“We did it,” I say, letting him wrap me in his arms. “Between the two of us we managed to have the perfect holiday season.”
“I think we can do better than this.”
I pull back, looking at him with wide eyes. “Better than falling in love at Christmastime?”
“I was miserable the majority of the month because I couldn’t be with you. So yes, I think we have a lifetime to do way better than this.”
I smile, hugging him to me. “Fine. I’ll give you a lifetime of perfect Christmases.”
“Hey, Summer,” Caleb says, tapping my shoulder. “Isn’t that the security guard from the hot springs?”
I glance to where Caleb is looking, and sure enough, it’s the same guy. “Yes!”
“He’s wearing my snow clothes, and isn’t that woman beside him wearing your white snow outfit?”
“I knew he stole them! Should we go get them back?”
“Nah.” Caleb slings his arm around my shoulder. “He needs them more than we do.”
I glance up at Caleb, seeing the reflection of red fireworks sparkle in his perfect blue eyes. Snowcapped mountains tower over us with magical stars in the moonlit sky. This is everything that I love: family, my birthday, Christmas, and Caleb.
epilogue
CALEB
ONE WEEK LATER
“I can’t believewe’re back at the scene of the crime.” Summer leans against my chest, giving me the perfect opportunity to wrap my arms around her stomach and hold her close. Her bubble gum shampoo stands out from the smell of the fire burning in front of us. I bury my nose in her hair, breathing in that addictive scent.
She tilts her head, glancing over her shoulder at me. “I would hardly call this ski hut a crime scene.”
“It’s a place where an illegal offense was committed.”
“And just what illegal offense are you talking about?” Her mouth lowers in a frown, and my eyes follow, momentarily distracted by her red, pouty lips.
“We slept together.” My words come out so matter-of-factly like the answer is obvious. “When you had a boyfriend.”
“Oh, my gosh!” Her elbow jabs me in the stomach before she turns her head to rest it against my chest again. “We did notsleeptogether. We laid beside each other to keep warm with lots of space between our bodies. There’s a big difference.”
“We may have started with space, but that’s not how we ended. When I woke up, you were all over me.”
Summer’s head twists, and she looks at me with wide eyes. “No, I wasn't!”
“You were. I can’t say I blame you for cuddling with me.” I smirk. “I know how much you wanted me.”
Another elbow jabs me before Summer snuggles into my arms. “Cuddling with you was an accident.”
“I’m not sure it was an accident on my part.” My fingers find hers, tangling our hands together. “And there’s something else you should know.”
“What?”
“It’s a confession.”
“Should I be scared?”
“There weren’t any other skiers coming that night to the hut. I had every spot reserved.”
This admission makes her sit up and twist around to face me. “You little liar!”
