AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What was she saying? Of course, he knew she'd be staying in the guest room.
Nick chuckled, putting her at ease in that way of his. "No worries, Holly. Jaxon mentioned that he was bringing you home.”
A few moments later, Jaxon returned, and she was spared having to make awkward small talk. "Everything's ready. I'll show you the guest room; it's just down the hall, first door on the left."
"Thank you," Holly replied, rising from the couch, and saying goodnight to Nick. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that she wouldn't be spending any sexy time with Jaxon... or Nick, for the matter - yeah, her mind had gone there too - but she reminded herself that she needed to focus on her own wellbeing. This break was a great opportunity for her to concentrate on healing. Something she'd had precious little time for with all the drama Kyle had put her through.
A good night's sleep and everything would be put into perspective, and she could start afresh. Kicking off with finding out when the next hotel vacancy was available.
CHAPTER FIVE
Holly woke the next morning to the tantalizing aroma of all of her favorite things, and wondered if she was still dreaming; sizzling bacon, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
There was no en-suite attached to her room, so she grabbed her toiletries and a change of clothes and went in search of the bathroom. She’d used it last night but had been too tired to take much notice of its location, and quietly crossed her fingers that she didn’t accidentally stumble into someone else’s bedroom.
After a quick shower, she brushed her hair, cleaned her teeth, and dressed in a comfy pair of tan leggings and a chunky cable knit sweater, leaving her long honey-colored hair loose around her shoulders.
There was glorious under-floor heating, so Holly didn’t bother with footwear since she’d foregone packing slippers in her limited luggage space in favor of a sparkly pair of heeled sandals to dress up in for the special occasions she’d expected to indulge in over Christmas and the New Year. So, it was those, or the sensible, but rather chunky hiking boots she’d traveled in, neither of which were appropriate.
She followed her nose to a bright, white and chrome kitchen. The large, modern space, with its almost industrial vibe, was completely at odds with what she’d seen of the rest of the property so far.
When she got there, she found Jaxon and Nick, as she’d expected, but the man she’d had dinner with last night was also there. Seeing him brought Holly up short.
He glared at her over the top of the newspaper he was reading, and whatever softness she might have detected in him last night was a distant and forgotten memory. “Looks like your latest stray has made an appearance.”
Holly faltered in her step, taken aback. She bit her lips and looked between the three men. “I’m sorry,” she said, taking a step backward. “You’ve been very kind, but it’s probably best if I just pack my things and get out of your hair.” She didn’t ever want people to think she was a freeloader.
She went to whirl on her heel and make a quick getaway, cursing her soft heart for feeling the sting of hurt so deeply, but the large, warm hand of Nick Winters grabbed hold of her bicep and stopped her.
“You’ll do no such thing,” Jaxon told her as Nick turned her about and guided her toward an empty stool at the breakfast bar. “Ignore Mr. Grumpy Pants, here. Kris has forgotten how to behave in polite company, and he’s even worse before coffee.”
Holly looked between the three of them, uncertainly. “Thank you, but I don’t want to outstay my welcome. You’ve already been more than kind.”
Kris made a rude noise and buried his head back in his paper. Holly couldn’t help wondering if he often visited for breakfast.
He was dressed more casually this morning, in jeans and a soft sweater that hugged his sculpted chest. But somehow, she just couldn’t imagine him being such good friends with the serene Nick and the cheerful Jaxon. His personality was just so at odds with the two of them.
“So, what are your plans for today?” Jaxon asked as they all tucked into a delicious home-cooked breakfast of pancakes and bacon.
Holly shrugged. “Well, I thought I’d go back to the Winter Lodge and find out when they next have a vacancy.”
Nick pursed his lips. “It’s usually fully booked over the festive season,” he commented as he sipped his coffee.
“I don’t doubt it,” Holly agreed with a nod. “But if that’s a bust, I’ll check out all the other accommodations. I’m sure I’ll find something.”
Kris made a snorting noise but refrained from saying anything, and Holly petered off, concentrating on her food instead of speaking and risking any more of his ire.
Finally, the irascible man threw down his paper, scraped his chair across the floor, making a screeching noise that set her nerves on edge, and stood. “Right, I need to get to work.” He treated Holly to another scowl, wreathed in suspicion, said his goodbyes, which, while general, she felt genuinely excluded from, and stomped out of the room. As he pushed past her, the fresh scent of pine and winter snow assaulted her senses, and Holly cursed herself for finding it so appealing.
A few moments later, Holly heard the door slam behind him with a force that made her jump.
The two men both looked in the direction Kris had left in, a kind of nonplussed look on both their faces; then Jaxson turned back to her, gave her his megawatt smile, and said, “He likes you.”
Holly almost choked on her orange juice. “I think that might be overstating it somewhat,” she replied drily as she patted herself on the chest and dabbed her mouth with a napkin.
“No, I think Jaxon’s right.” Nick surprised her by agreeing with his friend’s assessment. “Kris is never that crabby unless something has upset his equilibrium.”
Holly shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Sorry guys, but I’ve never bought into the concept of boys bullying girls because they like them. That’s just an excuse for bad behavior as far as I’m concerned, and something that shouldn’t be given legitimacy.”
