nod and take one last kiss then leave. I can’t stay too long, or I’ll beg for something he can’t give me right now. He stands at the door and watches me drive away. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
* * *
Espen
My heart hurts as I watch Arden climb in her vehicle and drive off. I can feel her pain as well, but this is what we agreed to do. Walk away once the snow melted. Our lives and obligations are different. I need to know she’ll be alright. I close the door and fall back on it, squeezing my eyes shut to keep my emotions under control. I’m stronger than my emotions. I cannot allow them to wreak havoc on the very country I’m supposed to protect.
