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The sooner she got dressed, the sooner she’d find out what Mr. O’Shea had planned.
Seventeen
“You’re kidding.”
Bundled up like an abominable snowman with layers upon mismatched layers, a bright yellow cap on her head and red snow boots, Zara stared at Braden as he knelt down in the knee-high snow and started forming a ball. The man may be a ruthless businessman, but this playful side was just as sexy and appealing.
“Do I look like I’m kidding?” he shot back over his shoulder. “We’re building a snowman. Get down here and make balls.”
Zara snorted. “You’re going to freeze yours off,” she muttered.
“Cute. Now help me.”
Surveying the pristine blanket of snow, Zara squinted her eyes at the glare from the sun’s reflection. She shoved her gloved hands into the pockets of Laney’s old ski coat. Apparently she’d had some old things in her closet, and Braden claimed his sister wouldn’t care.
Zara wasn’t sure what had her more scared, the fact that she was getting in deeper with this family or that Braden was showing her his playful side.
It was the snowman. Something so simple, so traditional hit her right in the gut.
Braden glanced back over his shoulder, then pushed to his feet. “You’re frowning.”
“You probably did this all the time growing up,” she stated, looking at the mound he’d started. “It’s ridiculous how something like this freaks me out.”
Braden stepped closer, peered down at her until she met his gaze. “You’re supposed to be having fun. I want you to experience all the simple things, and I want to be the one to experience them with you. For now, we’re starting with a snowman. Maybe later we can make snow cream or have hot chocolate with little marshmallows.”
What did he mean he wanted to be the one to experience things with her? Was he thinking long-term? Was he saying he wanted something permanent?
“Where are we going with this?” she asked.
Braden braced his hands on her shoulders. “Wherever we want.” He nipped at her lips. “But right now, we’re making a snowman, and we’re going to have fun. Then I’m going to kick your butt at a snowball fight.”
Zara laughed. “You can try, but don’t take inexperience for weakness.”
“Is that a challenge?” he asked.
“Consider yourself warned.” Zara took in a deep, cool breath and sighed. “Now, let’s get to making some big balls.”
Laughing, Braden smacked another cold kiss on her lips. Together they worked rolling one giant ball. Zara had no idea building a snowman was so much work. Despite the twenty degree temps, she was actually starting to work up a sweat. By the time they got the third ball rolled and on top of the middle one, Zara was nearly winded. Her muscles were hurting, and for mercy’s sake she was clearly out of shape. Apparently eating junk and planning parties didn’t help build up the endurance.
And here she thought her running regimen kept her endurance up. Apparently, she needed to change her workouts to walking in deep snow and using her core to keep her balanced.
“I’m going to need to soak in that tub again,” she told him as they stood back to admire their work. “My muscles are crying.”
The wicked grin he shot her sent shivers of arousal coursing through her. “I could be persuaded to give you a massage.”
“During the bath?”
“I’d say we both deserve to soak our tired muscles.”
Zara glanced back to the snowman. “This thing doesn’t look finished. Should we have a carrot or something?”
Braden laughed. “I brought out a bag of various things. It’s on the porch.”
As he maneuvered through the snow to the porch, Zara got the most wonderful idea. Before he could turn back to see her, she quickly made two snowballs. Compact in each of her palms, she held them until just the right time.
The moment he turned around with the bag in his hand and stepped off the porch, Zara pelted him right in the face. She couldn’t even fully enjoy his look of shock because she was doubled over with laughter and trying to gather more ammunition.
Before she could straighten, a wet, cold blob smacked her on the side of her head, barely missing her exposed cheek.
Zara tried to get to the snowman to use as a shield, but she ended up slipping in the snow and falling headfirst into the snowman, sending it toppling.
