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“What’s that?”
“A white Christmas.”
That gets a giggle from the lanky young teen, and Zach meets my eye with an appreciative smile. I return it, happy to know I’m bringing a bit of cheer to a girl who would probably much rather be anywhere but stuck at her dad’s holiday party and surrounded by adults for days on end.
“Well, I’ll leave you to get settled in. Let me know if you need anything,” I say, gesturing toward the hallway that leads to the purple suite.
“Thanks, Mia,” Zach says, and he gives my fingers a gentle squeeze that makes my heart skip a beat.
As they head down the hallway with their luggage, I head back out to the expansive living room to mingle with the guests gathered there. The golden-lit tree in the corner stretches up to the vaulted ceiling in a spectacular display, the decorative presents beneath wrapped in shiny packaging with glittery bows.
Standing next to the roaring fireplace is the one person my eyes naturally seek in the familiar group of my father’s friends. Cilian holds a tumbler of whiskey in one hand, observing the room silently, mischief glinting in the depths of his green eyes. And when he spots me, he raises his glass in a casually sexy salute.
Why is he so irresistibly attractive?
I can feel the magnetic energy surrounding him, effortlessly drawing every available—and many taken—woman’s gaze his way.
And yet, his eyes linger on mine, showing me a singular interest that wasn’t there before. He doesn’t have to say it for me to know. Halloween did not satiate the curiosity that’s been building between us for years. It awoke a hunger I’m not sure I’ll be able to control.
And it seems it awakened a desire in him as well.
This isn’t at all what I had expected. I had anticipated Luke, Zach, and Cilian might try to avoid me. I thought they would be more than ready to forget about the whole Halloween affair, pretend it never happened—like I had when I’d walked out the door that night. But they clearly each expect something of me at this retreat.
All three of the men I’d set out to speak with tonight seem willing to chat. More than that, I get the sense that they want to further explore the chemistry I set in motion that night. At least to discuss it, if nothing else.
My cheeks flush as Luke’s gaze finds me as well, and I grow intensely aware of both sets of eyes watching me closely. Their gazes follow me with that same predatory interest as they did two months ago, filling my belly with warmth.
I’d been prepared to have to plead my case and convince one of these men to claim the baby growing inside me. I hadn’t anticipated I might have three men looking to me for something more. An interest that goes beyond a steamy one-night stand.
And with the added responsibility of hosting all my father’s friends, I sense my control of the situation quickly slipping through my fingers.
I’ve really created a mess this time.
2
ZACHARY
Istand in the lavishly decorated family suite of the luxurious Aspen mansion, my heart heavy with the knowledge that my daughter, Lindsey, had been looking forward to spending Christmas with her mother for months now.
It was supposed to be their special time together, just mom-and-daughter time. A break from the transition from a small town to big-city life and the lack of familiarity she’s had far too much of this year.
But as usual, my ex-wife flaked at the last minute, leaving Lindsey crestfallen. And though my sharp-tongued rebel won’t say as much, I know she’s hurt that Hannah would rather spend time with her new boyfriend than enjoy the holiday with our daughter.
I glance over at my thirteen-year-old spitfire who stands beside me with a forced smile.
“Hey,” I say, reaching out to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m sorry your Christmas plans fell through, but I’m sure Mom will make it up to you.”
“Yeah. Right. Not like I really wanted to spend a week lying on the beach, soaking up the sun, learning how to surf, or anything lame like that, anyway.” Her tone drips bitterness, as does her signature eye roll.
“I know this isn’t exactly the holiday you hoped for, but I promise we’ll make the best of it.”
“Yeah, I can just picture it now. Water aerobics at seven a.m., bingo at three thirty, a soft dinner that can be eaten with dentures, lights out by six? This will begreat.”
“Hey, this place might be full of boring old men, but we can still have some fun. And what matters most is that we’re together for Christmas.”
“Yeah, okay, Dad,” she agrees, her voice bordering on sarcastic.
Usually, I might insist she find a better attitude, but I know this weekend is hitting her hard. “Shall I leave you to finish on your own?” I offer, sensing that she needs some time.
