Page 31 of Abdominal Snowman

Too close for towel snapping range, Sage abandoned the cloth and scooped her own bubbles. Giggling like a maniac, she blew them toward Soren.

They froze midair, ice crawling across their surface one speckle at a time as they meandered to the floor.

“Cheater!”

“Don’t be jealous of my cool abominable powers, Sage.” His grin was spread wide across his face, eyes crinkling at the edges.

She laughed at the ridiculousness and grabbed the towel, lunging toward him. He skirted around her at the last second and the towel snapped against thin air.

When Sage turned to follow, he was suddenly a lot closer than she’d thought. She bumped into him, and one of his hands was warm against her side, steadying her. Craning her neck, she met Soren’s gaze, her grin freezing on her cheeks. Their chests were so close that if she took a deep breath, they’d brush against each other. Their smiles faltered as they stared, and embers burned low in her gut at the close proximity.

Her heart stuttered in her chest as he lifted his right hand to her face and brushed the last of the soap bubbles from her cheek. His touch left a chilled trail, biting her cheekbone in his wake. Soren parted and closed his lips, but said nothing.

Something was crackling just under the surface, begging to be let out.

Sage felt herself lean toward Soren, until their chests touched, his warmth surprising. He was a snowman, wasn’t he supposed to be cold?

His eyes tracked hers before flicking to her lips, so soft and full as they parted in anticipation the closer they got.

Not a single word was coming to mind. She had no idea what to say, and it seemed Soren had no words either.

“Soren, I...”

“We—ah…” He stopped himself from talking over her and cleared his throat. “It’s late. We should get ready for bed. I’ll take the couch.” Soren’s eyes darted away as he took a step back, expression unsure. “Thanks for helping with dinner and… stuff. Goodnight.”

He leaned close again, and Sage’s breath froze in her chest. Yet all he did was tilt his head to the side and press his lips against her cheek. The soft caress left Sage breathless in the kitchen. And alone.

The air turned cold quickly, the absence of Soren’s warmth a stark contrast against her skin.

What the hell was that?

She turned, stared out the window at her reflection, as if the lady in the glass would have any more answers than Sage would.

His steps up and down the stairs echoed around the cabin, and she sighed. What was she doing? What was Soren doing?

Sage wanted answers, but she was beginning to question why. Why was it so important to her to figure out what lay beneath the icy exterior of her—this snowbeast?

Whatever.

Either way, she’d get to the bottom of the enigma that was this man if it was the last thing she’d do.

Besides, the bastard still had to return her camera.