CHAPTER ONE
Sierra
The private jet's engines hummed beneath me as we descended through clouds that looked like spun sugar against the blue sky, Christmas lights from distant towns twinkling like earthbound stars below us.
I pressed my nose to the frosted window, breath fogging the glass as I stared at the winter wonderland spreading below us. It was a pristine canvas of white that seemed to stretch forever under the sunlight.
Snow. Actual, real snow, not the fake stuff they sprayed at Christmas events at home.
"Oh my god," I whispered, adjusting the padded straps of Toffee's carrier where it was secured snugly against my back.
Inside, he purred contentedly, bundled in the most adorable red and green striped sweater that made him look like a furry Christmas ornament.
Adrian had surprised him with it this morning, grinning like a proud parent as he'd carefully dressed my spoiled baby.
"First time seeing snow, sweet girl?" Connor's deep voice rumbledbeside me, his soft black hair tickling my ear as he leaned over to look out my window.
He looked devastatingly handsome in his dark wool sweater, the dark fabric making his pale skin and black eyes even more striking.
The familiar nickname sent butterflies dancing through my stomach, just like it always did.
"First time experiencing winter at all," I admitted, watching fat snowflakes drift past the window like nature's confetti. “Sun doesn't exactly prepare you for this."
Connor's large hand found mine, fingers intertwining with a gentleness that never failed to make my heart skip.
"You're going to love it. And if you get too cold..." His thumb traced over my knuckles, the touch sending heat spiraling through me. "I know exactly how to warm you up."
The promise in his voice made my cheeks flush, and I was grateful when the plane touched down with a gentle bump, distracting me from the delicious thoughts Connor's words had stirred up.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Adrian's voice boomed from across the aisle, "welcome to Christmas chaos headquarters!"
He looked absolutely ridiculous and utterly perfect in an ugly sweater that declared"JINGLE BELLS"in glittering letters, paired with black jeans and combat boots.
His dark brown hair was deliberately tousled, and his jade-green eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Everyone out! Time to corrupt the girls with the magic of hypothermia!"
Behind him, I caught sight of the plane staff carefully unloading our suitcases in matching sets, along with one mysterious black duffel bag that definitely didn't belong to any of our coordinated travel gear.
The guys exchanged meaningful glances when they saw it, but before I could ask, Adrian was in full Christmas dictator mode.
"But first!" He produced a massive bag from seemingly nowhere, grinning like a maniac. "The most important part of any winter adventure—proper headgear!"
Before anyone could protest, he pulled out an assortment of Santa hats, each more fluffy than the last.
He pounced on Jax first, who looked immaculate in his tailored brown coat and designer pants, his golden hair perfectly styled despite the plane ride.
"Adrian, I swear to God—" Jax started, but Adrian had already plopped an oversized red fluffy hat, complete with a puff ball, onto his head.
"Perfect! Very festive, very you," Adrian declared, then turned on Connor before he could escape. "Your turn, big guy."
Connor submitted with resigned grace as Adrian settled a more understated Santa hat on his dark head, the red a striking contrast against his black hair.
"There. Now you look approachable instead of terrifying."
"I was never terrifying," Connor protested mildly.
"You absolutely were," I giggled, earning a warm smile that made my heart flutter.
