Chapter 1

Outside the window, heavy snow fell like a velvet curtain, wrapping the world in silence.

Inside the room, firewood crackled in the fireplace. The dancing flames cast warm, shifting shadows on the walls, and the air carried the sweet scent of burning pine.

Carter was down on one knee on the rough wool rug. In his hand, he held up a simple band ring, its surface lit by the fire. It was clear the ring had been around for years.

“I know this isn’t very romantic. There are no roses or music.” He took a deep breath. His gaze fixed on me, as if I were the only light in this snowbound cabin.

“But the wind and snow outside are heavy, and I want to stay by this fire with you and spend every winter from now on together. Eleanor, will you… marry me?”

The firelight brushed the side of his face in soft gold. I could see the flicker of light on his lashes, and the undisguised nervousness and sincerity in his pale green eyes.

“Yes.”

Carter reached out and tucked the loose hair from my cheek behind my ear, then leaned in and kissed me.

The moment our lips met, I shivered.

First came a careful, light touch, cautious and testing. Then the kiss deepened, growing bolder. His tongue pressed forward, stealing what little air I had left.

My body felt as if it were caught in a rising wave of heat.

My ears rang, leaving only his low, hurried breathing. It was intoxicating.

His hand rested against my cheek, gently brushing away the tears on my face. “I love you.”

Carter’s lips covered mine again as his hands moved to undo my coat.

“Is this okay?”

His breath was hot; his eyes were intent. His hand moved slowly along my back, and the unhurried motion made my skin prickle with anticipation.

Was he an idiot?

Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulled him close, and bit down on his throat.

Carter froze for only a moment. Soon, my shirt was undone and gathered at his arm.

He pressed me down onto the wool rug, and his kisses spread, moving from my shoulders and neck to my chest.

His hands were firm at my waist as he pulled down my underwear beneath my skirt. I couldn’t help hooking my thighs around his waist, brushing against him.

Sweat gathered at my temples. Trembling, I grabbed my clothes and tried to cover my burning face.

His face buried into the hollow of my neck as he laughed softly. His breath brushed over my skin, leaving it warm and damp. Under his patient touch, my tense body slowly softened, and a soft moan slipped from my throat.

My legs rested on Carter’s broad shoulders. My white underwear hung loosely from my legs as he held my ankles and kissed my calves.

Wrapped in closeness, I held him and whispered into his ear, “Promise me you won’t ever leave me.”

“I promise. I swear.”

“Ring—”

The sharp sound of a phone ringing shattered the moment, breaking his vow and the warmth of his embrace.

The phone on the bedside table lit up in the darkness. Blake’s name flashed clearly on the screen, jumping with each ring.

I rubbed my brow and answered.

“Hi, Blake. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to buy some sage. I saw your shop isn’t open yet, so I thought something might have happened.” Blake paused. “Are you okay?”

“Sorry. I just overslept.”

I pulled open the curtains. Bright sunlight poured into my bedroom, driving away the last of the sleepiness.

“Give me a moment. I’ll be right there.”

After hanging up, my eyes fell on the photo on the bedside table. It was a picture of Carter and me, with Carter smiling gently.

The dream came back to me all at once.

Damn it.

I really do need to start a new relationship.