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When the sleigh finally comes to a stop, Jack effortlessly lifts me out of the carriage, setting my feet on the ground. He places his hand on the small of my back, his other clasped tightly in mine, as he guides me forward.
The sound of hooves clipping against the ground tells me whoever brought us here is leaving, which means Jack and I are officially alone.
“Can I take the blindfold off yet?”
“Not yet. Just a few more steps,” he promises.
When he finally tugs off the blindfold, I blink rapidly as I adjust to my surroundings. It’s still dark outside, but there’s just enough light to determine that we’re standing on the crest of the hill overlooking the lake on the edge of my parents’ property. A steel firepit has been set up with a fire already crackling inside. Two chairs are positioned nearby, cushioned with fur blankets and pillows, and a wooden crate has been placed between them, holding a thermos and mugs.
“You planned all this?” I look up at him in awe.
I’m amazed that he would go out of his way to do something so special for me. I’ve always wanted to come to this place on Christmas morning to watch the sunrise, but until now, I didn’t actually think it’d ever happen.
“I might have had some help,” he admits. “I wanted to be sure that everything was perfect.”
“It absolutely is,” I say with appreciation. “Thank you, Jack.” I wind my arms around his neck and tilt my head up to give him a kiss on the lips.
“My pleasure, beautiful,” he says with a warm smile. “Why don’t we sit down and enjoy the view?” He gestures toward the lake.
I take a seat on one of the chairs, snuggling into the cozy blankets. Jack sits next to me, twisting off the cap of the thermos, and pours a rich brown liquid into each of the cups before passing one to me.
“It’s your mom’s hot chocolate with hazelnut creamer,” he says.
“Thank you.” I take a sip of my drink, sighing in satisfaction. “It’s delicious.”
“It’s the creamer,” he quips.
We’re cloaked in tranquil stillness. A blanket of fresh snow surrounds the lake ahead, the surface glistening like a field of diamonds. The first light of dawn appears over the horizon as the sun slowly rises, painting the sky in hues of rose, lavender, and gold. Birds begin to chirp, happily welcoming the new morning. It’s a winter wonderland like I’ve never experienced before.
“The view is absolutely breathtaking. I can’t believe I’ve never done this before.”
“You’re right about one thing,” Jack says. “The view is unmatched. In fact, I dare say it’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.”
I’m prepared to tease him about getting sentimental over the scenery but am struck silent when I find his intoxicating honey-colored eyes fixed on me, the surrounding panorama the furthest thing from his mind.
A jolt of electricity shoots through my spine and I can feel my cheeks turning pink. All the while, Jack doesn’t take his gaze off me as he leans in, gently tucking a piece of stray hair behind my ear.
“Coffee creamer reminds me of my mom.” His smooth voice cuts through the silence. “French vanilla is her favorite, but I’m pretty sure she’s tried every flavor in existence over the years. Every morning she’d come down to the kitchen while I was eating breakfast and prepare her cup of coffee. Whenever she’d try a new flavor, she’d let me have a sip. It was usually the only time of day that I had her full attention. Those moments might have been fleeting but I’m grateful for every single one.” He pauses briefly before continuing, “Imagine my surprise when, two decades later, my new assistant brings me what I expect to be my preferred plain black coffee, and instead, I take a gulp of something that tastes like Dulce De Leche in a cup.” He smiles at the memory. “I considered firing her for the inability to follow instructions.”
I remember that moment like it was yesterday.
It was the only other time I’d ever heard him laugh outside of this past week. He took a long sip of his coffee, a surprised expression taking over his face. A burst of warm laughter escaped his throat, mesmerizing me. When he caught me staring, his demeanor turned on a dime, and he was quick to lecture me for not following his orders.
I ignored his request and kept making his coffee my way, hoping, one day, I’d be rewarded with another unfiltered laugh.
“Why didn’t you fire her?” I continue playing along like we’re talking about someone else.
“Because I was captivated by her brilliant ocean-blue eyes, fiery attitude, strong work ethic, and continued kindness, even when I was a constant pain in her ass.” He reaches across to clasp my hands in his. “Presley, you should know that I wanted you from the moment you stepped into my office for the first time. I was tempted to throw you over my shoulder and take you to the nearest hotel. But after hearing how passionate you were about your career, I couldn’t jeopardize that. Even though it meant I couldn’t have you the way I wanted.”
“And how is that?” I ask curiously.
“To be more than just your boss,” he confesses. “I did everything I could to keep things strictly professional between us, but I couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing you for two weeks. So, when I saw an opportunity to invite myself to come with you to Aspen Grove, I couldn’t pass it up, consequences be damned. Plus, there was no way in hell I was going to give you the chance to find someone else to kiss you under the mistletoe.” He flashes me a wicked grin. “Now that I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to call you mine, I don’t ever want to let you go.”
“What are you saying?” I ask, my voice trembling.
“I’m in love with you, Presley Stafford.”
I’m frozen in place as those three little unexpected words pass his lips. Love? How is that possible? Until the past week, we haven’t spent time together outside the office.
