AllFreeNovel
Share Us
For a moment, she debated whether to actually take the candle inside. It seemed insignificant compared to the splendor in front of her.
Finally, with a sigh, she reached for the present. She was who she was, no apologies. And after all, this was all Frost’s idea. If he wanted someone who understood the rules of his game, he should have chosen a woman from his own social circle.
He offered his hand, and she accepted.
Instead of letting her go, he continued to draw her toward him. Then, when they were against each other, he cupped one of her shoulders. “Gran will adore you. I promise you.”
Then gently he moved one hand into her hair and tugged back on her head.
Evidently uncaring that anyone may be watching, he claimed her lips.
If he’d been forceful, she might have been able to deny him. Instead he was tender and reassuring, revealing a side of him she hadn’t seen before, and she couldn’t help but respond.
“Better?” he asked when he ended the kiss.
She wasn’t sure about that, but she certainly was no longer thinking about his grandmother. “Yes,” she whispered.
He traced her lips. No doubt her lipstick was smudged, but she was past caring.
The sounds of excited barks and yips rent the air, bringing her back to the present.
“Grandmother’s pack.”
She glanced toward the house. Three dogs had pressed their noses through the openings in the fencing.
“Shelties. Spoiled as hell.”
A woman stood on the porch, waving.
Nerves assailed her again.
As if he were perfectly in tune with her, he reassured her. “You’re going to do fine. Trust your instincts.” He took her hand and led her to the gate.
Once she and Frost were on the property, their excited welcome drained away all her tension. No wonder the pups were spoiled. They were excited and so beautiful with their gleaming coats. They each wore a collar decorated with reindeer and wreaths.
One of the tail-wagging enthusiasts jumped on Frost. “Hello, Winnie.” The animal’s head lolled to the side as he scratched behind her ears.
“Sorry!” the woman on the porch called out. “She usually behaves better than that.”
“Don’t listen to Gran.” Frost’s eyes danced with devilment as he looked at Kaylee. “Winnie does what she wants, and if you’re not looking, she climbs up onto the furniture.”
She laughed. “I’d let her get away with anything.”
Before she and Frost could make their way to the porch, Ophelia clapped a couple of times and instructed the pups to “Hush.” Regally she descended the steps. Her shoulder-length hair framed her face, and she’d dressed in a gold blouse and tailored black slacks. Her smile was wide as she looked at Kaylee. “Welcome, welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Kaylee was swept into his grandmother’s genuinely warm embrace.
“It’s about time I met you.”
“The pleasure is mine…” Suddenly she wished she’d asked Frost how she should address his grandmother. Afraid of making a faux pas, she added, “Mrs. Delaney.”
“It’s Kaylee, isn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am.” She nodded.
“Please, call me Ophelia. Welcome to the family.”
Kaylee went still, and her face heated. She’d known their act might be difficult to pull off, but being swept into Frost’s lie was even more of a challenge than she expected. “I…”
