“I know it’s small.” Gracie walked over to him and looked up. “And you can’t stand anywhere but the middle, but I love it.”

  “I like it too. Are you happy to be out on your own?”

  She nodded, but Leo saw sadness in her eyes when she sat on her bed.

  He moved to sit next to her. “You’re worried about your mother.”

  “I kind of am. I know I shouldn’t be. The woman is capable of taking care of herself. I guess…” She gazed past him.

  “You did it for so long that you feel guilty leaving.”

  “That...” Gracie’s expression turned serious. “And the fact she didn’t want me to leave.” She scowled but didn’t say more.

  “I’m sure she’s fine and happy for you.”

  “I suppose.” Gracie placed a hand on his chest. “But talking about my mother wasn’t why I brought you up here.”

  “No?” Leo leaned in.

  “No.” Gracie put a hand on his cheek and kissed him. “I’m happy to have you alone.”

  “I’m happy to be here, but—”

  “Shhh.” She reached up and kissed him again, and whatever fears he had about her shyness became the furthest thing from his mind.

  CHAPTER 13

  Gracie

  Music blared from the radio of Gracie’s Kia wagon as she drove down the access road of Sugar Mountain, and she replayed her new favorite memory as she sang along. Her insides tingled with a hint of the desire she’d felt the night before with Leo in her loft. They’d done more than kiss when they fell onto her bed to fool around, but they both agreed that their first time together should be someplace more private. It didn’t stop Gracie from imagining what might happen multiple times throughout her day, and she was looking forward to staying at Leo’s cabin after the holiday party that night.

  She was on her way to the home where she grew up to get more of her things, including something nice to wear to the party that night. As she drove down the street of her former neighborhood she noticed a single light shone through the bay window of her childhood home, and sadness washed over her when she pulled into the driveway. It wasn’t that she missed living with her mother. It was because she wished that her mother was a happy person, and it broke her heart to imagine the woman miserable on her own.

  Her keys jingled as she searched for the one to the house, and she moved to insert it in the lock. It slid in fine, but when Gracie tried to turn the key, it wouldn’t budge. “That’s odd,” she said as she pulled the key out and inspected it to make sure she’d used the right one. When she saw that she had, Gracie tried again. It still didn’t work, and she scowled as she rang the doorbell for her mother. She peered through the window at the top of the door to see her mother was in front of the television.

  Concern filled her when she didn’t hear footsteps, and her knuckles ached after she knocked on the door loudly. “Mom!”

  She noticed movement, but still her mother didn’t come to the door. Anger filled Gracie, because it wasn’t shocking to think Margo would be petty enough to ignore her. She went to the bay window in the front of the house where her mother would be facing her, and Gracie banged on the window. “Mom! I’m locked out!”

  Her mother glared at her. “You don’t live here!”

  “What? But—”

  “I changed the locks. Now go away!”

  Gracie stumbled back from the window in shock as if her mother had struck her. She changed the locks? But her surprise quickly faded when she realized she shouldn’t be astounded by Margo’s actions. In fact, Gracie should have expected it. She walked back to her car and climbed into the driver’s seat. The wheel was already cold in her hands when she gripped it and wondered how long Margo would stay mad. She couldn’t help the guilt over pushing her mother far enough that she’d be so mean, and it roiled in her stomach like bad food. Tears had filled her eyes by the time she got to her new house, and when Kate looked up from reading on the couch to greet her, Gracie began to cry.

  “Gracie?” Kate got up from the couch and walked over to her. “What’s wrong?”

  “My mother—" Gracie swiped tears off her cheeks and managed to stop her crying. “She changed the locks. She—” Gracie let out a shaky breath. “She didn’t want me to move out, and I guess when I did I, made her angry.”

  “That’s horrible,” Kate said. “Surely she’ll let you get your things though.”

  “Eventually she will, but—” Gracie glanced down at her jeans and long-sleeved T-shirt. She knew the jeans were okay for the employee party, but she’d planned to change into a festive sweater. She felt tears burn in her eyes again and knew her clothing should be the least of her concerns. Still, she blurted out, “I don’t have anything to wear tonight.”

  Kate stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Gracie. The woman’s kindness made Gracie’s tears fall again, and Kate held her a little tighter. “I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Family can be so hard. But hey—" She pulled away from Gracie and smiled. “I’m awfully glad you live here now.”

  Gracie pulled back and sniffed. “Thank you. I’m glad to be here too.” What had happened with her mother was done, and if she wanted to enjoy her evening with Leo she needed to find a way to push thoughts of Margo aside. She wiped the latest batch of tears from her face and took a deep breath.

  Kate grabbed her hand. “Come with me. Let’s get you dolled up for the party.”

  Gracie chuckled at her petite friend who was so eager to fix things. “Nothing you have is going to fit me.”

  Kate glanced over her shoulder with a smile. “You underestimate my talents.”

  When they got to Kate and Henry’s room, Gracie was instructed to sit on the bed while Kate went to her closet. She pulled out a hanger that had dozens of scarves on it, and she gave Gracie a sheepish grin. “I might have a problem when it comes to scarves, but they’re such an easy way to dress up a simple outfit.” She rummaged through the fabric and tugged on a teal blue scarf that had gold metallic thread woven through it. “This one will be magic with your eyes.”

  Kate draped the silky fabric around Gracie’s neck and tied it in a loose knot that left the scarf covering most of the front of her T-shirt. Kate stepped back and out of the way of the mirror across from the bed. “See how the scarf becomes what someone sees? Nobody will notice you’re wearing just a T-shirt underneath. What do you think?”

  Gracie stood and stroked the scarf. “That does look good. Thanks.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m not done with you yet. Sit back down.” Kate pushed her playfully.

  The mattress bounced when Gracie plopped down with a little drama of her own. “Should I be afraid?”

  Kate laughed as she opened a jewelry box on her bureau. She turned, holding up two different earrings. “Sparkly stars or Santa?”

  “Stars, I think.”

  “That’s what I think too. They’ll match the faraway look you get whenever you see Leo.”

  Gracie smiled at her as she took the earrings to put on. “He does make my heart skip a beat.”

  “Makeup?” Kate asked as she held up an eye pencil.

  “I can do that. I have some of my own.”

  “I’m sure you do, but let me play fairy godmother. I’m having too much fun.”

  Gracie laughed. “By all means, have at it.”

  Kate not only did her makeup, but she curled Gracie’s hair to fall in waves, and when they returned to the living room, Henry was waiting for them.

  He said, “Wow, you two are gorgeous. But hold on. I have the perfect thing.” He walked over to the tree and pulled two small boxes from under it and handed one to each woman. “An early Christmas present from me.”

  Paper tore as they opened the packages to reveal sparkly bangle bracelets. Gracie put hers on. “Henry, these are so pretty. Thank you.” She walked over to hug him. “You and Kate have made me feel very special.”

  “That’s because you are, Gracie,” Kate said.

  “Who’s ready for a party?” Henry asked. “I think Leo just pulled in.”

  Gracie moved toward the door to let Leo in, and when he saw her, he took a deep breath as he scanned her from head to toe with his gaze. “You look stunning.”

  “Thanks.” She noticed he was wearing a red and green flannel shirt open over a T-shirt and jeans. “You really don’t get cold, do you?”

  “Not around you.”

  “Jeez, bro,” Henry said. “You and the lines. You’re making me look bad.”

  Kate chuckled. “Lucky for you, you have other skills.”

  Henry slid an arm around her waist and pulled her in tight. He lowered his voice and said, “That I do.”

  “And on that note,” Gracie teased, “we should get out of here.”

  There was an after-party planned at the house, and Henry offered to drive so they’d all return home together. As they moved toward his car, Leo grabbed Gracie’s hand and stopped walking. He pulled her in close to kiss her. Her desire for him ignited as love swelled in her heart, and when they broke apart, she thought about how her night had been threatened by her mother. But none of it mattered now because Kate had been her fairy godmother, and she felt like a princess on her way to a ball with her handsome prince.

  CHAPTER 14

  Leo

  Leo held the door for Gracie as they entered the lodge for the employee party. One section of the main seating area at Sugar Mountain was partitioned off to create a space for the festivities. There were strands of lights hung from the rafters, linens on the tables, and light appetizers in the middle of each table. Kate and Gracie found a table to claim seats for the group while Leo and Henry made their way to the bar to purchase drinks.

  As Leo stood with his friend in line, Henry said, “It appears things are going well with Gracie.”

  “They are. I feel like the luckiest guy alive.”

  “I can see that. Gracie seems to think the same thing. I’ve never seen her this happy,” Henry said. “Moving out of her mother’s house is a huge step I don’t think she’d have taken without you in her life.”

  Leo had an idea of how big a move it was for Gracie, and he was thrilled that she’d done it on her own. “I didn’t make that happen. I found out she wanted to move when you did.” They’d reached the front of the line at the bar, and Leo said, “I’ve got these.” He turned his attention to the bartender. “Two white wines and I’ll take the draft IPA.”

  Leo looked at Henry, who said to the bartender, “IPA for me too.” As they waited for drinks, Henry said, “Don’t sell yourself short. I’m not sure Gracie would have left her mother if she hadn’t had you for a reason. You’ve been good for her.”

  “I hope so.” Leo tapped his credit card on the reader, and it beeped to indicate it had been processed.

  Henry grabbed a glass of wine and his beer. “Kate says watching you two is like watching a romance movie.”

  Leo smiled at the idea he was Gracie’s hero because he wanted her to be the main character in his life. After signing the bill, Leo picked up his drinks and the two men made their way over to the table where Gracie and Kate were talking to Tracy and a man he didn’t know.

  Tracy smiled at the guys. “Henry, you remember Steve. Leo, this is my boyfriend.” The men shook hands, and Tracy said, “Leo came on to help us out through the holiday week. But I’m going to fight to keep him a while longer.”

  Leo smiled politely at her before he handed Gracie her glass of wine. He couldn’t tell Tracy he’d only be sticking around long enough to convince Gracie to become his mate, so he asked, “When is the gift exchange?” Leo had been lucky enough to draw Gracie’s name, and he was anxious to give her his present.

  Tracy said, “After we announce the employee of the year and Kurt, our general manager, makes his annual speech.”

  Steve said, “Don’t worry, the man knows everyone is anxious for the buffet.”

  “Nice to see you all here,” Tracy said. “Enjoy the evening. I have to make my rounds.”

  She and her husband walked away, and Leo noticed a man had gotten behind the microphone on the temporary stage and that the crowd had quieted. “I think it’s speech time,” Leo said.

  The crew took seats at their table. Leo snagged a piece of cheese and crunched a cracker as the speaker began. Steve was right, the award ceremony and speech were brief. And it wasn’t long before the employees were instructed to gather with the members of their department for the gift exchange.

  Gracie, Leo, and Henry stood with the guest services employees by their designated tree. Leo, as well as most the rest of their department, had deposited his gift under the tree earlier that day. When Tracy asked Gracie to help her hand out gifts, Fiona insisted on helping, too. The first thing she grabbed was an envelope that she brought to Leo. She said, “I drew your name, and I think you’re going to like my present.”

  Leo nodded at Fiona, unsure he wanted to open her gift. The envelope was smooth in his fingers as he ripped the seal, and he found she’d given him a one-month membership to a gym. A place he had no intention of visiting, but he said, “Thank you. What a thoughtful gift.”

  “I work out there every day after work.” Fiona turned her shoulder toward him and gazed up at him through her eyelashes. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

  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 really hungry too.”

  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.

  CHAPTER 15

  Gracie

  Employees had been told that 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?”