Page 13 of Unwrapping Ember
“Pretty good, actually,” I lie, leaving out the fact that I spent most of the night held captive by my usual nightmares even after the three of them came to check on me the first time.
His eyes search mine—searching for the truth behind my words—but I blink and direct my gaze out the window, hoping to divert his attention. “So, it’s still snowing, huh?”
Following my line of sight, he stands up and gazes at the heavy snowfall, a slight smile on his face.
Finally breaking the silence, he asks, “What’s really going on with you? I can tell something’s eating you up inside.” His voice is soft and steady, trying to draw me in, but I resist the urge to be swept away.
“It’s nothing, Koda. Just drop it." I snap, not meaning for my words to come out with a bite.
He shakes his head and continues to glance out the window, exhaling deeply. “It’s still snowing like crazy,” he remarks, finally shifting theconversation. “But we’re going to make the best of it.” He nudges my shoulder playfully. “You’re down for some fun, right, Ember?”
His look sends heat surging through me, igniting a warmth that creeps up my neck. I nibble my lip nervously, nodding my head, smiling through the undeniable tension.
“I’m always up for some fun, Koda,” I flirt back, unable to suppress the blush blooming across my cheeks.
Koda’s smile broadens as he steps closer. “Good to know,” he murmurs, his voice dipping low. “I have a few ideas for how we can enjoy this snowy day.”
As my heart races, I scramble for a response, but before I can articulate my thoughts, Koda leans in and kisses me, and all rational thought evaporates. The snow continues to swirl outside as we lose ourselves in the moment, but he pulls away quickly, as if he wanted only a brief taste of the forbidden fruit.
“Sorry,mistletoe,” he grins, revealing the small sprig he hid behind his back.
“Slick,” I laugh, pretending to be nonchalant while battling the urge to touch my tingling lips.
After a brief conversation, he convinces me to join him and the others for breakfast and coffee. The fresh air and change of scenery might do me some good, he promises. So, with a hint of reluctance, I agree, and together we make our way to the kitchen. My lips still tingle from Koda’s kiss, but we avoid the subject as we walk. I can feel his gaze on me, but I resist the urge to look back, not wanting him to see the conflicted emotions dancing in my eyes.
“Morning, Ember,” Everest calls out as I step into the kitchen, claiming an open seat at the table.
“Morning, Ev! Everything smells amazing,” I reply, taking in the scene around me.
When Baine settles into the seat across from me, his feet brushing against mine under the table, I can’t help but smile back at him, raising an eyebrow.
“Morning, Baine.”
“Morning, Ember. You look... well-rested,” he comments, and I feel a wave of warmth washing over me.
“Thanks,” I respond, slightly flustered by the compliment.
Koda sits next to me, and I do my best to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the electric charge that lingers in the air between us. As Everest serves breakfast, the conversation flows effortlessly around the table. However, I can’t resist stealing glances at Koda, trying to decipher the emotions swirling behind his eyes.
With each bite, I feel the tension between Koda and me intensifying, and I realize I can’t continue ignoring what happened between us. I need to know—why did he kiss me again? Mistletoe is an excellent excuse, but it feels like there’s more at play.
I keep thinking of the kiss last night on the ice, and the area between my thighs begins to heat up, making sitting here slightly uncomfortable as I squirm anxiously in my seat.
“So, what do you want to do today?” Everest asks, shoving a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
All three guys turn their attention to me, awaiting my answer.
I shrug, admittedly clueless. “I have no idea. What is there to do in the middle of a blizzard?”
They raise their brows, grinning mischievously. Their eyes gleam with amusement.
“Oh, I can think of a few things,” Baine says with a grin, taking a bite of bacon.
“Like what?” My curiosity piques, and I can’t help but ask.
They laugh, the teasing smiles still plastered on their faces. “Are you sure you want to know?”
“Yeah, Ember, what do you think? Are you really up for some fun?” They join in, their eyes playfully assessing the blush creeping up my cheeks.