Page 13 of Snowed Inn

Jesse shrugs. “I’m just saying . . . watching Little Miss Rich Girl wash dishes in her designer clothes is going to be a show I don’t want to miss.”

I shoot him a saccharine smile. “Careful, Butler. That’s a lot of commentary from a man whose kitchen sink probably drains into a bucket.”

He smirks. “Hey, don’t knock the bucket system. It’s called sustainable living. Look it up—right after you google how to hold a sponge.”

I arch a brow. “You might want to pace yourself. If watching me wash dishes counts as entertainment, you really need to examine your hobbies.”

He grins. “I dunno. Between this and your commentary, I’m getting dinner and a show.”

I plunk a hand on my hip. “Glad I could spice up your otherwise rustic lifestyle.”

He leans against the doorframe and eyes me up and down. “Careful, or I’ll start thinking you like trading insults with me.”

Ellie and Charlotte exchange a look while Aiden claps again. “All right, you two—be nice. Where’s your holiday spirit?”

“She started it,” Jesse says.

I frown. “When did I start it?”

He shrugs. “Around the time when you decided I’m not good enough for a homeless kitten.”

I wave an arm in the air. “Oh, there it is. Is your enormous ego hurt because I won’t hand over the kitten?”

“Wait. You want the kitten?” Ellie asks, blinking at Jesse.

Jesse shrugs. “It gets lonely at my place.”

Oh, I can’t resist. “What? Your flannel collection doesn’t keep you warm at night?”

Again, Aiden cuts in. “It’s Christmas, remember.”

He’s right. I am acting like a child. Correction. I am allowing Butler to goad me into acting like a child. Unacceptable. I paste on a polite smile, the kind that feels more like baring teeth than friendliness. And thank goodness I don’t have long to hold my tongue because dinner is served. The dining table is crammed full of dishes, including the roast beef, a gravy boat, mashed potatoes, peas, rolls, and butter. It smells delicious, but I can’t help but think about the wonderful seafood my nonna makes for the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

Aiden pours wine for everyone—except Jesse, who sticks with water.

Conversation flows. We talk about the inn, the orchard, and the upcoming New Year’s Eve bash that El has planned. Much like the Autumn Harvest Festival back in October, it’s a two-night event where parents can bring their kids and have free babysitting while there’s a big party in the food barn. Ellie’s hired a small orchestra and the best heaters that money can buy. It honestly sounds like fun, and I would’ve come out for it had I been planning to be here. But I’ve still got my fingers crossed for LA. Now Ellie’s hoping the blizzard doesn’t screw up her event.

Charlotte regales us with some tales about Miss Guinevere, the goat who lives out in the animal barn. Apparently, Miss Guin frequently gets out and knocks people over. According to El, her parents have special insurance because of her. Sounds bananas to me but it’s also the sort of quirky thing I’ve come to expect from Harvest Hollow. And the inn and orchard.

“So, how are your parents liking their cruise?” I ask when the conversation lulls. “Ten days in the Caribbean, right?”

“They’re having a blast,” Charlotte replies.

“Mom and Dad miss Pumpkin but seem happy otherwise,” El adds.

I think of Christmas, upstairs. But immediately push the thought from my mind. I can’t miss her. I’ve only known her for one day. Still, I need to change the subject to something light and bright.

“So, what do we think is in Sera’s magic hot chocolate?”

Jesse immediately snorts.

“She says it’s a real love potion,” Charlotte informs all of us, her wide brown eyes full of wonder.

“Ever try it?” I ask her.

“No.” Charlotte shakes her head and flashes a shy smile.

“You, Butler?” I ask with a completely innocent grin.