Page 9 of Mr. Winter
I survive the bearhug but appreciate that she smells like warm gingerbread.
“You smell like you have something for me!” I tried and failed to reign in my excitement.
She claps her hands, her pale cheeks are turning red from the bite of cold. “Yes, I do, Madam. A tin of my gingerbread cookies is currently sitting on your desk!”
“I’m going to be so sick tonight,” I confirm with a grin.
Maralee shakes her head. “You won’t. I learned from last year. I’m giving two rations my dear. I found the cutest little Christmas mini-tins at the store the other day. I’ll give you daily doses.” She rubs my back as we move back to the vehicle. “No more big servings for the Christmas cookie addict.”
I pout big, hoping she’ll feel sorry for me and change her mind. “Daily doses?”
“Yes," she laughs. “But I’ll make it worth it. A different type of Christmas cookie for each day of the week.”
I stop before we climb in the back of the government SUV. “Okay. One more hug.”
With a huge grin, she takes one more hug. “Tomorrow, you’ll be getting peppermint chocolate cookies.”
Ugh. If sugar could make me cum…I change the subject to move past my addiction.
“We’re on set for the bachelor’s auction. I have one more guy to get, but all of the catering, decorations, and silent auction items are in place.”
“Do you have anyone in mind?” she asks while pulling out a notepad.
“Yes. Espen Winters,” I tell her to speak it into existence.
Maralee breaks into a fit of giggles as if I made a joke but quickly reins in her laughter when I don’t join her.
“I’m serious. He will be there.”
“Is the ‘he will be there’ actual confirmation or is it more of a wish?”
I point at her. “Don’t underestimate me.”
“But I heard he presses charges on people who knock on his door.”
I wave it off. “That’s nothing.”
“Or,” she looks around, her blue eyes worried, “what about the one where he kills small animals for no reason.”
“Our animals are all accounted for, Maralee.”
“How about the one where his accident left him disfigured, and that’s why he’s a recluse? I hear he’s as mean as a snake.”
He is rude and I have no idea how he looks, but this is for a good cause.
“I’m sure it’s all hearsay.” As if by magic, we pass the damned mansion. “Turn around, please,” I tell the driver. “Drop me off at the Winters’ mansion.”
Maralee gasps like I just asked to go to Alcatraz in its glory days.
Grabbing my phone and purse, I prepare to climb out once we're parked in front of the curb.
"Head back to the office and work on the list I gave you. Check with Cameron Kennedy's team to see if he's coming for Christmas or Valentine's day." Maralee stares at me like she's looking at me for the last time before I die. "Don't worry. I go way back with his staff."
I stand on the sidewalk and wave as they drive away. Espen is an asshole. I don't need them watching if he doesn't allow my entry. I shiver a little and turn toward the mansion. Call me crazy, but it feels colder here than it does anywhere else. My Christmas sweater dress, tights, and boots aren't cutting it over here. The mansion that used to be the beacon of Christmas cheer is now a daunting house that sucks the fun out of the rest of the country. My stomach flips nervously, but I square my shoulders and move forward. Old Man Winters had an open invitation to the rest of us and had never bothered putting up one of those massive iron gates. Thankfully, there still isn't one, and I'm able to go directly to the front door. I ring the doorbell and wrap my arms around myself for warmth and support.
The estate manager, Lara opens the door and smiles at me like she used to when I came often.
"Little Arden, all grown up. Come in. Come in."
