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I feel about two-feet tall right now as I question whether I’ve been as dreadful as she claims. It is her job after all, but there’s a real possibility I’ve overstepped and let the anger for my attraction to her cloud my vision.
“You know, you’re only the second guy that January has ever brought home,” Charles says.
I don’t even know when he made his way back here. Bryon is leading now, but my attention is focused on what Charles just said.
“I am?”
“Oh yeah. That other guy, he was a real asshole.”
There’s that word again. Am I any better?
“I remember that guy. Parker or Cole,” Frank says.
“Parker,” Mark corrects. “He was awful to January.”
I snap my head to Mark, dipping my eyebrows. “Awful how?” I do not remember this asshole. The thought of him mistreating her has my blood boiling.
“He talked to her like she was beneath him. Always demanding her to go get him something. Pretty much treated her like he was paying her. If you get what I’m saying,” Frank says, shaking his head.
Oh, I get what he’s saying. My hands are in fists as I imagine him commanding her around. Treating her with no respect.
“Anne had to keep me away because I wanted to toss him out on his ass,” Charles says.
“You should’ve. He’s lucky I wasn’t around,” I say.
“He was a jerk and January finally saw it for herself,” Mark explains.
I’m angry, disappointed, and worst of all jealous. The thought of someone else being close to her, touching her, kissing her, having sex with her—it stirs a jealousy in me I’ve never felt before.
January deserves someone who’ll treat her with respect and admiration. Someone who’ll fight for her, not against her. She deserves to be cherished. To be with someone who makes her laugh, brings her comfort, encourages her dreams. Someone who makes her smile in public and scream his name in private.
January deserves a man like me.
The real me.
Not the me that’s constantly been squashing her requests for time off so I could spend more time with her.
The realization causes me to stop walking as I stare into the snow-covered trees surrounding me.
“Hey, you all right?” Mark whispers, clasping his hand on my shoulder. “No need to get all worked up about her ex. It was a long time ago.”
I swallow. “I’m all right. Just realizing how deeply I’m falling for January.”
He laughs as he slaps my back. “Well, considering you’re her boyfriend, I’d hope so.”
I blow out a breath. All this time I thought I was on the hunt for an elk, but it appears I’m out here hunting for something completely different.
Like redemption for the way I’ve treated January in the past.
Charles was right. We did not kill an elk, but we did see a few which was exciting for me. It was a good time. I’ve never spent a day with a group of guys like this before. After I was able to push down everything I was thinking about January, it was better. The jokes, the stories, and even the teasing. The camaraderie shared between these guys is something amazing. Something I didn’t realize I’d like to have until today. I felt like a part of a family.
“I’m ready for something hot to drink,” Frank says as we near the resort.
“Definitely. A hot meal and sitting with my loved ones by the fire,” Charles agrees.
“I’m sure Emily is going to want me to change before dinner,” Mark says with a fond shake of his head. “You know they all will.”
They all laugh and I find myself joining in. I find myself enjoying this. I’ve never done family things like this. I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on until today.
We park outside the resort, but Charles turns his head before unlocking the doors. “Today was a day I’ll always remember. We didn’t get any elk, but we did gain another hunter and family member. That’s what matters most.”
I smile, glancing around at everyone, a little overcome with the bond I’m feeling toward them. “Thanks everyone. Today was eye-opening.”
And I mean it.
We head inside the resort, and I stop in my tracks when I see January. She’s wearing a short, red silk dress, cut low in the front, showing off a great deal of delicious cleavage. The sexy black heels accentuate her toned legs, and I lick my lips, wanting to dive between them. Her curled hair spills down her back, the glossy tresses pointing my gaze to her rounded ass. But what really captures my attention is the way her laugh echoes around me. So carefree, so confident, so damn beautiful.
My eyes lift and I notice she’s standing under the mistletoe.
This is it. This is my chance to finally kiss January Frost.
Chapter 7
January
* * *
The men barrel through the doors, and I catch sight of Nicholas. My breath hitches.
