CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

GWEN POV

I woke up this morning feeling confused. Why was I sleeping on the floor?

When my eyes opened, I saw the warm glow of the fireplace. The memories of last night rushed back. We were decorating for Christmas. There was hot chocolate with a little bit of peppermint alcohol. And then, there was the amazing sex we had together. Just like before, I was surprised by my own actions.

But this time, it was different. I felt guilty because I knew I was sleeping with my best friend’s father. But if I was truly honest with myself, I had no regrets at all. Nolan had been kind, super sexy, a little bit naughty, and I loved every second of it.

My only real worry was if being with him would ruin all my future relationships. I couldn't imagine any other man making me feel the way Nolan did.

I turned over, hoping the morning could start the same way the night had ended. But Nolan was not there. This was a clear sign: it was time for me to leave this fantasy world and go back to my real life.

I got up, put on my clothes, and folded the blanket he had put over me. I heard him outside doing what sounded like shoveling snow. I went upstairs, took a shower, got dressed, and packed my bag. I felt sad that I had to leave, but I was used to feeling sad about things.

When I went downstairs, I smelled bacon. My stomach was making noises because I was so hungry.

But I didn't expect Nolan to be so sharp with me. He said I was lazy. That one comment told me everything: he regretted last night and wanted me out of his house quickly. The sooner I could call for help with my car and get back to the city, the better for everyone.

I thought maybe he felt bad for being so rude, which is why he served me breakfast. I ate it, not just because I was hungry, but because I wanted to calm him down. I even offered to help with the chores, like washing the dishes.

I wondered if he would be leaving soon too. I hadn't heard from April, his daughter, since yesterday, and it sounded like she was not planning to come visit.

"Will April come up later?" I asked him.

He turned his head a little, his eyes looking closely at me. "She didn't tell me she was."

"Oh. I guess that means you won't stay here for Christmas either," I said. "I can help you take the decorations down again if you want."

His jaw became tight, though I couldn't understand why this idea made him angry. "That's not needed. Just think about getting your car pulled out of that ditch so you can go home."

Ah. I guessed his anger was because my offer meant I would stay longer. He really wanted me gone.

I hadn't finished my breakfast, but I wasn't hungry anymore. I picked up my phone to look for a tow truck service that could come and pull my car out of the snow-filled ditch. I figured they would need to dig it out first because of the snow last night.

"I'll make the call," Nolan said quickly. "You can finish packing your things."

The speed with which he wanted me to leave hurt. I felt so foolish for all the sweet dreams I had about him. I knew there was nothing real between Nolan and me outside of this cabin. Still, I had truly felt something last night. Something more than just the fun of being together.

I simply nodded and went back up to my room. I didn't bother telling him I was already packed. At this point, it seemed best to just stay out of his way until I could leave.

Back in the guest room, I sat near the window, looking at the thick white blanket covering everything outside. Because I felt so down, I couldn't really enjoy how beautiful it was.

I wasn't sure how long I sat there when Nolan showed up in the doorway. His face looked serious. I decided that meant only one thing—I was going to be stuck here a little longer.

"Last night's snow was very heavy and wet," he explained. "That means trees are down all over the area. It looks like several trees are blocking the road, so they can't even plow the snow yet."

"How long do you think it will take them to cut up the trees and clear the road?" I asked.

"Right now, they are focusing on other roads that are more important. But maybe by late this afternoon or tonight," he said. "Of course, clearing the road is only half the problem. We also need to get your car pulled out of that ditch. But there’s no point calling someone until the road is completely clear."

I nodded and turned back to the window, not knowing what else to say.

He let out a deep breath. "Please don't feel like you have to hide in here until we can get your car back. It's the same as yesterday: you can use the whole house and everything in it. I promise I will stay out of your way."

"Thank you," I replied.

But of course, I didn't want to use any part of the house. Even though his words said I was welcome, his angry mood earlier made me want to avoid him completely. I didn't feel welcome, so I would try to stay away from him as much as possible.

After he left, I sat in the window seat a little longer. Staring out the window quickly became boring. I wished I had brought my school books so I could at least study for my classes. I did the next best thing: I found my earbuds and started listening to an audiobook.

I managed to stay hidden in the guest room until the middle of the afternoon. But finally, I got too hungry. I walked down the hall and down the stairs to the kitchen, trying to be very quiet. All the while, I looked around corners, wondering where Nolan was.

I stepped into the kitchen. I looked through the glass doors leading to the deck outside and saw Nolan’s head sticking out of the hot tub. His back was facing me, so I could study him. His strong upper back and his nicely shaped shoulders. His arms were spread out along the edge of the hot tub. One hand held a glass of something I thought was alcohol.

I was about to make my own lunch when I decided I should offer to make him something too. He had already made me breakfast and dinner, and he had served me hot chocolate. I needed to do my fair share of work. Even though I didn't want to, I opened the glass door and stepped out into the cold air.

He turned his head and then moved his body to the side of the tub so he could see me better. "The water is perfect if you want to join me."

What was with him? He was like fire and water! Sweet and caring one minute, and then so rude the next.

I made sure my face didn't show my irritation. "Thank you, but my swimsuit is packed. And who knows when we'll be able to get a tow truck so I can go home."

He brought his drink to his lips, took a sip, and placed it back on the side of the tub. "I know one thing: it won't be tonight."

What? No. I can’t stay here again!

"They think they'll get the road plowed later this evening. But there's another snowstorm coming. They'll be clearing the snow and making the road safe at the same time," he said. Then he waved his free hand over the tub. "So, you might as well relax and make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you, but I don't think I can."

"I'm sorry I acted like such a jerk earlier." He tilted his head. "Surely, you know why I did?"

I couldn't guess exactly why, but I figured it had something to do with me being April’s friend. But why that would make him act so badly, I wasn't sure.

"Have you ever wanted something that you knew you shouldn't have?" he asked.

I nodded. "Sure." I thought of him. I also thought of eating a whole chocolate cake.

"Have you ever let yourself have it, just a little bit? Thinking that small taste would make the desire go away, only to find out it made the desire stronger?"

He could have been talking about chocolate cake, but I knew he was talking about me. The tension and annoyance I had been holding onto around him slowly started to disappear.