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He had to admire the woman’s relentless pursuit of him, and he didn’t want to insult her, but he was not going to do anything to encourage Fiona either. “Maybe.” He chuckled. “I guess that depends on how I feel when I wake up.”
“So, you’ll be at the after-party at Henry’s?”
“Yes. Gracie lives there now, too.”
Fiona’s face fell. “Oh. You two—”
“Are a thing.” Leo couldn’t help himself, and he leaned in close as if he was confiding in her. “I’m so in love with her I can barely think straight.”
Fiona narrowed her eyes at him, and there wasn’t an ounce of sincerity in her voice when she said, “Good for you.”
As she walked back to the tree for more gifts, Leo caught Gracie’s eye and winked at her. She flashed him a smile that warmed him all the way down to his toes. When Gracie was finally done handing out gifts, she held the one that was hers in her hands as if she was afraid to open it. He supposed if it was from Fiona she should be. Leo moved close to the woman he loved and said, “I drew your name from the hat, and this gift is a hint of what our life is going to be like.”
Gracie smiled at him before she made quick work of opening the box, and she pulled out a stuffed bear wearing a pair of skis. “Oh my gosh, he’s so cute!” She clutched it to her chest. “I love him, thank you, Leo.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“But…” She shook her head in confusion. She held the stuffed bear out and frowned at it. “I don’t understand what you mean by a clue.”
“I know.” Leo knew it was time he told Gracie the truth about what they were. He had decided he’d tell her later that night when he finally had her alone at his place. “I really don’t mean to leave you in the dark, but here isn’t the place. Want to stay at my cabin tonight, and I’ll explain everything?”
Gracie smiled up at him with mischief in her eyes. “You live alone, right?”
He gazed at her mouth, wishing at that moment he could sweep her off her feet and carry her to his bedroom. “I sure do.”
She inhaled deeply and then blew out a slow breath. “I can’t wait.”
He let out a low growl only Gracie’s ears could hear, and she chuckled nervously. Before he could accidentally let his bear free and scoop up his mate like a caveman might, he nodded toward where the buffet had been set up and people were already standing in line. “Let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
Gracie took his hand and squeezed his fingers. “I’m reallyhungrytoo.”
His nostrils flared as he drank in her desire-laced scent and this time he could barely contain the rumble of his growl in his chest as his insides burned with a fiery passion he couldn’t wait to release.
CHAPTER15
Gracie
Employees had been toldthat the holiday party would end at ten to allow everyone a good night’s sleep before another busy workday. Most of the younger workers didn’t listen, and Gracie’s new house was packed with guests who’d come for the after-party. A keg had been set up in a garbage can of ice on the back deck, and many people were outside with their arms wrapped around themselves as they waited to fill their cups.
Even though she and Leo were not glued to each other’s sides at the party, Gracie caught him looking her way numerous times throughout the night. She’d never felt so secure in a relationship, let alone so adored. There was no doubt in her mind that Leo loved her, and her new confidence was affecting her entire outlook on the world she lived in.
She leaned against the kitchen island and took the last sip of beer in her cup. It was warm and stale on her tongue, and she gulped it down as she listened with amusement to Fiona telling an exaggerated story about taking flight in her Rudolph costume. It would have annoyed Gracie before she met Leo, and she’d have listened with jealousy burning in her gut over the fact guys were so enamored with Fiona. Tonight, though, Gracie saw the situation for what it was. The young woman was animated in her storytelling and worked the group listening so hard that Gracie realized Fiona craved attention. It made her wonder if Fiona’s life wasn’t anything she ever should have wanted.
“Hey there,” Leo said as he approached her. He slid his arm around her waist as he leaned against the counter with her. “How’s my girl?”
She gazed up at him. “Happier than I could have ever imagined. How are you doing?”
“I’m just as happy as you are.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss before taking her empty cup. “Another?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
Gracie loved the way Leo kept checking in with her even though he had become quite a popular man over the few days he’d worked at Sugar Mountain. Mostly with Henry, who kept tugging him along to talk to all of his friends.
Kate caught Gracie’s eye and smiled at her as she walked over to talk. “Sorry about my boyfriend. He’s got a major bro crush on Leo and is showing him off like a prize.”
Gracie laughed. “I don’t mind. I’m just glad they’re having fun.”
“Yeah, me too.” Kate took a sip of her beer. “How about you? Are you having fun?”
